What do you think?
Rate this book
The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend
From the bestselling author of God Stories , an uplifting collection of inspirational and heartwarming stories from people who have encountered the divine through their dogs.
“My dogs have been the reason I have woken up every single day of my life with a smile on my face. I am among the ranks of millions of people who appreciate the souls of dogs and know they are a gift of pure love and an example of all that is good.” —Jennifer Skiff
The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments you learn something profound about life from an experience with a dog. Featuring more than seventy stories culled from hundreds of submissions to the author’s website, these inspiring and heartwarming true stories show where love, tolerance, comfort, compassion, loyalty, joyfulness, and even death have provided experiences that have led to spiritual enlightenment.
You’ll meet Little Bit, the Chihuahua who detected a small lump in her owner’s breast, a growth even doctors couldn’t find. There’s Emma, the devoted Rottweiler who ferociously grabbed her owner’s arm at the moment he was trying to commit suicide, saving his life. You’ll be inspired by Luna, the Retriever who dragged her owner to safety after she collapsed late at night in a field. And you’ll fall in love with the many dogs who simply provide steady comfort when needed— dogs like Bo, the Boxer who soothed his mistress after the loss of her son. The author also weaves her own experiences with dogs throughout the book, showing how they comforted her through mistreatment as a child, a divorce, and a cancer diagnosis.
The stories that make up The Divinity of Dogs provide hope, help, and healing for readers in the complex and difficult times in which we live. Whether you believe dogs are divine or are actually a gift from the divine, The Divinity of Dogs gives you permission to accept what you dogs are healers, educators, protectors, and tangible examples of pure love.
“My dogs have been the reason I have woken up every single day of my life with a smile on my face. I am among the ranks of millions of people who appreciate the souls of dogs and know they are a gift of pure love and an example of all that is good.” —Jennifer Skiff
The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments you learn something profound about life from an experience with a dog. Featuring more than seventy stories culled from hundreds of submissions to the author’s website, these inspiring and heartwarming true stories show where love, tolerance, comfort, compassion, loyalty, joyfulness, and even death have provided experiences that have led to spiritual enlightenment.
You’ll meet Little Bit, the Chihuahua who detected a small lump in her owner’s breast, a growth even doctors couldn’t find. There’s Emma, the devoted Rottweiler who ferociously grabbed her owner’s arm at the moment he was trying to commit suicide, saving his life. You’ll be inspired by Luna, the Retriever who dragged her owner to safety after she collapsed late at night in a field. And you’ll fall in love with the many dogs who simply provide steady comfort when needed— dogs like Bo, the Boxer who soothed his mistress after the loss of her son. The author also weaves her own experiences with dogs throughout the book, showing how they comforted her through mistreatment as a child, a divorce, and a cancer diagnosis.
The stories that make up The Divinity of Dogs provide hope, help, and healing for readers in the complex and difficult times in which we live. Whether you believe dogs are divine or are actually a gift from the divine, The Divinity of Dogs gives you permission to accept what you dogs are healers, educators, protectors, and tangible examples of pure love.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2012
103 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Skiff
13 books18 followersJennifer Skiff’s award-winning career as an international television journalist includes more than a decade as an investigative correspondent for CNN. Her specialty was the environment and among other industry honors, she has received the prestigious Environmental Media Award.
Passionate about animals and their welfare, she works with charities throughout the world to bring relief to abused and abandoned animals.
A cancer scare in her early thirties convinced Skiff that a Divine presence was active in her life. Her journalistic instincts took over and she began a quest to find out if others had similar experiences’. The result is her first book, God Stories, a collection of inspiring first-person accounts of miracle-like encounters with God.
Her second book, The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend, is a compilation of stories where people describe the moment they learned something profound about life from an experience with a dog. It is also part memoir where Skiff describes how her dogs have helped her though trials.
With her favorite Aussie and beloved dogs, Jennifer spends her life in perpetual summer between Maine and Australia.
Passionate about animals and their welfare, she works with charities throughout the world to bring relief to abused and abandoned animals.
