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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Good Dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen

Good Dog.  Stay by Anna Quindlen

Written for readers who are owners of a good dog, Anna Quindlen has written on ode to her dying dog, Beau, and to dogs everywhere.  Complete with adorable pictures of many different breeds of dogs, Quindlen writes about her black labrador retriever and relates her memories.  Quindlen also provides us with wit, wisdom and lessons that dog owners will smile at and can relate to.

From the first page, Quindlen shares the story of her life and the life of her dog.  Beau watched her kids grow up and faithfully stood by her side through all of life's ups and downs.  "The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed."

Who doesn't love coming home to a dog who is happy to see you and can't wait to spend time with you?  Dogs listen to you, love you unconditionally and just want to loved in return.  Dogs are like kids that won't talk.  Plus they make you laugh and research proves that if you have a dog you live longer and are happier than people who don't own a dog.

I am proud to be the owner of the sweetest dog, who is a 90 pound part Lab, Shepard, and Husky mix named Titus. He has been in my life for three years now and I am so glad we adopted him.  He makes us so happy!  He loves books and bacon and sitting on the porch swing looking out into the backyard for those pesky squirrels he loves to chase.  If anyone says "Squirrel" he runs to the door to look for one.

Anna grieves and remembers her dog Beau and gives us many reasons to smile. Good Dog. Stay is a beautiful memoir of a dog that was loved and his last days.   I cried along with her and rejoiced in the memories she shares.  I remember losing a good dog many years ago and now I own a really, really good dog.  Someday, he is going to pass on but for now I am going to hug and love him as much as I can.

Good Dog.  Stay.  Stay for as long as you can and I will love you.