Ever wonder how a dog sees the world? In Pawsitive Perspectives, Ella, a spirited German Shorthaired Pointer mix, takes us on a journey through 15 transformative years alongside her human, Carrie. They face everything from dating mishaps to health scares, starting a business, and moving to the mountains. Through it all, Ella's zest for life, unwavering loyalty, and determination in the face of her own challenges teach valuable lessons about resilience, finding joy, and the profound impact a dog can have on our lives.
Carrie Lehtonen is an entrepreneur, passionate animal advocate, and storyteller. Her work has been featured in Elephant Journal, YOGA+ Life, and Well magazine. Pawsitive Perspectives is her first book. She earned a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and spent over 18 years working in Human Resources. After surviving a heart attack at 31 years old, Carrie chose to pursue an education in health and wellness. Carrie attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Holistic Health Practitioner. She also trained to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and Educator. Carrie eventually left her career in Human Resources to start her own business, Firefly Community LLC.
Imagine seeing life from your dog’s perspective—Pawsitive Perspectives: Life Lessons from the Shelter Dog Who Became Queen by Carrie Lehtonen is exactly that 🐾 This little book came into my hands thanks to a giveaway on Goodreads (after 1,500 tries, I finally won one!), and even though I didn’t quite know what to expect, it captivated me with the warmth in which it’s written.
🐶 Pawsitive Perspectives is a love letter to that special bond between a human and their dog. It talks about second chances, the healing power of a dog’s love, and how a pet can completely transform the way you see life. Because yes, dogs don’t just keep us company… they also teach us to live more simply, more presently, and with more love.
👉🏼 One thing I didn’t like is that, although the title suggests we’ll be reading from the dog’s point of view, the reality is that it turns more into a personal memoir. Carrie shares her journey, her learnings, and how her dog became a key pillar throughout it all. Still, you can feel the genuine love she has for her four-legged companion and how that connection helped her heal, grow, and move forward.
📌 It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I found an honest and heartfelt testimony about what it means to have a dog who becomes family. And as a die-hard animal lover, I found myself reflecting on the lives of my own furry friends and how much they’ve improved my life without ever asking for anything in return—and I think that’s the most valuable part of all.
Poignant and bittersweet, this was a sweet book about a much-loved furry "soulmate" to the book's author. Told from a dog's perspective, with an epilogue from the author, I thought it beautiful. It includes photos. I loved it, and recommend it. I won this from a Goodreads giveaway.