A cancer scare in her early thirties convinced Skiff that a Divine presence was active in her life. Her journalistic instincts took over and she began a quest to find out if others had similar experiences’. The result is her first book, God Stories, a collection of inspiring first-person accounts of miracle-like encounters with God.
Her second book, The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend, is a compilation of stories where people describe the moment they learned something profound about life from an experience with a dog. It is also part memoir where Skiff describes how her dogs have helped her though trials.
With her favorite Aussie and beloved dogs, Jennifer spends her life in perpetual summer between Maine and Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 18, 2013
A fantastic book full of wonderful stories about dogs and the comfort they give us. I loved the author's own stories, they were particularly touching. The structure of the book help keeps your interest, as it is divided into short stories by different authors and in different writing styles. Beautiful cover as well! as with almost every true animal book I've read lately, a five star book!
December 20, 2012
As a story contributor of this book, you might think me bias. However, you'll also find me honest to a fault and pretty straightforward about my opinions of any subject. You'll also see that I have not listed any non-fiction books I've read or had intended to read in the future.
This book changed my reading choices as well as my life. While the author, Jen, was writing the book, the healing process in the loss of my oldest son was still very fresh. I almost changed my mind about letting my story go public. It had begun with a short story about one of my autistic twin boys and his bonding with his new service dog, Mazie. The author opened up the floodgates of my grief and asked me many questions. I did not want it to go that far. As I answered her questions, a substantial part of my own healing process began. (Thanks Jen)
Result: Not just a wonderful story about our family, but an exceptional book altogether. I loved all the stories, but I do have favorites.
Is is sappy? Yes. Is it inspirational? Yes. Is it extraordinary? Yes.
But not uncommon in a dog world. This is not for the shallow minded, uninspired, closed hearted, "I don't care" attitude of some. It is certianly not for non-animal lovers or irresponsible dog owners. Nor may all the stories be appropriate for little ones. You'll end up writing a less than perfect review, and a bad taste in my mouth. However, if you have read "Chicken Soup for the Soul", and liked it - you'll come to like this book as well - in human and canine version.
I read the book front to back. The order of the subcategoried short stories was a surprise, very nice. Like any non-fiction, true to life book, it is not easy to write second and third party stories. The author put her heart and soul into this book, you can tell. However, if asked to critique it, I would have asked for a few more stories to laugh with as I found myself crying more than I wanted to.
This book has awed my soul and left me feeling a renewed sense of what dogs are capable of. It is probably a book I will pick up every now and again just to inspire me to continue living out my life to the best of my ability...only never without a dog. It made me smile, laugh, and cry, anticipating what the next story would bring.
Great for a brief read on a bus, subway, or a waiting room of a Doctor's office. Perfect for when you are down in the dumps or ill in bed. Wrap up in a blanket with a nice hot cup of tea and be inspired to rescue, adopt or buy a dog....but most of all, be inspired to hug the dog you have and love him or her with all you've got for you will never know when a divine canine intervention will happen, even for you.
The author has also inserted photos of the dogs and their owners which was a very nice touch for those who like visual illustrations.
In the spirit of dogs, Freda Powell
Contributor of the Divinity of Dogs, Owner of Mazie the Service Lab.
This book changed my reading choices as well as my life. While the author, Jen, was writing the book, the healing process in the loss of my oldest son was still very fresh. I almost changed my mind about letting my story go public. It had begun with a short story about one of my autistic twin boys and his bonding with his new service dog, Mazie. The author opened up the floodgates of my grief and asked me many questions. I did not want it to go that far. As I answered her questions, a substantial part of my own healing process began. (Thanks Jen)
Result: Not just a wonderful story about our family, but an exceptional book altogether. I loved all the stories, but I do have favorites.
Is is sappy? Yes. Is it inspirational? Yes. Is it extraordinary? Yes.
But not uncommon in a dog world. This is not for the shallow minded, uninspired, closed hearted, "I don't care" attitude of some. It is certianly not for non-animal lovers or irresponsible dog owners. Nor may all the stories be appropriate for little ones. You'll end up writing a less than perfect review, and a bad taste in my mouth. However, if you have read "Chicken Soup for the Soul", and liked it - you'll come to like this book as well - in human and canine version.
