Lessons from Lad: What My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, Leadership, and Loss

by Christine Nicole Ferris

126 pages, Hardcover

Published January 16, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa Lederach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because we have a new rescue dog. I thought, perhaps, that I’d get training tips. But no, the book is so much more than that. While Christine Nicole Ferris does talk about the training and learning of her dog(s), she connects that training to the learning she did. Lad’s life ends way too soon, but that didn’t stop the author from thinking deeply about her learning and relationship with Lad.

There were numerous life tips I picked up from this book. One is that curiosity can be one of the most meaningful expressions of love. Another is that assuming you don’t know leads to all kinds of discoveries. And maybe the best dog training tip is that leadership rooted in self-control (of you, the owner) will bring about the kind of dog behavior you wish every dog had.

I’d recommend this book to any dog lover that wants to think a bit differently about what their dog is learning and more about what they, the dog’s owner, is learning. Christine has a knack for turning her little vignettes into life lessons.

As our rescue continues to embed himself into our family, I will always remember Christine’

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first drawn to read Lessons From Lad because I, too, am a lover of the collie breed through my own collies, Honey, Baby Roo and SonnyDale, my very own Lad.
The cover of the book alone is beautiful. Then, I met Lad through the pages and lessons contained therein. I am forever a fan!
As I read Christine Nicole Ferris beautiful work about her Lad and the lessons learned in her own life, Lad's personality has shown large but more importantly did God's hand, His love and divine leadership.
Yes, Lad's life story is short, much shorter than those who loved him wanted, but the lessons shared are timeless because they come from his Creator.
Lessons From Lad is more than a story of the life of a beloved pet, but is of faith, discipline, trust, devotion, loyalty, grief, healing and perhaps most of all of unconditional love. The kind of love a dog shares with his owner. The kind of love God has for each of us.
Lad's legacy will never die but will live on, as timeless as the love between a girl and her dog and a God and His creation.

[Robyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, Delightful and a Literary Masterpiece

“Lessons From Lad” by Christine Nicole Ferris is simply a Literary Masterpiece! This book is a beautiful journey of the depth of love, lessons learned, practical applications, profound wisdom, devotion, loyalty and the truth of God’s word.

While Lad was a special gift from God to Christine, likewise Christine’s literary craftsmanship of the written word and depth of understanding is a gift to us and so beautifully exemplifies the author’s profound wisdom, insights, and her powerful understanding of what it means to love deeply and her deep understanding of God’s word.

The photography in this book is amazing, a great read for all ages! Every lesson is captivating, among my favorites are lessons 37 and 40, don’t miss them! While “Lessons From Lad” are Christine’s lessons of Life, Love, Leadership and Loss, it’s a profoundly deep love between Christine, Lad and what the Lord taught her through it all! An unforgettable read! A book to remember!

[Georgina Bachik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Nicole Ferris has written a such a beautiful book. The lesson learned, the Bible verses that are attached to each lesson and a picture for each lessons are all tied together.
It really touches my heart. I’ve always felt that a person who has known the love of a dog is truly blessed. All we have to do is stay open with our eyes, mind and mostly our hearts to learn all the things a dog can teach us. This book is a wonderful example of just that.
I have been following Christine when she first started posting Lessons from Lad on Facebook. I saved each one of the posts to cherish. I was so excited for this book that I purchased two, just to start. I have the cherished posts in a hard covered book now.
It’s also the perfect gift to give to anyone that loves animals.

[Joanna Kovalcsik · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Lessons from Lad, Christine Nicole Ferris writes with the strength and passion that flows from a deep faith tried and proven during moments of joy, loss, and grief. Her heart-warming and encouraging book is filled with practical insights, profound wisdom, and the absolute truths that are so pertinent to life. Using a numbered series of lessons, Christine shares unique instructive experiences she had with Lad, her Rough Coat Collie. Each thought-provoking tale contains timely, uplifting words that are valuable for all ages. If you're a dog lover or just someone who loves a good read, you will cherish this book!

[SUSAN P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this true, inspiring book about the lessons we can learn from our dogs. The Lessons from Lad were inspiring, funny, heart breaking. As I read I found myself laughing, crying and full of Joy.

God loves us and gives us gifts throughout our lives, so we can learn and grow spiritually. We just need to recognize those circumstances…
Lad definitely was a special gift from God for Christine Nicole Ferris and her family. It’s a wonderful read and I highly recommend this to anyone who love’s dogs and the word of God and wants to be a positive reflection in the lives of others.

[Julie Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining her knowledge of and love for both scripture and dogs, Christine Nicole Ferris delivers meaningful insights into God's word as it relates to many of our shared experiences. Amid the varied aspects of life one may be going through, Lessons from Lad offers opportunities to relate to and reflect on many of those topics that matter most. As a previous dog owner, I found myself laughing, crying and recalling sweet memories all from this inspirational book! Particularly significant to me are the encouraging prayers which follow each lesson, each highlighting gratitude and hope.

[Pat Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a pet owner my entire adult life, and this book perfectly describes the deep relationship and lessons we learn from our companions through their entire circle of life. If you're a pet owner, this will touch your heart as you're reminded of many of the things the author has learned and experienced. If you're not a current pet owner, this is an honest overview of how a pet enriches our lives.

[Heidi Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Lessons from Lad are the practical life lessons combined with beautiful photography — such a beautiful dog!! — with Scripture and a spiritual thought for each lesson. I am a dog lover who dog sits quite frequently so I knew I wanted to read this when I found out about it! Great work Christine Nicole Ferris!!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dog lover, someone who has experienced loss, and who often self evaluates I enjoyed this.

The author shares memories of her beloved collie Lad, the lessons she learned while training him, and how these lessons also applied to her own growth and journey through training, loss, and new experiences in life.

[Amy DeMass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Christine Nicole Ferris shares her heart ache and grief in a very raw and daily process- surprisingly in a book that is both cute, sweet and convicting. Her grief reached out and touched my grief and tears of healing flowed. I love this book so so much. I bought the Kindle version and will be buying the hard copy next. A must have for everyone who has gone through anything.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the author, Christine Nicole Ferris, translates lessons learned from her beloved puppy, Lad, into 52 life lessons organized as a devotional in her book Lessons from Lad.

The life lessons are applicable to all people, helping to guide people to make Godly choices. The book is a gratifying read that you won’t want to put down.

[Casey Hilty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons from Lad is such a gift! This book has opened my eyes to see my own pets in a new light as they, too, teach me many things about love and faith on my own life journey. Perfect for any animal lover, believer, and seeker.

[Joy Beall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought four books to give as gifts to friends. My first friend is now ordering three books to give away! That is how great this book is! Beautiful photos with daily inspirational stories. And I’m ready to buy more to gift!

[Susan Von · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am using this book in my classroom as part of our morning exercises. The children love the pictures and we discuss the daily lesson. There is a lot of encouragement to apply to our daily lives in this wonderful book!

[Nina Hose · Rating 5 out of 5]

received my copy with great anticipation and was not disappointed. I love the lessons as they apply to our everyday life and the scriptures totally resonate!! You will not be disappointed!!! Can't say enough about this book and the photos are stunning!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine’s book is beautiful to behold.
Her words are infused with faith and love. The insight she shares with the reader pairs beautifully with scriptures selected to illustrate each lesson. Christine’s deep spirituality inspires and challenges. This book is a pure gift from her heart.

[Amanda Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons from Lad takes a daily approach to encouragement and help with loss and others aspects of life, with the furry wrappings of a dog's influence. A delightfully moving and quick read for anyone who deals with loss and anyone who loves dogs!

[Kathy Montonera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about love and loss from the sweet soul of Christine Nicole Ferris. The "Lord Jesus" prayer at the bottom of every page was my favorite part and the photos are so unique in every way.

[Sharon Schaubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Lessons from Lad” Christine Nicole Ferris candidly reflects on the insightful lessons learned from Lad, her dearest and first Rough Collie. Each heart-warming lesson is a true testament to the indelible mark Lad left on her life.

Written to resonate with any age group, each lesson is accompanied by lovely full-color pictures of Lad throughout his brief yet beautiful life. The 52 lessons are concise, taking about 2-3 minutes to read, making them perfect for even the busiest lifestyle.

Lesson 37, "Life is the Gift," is a personal favorite. However, every lesson offers profound food for thought, provides a poignant moment for thoughtful conversation or personal reflection, and is suitable for reading to a child or sharing with another adult.

I highly recommend "Lessons from Lad". Each lesson will touch your heart and impact your life for good.

[J.C. Dilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Nicole Ferris’s Lessons From Lad is not only infectiously sweet, each short chapter offers a wise lesson, all with adorable doggy pictures! This is such a cute read, highly recommend.

[Lori Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons from Lad is a beautiful heart touching book. It is both very beautiful and inspiring. Christine Nicole Ferris is a beautiful writer who expresses her thoughts and feelings so well. It helps those of us who feel them inside and don't know how to express them, touching the soul. It will be a beautiful gift also. Relating the wonderful lessons learned from life with this beautiful dog to our walk with Jesus is so well done and makes it a wonderful devotional. I once had a Lad, also a Stormy and Wolf, Collies years ago, and loved them all dearly. I now have two blue merle Shelties, Sapphire and Starshine. They are my heart and my friends. Thankful for this beautiful expressive book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love expertly written, and stunningly photographed books, you will not be disappointed by Lessons from Lad. Each page can stand alone, so if you only have a brief time to read a book, you will gain an encouragement and enjoyment from each page. This is a great book for dog lovers and also a great book for anyone who loves encouragement!

[Heather Clanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Ferris writes from a deep place in her heart. It is clear that the love of her dog, Lad, was a special gift from God. The reader not only feels that love through her masterful words, but the beautiful photographs that accompany each lesson.

The lessons learned in this book are not just about dogs, but about how the Lord desires the best for us and allows us to grow closer to him through his word which is imparted to the reader in each lesson. Every page brought a smile to my face and a chance to hear from God in a unique way. A must read!

[Jennifer Bleakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons from Lad is a heartwarming, inspiring and easy to read book that will leave you feeling uplifted and encouraged. Reading this book feels like sitting with your favorite dog, rubbing his belly and feeling his unconditional love. I highly recommend Lessons from Lad!