For laboratory dogs that have no voice may you be heard and rescued. Blessed is a heartwarming true story about a scared and helpless laboratory Beagle named Sammy. All he ever wanted was to have a family that loved him. Sammy discovers the power of faith and a positive attitude through difficult times. This beautiful story will inspire anyone at any age on how to be a better human. A portion of the proceeds of Blessed will be donated to laboratory-dog rescue organizations.

Includes the story Rescued by Ruby—now on Netflix! The bestselling and beloved Godwink series returns with a charming, dog-focused collection of “joyful” (The Washington Post) stories, all of which provide plenty of hope, encouragement, and laughter. With delightfully uplifting stories and enthralling prose, DogWinks is the perfect gift for dog lovers of all backgrounds. Featuring several never-before-published and true stories about coincidences and divine intervention, DogWinks is an inspirational and entertaining book that illustrates the overwhelming power of faith and how miracles can change our lives and those of our canine companions.

This collection is a loving tribute to the kindest, most caring and devoted animals known to humankind. Selections describe the exuberance of puppies, the unconditional love of a canine best friend, the joy of a shared day at the beach, the bittersweet glance of an aging pet, and the simple pleasure of coming home each day to a wagging tail and unbridled affection. More than anything, Dog Blessings honors the profound ways that our four-legged friends touch our lives. The perfect book for any dog lover, it can be revisited and shared for years to come.

Collects photographs, stories, and ancedotes of dogs in every state, describing real-life Alaskan huskies who complete the Iditarod, a New Jersey seeing-eye dog, and the loyal pet belonging to Governor Jesse "the Body" Ventura.

(A true story.) Meet Hola. She’s a nightmare, but it’s not her fault if she tackles strangers and chews on furniture, or if she runs after buses and fried chicken containers and drug dealers. No one ever told her not to. Worse yet, she scares her family. Hola may be the most beautiful Bernese mountain dog in the world, but she’s never been trained. At least not by anyone who knew what he was doing. Hola’s supposed master, Marty, is a high-functioning alcoholic. A TV writer turned management consultant, Marty’s in debt and out of shape; he’s about to lose his job, and one day he emerges from a haze of peach-flavored vodka to find he’s on the verge of losing his wife, Gloria, too, if he can’t get his life—and his dog—under control. Desperately trying to save his marriage, Marty throws himself headlong into the world of competitive dog training. Unfortunately, he knows even less than Hola, the only dog ever to be expelled from her puppy preschool twice. Somehow, together, they need to get through the American Kennel Club’s rigorous Canine Good Citizen test. Of course, Hola first needs to learn how to sit. It won’t be easy. It certainly won’t be pretty. But maybe, just maybe, there will be cheesecake.

Sometimes we just need to stop for a moment and absorb the quiet moments in the world around us--to take a deep breath and appreciate the things in life that make us thankful and bring us joy. Blessed is a call to do just that. In this heartfelt collection of her online columns from Diane, the flagship magazine of the Curves women's fitness center organization, author Ellen Michaud reminds us of the everyday blessings that surround us, but we all tend to overlook. Entries include: Summer in a Jar: On a 200- acre farm known for its Jersey cows and prizewinning cheese, two women harvest a cornucopia of produce that looks like it came from the Garden of Eden. Although the visit was intended to pick up ingredients for "one of the finest salsas in the near world," the end result is a view of a fertile valley, the rich smell of vegetables freshly tugged from the earth that speaks to the soul, and the natural rhythm of friendly conversation. The Teapot: During a snowy winter storm, the author pulls her great- grandmother's worn silver teapot down from a shelf. As she polishes the teapot's tarnished surface, she contemplates its long journey over an ocean and through the generations. As she discovers engraved hallmarks that lead to a deeper understanding of its 200-year history, her appreciation for the women who traveled with it grows. Welcome Home: As an Airbus 321 begins its descent toward the coastal lights of Los Angeles International Airport, the pilot makes an overhead announcement that stills the restless and rustling passengers. What follows are moments of contemplation about the sacrifices of soldiers and, how regardless of one's politics, there is still a shared sense of love and respect for those who fight for our freedom. The Courage to Change: After a lifetime of self-built barriers, the author's 88-year-old aunt overcomes discouraging memories and years of grief to prove that it's never too late to open yourself to new experiences, take risks, and start over.