I read the book front to back. The order of the subcategoried short stories was a surprise, very nice. Like any non-fiction, true to life book, it is not easy to write second and third party stories. The author put her heart and soul into this book, you can tell. However, if asked to critique it, I would have asked for a few more stories to laugh with as I found myself crying more than I wanted to.
This book has awed my soul and left me feeling a renewed sense of what dogs are capable of. It is probably a book I will pick up every now and again just to inspire me to continue living out my life to the best of my ability...only never without a dog. It made me smile, laugh, and cry, anticipating what the next story would bring.
Great for a brief read on a bus, subway, or a waiting room of a Doctor's office. Perfect for when you are down in the dumps or ill in bed. Wrap up in a blanket with a nice hot cup of tea and be inspired to rescue, adopt or buy a dog....but most of all, be inspired to hug the dog you have and love him or her with all you've got for you will never know when a divine canine intervention will happen, even for you.
The author has also inserted photos of the dogs and their owners which was a very nice touch for those who like visual illustrations.
In the spirit of dogs, Freda Powell
Contributor of the Divinity of Dogs, Owner of Mazie the Service Lab.
February 13, 2013
Grab some tissues and get ready for an unforgettable experience with Jennifer Skiff’s “The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man’s Best Friend.” Divided into nine sections—love, comfort, intuition, healing, gratitude, loyalty, passing, compassion, and forgiveness—each of which is opened with commentary by Skiff, this heartwarming book encompasses the many gifts which dogs bestow upon us. Although many of the stories refer to the canines as divine beings, this selection will appeal to both religious and non-religious audiences.
Readers will meet a variety of lovable dogs, from Poodles to Labradors to Chihuahuas. Their designations are just as diverse—therapy dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, abandoned dogs, and even dying dogs. Some saved their owners from diseases that they didn’t even know they had, while others simply offered compassion and understanding. All demonstrated unconditional love, and through their stories everyone can find inspiration and the strength to face whatever life dishes out. Perhaps the book is best summed up by the author’s own words in the introduction: “As much as we look up at the stars and know there is more than life on earth, the divinity of dogs is just as unexplainable and profound. They may be the purest example of divine love in an earthly soul many of us ever experience.”
Readers will meet a variety of lovable dogs, from Poodles to Labradors to Chihuahuas. Their designations are just as diverse—therapy dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, abandoned dogs, and even dying dogs. Some saved their owners from diseases that they didn’t even know they had, while others simply offered compassion and understanding. All demonstrated unconditional love, and through their stories everyone can find inspiration and the strength to face whatever life dishes out. Perhaps the book is best summed up by the author’s own words in the introduction: “As much as we look up at the stars and know there is more than life on earth, the divinity of dogs is just as unexplainable and profound. They may be the purest example of divine love in an earthly soul many of us ever experience.”
October 7, 2013
Author Jennifer Skiff did an amazing job of sharing people's stories and feelings about man's best friend. The highs and lows and everything in between that is shared with the story teller and their best friend and how, even after our four-legged friends make their journey over the Rainbow Bridge, their spirits are forever with us. It shows the reader that these wonderful creatures that become part of our families, of how our pals ability goes far beyond just playing catch, taking naps and being fed. It shows how our canines abilities can sense our fear, anger and hurt and their compassion to somehow show us that they feel our emotions and will forever look out for us.
I laughed throughout this book and, oh yes, I cried. But not out of sadness, mostly out of the absolute amazement of these wonderful and heartfelt stories that so moved me to tears.
I have had (and have) animals from as far back as my memory allows me and I remember every single one of them and how each one in their own way touched me. To this day I can still shed a tear over losing my first dog and every single one since then. Whether you are a dog lover or not, I promise if you read this book it will remain in your heart for a long long time and hopefully will take you to your nearest shelter and find that special friend to share your life with. You will never regret it. I didn't.
I laughed throughout this book and, oh yes, I cried. But not out of sadness, mostly out of the absolute amazement of these wonderful and heartfelt stories that so moved me to tears.
I have had (and have) animals from as far back as my memory allows me and I remember every single one of them and how each one in their own way touched me. To this day I can still shed a tear over losing my first dog and every single one since then. Whether you are a dog lover or not, I promise if you read this book it will remain in your heart for a long long time and hopefully will take you to your nearest shelter and find that special friend to share your life with. You will never regret it. I didn't.
January 30, 2013
This book is the BEST book I've read in 2012!! I am a self-proclaimed cat lover but after reading this book I just can't help but admit, there is a special love that you can only find in dogs. This book is compiled of several short inspirational stories that make it convenient to read a story and get on with what you're doing but these stories are so good you won't want to put the book down! I found myself tearing up as I read some of these stories which is a very rare thing for someone like me who is not prone to getting all sappy over some cute story. (It must be the cat lover in me.)
The best way to describe this book is like Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul only I'm proof that you don't have to be a dog lover to find these stories touching. An added perk is that a lot of these stories are accompanied by a photo of the dog in them and all stories have an organization of the writers choice highlighted at the end for the reader to donate to or get more information about.
This book is truly a good thing and worth it to read. The hardest part for me now is figuring out who to loan it to next. There's a long list of people who I know will just love this book!
The best way to describe this book is like Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul only I'm proof that you don't have to be a dog lover to find these stories touching. An added perk is that a lot of these stories are accompanied by a photo of the dog in them and all stories have an organization of the writers choice highlighted at the end for the reader to donate to or get more information about.
This book is truly a good thing and worth it to read. The hardest part for me now is figuring out who to loan it to next. There's a long list of people who I know will just love this book!
October 29, 2012
I just started reading this book. My BFF, Carol Bradshaw, has her story about her husband's service dog, Bandit, in here and she was kind to mention my dog, Riley. All that aside, it's a great read for just feeling warm and fuzzy, and inspired to learn lessons in human potential if we just take stock of how our little furry friends make the world a better place.
December 28, 2012
Boy, the tears that ran down my face at times...
Dogs truly are God's gifts to us humans. I read about about so many inspirational dogs, and they all touched my heart.
I was blessed with a seizure alert dog that has saved my life over 25 times. He would bark or cry about 10 to 15 minutes before I was to have a seizure...I got him as a puppy when he was 6 weeks old, and had NO clue that he would ever help me in life...had a seizure when he was only 10 weeks old, and just KNEW...
Each story about individual dogs brought back memories of my Bear, whom I had to give to my ex due to not being able to house him in any apartments. I still hate my life due to that. I would do anything to get him back :(
The story about the epileptic boy close to the end, really spoke to me, and I have seen the same patience in my own life, with Bear, with seizures.
I recommend this book to any and all who care anything about animals. You don't have to care that much about dogs to realize how much animals really do help and care for us to LOVE this book.
A PERFECT 10, I give this book!!! This is a rarity, but Jennifer's writing abilities, really moved me. You will absolutely love this book. Guaranteed.
Dogs truly are God's gifts to us humans. I read about about so many inspirational dogs, and they all touched my heart.
I was blessed with a seizure alert dog that has saved my life over 25 times. He would bark or cry about 10 to 15 minutes before I was to have a seizure...I got him as a puppy when he was 6 weeks old, and had NO clue that he would ever help me in life...had a seizure when he was only 10 weeks old, and just KNEW...
Each story about individual dogs brought back memories of my Bear, whom I had to give to my ex due to not being able to house him in any apartments. I still hate my life due to that. I would do anything to get him back :(
The story about the epileptic boy close to the end, really spoke to me, and I have seen the same patience in my own life, with Bear, with seizures.
I recommend this book to any and all who care anything about animals. You don't have to care that much about dogs to realize how much animals really do help and care for us to LOVE this book.
A PERFECT 10, I give this book!!! This is a rarity, but Jennifer's writing abilities, really moved me. You will absolutely love this book. Guaranteed.
