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A letter to my dog: New Zealand edition
Written with love, these letters and their accompanying photograpds finally give dogs the recognition they deserve.
With inspiring stories from the A Letter To My Dog blog, as well as contributions from Oprah Winfrey, Tony Bennett, Chelsea Handler, Tamati Coffey, Beth Allen and more, this collection offers a heartfelt ode to the furriest of family members.
www.alettertomydog.co.nz
With inspiring stories from the A Letter To My Dog blog, as well as contributions from Oprah Winfrey, Tony Bennett, Chelsea Handler, Tamati Coffey, Beth Allen and more, this collection offers a heartfelt ode to the furriest of family members.
www.alettertomydog.co.nz
- GenresNonfictionAnimalsDogs
219 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
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356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 6, 2019
“Playful, gentle, sly, loyal, and everything in between—each dog has a unique personality and a special story to tell. Alongside stunning portraits of these beloved pets from photographer Robin Layton, “A Letter to My Dog” collects personal letters that express the deepest thoughts and feelings of owners for their canine companions”.
Sweet notes and wonderful photos......of lots of dogs....
Maggie, Jack, Millie, Pickles, Missy, Sammy, Athena, Sparky, Sadie, Daphne, Albert,
Bindu..... and many more cherished doggies that we get to learn about.
A great gift book for dog lovers. 180 pages.....printed on great quality heavy glossy paper....packed filled with heartwarming stories and irresistible photos.
If you read too many stories one after the other - they each begin to sound the same.....however it’s easy to forgive ....because the message is that owners love their companions!
A few letters are deeper than others....and/or more specifically detailed about the impact their dogs were in helping owners recover from returning home from war, sickness, and depression.
All expressed love....even when an owner had some dog beefs about their dogs habits ....the love is what shines the most.
Here’s the shortest letter in this book:
“Dear Maggie,
You may know I don’t enjoy your breath in my face when I’m sleeping, or you stepping on my feet when I’m putting on my socks in the morning after you awaken me with dog breath and mournful moaning, but you are the dearest dog I’ve ever known. Yours is the best dog behavior ever!
Love Pop”
Sweet notes and wonderful photos......of lots of dogs....
Maggie, Jack, Millie, Pickles, Missy, Sammy, Athena, Sparky, Sadie, Daphne, Albert,
Bindu..... and many more cherished doggies that we get to learn about.
A great gift book for dog lovers. 180 pages.....printed on great quality heavy glossy paper....packed filled with heartwarming stories and irresistible photos.
If you read too many stories one after the other - they each begin to sound the same.....however it’s easy to forgive ....because the message is that owners love their companions!
A few letters are deeper than others....and/or more specifically detailed about the impact their dogs were in helping owners recover from returning home from war, sickness, and depression.
All expressed love....even when an owner had some dog beefs about their dogs habits ....the love is what shines the most.
Here’s the shortest letter in this book:
“Dear Maggie,
You may know I don’t enjoy your breath in my face when I’m sleeping, or you stepping on my feet when I’m putting on my socks in the morning after you awaken me with dog breath and mournful moaning, but you are the dearest dog I’ve ever known. Yours is the best dog behavior ever!
Love Pop”
August 4, 2019
I have now completely finished this very special book.
The pictures are precious; the letters are tear-jerkers.
My favorite dog: Fran Drescher's chocolate Pomeranian (Extra Fluff), "Chester'. Fran had to battle cancer and he was there for her... PLUS he is just so darn cute.
A close second second: Oprah Winfrey's (almost) pure white Labrador Retriever look-alike. How DOES she keep Luke so clean?
My favorite letter: (page 119) Jill Rappaport's special missive to her three best friends: Buckaroo, C.J. and Sweet Pea. She takes the letters I LOVE YOU and writes a meaningful phrase starting with each letter.
(second O): O is for OBVIOUS, which it is to my friends that I love my animals more than I do people (Is that really such a bad thing?)
My second most favorite letter: Oprah Winfrey's letter to Luke, "Wonder Boy".
This book has opened my day with love since I started it I also smiled a big smile over the many nicknames the owners came up with. One dog, Maddie, is also called DaMoosers, Moose McGillicutty and Mrs. Velvet-Ears. I identify with nicknames. I don't know how this started, but I sometimes call my chihuaua, Bella, "Bealls".
