Finding Grace: The Inspiring True Story of Therapy Dogs Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Love to a Hurting World

by Larry Randolph, Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

A powerful true story of what God can do through a willing heart and a wagging tail

After a devastating series of personal losses, Larry Randolph finally had things under control. Then one morning while praying, he felt God speak two simple words to his "Therapy dogs."

There was only one problem. Larry didn't have a dog, and hadn’t since the loss of his beloved basset hound, Gus. Why would God say that? Could Larry even open himself up to loving a dog again? He had far more questions than answers.

But then came Grace.

Together, Larry and his beloved yellow lab Gracie brought hope and healing to hundreds of sick and lonely people. But when Larry's own life takes a shocking and terrifying turn, it’s up to Gracie to rescue Larry and his family too. Written by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley ( Joey and Pawverbs ) and Larry Randolph, Finding Grace is the inspiring true story of a man willing to take a leap of faith and the four-legged companions by his side.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Animals, Religion, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

Larry Randolph is the founder and president of Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, Inc .An international faith-based organization with over 1200 volunteers. He served in the Coast Guard Reserves; is a graduate of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism and a Billy Graham Rapid Response Chaplain; and is a board-certified crisis response specialist.

Reviews

[Emily Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heart warming and encouraging! I often teared up reading some of the experiences the therapy dogs and their owners encountered. What a beautiful story of God’s love and Grace!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Finding Grace, Larry Randolph tells the story of how he founded Canines for Christ. Him and his wife, Susan was already at retirement age and doing so much to help the community around them. He recalls how God spoke to him and told him he needed to invest in therapy dogs. He didn’t even have a dog at the time. He remembered how he has a special dog, Gus before when he was in desperate need of a best friend. The economy had just fell and real estate experienced a downturn. He had to file for bankruptcy. His family gifted him Gus to keep him company during the day. The economy did recover but his marriage to Chris didn’t. They divorced and Gus helped him through all of the pain and all the difference in the world. Eventually, Gus did pass away and he hasn’t had a dog since. He shared how he felt led to again get another dog and start his foundation. He had their logo embroidered in gold lettering and this represented the gospel and the blood of Christ. They grew it to over twenty teams and they travel all of over to homes, hospitals, care facilities, and schools to provide comfort and to display God’s love to them. In the book, they shared some of the people they were blessed to meet and help change their lives.


One of these touching stories was about Laura and Carl. Laura met them at a drug store. She wanted to meet later on with them and tell them her story. She explained how she was hit by an 18-year-old driver going 50 mph in a 35 mph. She was driving home from a meeting when she was hit and it just so happened that an off-duty fireman heard the crash. He thought she was dead but he was able to revive her. She was given a 2 % chance of surviving. She shared how God spoke to her and told her that this wasn’t her time to go. She had to leave her job and she spends her day with her own dog, Chloe. They became a part of their ministry.


I would recommend this awesome book on how this ministry has been able to make so much of a difference in people’s lives. This book is a wonderful example of sharing God’s love to a hurting world. It was inspiring to read the different stories and how they helped others. It was also touching to read about how Grace helped Larry when Susan faced health challenges. This book is a delightful read for any dog lovers with a mixture of positive lessons we can learn from dogs.



"I received this book free from Tyndale Momentum for my honest review.”

[Joanna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir about Larry’s journey of starting and growing a ministry with therapy dogs. It was inspiring how he listened to God’s voice, prayed, and kept taking the next step forward as God provided, opened doors, and did amazing things! Some of the stories of people served by the ministry were sad, yet there is a beautiful message of hope and grace throughout the book. The timeline is a little confusing in places, with flashbacks and backtracking. After putting it down and coming back to it, I had to reorient myself at times on where I was in the timeline. But overall, an encouraging and worthwhile read!

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came along at a good time. It's a heartwarming and encouraging read.

I'm excited and delighted to see stories about individuals with disabilities, as it so happens I'm working on my thesis paper about disability representation in literature. Although I don't agree with everything stated in this book it is a good place to start!

We need more stories like these written and told.

[Rebecca Pontius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a book club selection. I was pleasantly surprised as the book was not what I expected. I found it refreshing to read such a genuine and heartfelt book about the spreading of God’s Love. I enjoyed how open and authentic the author was about his relationship with God and the expressions of his faith.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy watching true stories and reading true stories. If you like dogs, like I do and ever wondered what it would be like to have your dog be a therapy dog, then you will so enjoy reading this book, like I did! It is a powerful true story of what God and do through a willing heart and a dog.

Larry Randolph, one of the author’s of Finding Grace – The Inspiring True Story of Therapy Dogs Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Love to a Hurting World, started using a friend’s dog as a therapy dog after praying one day. From there, he started an organization that is now called Caines for Christ.

I enjoyed learning about Larry, his wife, dog Grace, the volunteers, and many of the stories that were shared using therapy dogs. I did shed a few tears throughout the book, but there are so many amazing things and healing that has taken place in this ministry. It started as a small church affiliated ministry to a now full-fledged nonprofit organization. With volunteers in thirty-five states and six countries, and are all faith-based. In 2021, they added a junior handler program for children from ages 12-18 to volunteer.

