Love, Animals, and Miracles: Inspiring True Stories Celebrating the Healing Bond

by Bernie S. Siegel, Cynthia Hurn (Contributor), Allen M. Schoen (Foreword)

Dr. Bernie Siegel has long observed how relationships with animals have helped his patients, alleviating their suffering and heartbreak. Now, he’s gathered many inspiring true stories, including delightful tales from the “Siegel Family Zoo” where “squawks, purrs, chirrups, squeaks, barks, and so on” fill the house. Other stories reveal animals as teachers and messengers, doctors and nurses, healers and miracle workers, and often as guileless clowns. Bernie writes that animals are here to show us how to be nonjudgmental and live better, healthier lives. Let these stories teach you, and apply their lessons to your daily life. If you have an animal, an appreciation for the inspirational, or simply the need for a smile, you’ll treasure this celebration of animals as a source of love, wisdom, and miracles.

A portion of the publisher’s proceeds from this book will aid Ark Angel Society.

Genres: Animals

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Bernie Siegel is an American writer and retired pediatric surgeon, who writes on the relationship between the patient and the healing process. He is known for his best-selling book Love, Medicine and Miracles.

Reviews

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say — all the stories in this book were very good and very well written. I don’t think, however, that short stories (even nonfiction stories about animals) are my cup of tea.

[Yycdaisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were a few interesting stories but the book comes off as a bit amateurish.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although traditionally trained as a medical doctor and surgeon (for humans), Dr. Bernie Siegel has spent much of his life advocating for patient’s ability to heal themselves through lifestyle changes and increased awareness. To help create this awareness, Bernie wrote numerous books; among them: “Love, Medicine and Miracles”; “How to Live between Office Visits”; “A Book of Miracles” ; “365 Prescriptions for the Soul” and now, “Love, Animals & Miracles.”

Perhaps the last book on the list appears to be different from the others, yet it is actually very much related because research continues to show that having animal companions can greatly improve our health and well-being. However valid this connection may be though, the messages shared in “Love, Animals & Miracles” is not derived from research in a clinical setting: the essence of this book lies in the deep, spiritual connections that every animal lover has felt with their kindred furry/feathery/finned companion. Everyone who has (or had) a pet companion knows that there is a bond that exists beyond logic and explanation, a connection where these companions improve the quality of our lives in so many ways.

As Bernie so profoundly explains in the Introduction, “… animals are the teachers and messengers. They are the doctors and the nurses. They are the miracle workers, the companions, and the sources and subjects of love. They are the guileless clowns who make us laugh. They are the extraordinary guides who pass through the curtain between life and death with their consciousness, showing us the true meaning of timeless eternity” and in “Love, Animals & Miracles” you’ll not only read stories about the “Siegel Zoo”, but you will also share in the stories submitted by animal companions from all over the world.

Some of the stores are humorous and some of the stories will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eye; however, every story included in this book reminds us of the inseparable bond that can exist between any living creatures when we come from a place of love.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of stories packed into this- some short and some longer. I would have preferred there to be less and for more elaboration on each story. All of the stories are also separated by themes. I did not always enjoy the comments from Bernie after each section where he would critique each story's account and experiences. A touching book overall, but not my favorite book on animals.

[Ruthbc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like it. Tells how animals teach us and show us love.