Thank you Elyse, for introducing me to it.
5 stars
The pictures are precious; the letters are tear-jerkers.
My favorite dog: Fran Drescher's chocolate Pomeranian (Extra Fluff), "Chester'. Fran had to battle cancer and he was there for her... PLUS he is just so darn cute.
A close second second: Oprah Winfrey's (almost) pure white Labrador Retriever look-alike. How DOES she keep Luke so clean?
My favorite letter: (page 119) Jill Rappaport's special missive to her three best friends: Buckaroo, C.J. and Sweet Pea. She takes the letters I LOVE YOU and writes a meaningful phrase starting with each letter.
(second O): O is for OBVIOUS, which it is to my friends that I love my animals more than I do people (Is that really such a bad thing?)
My second most favorite letter: Oprah Winfrey's letter to Luke, "Wonder Boy".
This book has opened my day with love since I started it I also smiled a big smile over the many nicknames the owners came up with. One dog, Maddie, is also called DaMoosers, Moose McGillicutty and Mrs. Velvet-Ears. I identify with nicknames. I don't know how this started, but I sometimes call my chihuaua, Bella, "Bealls".
Thank you Elyse, for introducing me to it.
5 stars
March 21, 2013
A nice coffee table book but not substantive. Good for gifts, anyone with pets will enjoy it. The pictures are lovely and the sentiments are very nice. It just isn't really one that I'd want to pay for myself, it doesn't say anything I'd refer back to again and again. It's just pretty. As a gift option it's a 4 star though.
May 30, 2013
Loved this book. Read it with Rambo, my pug snuggled up right next to me on one of the hardest days I've had in a long time. He has been right next to me through many, many hard days. Thanks Buddy for your unconditional love and complete devotion. And, thank you Alyssa for getting your now husband the same week you got Rambo. Your giving me Rambo has been a tender mercy every day since!!!
January 3, 2013
this was a cute book. it is actually a great fundraiser idea for animal rescues, etc... in the form of a calendar. past adopters can submit letters and photos. anyway, it was a good read and the photos were very nice.
May 14, 2015
Being a dog/cat lover this book really hit home. Reading the letters that were written by owners to their pets really tugged on my heartstrings. I cried a few times during the read and had to hug my fur babies tight and let them know how much they are loved. A great read for dog lovers.
November 17, 2012
Great pictures and nice stories about the relationships between the featured people and their dogs
September 29, 2013
Simple, touching, beautiful pictures. I love dogs so a few of these sweet letters made me tear up. A great book to share with or gift to a dog lover in your life.
August 27, 2017
Wow! We do love our dogs, don't we? The letters in this charming book are mostly written by celebs (I guess even they appreciate the unconditional adoration of a dog), but there are some sweet ones written by children who participated in a contest. The photos are stunning. Knowing that other people are just as crazy about their dogs as I am about mine makes me feel a little less crazy.
May 29, 2021
Meh. I feel bad giving a dog book such a low rating. And I am clearly in the minority. But after reading the first few letters, they got pretty repetitive. And while some of the pictures are beautiful, some are too artsy. A picture of a dog on a wood floor where only the floor and the dog's tail are in focus? What's that about? Sorry, I've seen similar books that are better.
July 12, 2017
I love dogs (dog spelled backwards is god) but the letters were very repetitive. What made the book worthwhile was the photography.
February 1, 2019
Nice photos of dogs. Lovely photos of dogs. I just hoped for something more... literary.
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December 23, 2020Adorable and sweet
May 12, 2022
Cute stories for dog lovers,,,,some stories sad too !
Read
July 5, 2024This is so special
January 9, 2013
sweet.. great photos
Dear Makai aka Kai, Kai-Kai, Boof, No, My beautiful blonde boy;
I can't believe it has been almost four years since I brought you home from the shelter. I don't know what I was thinking that day, other than the fact that you had the cutest little face and were so cuddly. You were our last furry baby before the real one came along and you helped fill the gap in our lives while we were desperately waiting for him.
I'm still not happy that you decided after three weeks that you didn't want to come back inside. I had almost convinced Daddy that you could sleep on the floor next to me every night (or secretly on the bed when he worked!) and then you ditched me. But those three weeks of getting up with you all night prepared me for having a baby!
