Dandy Dog Book Review: Heart to Heart, Hand in Paw

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Peggy Frezon
Join Peggy for Luanne's Story

Peggy Frezon has built a career on writing about the heartwarming benefits of animals in our lives. Her inspirational stories have been published in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, the Chicken Soup series and in her memoir, Dieting with My Dog, which was profiled here earlier by Peggy in a guest post. For anyone in need of inspiration to get into shape, Peggy and Kelly provide this in spades.

In addition to Peggy's print publishing, she is also a staff writer at Be the Change for Animals and writes her own popular blog, Peggy's Pet Place.

In her latest book, Heart to Heart-Hand in Paw, Peggy shares the story of her mother's challenges in trying to live a simple life in rural Vermont. After an extremely tough childhood, Luanne stumbles through many new adventures, always managing to pull herself up by the bootstraps with the help of her animal companions, many of which have surprising challenges of their own. Luanne's faith and furry family appear to help her get through everything that appears to push life's next step over the edge.

This latest addition to Peggy's publishing is another inspirational, feel-good book that's a perfect choice for any animal lover. You can purchase a copy at Amazon, download a kindle version from Amazon, or win one at our #BarktoSchool Twitter Party on August 12, where Peggy and her work will be promoted. Be sure to RSVP at the link to win.

Peggy Frezon is working with Event Barkers to promote her books and blog.

Your Dog's Golden Years: A Giveaway

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Tanner, You're Not that Kind of Golden YET!

Tanner's bucket list is yet to be completed, but he's got time--hopefully. I have a pretty good idea that he'd take a great amount of pleasure in playing in snow for the first time. Maybe one day, buddy. Meanwhile, we're going to give away two copies of Your Dog's Golden Years, the book we reviewed yesterday. The picture on the cover is of Claude and his Bucket List--cute, huh?

© SeniorDogBooks.com

I have 3 copies of this compelling book to give away and I urge you to read it. Even if you don't win, please buy a copy. I found myself making notes and lists as I read this book. That's always a good sign of a useful reference.


Enter in the Rafflecopter form below. If you don't see it, simply click on the post title to refresh and it will appear beneath the social media icons. Good luck and happy reading.

The giveaway mentioned here is being provided by Jennifer Kachnic as a promotional opportunity. I have not been paid to offer the giveaway or share my opinions about the book.

Dandy Dog Books: Your Dog's Golden Years

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Jennifer Kachnic

My Golden is quite the ham. He's not yet a senior, as you would quickly glean if you saw him at the dog park. I've been asked if he is part Greyhound when folks see him run like the wind. 


Today I'm sharing a new book that may appeal to those of you with dogs who have reached their 'Golden' years: Your Dog's Golden Years, by Jennifer Kachnic. Jennifer owns Canine Wellness in Colorado where she provides alternative therapies. In her book, she and 19 other canine experts share their tips on helping your senior dog live a healthier, more comfortable life using natural and complementary options.


When I perused the table of contents I immediately knew this is a book I MUST read, if only to improve my management of Tanner and Oliver's senior years. It's not that I did a bad job of handling Xena's golden years, but I knew I could learn more. I highly recommend this book to all of you who anticipate having a senior dog in your life at some point. Read it now; read it early; be prepared.


You'll find the book at SeniorDogBooks.com, Amazon, and other online bookstores. Money saving tip: Currently the book is $2 cheaper at the website than at Amazon. If you're into the local market, check your bookshops and ask if they have it in stock or can order it. Check your library as well. It doesn't matter how you get it, just get it! Your dog will need you to have read this sooner than you think.


Your Dog's Golden Years is a 'How To' book, a genre that always get my motor running. Sounds geeky, I know. But I love learning better ways to solve problems, and this book is packed with tips for making sure your older Fido is getting his needs met. 


I loved the first chapter's way of getting the ball rolling. Written in Claude's voice, the book's spokesdog, I learned a few new ways to help me tune into pain or discomfort. For instance:

• A dog in pain may lie under furniture or away from its owner. If this is an unusual behavior, take notice.
• A sudden change in temperament when you ask for a particular behavior can be your dog's way of saying "I don't want to do that because it hurts".
• During long walks, note when your dog begins to slow down, sit down, or simply stop. He's letting you know that this is too much for him. Maybe it's time to modify your route and shorten it up.
• Changes in eating often indicate lessened ability to taste or smell; add variation with toppings that appeal to the senses for better appetite.
• Digestive issues often plague older dogs. Serving calming foods and offering more frequent trips outside will handle these problems for a while.
• With less energy and activity, many senior dogs gain excessive weight. Owners may want to reduce their rations accordingly to keep their weight at a healthy level.
• When decreasing your dog's intake, consider supplementation, not only for his regular nutrition, but also for any health issue that he could be prone to. Check with your vet for input.
• Stress caused by pain is sometimes reflected in body language or signals--yawning, lip-licking, excessive grooming. Pay attention when you see these signs.

Note that if any of these behaviors have been normal throughout your dog's life, then they are not necessarily a communication of discomfort. What you're really watching for are changes in behavior, even if only small ones.

