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Dog People

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When you lose a dog, where does all that love go? The routine, the way they filled the quiet spaces in your day—what happens to all of it? They may be gone, but those feelings remain, lingering like a shadow searching for a place to settle. You still expect to hear the soft thud of their paws on the floor or feel their warm breath beside you, but it never comes. All that love you poured into them now has nowhere to go, leaving you with an ache, heavy and still, waiting for something that won't return. It's a peculiar kind of grief, losing a dog. You lose more than just a pet—you lose a part of your everyday life, a constant companion, and suddenly realize how something so simple could leave such an enormous hole behind. Those feelings don’t just vanish; they hover, untethered, seeking a place to rest but never quite finding it.

Dog People is a collection of stories, prose, and poems that invites you to live with a greater sense of gratitude and tenderness. Each piece captures the essence of a dog's love—their unwavering loyalty, patience, and the way they give without asking for anything but our presence. These stories pull you back to the core of your own heart, reminding you of the love we sometimes forget to show. Dogs love without hesitation, without fear of rejection, and this book gently encourages you to do the same with the people you hold dear. As you turn the pages, you’ll feel a quiet nudge toward living more fully—open-hearted, present, and forgiving—just as dogs have taught us. In a world that often feels disconnected, Dog People will guide you back to the pure, unspoken beauty of unconditional love. When you lose a dog, where does all that love go? The routine, the way they filled the quiet spaces in your day—what happens to all of it? They may be gone, but those feelings remain, lingering like a shadow searching for a place to settle. You still expect to hear the soft thud of their paws on the floor or feel their warm breath beside you, but it never comes. All that love you poured into them now has nowhere to go, leaving you with an ache, heavy and still, waiting for something that won't return. It's a peculiar kind of grief, losing a dog. You lose more than just a pet—you lose a part of your everyday life, a constant companion, and suddenly realize how something so simple could leave such an enormous hole behind. Those feelings don’t just vanish; they hover, untethered, seeking a place to rest but never quite finding it.

Dog People is a collection of stories, prose, and poems that invites you to live with a greater sense of gratitude and tenderness. Each piece captures the essence of a dog's love—their unwavering loyalty, patience, and the way they give without asking for anything but our presence. These stories pull you back to the core of your own heart, reminding you of the love we sometimes forget to show. Dogs love without hesitation, without fear of rejection, and this book gently encourages you to do the same with the people you hold dear. As you turn the pages, you’ll feel a quiet nudge toward living more fully—open-hearted, present, and forgiving—just as dogs have taught us. In a world that often feels disconnected, **Dog People** will guide you back to the pure, unspoken beauty of unconditional love.

Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2025

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About the author

Robert M. Drake

87 books1,924 followers

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5 stars
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12 (19%)
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16 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
42 reviews
February 4, 2025
I really wanted to love this but I was a little disappointed to be honest. I find it very repetitive in places. A nice quick read however with some sweet pieces of writing.
Profile Image for Adam DeSentis.
2 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
After losing my dog this past year I really wanted this book to help me navigate all the emotions I’ve been feeling but it missed the mark. The poems are redundant and it really just lacked the punch that I was hoping to get while reading these pages. Overall a disappointing read for anyone dealing with the grief of losing their best friend.
Profile Image for Angela Schneider.
40 reviews
July 19, 2025
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but I found myself aligning with other reviewers who noted the repetition in some passages. More importantly, I was taken aback by one section that suggests people should “deal with their trauma” before getting a dog, so they don’t pass that stress onto the animal.

In reality healing from trauma is a lifelong process. If I had waited until I was “finished” dealing with mine, I never would’ve known the love, grounding and purpose my first dog gave me. Healing is not an item on a checklist to tick off and say, "Yay, I'm healed. I'm gonna go get a dog." Shep was my lifeline and I’m not sure I’d still be here to write this review if it wasn't for him.

That kind of statement risks alienating the very people who most need what a dog can offer. And honestly, for someone who identifies as a dog person, referring to a dog as "it" felt a little out of step with the message of connection the rest of the book tries to promote.
Profile Image for Pamela.
73 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2025
I think I expected more. Repetitive and Sad Dog Stories (the last section of the book) was poorly written. Also, so many of the “poems” should have been edited to a single page. There would often be a sentence or 2 on the next. Poor spacing. I liked what the author said about how awesome dogs are and what they bring to our life but feel it could have been done better. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Bullet North.
2 reviews
March 30, 2025
This book is amazing for anyone who just recently lost a dog. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Allison Esposito.
8 reviews
August 14, 2025
Some of the passages resonated, some didn’t. The author uses “he” when talking about his dog, which makes complete sense… but my pup was a girlie, so i felt disconnected at times.
Profile Image for Tom.
32 reviews
December 15, 2025
A lottle repetitive at times, but the subject matter is clearly close to the author's heart. I lost my dog earlier in the year and some of the poems resonated with me.
Profile Image for Madelyn  Murnane.
76 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2025
Oh my god. If you have lost a beloved pet this book is for you. Hits you right where it hurts.

I especially loved the story When the Moon Crashes into the Earth
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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