Thank you for being our protector and for loving X-man. Even though your barking drives me crazy and used to scare him, I know it is in your nature to protect us and to let us know you need attention. (Just stop barking when we walk out of the room and X is still there. I'm the parent and I didn't leave him!) I wish you wouldn't shred and eat everything with stuffing (toys, blankets) and that you would actually sleep in the two big doghouses we bought you. I'm afraid someone will turn us in when you are sleeping outside when it is 20 below. It is so hard to explain to humans that you choose to do that. I'd love it if you could be inside with us sometimes but your constant shedding is bad for Dad's allergies and you just won't sit down. You turn two circles and want back out again. I'm sorry I told Dad that you sleep in the swing but it was just so cute. Don't worry we aren't mad. At least someone uses it.
We call you the dove and squirrel whisperer. When we moved to our new home, I think they followed you. I just wish you didn't smell like their droppings. We didn't even know that you would secretly let yourself out of the yard and go for walks until we moved and the old neighbor ratted you out. I know you love us though because when the fence at our new house blew down, you could have run off and found a better family, but instead you ran around the block to the front door. Just please don't escape again on the nights when Daddy and X leave town. You are supposed to be here keeping me safe.
I'm sorry we haven't gotten you a doggy sibling. You have finally started calming down and I can't even imagine raising another one of you. Don't get me wrong. I love you but you are all the dog we can handle. (We think the mix in your lab retriever blood might be miniature pony!) Besides if we had two, it would be harder to find pet sitters who love to come play with you and feed you lots of extra kibble. Plus I can only lift one lazy 100 pound dog into the back of the car. (How is it possible you don't know how to jump? Wait, nevermind. Don't learn.)
xoxo, Your crazy mama
Dear Makai aka Kai, Kai-Kai, Boof, No, My beautiful blonde boy;
I can't believe it has been almost four years since I brought you home from the shelter. I don't know what I was thinking that day, other than the fact that you had the cutest little face and were so cuddly. You were our last furry baby before the real one came along and you helped fill the gap in our lives while we were desperately waiting for him.
I'm still not happy that you decided after three weeks that you didn't want to come back inside. I had almost convinced Daddy that you could sleep on the floor next to me every night (or secretly on the bed when he worked!) and then you ditched me. But those three weeks of getting up with you all night prepared me for having a baby!
Thank you for being our protector and for loving X-man. Even though your barking drives me crazy and used to scare him, I know it is in your nature to protect us and to let us know you need attention. (Just stop barking when we walk out of the room and X is still there. I'm the parent and I didn't leave him!) I wish you wouldn't shred and eat everything with stuffing (toys, blankets) and that you would actually sleep in the two big doghouses we bought you. I'm afraid someone will turn us in when you are sleeping outside when it is 20 below. It is so hard to explain to humans that you choose to do that. I'd love it if you could be inside with us sometimes but your constant shedding is bad for Dad's allergies and you just won't sit down. You turn two circles and want back out again. I'm sorry I told Dad that you sleep in the swing but it was just so cute. Don't worry we aren't mad. At least someone uses it.
We call you the dove and squirrel whisperer. When we moved to our new home, I think they followed you. I just wish you didn't smell like their droppings. We didn't even know that you would secretly let yourself out of the yard and go for walks until we moved and the old neighbor ratted you out. I know you love us though because when the fence at our new house blew down, you could have run off and found a better family, but instead you ran around the block to the front door. Just please don't escape again on the nights when Daddy and X leave town. You are supposed to be here keeping me safe.
I'm sorry we haven't gotten you a doggy sibling. You have finally started calming down and I can't even imagine raising another one of you. Don't get me wrong. I love you but you are all the dog we can handle. (We think the mix in your lab retriever blood might be miniature pony!) Besides if we had two, it would be harder to find pet sitters who love to come play with you and feed you lots of extra kibble. Plus I can only lift one lazy 100 pound dog into the back of the car. (How is it possible you don't know how to jump? Wait, nevermind. Don't learn.)
xoxo, Your crazy mama
March 6, 2017
I think I might write a letter to my baby girl, Charlie.
February 18, 2013
The novel A Letter to My Dog is a collection of letters celebrities wrote to their dogs. These letters could include a variety of things, such as their favorite memory, how they got the dog, how the dog changed his or her life, and things like that. There isn’t a story in this novel where the protagonist faces a conflict, and later resolves it. The only story in this is people sharing their life and opening up their home to their loving dog.
I really enjoyed reading this because I personally could connect to it. It brought back a lot of memories I had with my dog, and there is just something that is hard to explain that brings a person close to their dog. What I also liked about this novel was that about half of these letters were about how people adopted their dog. I thought this was pretty touching because most of the dogs were shelter dogs, meaning that they lived in an animal shelter with lots of other animals because their previous owner abused them, or had to give it up. But it was touching because most people that know me, know that I have a soft spot for animals, and always try to save them. So knowing and reading stories like that makes it nice to know that others care for these pets too, and would do anything for them.
I really enjoyed reading this because I personally could connect to it. It brought back a lot of memories I had with my dog, and there is just something that is hard to explain that brings a person close to their dog. What I also liked about this novel was that about half of these letters were about how people adopted their dog. I thought this was pretty touching because most of the dogs were shelter dogs, meaning that they lived in an animal shelter with lots of other animals because their previous owner abused them, or had to give it up. But it was touching because most people that know me, know that I have a soft spot for animals, and always try to save them. So knowing and reading stories like that makes it nice to know that others care for these pets too, and would do anything for them.
November 7, 2014
This is a collection of letters written by people to their dogs. Some famous, some old, some young contributors all have one thing in common: they love their dogs! The pictures in this book alone are a reason to get this. It is filled with full-page color glossy pictures of all kinds of dogs on every other page! The letters are very touching, some funny, some sad. If you are a dog lover, this is a must read! I'm sure you can agree with most, if not all, of the letters. I know I did!
(Gerard's review)
A Letter to My Dog by Robin Layton is a happy, feel-good book that is a collection of notes from people (some well-known) to the dogs which show the value of rescue dogs. Along with the notes are full-page photos of the dogs and in the back is a summary of the dog-owners with their dogs including smaller pictures of them together. I enjoyed this book very much and found myself smiling all the way through. It is a quick-read that I recommend to anyone who is considering getting a dog as well as all dog owners. (Karen's review)
(Gerard's review)
A Letter to My Dog by Robin Layton is a happy, feel-good book that is a collection of notes from people (some well-known) to the dogs which show the value of rescue dogs. Along with the notes are full-page photos of the dogs and in the back is a summary of the dog-owners with their dogs including smaller pictures of them together. I enjoyed this book very much and found myself smiling all the way through. It is a quick-read that I recommend to anyone who is considering getting a dog as well as all dog owners. (Karen's review)
November 23, 2012
This is a beautiful book!!!
I was crying before I even finished the first letter! I also chuckled at some of the antics these dogs get up to. A lot of the letters were written by people I am not familiar with and I think that is a good thing. If it were all celebrities it would have been too cheesy. The photography is beautiful and there is a little something about each doggie family at the back.
I love that most of these dogs are rescue dogs.
I love that these people say that these dogs have saved their lives.
I love that these people are so open in sharing these anecdotes.
I love that each of these dogs are so happy and loved for all their strange little quirks.
I LOVE that some of these letters are from kids.
And I love that these dogs all smiled when they had their picture taken!!
Just so so beautiful.
I was crying before I even finished the first letter! I also chuckled at some of the antics these dogs get up to. A lot of the letters were written by people I am not familiar with and I think that is a good thing. If it were all celebrities it would have been too cheesy. The photography is beautiful and there is a little something about each doggie family at the back.
I love that most of these dogs are rescue dogs.
I love that these people say that these dogs have saved their lives.
I love that these people are so open in sharing these anecdotes.
I love that each of these dogs are so happy and loved for all their strange little quirks.
I LOVE that some of these letters are from kids.
And I love that these dogs all smiled when they had their picture taken!!
Just so so beautiful.
June 8, 2013
This year we had a student who lost her three dogs and home to a fire. Our librarian was doing a poetry unit with 4th grade at the time and had them write poems to her about loss, grief, love, etc. I worked with her to create some poetry of her own and then we had them bound together as a memory journal. She loved, I loved it, 4th grade loved it. It was wonderful. I think this book would be a great addition for similar lessons on grief. It's a good icebreaker when discussing the loss of a pet and then having the student write a letter to their lost pet.
July 23, 2013
I received this book from my 4 legged daughter London. By far it is one of the best gifts a mom of s beautiful fur child could receive.
From the first letter to the last, my eyes welled up with tears. How I wish all animals were loved as completely as the dogs within the pages of this book and as deep as the love I have for my London.
The only thing I wish, is that I would have thought of this idea. What a beautiful work of art. From the stunning images to the heartfelt words. This is truly a wonderful gift that Robyn Layton gave the world.
From the first letter to the last, my eyes welled up with tears. How I wish all animals were loved as completely as the dogs within the pages of this book and as deep as the love I have for my London.
The only thing I wish, is that I would have thought of this idea. What a beautiful work of art. From the stunning images to the heartfelt words. This is truly a wonderful gift that Robyn Layton gave the world.
October 14, 2012
I didn't even make it halfway through this book before I went to their website - www.alettertomydog.com and wrote a letter to my dog Parker. This book happened to find me when I was going through a lot and my dog was the most important constant in my life.
I laughed, I cried, I even started to fall for celebrities I didn't care for. Just by reading their letters. Dogs can do that....bring people together.
This book is one of those crowd around and read together coffee table books.
I laughed, I cried, I even started to fall for celebrities I didn't care for. Just by reading their letters. Dogs can do that....bring people together.
This book is one of those crowd around and read together coffee table books.
December 29, 2012
i received this book as a christmas present. i opened the wrapping paper, saw the title and started to cry. i'm a sap when it comes to doggies. truly love them.
i read this in one sitting. it was a super easy read and the pictures are beautiful. some of the stories will make you teary. i didn't make it to the third sentence before crying.
however! it really is a wonderful tribute to our four legged friends. it's definitely a book i will leave out on my coffee table.
i read this in one sitting. it was a super easy read and the pictures are beautiful. some of the stories will make you teary. i didn't make it to the third sentence before crying.
however! it really is a wonderful tribute to our four legged friends. it's definitely a book i will leave out on my coffee table.
Read
May 14, 2017Dog lovers will recognize themselves in these letters written to their dogs. Humorous and loving, the letters epitomize everything there is to know about having a dog, including all the laughter, tears, and frustrations. Above all, this book perfectly shows the friendship and love between humans and their pets. A great read for anyone who has ever had a dog, and even for those who just enjoy a touching read. -Jennifer W.O.
April 30, 2015
Love Letters
I loved reading these letters. If you don't know how much a person can love their dog, read this book. It's spelled out in plain words for the whole world to see. The pictures let us see who these special letters are talking about. As for the dog lovers out there, these letters talk about things we already are privileged to know. It's easy to see why dogs are known as Man's Best Friend. Maybe we could request a Volume #2...
I loved reading these letters. If you don't know how much a person can love their dog, read this book. It's spelled out in plain words for the whole world to see. The pictures let us see who these special letters are talking about. As for the dog lovers out there, these letters talk about things we already are privileged to know. It's easy to see why dogs are known as Man's Best Friend. Maybe we could request a Volume #2...
October 1, 2016
26 book challenge- a book with pictures
Absolutely gorgeous pictures!! My rating here is for the pictures and the format. Each letter has at least one full page dog picture. At the end is a picture of the dog and letter writer with a short bio. I would have given 5 stars had there been less or better yet no celebrities included. I'm interested to read what people would write to their pets- I don't really care what Oprah in particular has to say to her dogs.
Absolutely gorgeous pictures!! My rating here is for the pictures and the format. Each letter has at least one full page dog picture. At the end is a picture of the dog and letter writer with a short bio. I would have given 5 stars had there been less or better yet no celebrities included. I'm interested to read what people would write to their pets- I don't really care what Oprah in particular has to say to her dogs.
January 21, 2014
Although it's pretty much celebrities talking about their dogs, this is by far one of the sweetest most heartwarming books I have ever read. Especially after having to put my dog down three weeks ago. Thank you Robin Layton, for making me remember my dog in nothing but the best ways. I'd recommend this book to anybody.
December 1, 2012
Heart wrenching letters from owners to their beloved dogs. I remember crying in my lhasa-shit-zu's hair all through high school. "Boys SUCK Penelope!" I still have dreams about her. Maybe I'll write her a letter this weekend.
January 30, 2013
I received this book from my best friend who knows how much I love dogs.I so much enjoyed all the letters and pictures of the dogs.This book is not for most people but anyone who is a dog lover will enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews