All I Want for Christmas Is A Good Book

‘Tis the holiday season and all through the city, things are starting to look pretty. And pricey. And pudgy (and you thought no one noticed when you swiped that third piece of pumpkin pie!). If your wallet is looking a little leaner than your waistline, don’t despair. My bookcase is bulging with books and I put together a list of my favorites that are sure to please every pet lover on your gift list without breaking the bank (or the elastic in your pants).

Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life by Allen and Linda Anderson (New World Library). Angels and Christmas go together like Santa Claus and snowflakes. Some angels flit about on gilded wings, while others have a more modest form of transportation: four legs. In Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life, nationally recognized pet-experts and best-selling authors Allen and Linda Anderson shine a spotlight on some of the world’s most heroic hounds. There’s Keno, a yellow Lab who rescued a lift operator buried in an avalanche. And Kobi, a beloved and intelligent family pet with an exceptional sense of smell, who became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world. And there’s Tuffy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who served as a grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the dark days following the Virginia Tech school shootings.

Angel Dogs with a Mission is chockfull of tales about canine courage and compassion. “This heartwarming book considers not only how dogs perform their exemplary and courageous acts of service but also why they choose to give of themselves with such selflessness,” write the Andersons. This terrific tome is a gentle reminder that dogs are not only buddies and best friends; they are spiritual beings in furry bodies.

The Forgotten Horses by Tony Stromberg (New World Library). Gaze at a herd of horses—especially the downtrodden and dejected—and you’re sure to catch a glimpse of wisdom and wonder in their eyes. Tony Stromberg has seen it a thousand times. In his breathtakingly beautiful book, the noted equine photographer decided to turn his lens away from the flashy horse breeds that often fill horse photo books and toward the ordinary, the overworked and underappreciated—the “working-class” equines. The horses he photographed were abused, neglected, abandoned and destined for the slaughterhouse. Some are lame and blind. But thanks to the work of rescue organizations and horse sanctuaries, many of these so-called ‘useless’ horses are enjoying genuine appreciation and newfound freedom. Stromberg writes, “I believe that our society has become a disposable society, and this way of life is transferred onto the animals we share the planet with. Not unlike a TV set, a plastic toy, a tool, or an appliance, if a horse does not look or perform like we want [him] to, we throw [him] away and get a new one. The world is overcrowded with ‘unwanted’ horses, so I decided to try to show people the beauty of these animals.”

Tony Stromberg has certainly succeeded at his mission. Pick up a copy of The Forgotten Horses and prepare to be moved and mesmerized by the spirit and the soul of these special horses and the people and sanctuaries that have offered them a second chance at a wonderful (and wonder-filled) life.

Dog Blessings: Poems, Prose and Prayers Celebrating Our Relationship with Dogs edited by June Cotner (New World Library). In her latest book, bestselling author and anthologist June Cotner has gathered together an inspiring collection of poetry and prose that celebrate the exuberance of loving a dog. The selections—which include contributions from such notable writers as Bernie Siegel and Rudyard Kipling—are touching tributes that honor the special connection that exists between humans and their canine friends.

“There is so much we can learn from dogs,” Cotner writes in the book’s introduction. “Dogs go with the flow of life. If they have to go live in a new home or with new people, they accept it, adapt easily, and become happy in their new environment. If they lose a leg, they learn to run with three legs. When they become old, they take it easy and don’t feel sorry for themselves. Many people wish they could be as good as their dogs. I know I do.”

In one poignant poem entitled “Furry Shrink,” contributing author Janet Lombard writes: “I’d double his life if I could—we share a history. When friends turn false, my dog stays true, his head upon my knee. He can erase my loneliness—my pain melts in his eyes. My dog lies close—he understands what I cannot disguise.” Grab your dog and a box of Kleenex and settle in to read Dog Blessings. It’s a perfect holiday treat to give or to receive this Christmas.

And while we’re on the subject of Furry Shrinks, I simply must include a shameless plug for my new line of pet gear—appropriately called MY THERAPIST HAS FOUR LEGS. The whimsical designs are a nod to the profound relationship we share with our companion cats and dogs. From retro t-shirts and baseball caps to reusable cloth bags and gift cards, you can show the world you’re proud to be in therapy—with your pet, that is! All proceeds from the sale of the products go directly to my non-profit organization, All for Animals, Inc. Go to www.cafepress.com/mytherapist to place your order today. Happy Holidays!

Karen would like to remind readers that her book, “All for Animals: Tips and Inspiration for Living a More Compassionate Life,” can be ordered online at www.allforanimals.com. For questions or comments, send Karen an email message at karenleestevens@cox.net.    

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