December 20, 2012
Finding out in Jan. of 2011 that our story would be included in "The Divinity of Dogs" was truly an honor. Bandit and Jack's story is just one of over 70, and each and every one tugs at your heart, reminds us of a memory, and brings an awareness to the amazing feats and inate ability that dogs have to intertwine their lives with humans. Jennifer's own story of her life and her personal experiences with her dogs lends the link that brings it all together. Each short story could be made into its own book, making it almost impossible to write them all in a lifetime. Instead, the condensed versions whet our appetite for more, and allows us to imagine a little more about each story. The final result lived up to every expectation I had for the past two years, and even more. Adding the availability of the CD of instrumental music in conjunction with the book, is even more comforting. The title of our short story is "He's Our Blessing", but in reality, the entire book is a blessing to those who read it. Like others, I've already bought several copies as gifts, and encourage you to buy one for yourself, and one to share with a friend. A Five Star rating simply isn't high enough. Carol Bradshaw and Bandit - Contributor
March 9, 2013
"Jesus Christ, one of the most influential people in history, asked people to strive for certain character qualities for which dogs are well known: joyfulness, generosity, love, sensitivity, compassion, tolerance, contentment, forgiveness, loyalty, patience, gratefulness, enthusiasm, and dependability.".... "love between people often changes and ends, but you can always count on the unwavering love of a dog"
This isn't in the same category as "Racing in the Rain" but there are several moving stories written by good people who were loved by great dogs. Most are a variation on the theme of how they were saved by rescuing a dog. If you have spent more days in the company of a good dog than not, then it's worth a read.
This isn't in the same category as "Racing in the Rain" but there are several moving stories written by good people who were loved by great dogs. Most are a variation on the theme of how they were saved by rescuing a dog. If you have spent more days in the company of a good dog than not, then it's worth a read.
October 10, 2013
The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend
The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend
Offered by Simon and Schuster
5.0 out of 5 stars True Stories of dogs & dog lovers, October 10, 2013
This review is from: The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend
"The Divinity of Dogs" is a beautiful book of true stories written by each owner of a beloved pet. Many of these stories are of the owner(s) being helped through health issues by their pet. Even more remarkable about this book is the revelation of the bond between the owner and their dog.
This book is a must read for any dog lover and owner. A beautiful book for all the family to share.
October 19, 2012
This is a beautiful book about dogs and the impact they have on our lives. I don't want to spoil the stories by saying too much, but you will read about dogs providing comfort during horrible times. During times of health problems or family troubles, the noble and furry dog remains loyal. These stories will confirm may people's belief that dogs really are magical and friends for life! This is a highly recommended read.
December 15, 2012
I am an animal lover but I love dogs above all others. I believe that the relationship between humans and dogs transcends all other animal/human relationships. The Divinity of Dogs gives a tremendous look at the effect dogs have on our lives. The bond between us is strong, it is real and it is deep. This book is filled with stories of how much dogs give to us. It is a must read for any dog lover !
July 27, 2013
First person short stories tell of remarkable tales of dogs and the humans they love. All of the stories are interesting. Most will make you smile. Some may make you cry. Because all the stories are only a page or two in length, it's a nice book to keep handy when you know you don't have a lot of time to read. If you've ever loved a dog you will love this book.
April 6, 2015
I read this book before the author's first book (God Stories). Both are excellent, but i must say that The Divinity of Dogs (Dog Stories) is not just reflective and insightful but inspirational and heart warming. Sit by the fire or bring it on vacation and just relax and enjoy each and every story. Well done!
November 15, 2012
I'm a dog lover and normally enjoy inspirational animal stories. This book felt sappy and wasn't written very well. Almost like the "leftover" stories that didn't make it into another, better book. I wouldn't recommend it.
December 19, 2012
Beautifully written book full of inspirational stories of the impact dogs have on our lives. I cried and laughed and then cried some more. The absolute selflessness of our pets shows why they are truly man's (or woman's) best friend.
October 31, 2013
This book did include some amazing tales about dogs and owners. The quality varied from writer to writer. The most compelling story was Ms. Skiff's life, her contribution always of quality begged for more.
