Tail Wags and Whiskers: Pet Tales of Love, Joy and Chaos from Forty Years of Cats and Dogs

by Laurie Stone, Linn Hart (Illustrator)

For anyone who ever loved a fur baby, Tail Wags and Whiskers chronicles a 40-year marriage and the cats and dogs that romp, yip, and purr their way throughout.Starting in 1980 and working its way to the present, Tail Wags and Whiskers shows how animals come into our lives, not only teaching us resilience, patience, and devotion, but also marking the passage of time. In fact, many a family’s most fun, treasured memories are entwined in the deeds—and yes, misdeeds—of their pets.Part memoir, part unintended instruction manual, Tail Wags and Whiskers is often funny, sometimes poignant, but always tender and heart-warming.After you’ve read it, you’ll want to give your fur babies an extra-long hug!"What appeals about Stone's gentle, humorous memoir is her empathy with the parade of endearing and sometimes maddening fur-babies who have traipsed through her life, to the detriment of her sofas and the enrichment of her heart." —Publisher's Weekly

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir of family life that covers the decades through the ownership of pets - that cycle of life and death which only pet owners are familiar with. The memoir is skillfully crafted, portraying family life over the years, weaving in the intricacies of pet ownership of dogs and cats. Each pet is beautifully characterised and the reader feels they know each cat and dog that passes through the family's ownership, from the time they are taken home from the rescue centre as young and lively as creatures through to old age and that point that all pet owners dread when you have to say goodbye. It's peppered with amusing tales as well as more reflective moments, and is a heartwarming and delightful read.

[Ann Campanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wholesome tale of the dogs and cats that scampered through Laurie’s family. As an animal lover, this book is like sitting down with a bowl of popcorn and reliving moments with my own menagerie. Laurie and her husband Randy have a series of animals who are each unique and loveable with the occasional frustrating trait. Welcome to pet parenthood! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Callie, Floyd, Ren, Rocky, Simon and Libby and getting to know how they burrowed into, clawed, snuggled or ran away with Laurie’s heart.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales of family pets. From the first kitten as a young married couple, through pregnancy, young children and empty nesters, there have always been cats or dogs, or both. All with their own endearing characteristics. I have to admit, when she likened one of her dogs to a Biewer Terrier I was quite excited, as that's the dog I have. Pet lovers will enjoy reading about the fun, and inevitable tears involved in being a pet parent.

[Diane Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Delightful

Warm, witty, and infinitely satisfying, Stone takes us on the pet adventure of an entire lifetime. Her lifetime. Even if one has never actually owned a pet, all the joys, heartaches and rewards of life lived with four-footed furballs can be found between these two covers. From the first woof or yowl, you will be hooked!

[Robin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I laughed so hard I snorted. I cried so hard my nose was sore from blowing. This story brought back over 55 years of animals in my, life it was both good and bad, oddly enough, just like owning any pet. I would recommend this story to any reader who loves animals.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings back memories

This book touched my heart. Like the author, animals have always been a part of my life. The joy of sharing their lives and the pain of losing them in the end are just two sides of the same coin.

[Mona Andrei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a charming read, well-written, and sentimental. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it. With everything going on in the world, it's a reminder of what's important.

[Judy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this light-hearted tale of the many pets in Laurie’s life. It was the perfect thing to pick up over coffee break or lunch and a lovely bedtime story. If you love animals with all their adorable antics and challenges this book is for you. Definitely a 5 star read.