Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever

by Kerk Murray

"A powerful and emotional story." — Alyson Sheldrake, Bestselling author of Kat the Dog

#1 International Bestseller and 8x Literary Award Winner

In his debut memoir, Kerk Murray shares his coming-of-age journey, paying tribute to the animals that touch our lives and the compassion that drives us forward. It's a story of love, loss, and the courage to start anew. Through poignant and evocative writing, he recalls the defining moments with the animals of his past and present, and the hope that lies beyond the pain. His story is a reminder of the possibilities living within us all.

Pawprints On Our Hearts is heartfelt and inspiring memoir that will strike a chord with animal lovers and stay with you long after the final page.

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⭐2022 Royal Dragonfly 4x Book Award winner
⭐2022 The BookFest 3x Award winner
⭐2022 Reader's Favorite Book Award Winner
⭐2022 Reader's Choice Book Award Finalist

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Memoir, Dogs, Biography, Inspirational, Self Help

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Kerk Murray is an Amazon Top 50 and Barnes & Noble bestselling author of clean contemporary romance. His series include Dog Lovers, Hadley Cove Sweet Romance, and Sugarberry Ridge Holiday Romance.

Fans of Rachel Hanna and Debbie Macomber will love his Southern small-town stories about second chances—featuring swoony heroes, strong heroines, and rescue animals that you'll fall in love with too.

Beyond writing, Kerk is the founder of The Lexi's Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps animal rescues save more lives. A portion of his book proceeds supports this mission because every animal deserves a forever home.

Connect with Kerk and sign up for his newsletter at www.kerkmurray.com for new releases and exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming books.

For film and subsidiary rights inquiries: info@kerkmurray.com

Follow Kerk:
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/2171938...
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/kerk-murray
Amazon: www.amazon.com/KerkMurray/e/B09C39NLYT
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kerkmurray
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kerkmurray
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kerkwrites

Reviews

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who is familiar with my reviews, knows I am such a sucker for a great doggie story. As a long-time dog mama, I am well aware of the effect that my fur babies have had on me and how they have changed my life. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without them, certainly not as fun and entertaining and definitely not as meaningful and precious because of their love and devotion. Yes, I am a firm believer that my fur babies loved me for my love and devotion to them and were happy that I rescued them they rescued me.

Murray relays how the doggies in life had a profound effect on him and how their love and devotion to him got him through some tough times. Dogs are like that though; they love us for whoever we are. It was the love and loss of his BF Lexie that had Murray reevaluating his life and committing his time to writing this book so that he could donate the proceeds to his charity that he started in tribute to another dog, Gunner, that he initially rescued from a horrible situation.

Like all non-fiction stories, I only rate it on the information provided and the manner in which it was provided. I enjoyed the content very much, but then again, I love hearing stories about doggies and how much people love them and how life is so much fuller and more meaningful with doggies. I liked how Murray started with his first doggie, Chelsea, and finished up with his current doggies Maximus and Spartacus. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.

[Kerk Murray]

Because of my readers, we've raised over $10,000 to help care for abused animals! Thanks so much for all of your support, whether you bought the book, left a review, or shared on your social.

Be sure to join my mailing list at https://www.kerkmurray.com/ to learn more about upcoming books, interviews and more. (I'll be releasing my debut novel in 2023!!!)

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Kerk tells his story growing up through some difficult times and having dogs there to comfort him which leads him to eventually start an organization to help care for abused animals. The proceeds of the book go to that foundation. I also talked with him prior to reading the book and he seems like a great guy.

I looked at other reviews for this book and I don’t even want to try to tell the virtues of this short book. I especially liked the review from Sarah (SaraAnneReadsBooks) who said almost everything I wanted to say but said it better than I could hope to. So instead I will just give some random thoughts and put in a few excerpts from the book that are my favorite.

First, I just want to say wow which is my reaction to how much he bared his soul. One part was about being bullied and I still remember similar experiences. You wish Parents could help their kids both prevent their children being bullies, and learn how to deal with bullying appropriately. His very serious difficulty that affected his life for years, (I won’t give it away what is is) is one of those things as a parent you wish your child would share with you, and then hopefully you would help steer them through to avoid the rocks of drugs and alcohol. When bad and painful things happen, they are hard to share and talk about. You hope reading/talking about other people’s hard-to-share stuff, can help others open up and deal with their tough stuff.

This book is primarily about him and his path to redemption and less of a ‘dog book.’ But it strongly as I alluded to earlier, shows that having someone to share the tough stuff with, and that a good dog goes a long way to help in that regard. This one passage speaks to that:

“Lexi became more than just a dog to me that summer. She was my confidant, a lantern in the darkness, an angel undercover. Whenever I think of her today, I realize just how fortunate I was to have her as a friend – to have known Lexi was to have known love.”

It was also nice to hear of the trials he experienced with a rescue dog. He said, “Spartacus’s confidence in himself was slowly restored, along with his capacity to trust, all because we chose to love him relentlessly.” I think people who rescue dogs are saints, especially when it requires ‘relentless’ love (patient hard work done in love) to turn a dog around. I would think this would give people hope how have to deal with a similar challenge with a dog.

Kerk also likes to include a lot of quotes. Some I had already in my list of favorites that I keep in excel. With quotes I think people fall into two camps that these other quotes illustrate:

"He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I hate quotations. Tell me what you know. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lastly, he mentions he had a Viper. I got to drive one for a short while but was more afraid of breaking it then putting all that horsepower to work. Cool car, but narrow dashboard window to view out of and not much room to bring a dog with you. Wish everyone had a chance to drive one once, but wouldn’t want to have one.

Getting back to the book, quick and powerful book.

[Sammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this from a Goodreads giveaway and am so glad I did. I’ve had this on my shelf for a while but after recently losing my dog - that was like Lexi to Kerk - I decided to pick it up and I’m glad I did. I expected it to be about how dogs change our lives but it was a little more than that. I enjoyed reading about the authors story with dogs - especially his experience with Gunner.

[Sarah (sarahanneisreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about the love and friendship that develops between a dog and their human family. In all honesty I was prepared for this book to be emotional, because these moments are inevitable when owning a dog as they have such short lives, but wow. What a beautiful book.

The author is very honest about his own personal journey growing up  and the difficulties he faced and how his dogs were a ray of sunshine during those times. He shares a very personal moment when one of his dogs even saved his life. The author beautifully describes the love of a dog and how no matter what you've done or how much you hate yourself, your dog will always love you and be loyal to you. We all deserve to be loved.
I think I had tears in my eyes on three or more separate occasions while reading this book. Mainly because I think most dog owners will have shared a lot of the experiences that are talked about, even if the details are not the same. However, I also laughed so much. There are funny moments in their own right, but they also reminded me of similar funny moments that I have had with my own dogs. I can particularly relate to the toilet training, although I did not turn to the same method as the author.

Overall this is a beautiful, powerful and hopeful book and I honestly can not praise the author more. Not only for writing such a sweet book, which really is a tribute to his dogs, but also because of all the work he has done to help so many dogs that need it.

It's a short, fast paced book at 138 pages, which can easily be devoured in one sitting. This is a book I will continue to recommend to others and I can see me going back and reading it again and again.

**I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Won this book on Goodreads, Giveaways.

Thank you, so much Goodreads, for this awe inspiring book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story.

I have always loved dogs and this author does too.

Any dog lover will absolutely love this book

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this on a Goodreads giveaway, and I loved it. I am a giant animal lover so this book really touched my heart. I highly recommend this pawsome read. 💯🐾💕
Thank you for the giveaway.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet book about the love that dogs can give their humans!!!

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book!

This was a fast read that resonated with me. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and it came at a perfect time. My dog has gone thru some health issues the last few months and just when I thought she was over it, a mass was discovered on her liver and we are waiting for the surgery in a few weeks. This book had some quotes and passages that make me realize I’m not alone in my worries and fear for her. I commend the author for his brutal honesty about issues he faced in his life; the book was honest, sad, funny and inspiring. I LMAO when I got to the story of getting one of his dogs to pee outside. I enjoyed reading about the dogs in his life and his journey to starting an animal rescue non-profit. The pictures were an added bonus!

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first received Pawprints on Our Hearts, I was expecting a book about our furry companions and the impact they can have on our hearts and in our lives. This is that, and so much more.

What an emotional journey, one in which I swore I wasn't going to cry, but of course I did. The author doesn't just share his experiences with the animals that helped shape who he is today, he bares his deepest fears and his darkest moments. There is a part in his parents' bedroom...when Lexi burst in and saves him...my heart broke and yet at the same time was full. What an amazing puppy.

I am Korean and Irish and while I didn't experience all this author has, I could relate to so much he went through. Growing up is already hard, but growing up amongst hate and bullying...whew. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, including our furry friends.

There is so much hope, courage and love poured into these pages and I am so thankful this found its way to me. It's one of my 2022 favorites and one I highly recommend.

I sincerely appreciate the author for the review copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this and was immediately drawn in because I am a firm believer all the fur babies leave paw prints on your heart forever and I am such a firm believer in the life changing quality and mutual benefit of rescue !!! This book is great for the purpose of shining a light on the lessons we can learn from loving animals and what we are gifted in return (I’ll forgive the breeder purchases because he does note the error in his ways , why not to do this and why rescue is a must!) I love that he explains how life changing the love for and from a dog can be and how pure they are … my only issue was when he found the dog - I think it is important to stress the dogs should be vetted meaning get them checked out !!! Other than missing that insert this is a solid read about the stresses of life and ways dogs and rescue and loving animals can add meaning, significance and joy to your life and how you can grow and change as a person through these experiences! This also touches on ways you can help even if you can’t open your home to a dog as they are not gifts or toys they are life commitments and responsibility and expense sooo you could be a foster , you could volunteer , you could donate goods or money to shelters or rescues that you feel do right by animals - you can buy from places that give kick back to rescue there are so many ways you can forever change a life ! I could go on and on about this book and my own stories - if you love dogs and want a way to give go buy this book from because the proceeds go to his non profit @thelexislegacyfoundation which helps animals in need
And this helps you see grief is part of love and any loss you feel is absolutely worth the love you gave and gained by sharing your life with a fur baby
And please I beg you the holidays are coming - do not gift an animal unless you are willing to invest the time and finances long term !!! Also if you are getting a pet please for the love of God and all you may praise #ADOPT #adoptdontshop so many rescues have puppies or all breeds and all kinds and if you can please snag a senior or special needs baby they are so grateful and absolutely magical!

[Rebecca❀°✶•. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I'd like to say a thank you to the author Kerk Murray for sending me a copy of this book!

It was a quick read, but full of emotion! I laughed and I cried. I enjoyed reading about the dogs throughout the authors life and the large impact that they had on his choices.

This book not only portrayed the love, loyalty and happiness that pets can bring throughout our lives, but also included some pretty important life lessons.

I enjoyed reading this book and it's perfect for dog lovers and owners!

[Jessica Foley Griesbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story of love and redemption!

This is a beautifully written, powerful, story of love and redemption as we follow the author's trials and heartbreak and later meet the wonderful dogs who comfort him--bring him back from the brink of destruction--to later embark on a mission to end animal suffering. What's really cool is that all proceeds from this book will be donated to that cause, and that's something I can truly stand behind!

I laughed AND cried as I read the author's journey of self-discovery with the help of some furry friends along the way. Any animal lover will deeply connect with this story, as we all have those moments of transformation with the animals and pets who have helped shape our lives. One of the many life lessons I took from this book is "the stories we tell ourselves affect our perception of the world. They influence our thoughts, which precedes belief, and ultimately determines our actions." If we could all see ourselves through the same lens our dogs do, with unconditional love, we would know we are capable of so much more!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves animals!

[Elizabeth Newberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Fear & Faith compassion prevails guided by paw prints on the authors heart

With suffering personal losses in life the author allows us to gain a clearer perspective by his finding his life’s purpose of existence making the impossible happen a safer place to call home for animals and eternity in life changing moments for others through compassion and writing this book as a guide for others … We can all look past faults this book is a wonderful validation and reminder of the importance and life transforming reasons why we should ! The authors lessons of why we should discover who we truly are and who we will become are discovered in a wonderfully written and compelling read on these gripping pages that allow for all who read it to feel tails wagging licks by favorite dogs past and present perhaps in our futures too?! I love that proceeds from this book truly continue to make a huge difference in the lives of animals as a non profit organization ! Win/win for all the right reasons

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the goodread's giveaway on my kindle. Kerk Murray writes about the dogs in his life. From a doberman pinscher chased him from his owner's property a while playing ding dong ditch. a scare that made him "sure" he would be afraid of dogs for life. A fear that was short lived when his family brought a rescue dog home. a dog that was easily frightened due to an abusive home. Eventually he warmed up to this first family pet and turned into a dog lover. Over the years he writes of his other dogs and how much they also saved him. A few years ago he rescued a puppy left on the streets to fend for himself. he took care of him for a couple days and found a home for the very sick dog. sadly the dog was just too sick, sorry for the spoiler but this had Kerk Murray decide to rescue other animals of all sorts and all kinds of charities. this is the reason for this book to help raise funds to help homeless, or abused animals get a better life. A nice read. want to give it five stars for his intent to help animals.
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[Sonya Cherniawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a reluctant Dog Owner... This Book is a Must Read!

I read this book start to finish in under 2 hours, I couldn’t put it down! My family welcomed a 25 lb bernadoodle into our household last year (for the kids) and having not had a dog before, I’ve been slowly getting used to him.