The book makes me want to do dog therapy, but I don’t think my dog is there yet. He needs some training for sure. But what an amazing book full of encouragement and inspiration. Who knows where it will lead?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book. Thank you for the opportunity.

Finding Grace by Larry Randolph and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is heartwarming and captivating. It relates how God called Larry and Susan Randolph to begin a ministry with two words:"therapy dogs".

I was drawn into the story from the beginning. I laughed and cried as I read. The dogs share God's love to everyone they meet. What began with one couple and their daughter's dog, Cody, expands around the United States, and then the world. As this happens, the couple's faith is stretched.

I gave the book 5 stars because it touched and inspired me.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Grace is an inspiring story about how dogs brought joy and hope to the community. Larry listened to what the Lord was calling him to do and went all in. Larry partnered with his church to make a difference in others' lives. He wanted to use the joy of dogs to show the love of the Lord. Larry touched countless hearts by listening and being present to those who needed a friend.

Although I am not very far into this book, I have only positive things to say about it. It is crafted to be inspiring and uplifting, and it did way more than that. It brought me joy, hope, and peace, knowing that following the Lord's plan is what is best in life.

[Laura Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Finding Grace" is a true story of how Canines For Christ Therapy Dogs spread Gods love throughout the world.
A true story for me, that found me in a state of pain, depression and self pity. A drunk/drugged driver who T-boned my car that left me with only a 2% chance of survival in 2007. Meeting Larry and his pup, Gracie introduced me to Canines For Christ and God. They took a broken me and taught us (my pup, Chloe, my husband & myself) to taking my disabilities into sharing God's love for good to others in need.

[Tara Kamprath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing journey that described the unknowing path to ministry creation all because the unconditional love and devotion of our 4-legged companions. Truly an inspiring read that demonstrated story after story the power of a dog to help during life's hardest times and represent God's love in its purest form. It is indeed no coincidence that GOD spelled backwards is DOG.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be and so much more! Larry carefully chronicles how his obedience to God shaped a ministry that has shared the love of God with hundreds of thousands of people across the world. It is an endearing tale that left me challenged to live fully surrendered to whatever Christ may call me to now and in the future.

[Susan Barnhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and so inspiring. As I read the book, I cried and laughed. I felt like I was there living through, Larry’s wonderful God Given life experiences, of Canines through Christ. A wonderful opportunity to share loving dogs and the word of God, to everyone, no matter where they are in their lives, in a hospital, nursing home or special needs school, to name a few.

Larry Randolph’s story Jennifer’s Bleakley’s words helped me realize, I want to be a light to others.
As I read this book, I know prayer was so important to Larry.
God is so amazing and loves us, so much!

[Connie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! What an incredible story of genuine and unconditional love! To all of my fellow dog lovers, you'll want to pick this one up and set aside time to be inspired by every word.

[Edward Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspirational and faith inspired book. It shows just how amazing God's love is and how He shows His love through not only just humans but also through amazing canines. I highly recommend this read!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a man, his dog and God calling him to take a different path. Larry and Susan started the ministry Canine’s for Christ. It is their story, their dogs, patients and countless volunteers who have joined the ministry. An uplifting quick read. I choose to read a little each night before bedtime.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follows the inspiration for and development of Canines for Christ program that brings therapy dogs into all kinds of groups and situations where the support of a dog/owner team brings the love of God to others.

[ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved Gracie...

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and simple story of how God used a man and his dog to change lives. Enjoyed learning about the Canines for Christ ministry.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of the evolution of a growing therapy dog program, "Canines for Christ."
I have a parish book club and I'm sure everyone will enjoy this discussion!

[Kimberly Sheltra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very spiritual and heartwarming true story.

[Renee Bierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring. What a wonderful ministry that I am so eager to learn more about.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an uplifting ride. Also perfect if you love dogs!

[Faithndavid Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a good dog

[Ute Weiß · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart warming stories about therapy dogs and how they change lives.

A bit too much religion for me though.

[Tracy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Julie Swee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of how a man and his dog can change and touch so many lives.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was the most enjoyable and inspirational read. I laughed and I cried and could really feel the emotions that were expressed. It re-inspired me to take the time to find small ways to bring joy to others. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone.

[Helen Hershman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost finished with the book. It is full of twists and turns, unbelievable challenges. steadfastness, faithfulness and courage, all woven together in a tapestry of God's love, mercy and unending grace!!! Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it done! From beginning to end, you will see how God provided every step of the way and answered Larry and Susan's constant prayers to give them, and this ministry even more than they asked for and HE used His precious animals to accomplish every task and goal with the enthusiastic faces of dog joy and wagging tails!

[Janelle Nebeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all dog lovers out there this a must read. Such a heartwarming tale of how God works through His four legged creatures. Therapy dogs truly are amazing and offer so much unconditional love to those in need.