Dogs Of Dreamtime: A Story About Second Chances And The Power Of Love

by Karen Shanley

How intense a bond can man and dog truly forge? What''s a person to do when her world is whole only with a beloved dog--but her family is not as keen on the idea? When does a dog''s behavior become too dangerous for even the most loving person to accept? Karen Shanley tackles all these questions in lyrical prose that brings to life her relationships with three very different Kiera, who came to her in a dream; Molly, Kiera''s beautiful deaf sister; and Magic, the scrawny rescue dog who captures Karen''s heart. The Dogs of Dreamtime is Karen''s story; It''s about a time when she is forced to take a long, hard look at what matters and what does not, what she can control and what she cannot. And about the hard choices--choices of life and death--she has to make to keep moving forward. In the same way that her dogs bring to Karen experiences of joy, struggle, and, ultimately, uplifting change, this book will touch every reader.

Genres: Dogs

236 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an incredible experience reading this book. I read it on a train
heading back from CT and I came to a section that made me so emotional
that i felt like I needed to get off the train for some air. I had tears coming down and
an overwhelming sense of sadness but also deep
realization and comfort. It felt like Karen was writing what I have
been trying to find a way to express for a long time. And the way she
talks about her dogs is what I would love to be able to explain. As soon as I got home I hugged my dog
with an even deeper love and yet a new appreciation. I know I will always feel this story in my heart.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was referenced in a blog talking about a person's relationship with her dog. This definitely contains Kleenex moments and in many ways I'm very much relating to the author. I've now finished and somewhat disappointed by the ending - a predictable coming to terms with yourself and the universe. Not sure what else I could have asked for, but it just seemed a bit anticlimatic. The rest of the book was great, though, and I could thoroughly relate to the author having dealt with my own share of dogs with issues. I love the idea of Keira being reincarnated and have told my dog what is now expected of him.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book-group just finished this book. If you're a dog lover, this book is a no-brainer. But even the few non-dog people in our group were awed by the level and quality of writing and story-telling. There were passages I came across that were so beautifully written it made the hair on my arms stand up! I'm not kidding. The story will take you on quite a ride, so buckle in.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

The experiences of one woman who loves her troubled dogs and is faced with difficult choices. A must-read for anyone who struggles with a loving, yet aggressive, dog.

[Barbara Moher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning of this book and I appreciate the authors love of her dog . Still I felt that by the end it was getting a bit crazy for me and I did finish it, but not with the enjoyment… the author seemed hard to believe but it is nonfiction so I guess this is how it all happened. She does love her dogs!

[Sarah Pascarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Shanley is no ordinary dog owner -- infinitely patient and willing to devote huge chunks of her life to training, she remains steadfastly devoted to her dogs long after others would have thrown in the towel. This part-memoir, part self-help book is a quick read, engaging and vividly told. The book may strike some as too new-agey at times, but Shanley's honest and personal storytelling kept me along for the ride; I thoroughly enjoyed her depictions of her intense connections with her pets. If you're a dog lover, you'll appreciate this one.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was fabulous. There were times I got really mad about the choices she made BUT as I continued reading I realized that this was NOT my story to tell and that there were probably some things I have done or decisions I have made as a dog owner that would make others mad also and it is not up to me to judge what decisions others have made, no one ever knows what we personally are up against! I felt this story was told so truthfully and honestly that I couldn't help but love it!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It helps me to truly remember and celbrate why I go through the daily journey of having two dogs in my life

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shanley struck me as a bit looney, but I do love to read about the relationship between people and their dogs so I finished this book. Too bad she didn't just settle for living with and training her "reincarnated" dog. She could have spared her family the trauma of losing the other two dogs.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Shanley writes an enjoyable book that those of us who are dog lovers can enjoy. She honestly shares her trials with "Magic" and her love with 'Kiera". Her stamina and willingness to put in enormous amounts of time with her dogs is a true testament to her devotion to the breed.

[K Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

only ok; author's feelings about dogs matches my own so there was a sense of understanding; however, I did NOT agree with how she chose to resolve Magic's issues of aggression...I found it a bit shocking. To her credit, she researched many methods of dog behavior and training, tried lots of different things, consulted experts, her vet, etc. so I appreciate her committment to try whatever to help a dog. Not enough people will.

[Debra Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best line in this book so far:
" It was an exercise that reminded me of just how difficult it was to be open-minded when you felt that you had something that you wanted to protect."

I have finished this book. I can't say enough about how this book has cleared up so many things for me. It put into words feelings I didn't know to verbalize. Why I prefer working dogs, how connected I have felt about my dogs.

[Kayrene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book; love a random read I find in a thrift store. But, was kind of depressing as the story went on, with all the trouble she had with the dogs. But, this is a true story, so won't be all "warm and fuzzy" as you'd be able to write in a fiction. Gotta give it to her, though, impressed with how much she loves her dogs. If nothing else, glad I read it.

[Teresa]

Oh man, I really enjoyed this book. One of those books that you don't want to put down. The writer was so explicit with her emotions, I'd gasp when I knew she was going to have to make difficult decisions.

Heartfelt and sweet.

Peace ~ Out
Teresa

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blew my mind. I loved this story -- it made me laugh and cry and laugh and... I loved how this author loves her dogs. I could relate to her struggles and was stunned by the level of emotional honesty she shares. A hero's journey for sure.

[Elaine Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you love dogs, you will also love this book.
It made me truly appreciate dogs for who they are and what they mean in our lives and the place they have in our world.

[Lisa Gurganus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down - loved it. Brought out more in me than many recent books. too much me in it - and dogs from my lifetime.

[Susy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. For some reason I found the author neurotic and annoying.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the author's passion for dogs --and her struggles to understand and deal with aggressive dog behaviors.

[Chris]

I liked this book, but it got rather long. By the end, I found myself skimming, just to be able to finally finish. It was good, but not compelling, but maybe that's how I read nonfiction anyway.