Reading Kerk’s moving memoir about his dogs Chelsea and Lexi and the massive impact they had on his life (saving it at one particularly emotional point), I felt my heart growing towards my own dog, Chewy. I’m starting to see the impact our furry friends can have on my life and my kids, and the care and dignity they deserve in return.

I won’t ruin the story for any readers, but Kudos Kerk for sharing your emotionally honest story, and for helping open up my eyes to the impact animals can have on my life!

[Rosemary]

Thank you to @kerkmurray and @bythebookvbp for my copy!

Oh my heart. ❤️

What I thought would be a feel good story of a man and his beloved dogs, was that and so much more!

Kerk’s story starts with his teenage years and continues through college until the present. No matter the trauma and darkness Kerk endured, his beloved pets were always present with unconditional love. Kerk’s honesty, vulnerability, courage, and hope will resonate with all readers!
This is a very quick read! It’s perfect gift for dog lovers (really, any animal lover!) and all proceeds from the book sales go to his non profit The Lexi’s Legacy Foundation, @thelexislegacyfoundation which raises money for animal rescue organizations.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book and couldn't put it down. It is a heartwarming story. How dogs were with this author through thick and thin. The major impact dogs had on this author's life. The devotion that they had for him, never judging, always by his side with unconditional love. A must read for anyone who loves animals.

[Barbara Hartzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read for Animal Lovers

Full of vulnerable and heart-warming stories of how dogs are with us through our best and worst moment. What a great reminder to treasure the animals in our life who love us unconditionally!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing the raw emotions that made up your story. As a dog lover, I adore precious pooch stories and this certainly didn't disappoint. Grab the tissues and settle in for the long haul, you won't be able to put it down.

[Mary Beth O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming book

Such a wonderful story that is heartwarming. It leaves you wanting to go out and help animals in need. A must read for any animal lover!

[booksanity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I paid little attention to the blurb because I am a reader who loves surprises. I thought it was a cute read, and I could relate because I have furbabies that I treat as my children.

This book is surprisingly as personal as a diary. It is vulnerabilities, AHA! moments, and courage combined. Expect to laugh, cry, swoon, hope, and cheer. Mr. Murray's search for purpose and the fulfillment of the quest up to this day for the love of animals is truly inspiring.

Sweet fact: All proceeds from this book go to Mr. Murray's non-profit organization, The Lexi's Legacy Foundation, which helps support local animal rescues and sanctuaries.

If you have experienced the unconditional love of a dog or current paw friend, this book is for you.

If you are not an animal lover, this will inspire you.

This book is for paw keeps.

[Taylor Kennedy]

First of all, thank you, Kerk, for a copy of your book - he reached out to me as a fellow animal and book lover! This book is a brutally honest and real telling of Kerk’s life and struggles and the impact of dogs on his life over the course of those struggles. I admire the strength he had to go through some very difficult things and come out on top - doing good for the world and for animals with the creation of his nonprofit. He speaks true words about the power of unconditional love and impact animals can have on our life. It made me want to hold my own dog even closer. I know one day when it’s her turn to cross the rainbow bridge I’ll be devastated. But Kerk gives me hope that something positive can come from difficult times. Thank you again for sharing your story and this message!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand

This is a collection of stories about dogs and their profound impact on one person. I got my first ever pet in my 30’s. He had my heart from first sight. Now, regardless of the weather I go on two walks per day. I share my bed with someone that doesn’t share and has horrible morning breath. I watch tv next to the worlds most adorable furnace. I ask for guidance from something that cannot respond. I have a best friend waiting for me when I open the door. I have learned to be more patient, kinder, gentler. No matter how much I train my dog, he teaches me more. This book is full of little stories about the amazing mess of dogs.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Tammy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paw Prints on our Heart was incredible

Paw prints on our hearts was a book I found myself connecting as a fellow dog owner. The feel of unconditional love of an animal is one of the most amazing things in the world.

Very heartwarming.

[Natalia Devargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book a beautiful tribute to our furry friends. I recently lost my pet of almost 14 years. Though some may say it's 'just a pet', I know I've lost a friend.

[Sondra Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional reading

Enjoyed reading this book. Brought back memories of dogs I have had & how they changed or influenced my life

[M.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

This is a sweet book about a boy who loved his dogs, but faced a lot of problems while growing into a man. His dogs helped him in so many ways, including stopping his suicide.

His story is written in simple terms, easy to read, and straight forward.

[Crystal Cottrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute & uplifting

Quick read and very uplifting. I thought it was a great reminder of just how meaningful the relationships with dogs can be in our lives.