Jennifer's book includes a very wide range of alternative therapies, written by experts in their fields. You'll find many options here, allowing you to select for trial those methods you feel best match your dog's needs and your comfort level in assisting. This reference book is one you'll probably wish to keep for years to come. It will serve as a guide for each dog, as they all have their own quirky way of handling life's little hiccups. 

I hope you enjoy learning some new ways to care for your senior. Watch for a giveaway of this terrific book, starting tomorrow. Happy tails!

Want to learn more? Check out the book's Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.

The giveaway mentioned here is being provided by Jennifer Kachnic as a promotional opportunity. I have not been paid to offer the giveaway or share my opinions about the book.

A Dog's Purpose: Uplifting, Moving, Insightful!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

 If you’re thinking this book is nonfiction that sets out to teach owners how we should “use” our dogs or that tired mantra that we must give them jobs, think again. This book is a novel in the truest sense—a fictional story that takes the reader on a journey through the many lives of one wonderful dog.

I guess I never thought about a dog having multiple lives. Cats have always had the license for that reputation of 9 lives. Yet the dog in A Dog’s Purpose, shares his innermost thoughts from his own perspective in a series of lives, each one leading to a culmination of the journey in which he learns his final destiny.

The idea of reincarnation became more real world for me during a recent visit to Thailand, where most Buddhists, I learned, believe that what they do in this life, will largely determine the conditions of their next life. For Bailey, Buddy, and all the other lives of this pup, the experiences build on one another, each life’s lessons adding to the knowledge base of the last, until one final lesson brings it all home for the dog that had many names and many jobs, yet continued to seek his purpose.

As I’ve read and considered the experiences of each dog throughout this book, I find myself wondering if Tanner and Oliver have the same desire—to know what their purpose is in life. I believe when we are involved in a specific activity together—walking, playing fetch, practicing skills—they each understand exactly what the goal is. Yet purpose is such a different concept. I’ll be watching and wondering for some time to come, waiting to see a glimmer of any purpose-seeking in their behaviors.

I guess you could say A Dog’s Purpose put a whole new spin on the way I look at my own dogs’ inner lives—what they think and how they see themselves in our relationships. A Dog’s Purpose will get YOU thinking, and for this I believe it is a terrific read. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the dogs of the world if all owners were actively considering their purpose as a dog owner?


Is your tongue wagging to read this book? I can make it happen for 3 readers. Let's give Rafflecopter another shot. Let me know if you have any questions, comments or glitches. I'm still learning how to tweak this interesting tool, but so far so good. If it doesn't appear on your screen, simply click the title to bring it around. Here goes:

One Dog Lover Wins "Living with the Rescues"

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© courtesy LivingwiththeRescues.com

Sharon Langford's journey most certainly has been a unique one. As Kristine said in the review, her life is one to envy, although not everyone would wish for it. I'm with ya on that note, Kristine. I could totally enjoy the unconditional love of a houseful of dogs. Yet I also understand that Langford's sacrifices were many.


One winner has been chosen from the comments at the book review post. If you missed the review, you may want to click the link to go back and read it. What a fascinating life this very special woman has led. I find myself thinking of Dianne Fosse and Gorillas in the mist, but a wee bit more tame and a lot more hands on.


The winner of the copy of Living with the Rescues is Shanley W. Please send your address to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com so we can get your book out to you.

This week's Fido's Freebie Friday includes a childrens' dog book giveaway, so if dog books are your thing, you'd better get on over there and check it out. Hope to see you soon.

What about Daisy? Winners Announcement

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) Carrie Boyko
What about Daisy?

Well, it certainly is inspiring to see that we have some readers who are interested in reading to children. That's always great news. Children who are read to become better readers. And what better to read than an inspiring story about a dog with multiple challenges. Many of you are apparently connected with this dog in some way. I find that delightful!


Before I get to the big news, let me remind you that today we are hosting a brand new dog trainer, Michael Baugh. He's an official dog behavior specialist, so keep that in mind if you every need some help. Between he and Terry, you're sure to get good guidance. Don't miss his post.


Daisy's storybooks are going to Stacey at MadeofSnails.com, J.C. Farris, and Heidi Daily. NOTE: Per Facebook's new regulations on contests, I am no longer able to use Facebook private messaging to notify a winner of a contest. Sooooo, that means you'll have to be sure you leave me a contact method, drop me an email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, or be SURE to check back to see the winners' posting.


This new ruling just started, so I'll have to be sure to pass along this information to everyone that enters my drawings as we go forward. Meanwhile, I think we'll make do this week. Get in touch if you're a winner, and I'll get your book shipped direct from the publisher as soon as possible.


Those of you who did not win this time will get your names placed in the big drawing box for general dog stuff--treats and such. You'll continue to have opportunities to win. Thank you all for entering. The publisher is thrilled with the excitement over their book. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.


Want a sneak peek? I have a big product review SERIES coming up soon. This weekend will be quite interesting as we kick off lots of festivities, including another blog award, the FURminator winner and some exciting giveaways that you won't want to miss. Happy tails!