"Everybody knows that dogs are especially good at blessing others as well as asking others to bless them." -Roberta Bondi, "Introduction" Jack the Scottie tells you about his day with poems for every activity from breakfast to going to sleep. Jack's blessings lead us through each moment of the day: the walk, the leash, the treats, the lap, the dog park (and even the not-so-enjoyable bath). The book features original drawings of Jack, drawn by his companion and co-author of the book, Beth A. Richardson. Jack's Book of Blessings is a companion book to Richardson's book of Celtic blessings, Christ Before Me, Christ Within Me. Jack's poems follow the classic Celtic form of prayer -- "Bless to Me" -- found in the stories and writings of the Scottish highlands. "Bless to me this bowl Where my breakfast and supper Appear each day." -Jack The introduction of this special book is written by dog lover, Dr. Roberta C. Bondi, professor emerita of church history and spirituality, Candler School of Theology, and lover of dogs. Praise from Cats and Dogs: At last! A book that goes beyond affirming we non-humans bless God, to one that translates those blessings! Jack's Scottish Celtic heritage proves ideal for framing this universal expression of praise. As a Norwegian Forest cat, my prayers are more reserved than Jack's, and I certainly do not have his sort of co-dependent relationship with my humans ("Mom," p. 3, really?!). But the nap, the bed, the treats, the lap, these are universal in relationships with domesticated humans, every one of whom should read this book to strengthen their often inconstant faith. - Pepper Allen, Norwegian Forest cat Jack has penned such lovely blessings for the life of us dogs. We treasure all the things that matter--our families, our food, the smells, the walks. Jack rocks! - Graford and Fiona Earle, border collies About the Authors Beth A. Richardson, is a writer, photographer, editor, cartoonist, and lover of dogs. She is the author of a companion book to Jack's Book of Blessings called Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings published by The Upper Room, Nashville, TN. Jack, a Scottish Terrier, was born in Indiana and lived with Beth and her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Jack the Scottie was a "real dog," despite the cartoons included herein. (Cartoon Jack was much more cooperative than "real Jack.") Jack passed away suddenly in October of 2018. He lives on in the hearts of many.

This book by a major American poet is for poetry readers at all levels, academic and non-academic. It is a sequence of poems that will surprise and delight readers—in the voices of an old woman full of memories, a glamorous tulip, and an earthy dog who always has the last word.

America's foremost authorities on dog care and training distill decades of experience in a comprehensive "foundational" guide for dog owners. No matter what training method or techniques you use with your dog, the training is unlikely to be optimally successful unless it is predicated on an understanding of the dog's true nature. Dogs need food, water, exercise and play, rest, veterinary care -- the basics. But since dogs naturally want to be led, they also need focused and compassionate guidance. Through abundant stories and case studies, the authors reveal how canine nature manifests itself in various behaviors, some potentially disruptive to domestic accord, and show how in addressing these behaviors you can strengthen the bond with your dog as well as keep the peace. The promise of this book is that, especially in an ever-accelerating world filled with digital distractions, you can learn from your dog's example how to live in the moment, thereby enriching your life immeasurably.

Bring out the divine in your canine! Obedient, devoted, and happy -- that's what we all want our dogs to be. Let Brother Christopher and the Monks of New Skete show you how to get there through the stories of sixteen unruly dogs who came to them with more than a few lessons to learn. In this engaging and informative companion book to the hit Animal Planet series, the Monks of New Skete, renowned masters in the art of raising and training dogs, demonstrate tried and true techniques for influencing animal behavior, showing how a caring attitude and honest communication can turn any dog into a divine canine. Featuring: The Monks Way: inspiring insights into the special New Skete training methodsTips on tackling problems: dominance, aggression, separation anxiety, and more"What if" guides when things dont go as plannedGlossary of key training techniquesStep-by-step photos and full-color illustrations of dogs in training at the New Skete monastery A must-have for anyone who loves dogs, Divine Canine offers unique and entertaining lessons that resonate far beyond the food dish and water bowl