December 2, 2012
This book was very inspirational! I enjoyed reading all of the stories that people had to tell, and I could relate to a lot of them with some of my dogs. I even cried over some of the stories.
March 4, 2013
If you're a dog lover, you'll love reading these stories. Have a box of tissues handy for some of them, but it's worth it to read about the sweet souls that touch people's lives.
March 18, 2013
Of course I loved this book...read it with tissues nearby. It's a series of short stories about dogs and their humans. Very uplifting and a must read for dog lovers!!
September 18, 2013
Beautiful and moving, touched my heart
September 28, 2013
I loved this book. All the stories touched my heart. They made me laugh and cry!
November 15, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book and recommend it to every single person I know or run into who has pets. Amazing.
June 10, 2020
A collection of very short stories about dogs who have impacted on people's lives, showing the sensitivity of dogs to human needs and emotions.
August 17, 2018
First half was nothing special, but the second half was absolutely wonderful! Glad I kept reading.
March 6, 2013
Scott Reads It!
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
For a couple of months all I wanted was a dog and I wouldn't stop begging for one. My parents made a deal with me that if the allergist said I wasn't allergic too dogs, I could get one. The allergist said I was allergic to both dogs and cats and my dreams were crushed. Besides wanting to get a dog, I had also dreamed of being a Veterinarian. [A simple solution to my allergy, would have been to get a hypoallergenic dog - a dog that doesn't shed]. I requested an ARC of Edelweiss because I was looking for something inspiring and fascinating. The Divinity Of Dogs is an anthology of stories from amateurs about the miraculous nature of dogs.
The Divinity Of Dogs was truly a fascinating anthology! I enjoyed the majority of the stories about "Man's Best-friend". One of the stories I really enjoyed was how a dog alerted a woman that she had a tumor. The stories that I enjoyed were extremely fascinating and I just wished they were longer. So many of the stories in these anthologies were truly touching and emotional. The stories that told of how dogs helped kids with special needs were utterly amazing and left me speechless. I never really knew the extent of how powerful dogs could really be until I read this anthology.
Most of the stories in this anthology are well-written, but a few were extremely amateurish. Some of these stories weren't very miraculous at all and just entailed stories about owners who love their dogs. I get that you love your dog, but is a story praising your ordinary dog necessary in an anthology called "The Divinity of Dogs". I think these stories probably should have been cut because they were frivolous, and repetitive. Another thing that definitely annoyed me was the lack of capitalization in this anthology. You would think that Simon & Schuster send ARCs with proper capitalization.
If you're a dog aficionado, this is a book you definitely won't want to miss! I would like to thank Jennifer Skiff for showing me how divine dogs truly are. I just wish some of the stories in the beginning were cut from this anthology. Despite it's faults I definitely enjoyed reading The Divinity of Dogs!
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
For a couple of months all I wanted was a dog and I wouldn't stop begging for one. My parents made a deal with me that if the allergist said I wasn't allergic too dogs, I could get one. The allergist said I was allergic to both dogs and cats and my dreams were crushed. Besides wanting to get a dog, I had also dreamed of being a Veterinarian. [A simple solution to my allergy, would have been to get a hypoallergenic dog - a dog that doesn't shed]. I requested an ARC of Edelweiss because I was looking for something inspiring and fascinating. The Divinity Of Dogs is an anthology of stories from amateurs about the miraculous nature of dogs.
The Divinity Of Dogs was truly a fascinating anthology! I enjoyed the majority of the stories about "Man's Best-friend". One of the stories I really enjoyed was how a dog alerted a woman that she had a tumor. The stories that I enjoyed were extremely fascinating and I just wished they were longer. So many of the stories in these anthologies were truly touching and emotional. The stories that told of how dogs helped kids with special needs were utterly amazing and left me speechless. I never really knew the extent of how powerful dogs could really be until I read this anthology.
Most of the stories in this anthology are well-written, but a few were extremely amateurish. Some of these stories weren't very miraculous at all and just entailed stories about owners who love their dogs. I get that you love your dog, but is a story praising your ordinary dog necessary in an anthology called "The Divinity of Dogs". I think these stories probably should have been cut because they were frivolous, and repetitive. Another thing that definitely annoyed me was the lack of capitalization in this anthology. You would think that Simon & Schuster send ARCs with proper capitalization.
