What do you think?
Rate this book
Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me
Playful spaniels completely covered with snow—“There’s no such thing as ‘bad’ weather.” Two happy dogs sleeping, one on top of the other— “Sometimes you need a pillow. Sometimes you are the pillow." The bulldog who’s headfirst in her bowl—“Every meal is THE BEST MEAL EVER.”
Cynthia L. Copeland has a gift for discovering those sorts of simple, timeless lessons. She did it when her children were younger with Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me. Now she distills all-new wisdom from her lifelong love of dogs. Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me is tender, funny, warm, and utterly inspiring. Pairing an irresistible photograph with just the right sentiment, every page delivers a life lesson that appeals as much to our hearts as our minds. It reminds us again and again of what’s important, like love: “Be there when others need you.” Compassion: “Even the smallest act of kindness matters.” Perseverance: “Keep going until you find your way home.” A healthy sense of self: “Make it squeak until someone pays attention.” Living in the present moment: “Scratch where it itches, when it itches.” And that happiness is a choice: “Leap higher than you have to.”
Cynthia L. Copeland has a gift for discovering those sorts of simple, timeless lessons. She did it when her children were younger with Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me. Now she distills all-new wisdom from her lifelong love of dogs. Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me is tender, funny, warm, and utterly inspiring. Pairing an irresistible photograph with just the right sentiment, every page delivers a life lesson that appeals as much to our hearts as our minds. It reminds us again and again of what’s important, like love: “Be there when others need you.” Compassion: “Even the smallest act of kindness matters.” Perseverance: “Keep going until you find your way home.” A healthy sense of self: “Make it squeak until someone pays attention.” Living in the present moment: “Scratch where it itches, when it itches.” And that happiness is a choice: “Leap higher than you have to.”
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 1994
15 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 3, 2023
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩 I've always been able to connect with animals better than most people. They are uncomplicated, funny, sweet, smart,sometimes grumpy, can be defensive and protective.
I do believe they have souls, despite what some say. I also believe in Furry soul mates and an animal finding you at the right time that you need them.
Mom and I believe that Tasha sent Mabel to me because she knew Mabel was perfect soul for me...it just took me awhile to see it myself.
This was another fun and cute 😍 book. I was smiling and giggling, sharing certain passages with friends, reading some twice.
I love all animals in the animal kingdom(aside from snakes, hell no).. I've had one soul cat Goldy ,soul bird Woody,and some Furry siblings but I've always felt more connected to Dogs and Wolves the most.
Highly recommend this, for you and to give as gifts. Just another one of those books that is just sunshine and comfort ✨️ 💛 ❤️
I do believe they have souls, despite what some say. I also believe in Furry soul mates and an animal finding you at the right time that you need them.
Mom and I believe that Tasha sent Mabel to me because she knew Mabel was perfect soul for me...it just took me awhile to see it myself.
This was another fun and cute 😍 book. I was smiling and giggling, sharing certain passages with friends, reading some twice.
I love all animals in the animal kingdom(aside from snakes, hell no).. I've had one soul cat Goldy ,soul bird Woody,and some Furry siblings but I've always felt more connected to Dogs and Wolves the most.
Highly recommend this, for you and to give as gifts. Just another one of those books that is just sunshine and comfort ✨️ 💛 ❤️
January 25, 2018
This little book was such a cute, fun read!
I bought Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me for my dog-loving bestie for Christmas, and obviously I could not resist reading it myself before I wrapped it up and mailed it to her.
The quotes and little lessons are adorable, of course, but they are also meaningful and relevant. Despite the fact that this book is lighthearted, it addresses heavier topics like natural disasters, physical impairments, and death. I'd be lying if I said I didn't blubber like a baby while reading through it, especially the pages that featured the blind 9-11 survivor and the dog that refuses to leave his owner's grave.
The pictures were beautiful, too.
This book is the perfect gift for any canine-loving person, or anyone who just needs a bit of encouragement every now and then.
I bought Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me for my dog-loving bestie for Christmas, and obviously I could not resist reading it myself before I wrapped it up and mailed it to her.
The quotes and little lessons are adorable, of course, but they are also meaningful and relevant. Despite the fact that this book is lighthearted, it addresses heavier topics like natural disasters, physical impairments, and death. I'd be lying if I said I didn't blubber like a baby while reading through it, especially the pages that featured the blind 9-11 survivor and the dog that refuses to leave his owner's grave.
The pictures were beautiful, too.
This book is the perfect gift for any canine-loving person, or anyone who just needs a bit of encouragement every now and then.
January 9, 2017
This was a REALLY quick read and didn't have any difficult dialogue but was a really enjoyable book! It was mostly about all the things dog have taught us and incredible dog stories but the stuff we've been taught was put into really deep, thought out quotes. For a reader that likes dog they should read this book!
January 2, 2015
A great read for any dog lovers out there. The quotes and sayings were wonderful, a true dog owner would understand and shake their heads agreeing to these. I loved the pictures of the dogs, they were adorable.
September 16, 2025
Maybe I’m just a sucker for a dog book (okay I’m definitely a sucker for a dog book), but despite my usual distaste for inspirational/self-help type books, I enjoyed reading this. It’s more of a bathroom/waiting room book than anything, as it doesn’t really have any depth and is just inspirational life lessons the author took away from her time spent with canines.
There’s all the usual fluff you’ll find in a book like this (Eat. Play. Nap. Repeat. 🙄), but there’s also some moving anecdotes involving exceptional dogs who saved their owners’ lives or kept showing up at the train station to greet their owner day after day even after they unexpectedly passed away (Jurassic Bark, anyone?). The photography is very high-quality and adds a lot to this book; in fact, it’s probably the best part. There’s also a decent amount of actual insight mixed in with all the cheesy cliches that makes this book absolutely worth it, especially given that it takes about 30 minute to read — if that. If you love dogs it will definitely make you feel something (besides the embarrassment of actually enjoying a book like this).
There’s all the usual fluff you’ll find in a book like this (Eat. Play. Nap. Repeat. 🙄), but there’s also some moving anecdotes involving exceptional dogs who saved their owners’ lives or kept showing up at the train station to greet their owner day after day even after they unexpectedly passed away (Jurassic Bark, anyone?). The photography is very high-quality and adds a lot to this book; in fact, it’s probably the best part. There’s also a decent amount of actual insight mixed in with all the cheesy cliches that makes this book absolutely worth it, especially given that it takes about 30 minute to read — if that. If you love dogs it will definitely make you feel something (besides the embarrassment of actually enjoying a book like this).
October 11, 2017
My fondest childhood memories all seem to revolve around our two Labradors, Mike, and Christopher Columbus. I have to admit, I think dogs are the most wonderful of all the animals. I only wish they lived longer...and that I had one now. This book is a wonderfully short and instructive read.
Age neither defines a dog, nor overwhelms his thoughts. An old dog doesn't focus on what he can no longer do, but what he still can do. Dogs cope, they adapt, they look for reasons to wag their tales.
If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now.
Age neither defines a dog, nor overwhelms his thoughts. An old dog doesn't focus on what he can no longer do, but what he still can do. Dogs cope, they adapt, they look for reasons to wag their tales.
If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now.
March 28, 2020
Adorable book!!!
May 26, 2022
I received this as a present from a friend who knows of my fondness for dogs. This is basically a book of photographs of dogs, frequently with text explaining how the photographs illustrate "stuff...dog[s]" can teach people. Some of these lessons are quite obvious: "A well-spent day brings happy sleep," with a picture of a dog and a child lying together. Some are less so: "Help yourself," with a dog eating a helping of whipped cream accompanying a slice of pie, which seems to recommend stealing.
Many of the photographs are excellent. The front cover photograph is one of my least favorite in the book; I wish that a different picture had been chosen for the cover.
For the most part, this book is sweet. Some of the brief stories are quite moving. I don't entirely believe some of the stories of canine loyalty not only up to but past their human companion's death; do dogs really understand death and know that a human's body lies in a particular place? Maybe - at least it is nice to think so. The text that I find most touching is the author's introduction, in which she writes about her own dogs.
An aside about the Goodreads listing for this book: As of the time in 2022 that I am writing this, Goodreads says that another book by this same author, Cynthia L. Copeland, Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me, is a different edition of this same book. I have not seen the "Kids" book, but I strongly doubt that Ms. Copeland thinks that dogs and kids are exactly the same.
Many of the photographs are excellent. The front cover photograph is one of my least favorite in the book; I wish that a different picture had been chosen for the cover.
For the most part, this book is sweet. Some of the brief stories are quite moving. I don't entirely believe some of the stories of canine loyalty not only up to but past their human companion's death; do dogs really understand death and know that a human's body lies in a particular place? Maybe - at least it is nice to think so. The text that I find most touching is the author's introduction, in which she writes about her own dogs.
An aside about the Goodreads listing for this book: As of the time in 2022 that I am writing this, Goodreads says that another book by this same author, Cynthia L. Copeland, Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me, is a different edition of this same book. I have not seen the "Kids" book, but I strongly doubt that Ms. Copeland thinks that dogs and kids are exactly the same.
June 8, 2016
You can roll around in a pile of dead fish, but you have to accept the consequences. Thanks, Big Daddy Dewdrops, for the heartwarming book.
May 28, 2025
5/28/25 - 5/28/25 Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me by Cynthia L Copeland
Photography and sayings and distinguished notations written on man ‘s best friend Dogs. Wonderful beautiful photos that warm your heart, make you smile and brighten your day… inspirations of famous people’s sayings regarding dogs and distinguished notations on some of the dogs heroics and other life challenges. Just heartwarming feel good all the way around.
Photography and sayings and distinguished notations written on man ‘s best friend Dogs. Wonderful beautiful photos that warm your heart, make you smile and brighten your day… inspirations of famous people’s sayings regarding dogs and distinguished notations on some of the dogs heroics and other life challenges. Just heartwarming feel good all the way around.
July 20, 2017
SIMPLY WONDERFUL - MAKES A GREAT GIFT
I can't say enough good things about this little book. I keep a copy on my desk and read a quote from it each day, leaving a bookmark where I left off. - David B. Crawley, M.D. - Author of "Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey From Clinic to Cockpit" and "A Mile of String: A Boy's Recollection of His Midwest Childhood."
I can't say enough good things about this little book. I keep a copy on my desk and read a quote from it each day, leaving a bookmark where I left off. - David B. Crawley, M.D. - Author of "Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey From Clinic to Cockpit" and "A Mile of String: A Boy's Recollection of His Midwest Childhood."
February 29, 2020
I bought this book years ago before I was a mother. I kept it all of these years because it was so relatable on so many levels. A quick read that reminded me of what it was like being a kid and how simple things can be through the eyes of a child. I like to pick it up every so often and thumb through the pages.
December 28, 2021
There is a lot of good advice in this collection of darling dog photos. Included are some interesting tidbits of real dog heroes. The photos are well chosen to go with the quotes. Though I was sorry the book wasn’t longer, I had to laugh at the last quote by Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because is happened.” Recommended for everyone, not just dog lovers.
June 18, 2018
A really cute book with feel-good insights and perspectives. This book explains why I’m a better human being when I have a dog. I try to remember these maxims. I purchased this as an idea for a writing prompt for reluctant readers who are inspired and motivated by dogs.
April 12, 2024
Super cute and wonderful book. Full of pictures, good advice as well as inspiring stories and some lists of things to do together.
Quick easy read. Enjoyed it very much. Can't go wrong reading this one.
Quick easy read. Enjoyed it very much. Can't go wrong reading this one.
August 25, 2017
Was already starting to make me cry and then she had to include the story of Hachikō.
October 22, 2017
A very inspiring book, full of phrases and stories to really improve your mood and life.
November 17, 2017
New book in out shop~ made me tear up several times!
June 12, 2018
All the feels!
July 25, 2018
LOVE this book.
June 2, 2019
Cute, fun, quick read
May 21, 2020
I love it! Cute dogs and wonderful quotes. I got a lot of enjoyment in reading this. I actually read it to my dog and showed him all the dog pictures.
July 31, 2020
Sometimes you just need to leave the world behind, have a few laughs and be reminded that simple is beautiful.
August 7, 2020
LOVED this book. The photos, the quotations, and the little stories of real life happenings. It would definitely put you in a great mood. She has written one about Cats too! I need it also :)
August 16, 2020
My dog has a taught me all of these. A book every dog lover should have!!
August 29, 2020
A simple and profound reminder from man’s best friend about what matters.
I recommend everyone read this short, spirit lifting book.
I recommend everyone read this short, spirit lifting book.
November 21, 2020
Such a cute book. Loved the pictures too.
April 1, 2021
If you love dogs read this book.
September 14, 2021
Super quick read. It made me smile and cry, and was surprising full of things I needed to hear about love and life. It made me hug my dogs a little harder.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews