Book Reviews: The Divinity of Dogs & The Proof is in the Poodle

Guest Blog, by Mary Trimble.

My writer-friend, Mary Trimble has graciously offered to post reviews on our site when she has read a book about a dog, or dogs, that she liked.  Mary has a way with words: she writes with precision and clarity.  Her reviews are brief, easy to read, and always capture the essence of the story.  She has been our guide to discovering many wonderful books about dogs. Thank you, Mary.

To read a variety of her reviews, which (alas) are not always about dogs, go to: Mary Trimble Books.

 

Divinity of DogsBook Review: The Divinity of Dogs (Atria Books – 2012)

Jennifer Skiff has gathered a precious collection of stories about dogs and their people in The Divinity of Dogs, True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man’s Best Friend. Skiff, an award-winning television producer, journalist and author, is personally and professionally involved with dogs in the U.S. and Australia.

The book is divided into sections: Love, Comfort, Intuition, Healing, Gratitude, Loyalty, Passing, Compassion and Forgiveness. Skiff begins each section with a personal story, followed by stories written by other people inspired by their own experiences with dogs. Each story has a picture of the dog involved and some of the pictures are so captivating I viewed them time and again.

As with many books of this nature, I gained insight into my own dog, Toby, a chocolate lab. This book has further opened my eyes as to the depth of a dog’s intuition, love and loyalty. Even when rejected, a dog will often rise above it and fill a human’s need.

Many of the stories carry messages of desperation, many of sadness, some of joy. No matter. You’ll come away enlightened, inspired, and enriched.

The Divinity of Dogs is easy to read, compiled with a balance of the many facets of the divine essence of dogs.

Book Review: The Proof is in the Poodle (Two Harbors Press -April 17, 2012)

The Proof is in the Poodle: One Veterinarian’s Exploration into Healing by Donna Kelleher, DVM, gives readers a chance to explore alternatives to traditional treatment for ailing dogs, cats and horses. Kelleher seeks to treat the whole animal, the physical, emotional and spiritual facets of their lives.

In her youth, Kelleher works on Saturdays with Iris, a neighborhood healer. Gardening with Iris, Kelleher learns the healing qualities of plants, how to preserve them, how to prepare them to makeProof in the Poodle teas or salves. From Iris, she also learns that public opinion isn’t as important as following your heart.

While attending Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Kelleher becomes aware of certain practices that are contrary to what she believes would be better, more effective healing treatments. She finds the common practice of dispensing chemicals repugnant; of euthanasia as being a choice too easily taken.

Kelleher becomes further trained in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic medicine and becomes a member of the Veterinarian Botanical Medical Association. Using these skills along with those she learned from Iris, her childhood mentor, she finds ways to holistically treat animals without pharmaceutical intervention.

Not everyone will agree with Dr. Kelleher’s views. Eking out another week of an old dog’s life may be difficult for many to grasp. But to cure a disease with herbs rather than with chemicals that often introduce harmful side-effects, may make sense to many.

The Proof is in the Poodle: One Veterinarian’s Exploration into Healing offers well-founded viewpoints on healing. Whether or not you’d want to take this path, the small volume offers enlightened opinions on healing and treating the whole animal. The book is written with humor and heart.

To learn more about Donna Kelleher, DVM, visit www.wholepetvet.com

 

What are some of YOUR favorite dog books?

Paw print on book

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