If you're a dog aficionado, this is a book you definitely won't want to miss! I would like to thank Jennifer Skiff for showing me how divine dogs truly are. I just wish some of the stories in the beginning were cut from this anthology. Despite it's faults I definitely enjoyed reading The Divinity of Dogs!
January 10, 2014
I have led Blessing of the Animals worship services for 16 years. This book would provide a plethora of illustrative stories for such events for years to come.
The book begins by countering the first antagonistic response her title might generate. She is not saying dogs are divine beings, as in the God of the Bible. She begins by noting that there are three Webster's definitions of divine: a. related to, or being directly from, God; b. having god-like nature, or c. lovely. In the stories that follow we catch glimpses into how people have experienced all three definitions in the lives of the dogs.
This book is a collection of memoirs. Some will bring tears of sadness; others, tears of joy. Still others will warm the heart as they reveal very close resemblances to our own experiences with our dogs. Some stories might seem a little bit 'out there.' Still others force the readers to conclude, "this, truly, was a God moment."
You will find lots of enjoyable page turning as these stories are told, one after another. Enjoy, and be blessed.
The book begins by countering the first antagonistic response her title might generate. She is not saying dogs are divine beings, as in the God of the Bible. She begins by noting that there are three Webster's definitions of divine: a. related to, or being directly from, God; b. having god-like nature, or c. lovely. In the stories that follow we catch glimpses into how people have experienced all three definitions in the lives of the dogs.
This book is a collection of memoirs. Some will bring tears of sadness; others, tears of joy. Still others will warm the heart as they reveal very close resemblances to our own experiences with our dogs. Some stories might seem a little bit 'out there.' Still others force the readers to conclude, "this, truly, was a God moment."
You will find lots of enjoyable page turning as these stories are told, one after another. Enjoy, and be blessed.
January 7, 2013
The Divinity of Dogs is an incredibly meaningful, heartwarming, and inspirational book. There are so many sentences that are so deep and profound -- I literally paused and reread to truly absorb their meaning in the book and in my own life. The author and her contributors bare their souls and innermost feelings to help deliver a book that gives way to what the author and lots of others believe -- dogs are truly divine. I have found more impactful writing in this book than in all the books I have ever read combined. I wanted to highlight so many sentences and I know I will reread this book over and over again! I highly recommend this book!
The Divinity of Dogs is definitely a lesson in humanity outside of the obvious appreciation of dogs. This book has brought me even closer to my dog and has inspired me to go and adopt another dog! I will carry the many lessons from The Divinity of Dogs with me and try to live a more divine life -- like a dog!
The Divinity of Dogs is definitely a lesson in humanity outside of the obvious appreciation of dogs. This book has brought me even closer to my dog and has inspired me to go and adopt another dog! I will carry the many lessons from The Divinity of Dogs with me and try to live a more divine life -- like a dog!
August 18, 2013
Great book. It was good to see stories from people who didn't even own a dog, but who's life had been touched by a dog nonetheless. (Dog lovers understand the powers that these creatures have).
The problem with stories that are as short as this, is that it's usually always difficult to sympathise/empathise with the characters (in this case, real people) before the story has finished. You don't get a long enough time to get to know them, and therefore the intensity of the story that is being told is diluted.
The problem with stories that are as short as this, is that it's usually always difficult to sympathise/empathise with the characters (in this case, real people) before the story has finished. You don't get a long enough time to get to know them, and therefore the intensity of the story that is being told is diluted.
January 2, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book. It's a great read, very heartfelt and leaves you smiling. I picked it up right after my grandfather passed away and we are both dog lovers so the book really helped me get through some sad times. It's a collection of short stories, which is really nice because you can read through a few at a time without having to commit to a lengthy chapter. However, the book is so engaging and the stories are all so wonderful, it was really hard for me to put the book down. This book is perfect for dog lovers, animal lovers, and anyone who just wants to read a feel-good book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews