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My Dog Is Better at This Than Me: Life Lessons from the Couch Cushion Philosopher
Your dog has been trying to teach you something. Every tail wag, every morning stretch, every ecstatic greeting, every unapologetic nap — it's all curriculum. You've just been too busy checking your email to notice.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is the self-help book for people who are done with self-help books. Across ten chapters — from "The Zen of Zoomies" to "The Pack Is the Point" — a rescue dog named Rosie demonstrates the mindfulness skills that the entire wellness industry is trying to sell you: presence, acceptance, resilience, joy, rest, curiosity, vulnerability, play, gratitude, and connection. She does this while also eating socks and being outwitted by a doorstop.
Each chapter pairs laugh-out-loud dog stories with genuinely useful wellness exercises you can do in three minutes, with no equipment, no app, and no spiritual prerequisites. The writing toggles between comedy and emotional honesty in a way that will make you laugh until you scare the dog and then cry until the dog comes back to check on you.
"Rosie didn't teach me anything new. She reminded me of everything I'd forgotten."
This is a book for anyone who has ever watched their dog nap without guilt and thought, "Why can't I do that?" For anyone who has been having the worst day of their life and their dog walked over, put a warm head on their knee, and just stayed. For anyone who picked up this book because something about the title felt true in a way they couldn't quite explain.
Illustrated by Cael Morricone. Includes practical exercises, a reading group guide, and mental health resources. Published by Terrapage Press.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is the self-help book for people who are done with self-help books. Across ten chapters — from "The Zen of Zoomies" to "The Pack Is the Point" — a rescue dog named Rosie demonstrates the mindfulness skills that the entire wellness industry is trying to sell you: presence, acceptance, resilience, joy, rest, curiosity, vulnerability, play, gratitude, and connection. She does this while also eating socks and being outwitted by a doorstop.
Each chapter pairs laugh-out-loud dog stories with genuinely useful wellness exercises you can do in three minutes, with no equipment, no app, and no spiritual prerequisites. The writing toggles between comedy and emotional honesty in a way that will make you laugh until you scare the dog and then cry until the dog comes back to check on you.
"Rosie didn't teach me anything new. She reminded me of everything I'd forgotten."
This is a book for anyone who has ever watched their dog nap without guilt and thought, "Why can't I do that?" For anyone who has been having the worst day of their life and their dog walked over, put a warm head on their knee, and just stayed. For anyone who picked up this book because something about the title felt true in a way they couldn't quite explain.
Illustrated by Cael Morricone. Includes practical exercises, a reading group guide, and mental health resources. Published by Terrapage Press.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
B.K. Larrikin
1 book6 followersB.K. Larrikin is a writer, a recovering doom-scroller, and the full-time student of a rescue dog who has never once needed a self-help book, a meditation app, or a morning routine involving cold water and positive affirmations.
The debut book, My Dog Is Better at This Than Me, started as something Larrikin kept saying at dinner parties and eventually became a 10-chapter argument that a sixty-pound dog named Rosie — who once ate a sock with zero remorse and has been outwitted by a doorstop — is a more effective mindfulness instructor than a decade of wellness subscriptions. The book pairs laugh-out-loud dog stories with practical exercises that take three minutes, require no equipment, and list dignity as optional.
When not writing, Larrikin can be found drinking black coffee on a well-worn couch, walking a familiar neighborhood route with slightly more attention than before, and maintaining an ongoing, losing battle to keep socks in a drawer rather than inside a dog. The tomatoes are surviving. The succulent did not. The closet remains unorganized.
The second book, My Cat Couldn't Care Less, arrives September 2026. The cat has been informed and is indifferent.
couchcushionphilosopher.com
The debut book, My Dog Is Better at This Than Me, started as something Larrikin kept saying at dinner parties and eventually became a 10-chapter argument that a sixty-pound dog named Rosie — who once ate a sock with zero remorse and has been outwitted by a doorstop — is a more effective mindfulness instructor than a decade of wellness subscriptions. The book pairs laugh-out-loud dog stories with practical exercises that take three minutes, require no equipment, and list dignity as optional.
When not writing, Larrikin can be found drinking black coffee on a well-worn couch, walking a familiar neighborhood route with slightly more attention than before, and maintaining an ongoing, losing battle to keep socks in a drawer rather than inside a dog. The tomatoes are surviving. The succulent did not. The closet remains unorganized.
The second book, My Cat Couldn't Care Less, arrives September 2026. The cat has been informed and is indifferent.
couchcushionphilosopher.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 14, 2026
At 200 pages, this is a quick read, but one that is packed with insight!
Written in a way that is both reflective and humorous, it shares ten lessons learned from Rosie, a composite of the dogs the author has shared life with. Each chapter blends storytelling, contemplation and suggestions for how we could apply these lessons ourselves. What makes this book stand out for me is that it doesn’t feel a traditional self-help guide (which I appreciate because I’ve read enough of them). Instead, it invites us in through the lived experience of Rosie.
It opens with a scene that feels almost uncomfortably familiar: scrolling through mindfulness tips… while ignoring a meditation app notification… holding onto the idea of a better version of ourselves we haven’t quite stepped into yet. And beside it all, Rosie, peacefully asleep.
That contrast sets the tone for everything that follows. Two lessons, in particular, that stayed with me:
The Good-Girl Economy speaks to something deeply human - the way we struggle to receive kindness directed at us. The author estimates Rosie has been told she’s a “good girl” 30,660 times over their time together, and each time, Rosie simply accepts it. Fully. Without question. Without deflection.
This is something many of us, the author and myself included, relate to. I rarely just say thank you. I usually meet compliments with resistance and dismissal. But I am working on it. Good me! I have heard it suggested before that we should talk to ourselves the way we praise our pooches. I have never heard it presented with numbers though. Isn’t it time we meet ourselves with kindness?
Then there’s The Dog Park Principle which explores the idea that dogs create connection. Even though my own dog, Franklin, was anxious around people and other dogs, he was still a bridge. Because of him, I met my neighbours. Sometimes from a distance and sometimes with just a wave before turning away to avoid a dog. But the connection still happened. However briefly, I knew them.
It may not have looked like the version described in the book but that’s part of this book’s wisdom. These lessons aren’t meant to be identical - they are meant to be recognized in our own lives, in our own way. We don’t have to walk the same path to understand the meaning - we arrive there simply by living.
As the author writes near the end: “Rosie didn’t teach me anything new. She reminded me of everything I’d forgotten.” It was only after I lost Franklin that I started thinking about who I was without him and all that I was because of him.
And then, in the epilogue - The Leash Is Shorter Than You Think - came the line that undid me: “Large mixed breeds live ten to thirteen years if the math is kind. Thirteen if you’re lucky.” Franklin died just shy of his 13th birthday. I’m now over 13 months without him, and still learning what that kind of love leaves behind.
But like B.K. Larrikin shares about Rosie: “She lives as though time is infinite, which is either the most beautiful thing about dogs or the most heartbreaking, and I have not decided which.”
This feels like the truest lesson of all - not just about dogs, but about love and life itself. Whether our companions are canine, feline, feathered, scaled, or otherwise… they show us how to be present in a way we often forget.
The book also includes extras which help solidify the lessons and share research and resources for exploring the ideas further:
• A Couch Cushion Philosopher’s Cheat Sheet with exercises
• Recommended reading and resources for deeper exploration
• A book club guide (that also works solo - or even with your dog beside you)
• Notes and sources that ground the reflections in research
I did receive an advance review copy and I’m glad I didn’t let my grief stop me from reading it. I recommend it for anyone - whether you’ve loved and lost an animal companion, are walking alongside one now - or simply want to be reminded of what it means to be here, fully. Because sometimes, we don’t see what’s missing in ourselves… until we see it reflected back at us.
Thank you B.K., Rosie (and Franklin).
Written in a way that is both reflective and humorous, it shares ten lessons learned from Rosie, a composite of the dogs the author has shared life with. Each chapter blends storytelling, contemplation and suggestions for how we could apply these lessons ourselves. What makes this book stand out for me is that it doesn’t feel a traditional self-help guide (which I appreciate because I’ve read enough of them). Instead, it invites us in through the lived experience of Rosie.
It opens with a scene that feels almost uncomfortably familiar: scrolling through mindfulness tips… while ignoring a meditation app notification… holding onto the idea of a better version of ourselves we haven’t quite stepped into yet. And beside it all, Rosie, peacefully asleep.
That contrast sets the tone for everything that follows. Two lessons, in particular, that stayed with me:
The Good-Girl Economy speaks to something deeply human - the way we struggle to receive kindness directed at us. The author estimates Rosie has been told she’s a “good girl” 30,660 times over their time together, and each time, Rosie simply accepts it. Fully. Without question. Without deflection.
This is something many of us, the author and myself included, relate to. I rarely just say thank you. I usually meet compliments with resistance and dismissal. But I am working on it. Good me! I have heard it suggested before that we should talk to ourselves the way we praise our pooches. I have never heard it presented with numbers though. Isn’t it time we meet ourselves with kindness?
Then there’s The Dog Park Principle which explores the idea that dogs create connection. Even though my own dog, Franklin, was anxious around people and other dogs, he was still a bridge. Because of him, I met my neighbours. Sometimes from a distance and sometimes with just a wave before turning away to avoid a dog. But the connection still happened. However briefly, I knew them.
It may not have looked like the version described in the book but that’s part of this book’s wisdom. These lessons aren’t meant to be identical - they are meant to be recognized in our own lives, in our own way. We don’t have to walk the same path to understand the meaning - we arrive there simply by living.
As the author writes near the end: “Rosie didn’t teach me anything new. She reminded me of everything I’d forgotten.” It was only after I lost Franklin that I started thinking about who I was without him and all that I was because of him.
And then, in the epilogue - The Leash Is Shorter Than You Think - came the line that undid me: “Large mixed breeds live ten to thirteen years if the math is kind. Thirteen if you’re lucky.” Franklin died just shy of his 13th birthday. I’m now over 13 months without him, and still learning what that kind of love leaves behind.
But like B.K. Larrikin shares about Rosie: “She lives as though time is infinite, which is either the most beautiful thing about dogs or the most heartbreaking, and I have not decided which.”
This feels like the truest lesson of all - not just about dogs, but about love and life itself. Whether our companions are canine, feline, feathered, scaled, or otherwise… they show us how to be present in a way we often forget.
The book also includes extras which help solidify the lessons and share research and resources for exploring the ideas further:
• A Couch Cushion Philosopher’s Cheat Sheet with exercises
• Recommended reading and resources for deeper exploration
• A book club guide (that also works solo - or even with your dog beside you)
• Notes and sources that ground the reflections in research
I did receive an advance review copy and I’m glad I didn’t let my grief stop me from reading it. I recommend it for anyone - whether you’ve loved and lost an animal companion, are walking alongside one now - or simply want to be reminded of what it means to be here, fully. Because sometimes, we don’t see what’s missing in ourselves… until we see it reflected back at us.
Thank you B.K., Rosie (and Franklin).
May 4, 2026
I am so happy I chose to read “My Dog Is Better At This Than Me” by B. K. Larrikin, and I hope everyone who sees this book and/or review decides to read it as well.
First, I want to say that you don’t need to own a dog to enjoy this book. But if you are a dog owner, like I am, I truly believe the insights shared by the author will hit home even more deeply for you. You'll find yourself truly understanding every word, and you might find your love for your dog growing even stronger—something that may also deepen the love you see reflected in yourself when you look in the mirror.
I adore my dog and remind him we'll never leave each other, as we leave this world together. Like the author, I do many things while Maxie sits nearby, nestled in my legs. Whether I’m on my phone, reading, writing, or working on puzzles, he's always close. Maxie climbs onto whatever I hold to get my attention or nudges my hands for pets. I tell him to wait until I finish, and he sighs and lays down patiently, reminding me he's still waiting.
I prefer to be alone doing my own things, with no one bothering me; however, like Maxie, there are people in my life who want to spend time with me and enjoy our company. Mr. Larrikin has opened my eyes and mind to STOP and realize what is important and what can wait. Because of this wonderful book, I take time for what matters and give my full, genuine attention to Maxie, as well as to my friends and family.
I took my time reading this book, jotting down thoughts and reflections in a notebook. Life’s uncertainties made me realize how important it is to spend quality moments with Max before getting caught up in chores. Max’s favorite game is when I chase him for his ball—something he dearly loves—and I make it a point to play with him daily. Now, I walk Max at his own pace, without rushing home, and each reunion is filled with joy, allowing me to shower him with my full love.
I have also been spending meaningful time with my family and friends. Cherishing moments with my husband, children, grandchildren, and loved ones has truly touched my heart. It's heartwarming to see my son express happiness when we talk, play games, or watch a movie together. Though my daughters and grandkids are in different states, I cherish our quality FaceTime calls, and I am deeply grateful for those connections.
This book is a quick, easy read. It’s enjoyable, funny, and eye-opening. I hope that if you’ve read this review, you’ll consider giving this book a try. Happy reading!
I was excited to receive an advance reader copy of My Dog Is Better At This Than Me by B. K. Larrikin for free for an honest review. Many thanks to BookSirens for providing the ebook.
First, I want to say that you don’t need to own a dog to enjoy this book. But if you are a dog owner, like I am, I truly believe the insights shared by the author will hit home even more deeply for you. You'll find yourself truly understanding every word, and you might find your love for your dog growing even stronger—something that may also deepen the love you see reflected in yourself when you look in the mirror.
I adore my dog and remind him we'll never leave each other, as we leave this world together. Like the author, I do many things while Maxie sits nearby, nestled in my legs. Whether I’m on my phone, reading, writing, or working on puzzles, he's always close. Maxie climbs onto whatever I hold to get my attention or nudges my hands for pets. I tell him to wait until I finish, and he sighs and lays down patiently, reminding me he's still waiting.
I prefer to be alone doing my own things, with no one bothering me; however, like Maxie, there are people in my life who want to spend time with me and enjoy our company. Mr. Larrikin has opened my eyes and mind to STOP and realize what is important and what can wait. Because of this wonderful book, I take time for what matters and give my full, genuine attention to Maxie, as well as to my friends and family.
I took my time reading this book, jotting down thoughts and reflections in a notebook. Life’s uncertainties made me realize how important it is to spend quality moments with Max before getting caught up in chores. Max’s favorite game is when I chase him for his ball—something he dearly loves—and I make it a point to play with him daily. Now, I walk Max at his own pace, without rushing home, and each reunion is filled with joy, allowing me to shower him with my full love.
I have also been spending meaningful time with my family and friends. Cherishing moments with my husband, children, grandchildren, and loved ones has truly touched my heart. It's heartwarming to see my son express happiness when we talk, play games, or watch a movie together. Though my daughters and grandkids are in different states, I cherish our quality FaceTime calls, and I am deeply grateful for those connections.
This book is a quick, easy read. It’s enjoyable, funny, and eye-opening. I hope that if you’ve read this review, you’ll consider giving this book a try. Happy reading!
I was excited to receive an advance reader copy of My Dog Is Better At This Than Me by B. K. Larrikin for free for an honest review. Many thanks to BookSirens for providing the ebook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yes, my dog is better at this life thing than me. I wish I had what I call Daisy's zen. She doesn't overthink things, She doesn't keep rehashing old memories with "I should have...." Me? I tend to overthink. I rehash events of years ago. We humans keep mental spreadsheets of our past and current inadequacies. Dogs? Nope. An oops of a moment ago is forgotten as they move on to the next thing. Nor do they constantly compare their lives in comparison to the lives of other dogs. Nope. They just sniff rear ends and are fine with their own life, plush or sparse. Yep. Dogs just, well, just "dog" without having to figure it out. We humans will be calculating and figuring and over-figuring things on a regular basis. This book tackles the differences between us and our zen dogs with both knowledge and humor, letting us get to know her Rosie (actually a compilation of her dogs) in the process that even includes a trip to the vet after eating a sock. Did Rosie learn anything from that experience? Well, she was trying to eat the vet's shoe laces when she came to after surgery if that tells you anything. Yep. Dogs. Gotta love 'em.
I honestly don't want to go into much detail of the contents as it's a fun, thought provoking read. It's also full of funny moments, both from Rosie and the author. Let's just say, doing a high stakes business meeting with something stuck between your front teeth would surely be a totally different experience for human and canine. The feel is almost conversational, so an easy read. The author offers up stories with real, easy to do "wellness activities". You can do each in a matter of minutes with no special equipment or really preparation. In other words, for the busy person who, unlike our dogs, has trouble focusing for more than a few moments at a time. All this is explained in the early sections of the book, plus the author even adds a section for those who aren't owned by a dog. The author also points out that none of this is a substitute for professional care if needed. It's basically a beginning, I guess we could say. A way of looking at things in a new light.
The chapter titles are fun, too, such as "The Zen of Zoomies" and "The Church of the Walk". Given Daisy's love of her walks, that one was a must read for me, I assure you. In fact, I read it early, right after the zoomies chapter. While I did go back and read straight through eventually, you can read them in any order you want, another plus. Bottom line, a fun book that I highly recommend to not only dog lovers everywhere but those who, like me, tend to overthink things and have trouble letting negative thoughts go. Thanks #TerrapagePress - #IBPA for allowing me this early peek at this both thoughtful and humorous book. Who knew the most grounded, emotionally steady critter in our lives is our dogs.
I honestly don't want to go into much detail of the contents as it's a fun, thought provoking read. It's also full of funny moments, both from Rosie and the author. Let's just say, doing a high stakes business meeting with something stuck between your front teeth would surely be a totally different experience for human and canine. The feel is almost conversational, so an easy read. The author offers up stories with real, easy to do "wellness activities". You can do each in a matter of minutes with no special equipment or really preparation. In other words, for the busy person who, unlike our dogs, has trouble focusing for more than a few moments at a time. All this is explained in the early sections of the book, plus the author even adds a section for those who aren't owned by a dog. The author also points out that none of this is a substitute for professional care if needed. It's basically a beginning, I guess we could say. A way of looking at things in a new light.
The chapter titles are fun, too, such as "The Zen of Zoomies" and "The Church of the Walk". Given Daisy's love of her walks, that one was a must read for me, I assure you. In fact, I read it early, right after the zoomies chapter. While I did go back and read straight through eventually, you can read them in any order you want, another plus. Bottom line, a fun book that I highly recommend to not only dog lovers everywhere but those who, like me, tend to overthink things and have trouble letting negative thoughts go. Thanks #TerrapagePress - #IBPA for allowing me this early peek at this both thoughtful and humorous book. Who knew the most grounded, emotionally steady critter in our lives is our dogs.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is exactly what I didn’t know I needed — a quick, fun read filled with humor, warmth, and genuinely meaningful life lessons… all delivered through the lens of a very wise (and slightly ridiculous) dog.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me follows the author’s journey of learning how to live better by observing her dog, Rosie — a lovable, enthusiastic philosopher who seems to understand life far more naturally than most humans. Through short, engaging chapters, the author explores themes like slowing down, being present, embracing joy, resting without guilt, and connecting authentically with others.
It’s light, witty, and relatable — but beneath the humor are thoughtful insights about modern life. Whether it’s learning the value of play, the importance of rest, or the courage of vulnerability, the lessons feel simple but meaningful — the kind you nod along to and think, Yes… I needed that reminder.
The author highlights things dogs naturally do well — being fully present, greeting people with genuine joy, resting without guilt, and enjoying simple moments. One of the most memorable ideas is that dogs don’t try to optimize joy — they just experience it, whether it’s chasing a ball for the sixty-third time or napping in a sunbeam.
The chapters are short and easy to read, making this a perfect “pick up and enjoy” book. But despite being a quick read, it leaves a lasting impression. It’s the kind of book you’ll likely return to when you need a reminder to slow down and enjoy life a little more.
If you love dogs, you’ll adore this book. If you don’t have a dog, don’t worry — the author makes it clear the lessons apply to everyone willing to notice life more closely.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys light reads with big takeaways — and for anyone who has ever thought, I really should be more like my dog.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me follows the author’s journey of learning how to live better by observing her dog, Rosie — a lovable, enthusiastic philosopher who seems to understand life far more naturally than most humans. Through short, engaging chapters, the author explores themes like slowing down, being present, embracing joy, resting without guilt, and connecting authentically with others.
It’s light, witty, and relatable — but beneath the humor are thoughtful insights about modern life. Whether it’s learning the value of play, the importance of rest, or the courage of vulnerability, the lessons feel simple but meaningful — the kind you nod along to and think, Yes… I needed that reminder.
The author highlights things dogs naturally do well — being fully present, greeting people with genuine joy, resting without guilt, and enjoying simple moments. One of the most memorable ideas is that dogs don’t try to optimize joy — they just experience it, whether it’s chasing a ball for the sixty-third time or napping in a sunbeam.
The chapters are short and easy to read, making this a perfect “pick up and enjoy” book. But despite being a quick read, it leaves a lasting impression. It’s the kind of book you’ll likely return to when you need a reminder to slow down and enjoy life a little more.
If you love dogs, you’ll adore this book. If you don’t have a dog, don’t worry — the author makes it clear the lessons apply to everyone willing to notice life more closely.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys light reads with big takeaways — and for anyone who has ever thought, I really should be more like my dog.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
From extolling the virtues of naps and walks to the importance of being vulnerable and of creating community, My Dog Is Better at This Than Me treats the reader to a well-balanced menu of puppy prose, self-reflection, expert information, and small moments that can have a big impact. It’s enjoyable to read in the moment, but the potential impact of putting these small tips into practice is what takes My Dog Is Better at This Than Me to the next level.
One of my favorite aspects of My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is the accessibility and achievability of its life lessons. No luring the reader into purchasing pricey classes or equipment, no shaming for wherever you’re at in your journey, no Pinterest-perfect portraits of how your life will look after reading this book- just manageable suggestions and practical goals. Some assignments, such as literally shaking your body like a dog shaking off water, might feel a bit silly, but the end results, a calmer body, are irrefutable.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is a humorous, down-to-earth self-help book for anyone looking to make the most of life. A great gift for those who love dogs (and even for those who don’t!) and a perfect book to add to your TBR or Goodreads list if you’re looking to savor the simple joys of life. I can also see this as a book recommendation for book club- especially for wellness or self-help/non-fiction themed groups.
I’m looking forward to Larrikin’s next book in this series, My Cat Couldn’t Care Less, which will use a feline inspiration to examine topics like boundaries and independence!
One of my favorite aspects of My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is the accessibility and achievability of its life lessons. No luring the reader into purchasing pricey classes or equipment, no shaming for wherever you’re at in your journey, no Pinterest-perfect portraits of how your life will look after reading this book- just manageable suggestions and practical goals. Some assignments, such as literally shaking your body like a dog shaking off water, might feel a bit silly, but the end results, a calmer body, are irrefutable.
My Dog Is Better at This Than Me is a humorous, down-to-earth self-help book for anyone looking to make the most of life. A great gift for those who love dogs (and even for those who don’t!) and a perfect book to add to your TBR or Goodreads list if you’re looking to savor the simple joys of life. I can also see this as a book recommendation for book club- especially for wellness or self-help/non-fiction themed groups.
I’m looking forward to Larrikin’s next book in this series, My Cat Couldn’t Care Less, which will use a feline inspiration to examine topics like boundaries and independence!
June 13, 2026
There is a distinct kind of wisdom that only a dog can offer. As someone who spends hours observing the world through a camera lens or capturing life in the steady, patient rhythm of needle felting, I have always known that our four-legged companions see things we completely miss. This delightful book perfectly captures that exact sentiment.
My Dog Is Better At This Than Me is a beautifully witty, gentle reminder that human beings tend to overcomplicate the very things dogs master effortlessly. Whether it is the art of setting a boundary with a simple, decisive turn of the head or finding absolute contentment in a patch of afternoon sunlight, the "Couch Cushion Philosopher" serves up life lessons that are both grounding and deeply relatable.
The author writes with a lovely, conversational warmth that makes you feel as though you are sharing a cup of tea on the sofa with an old friend. The observations are sharp yet kind, peeling back the layers of our frantic modern lives to show how much happier we might be if we simply adopted a canine perspective. It is a book that celebrates the quiet, comforting presence of a dog, the kind of therapy that cannot be bought but is given freely every single day from the corner of a cushion.
For anyone who loves animals, appreciates the slower paces of life, or simply needs a gentle nudge to stop worrying and start living in the moment, this is an absolute joy of a read. It is charming, thoughtful, and thoroughly heart warming.
My Dog Is Better At This Than Me is a beautifully witty, gentle reminder that human beings tend to overcomplicate the very things dogs master effortlessly. Whether it is the art of setting a boundary with a simple, decisive turn of the head or finding absolute contentment in a patch of afternoon sunlight, the "Couch Cushion Philosopher" serves up life lessons that are both grounding and deeply relatable.
The author writes with a lovely, conversational warmth that makes you feel as though you are sharing a cup of tea on the sofa with an old friend. The observations are sharp yet kind, peeling back the layers of our frantic modern lives to show how much happier we might be if we simply adopted a canine perspective. It is a book that celebrates the quiet, comforting presence of a dog, the kind of therapy that cannot be bought but is given freely every single day from the corner of a cushion.
For anyone who loves animals, appreciates the slower paces of life, or simply needs a gentle nudge to stop worrying and start living in the moment, this is an absolute joy of a read. It is charming, thoughtful, and thoroughly heart warming.
Review of advance copy
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. It's funny. It's clever. It's eye-opening and perspective-shifting. It's a fresh take on being present and living a joyful, fulfilling life. In the self-help genre, it's unique in the way it's presented, while the insights are brilliant in their simplicity versus their very real and very large impact. Honestly, the book, the coming series… I think it's a genius concept, and above all, super fun to read.
In addition to being an overall wonderful reading experience, the author is also quite clear about their qualifications, or lack thereof, and offering appendices that provide links for more information on included concepts, links to professional works, as well as a recap of the suggested "exercises" from each chapter, and a suggestion list for potential book club readers.
To say this book is well done feels like an understatement, yet I'm not sure how else to describe it's simplistic and humorous brilliance. I'm excited to read book two!
I feel privileged to have read an advanced copy courtesy of the author and BookSirens. I highly recommend this book. I'm seriously considering buying copies for the people in my life because while it does present "lessons," it does it in such a fun, easy, relaxed, and totally not in-your-face way that the reader can learn without realizing they’re learning.
In addition to being an overall wonderful reading experience, the author is also quite clear about their qualifications, or lack thereof, and offering appendices that provide links for more information on included concepts, links to professional works, as well as a recap of the suggested "exercises" from each chapter, and a suggestion list for potential book club readers.
To say this book is well done feels like an understatement, yet I'm not sure how else to describe it's simplistic and humorous brilliance. I'm excited to read book two!
I feel privileged to have read an advanced copy courtesy of the author and BookSirens. I highly recommend this book. I'm seriously considering buying copies for the people in my life because while it does present "lessons," it does it in such a fun, easy, relaxed, and totally not in-your-face way that the reader can learn without realizing they’re learning.
June 8, 2026
3.8*
The author has a nice, humorous writing style and her content I found particularly relatable as a dog owner myself. She describes, through 'Rosie' her pet dog in this book, (that's actually a combination of dogs she has owned and loved) her experiences and takeaways she has learnt from her dogs, especially as she has been through some very dark times. More helpful and simple than the numerous books, conferences, courses etc she has forked out plenty of money for. Rosie - the couch cushion philosopher - who's therapy is free and uncomplicated, teaches us humans that naps should be guilt free, reward is being fully present and why do we analyse everything first, dwell on failures or embarrassments?
I did enjoy the first half but the 2nd second half was quite repetitive so dragged a bit but overall a great book to get you thinking and you prospective on things.
I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My thanks is to #Netgalley and the publishers: Terra Page Press for the chance to read and review this great book.
The author has a nice, humorous writing style and her content I found particularly relatable as a dog owner myself. She describes, through 'Rosie' her pet dog in this book, (that's actually a combination of dogs she has owned and loved) her experiences and takeaways she has learnt from her dogs, especially as she has been through some very dark times. More helpful and simple than the numerous books, conferences, courses etc she has forked out plenty of money for. Rosie - the couch cushion philosopher - who's therapy is free and uncomplicated, teaches us humans that naps should be guilt free, reward is being fully present and why do we analyse everything first, dwell on failures or embarrassments?
I did enjoy the first half but the 2nd second half was quite repetitive so dragged a bit but overall a great book to get you thinking and you prospective on things.
I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My thanks is to #Netgalley and the publishers: Terra Page Press for the chance to read and review this great book.
June 15, 2026
A funny, gentle encouragement to experience peace and joy throughout your day. This book offers a series of practices to improve wellness, but each one is framed with a lesson from Rosie, a loved and lovable pet dog. These practices are worth exploring and returning to, so give yourself time with this book.
By centering Rosie, Larrikin presents mindfulness and wellness through a unique but relatable lens. This perspective reminds us that we can find inspiration everywhere, and that intentionally improving our own wellness benefits those who love us just as much as it benefits ourselves.
Thank you to Terrapage Press and NetGalley for sharing an advance uncorrected proof for review. All opinions are my own.
“I stopped thinking of presence as something I needed to achieve and started thinking of it as something I needed to allow. The difference matters. Achieving requires effort, planning, and the right app. Allowing requires getting out of your own way.”
By centering Rosie, Larrikin presents mindfulness and wellness through a unique but relatable lens. This perspective reminds us that we can find inspiration everywhere, and that intentionally improving our own wellness benefits those who love us just as much as it benefits ourselves.
Thank you to Terrapage Press and NetGalley for sharing an advance uncorrected proof for review. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
Easily read in one sitting, My Dog is Better at This Than Me is a delight. I’ve read a ridiculous amount of books about how to live right here, in this moment. Many of them made me feel more anxious. I’ve often looked at my dogs and spoke aloud how great it would be to live their lives.
This book felt great, because all of those lessons sank in easier as I realized my dog is teaching me by example every day. Each moment is just that. He lives fully, and this book was a nice mindset tweak for me to treat him as my best teacher. What would my dog do?? LOL. A great, warm and humorous book that I’ll share with fellow dog lovers.
This book felt great, because all of those lessons sank in easier as I realized my dog is teaching me by example every day. Each moment is just that. He lives fully, and this book was a nice mindset tweak for me to treat him as my best teacher. What would my dog do?? LOL. A great, warm and humorous book that I’ll share with fellow dog lovers.
April 23, 2026
I enjoyed this book! It is 10 chapters of life lessons that are delivered with humor and warmth. Rosie is a 60-pound rescue mutt. Her owner, over time, realizes that her dog has life figured out better than she does. With this knowledge, she has taken to writing this book and passes on her insight, along with exercises to help us all achieve what our dogs already know. I love the humor and the honesty the book shows. I love the illustrations of Rosie. This book is a gem and would make a great gift.
April 28, 2026
I love these different type of books that make you think! Its not my first book about dogs (I'm obsessed with my Lurcher Luna) The way Rosie is described in this book is exactly how Luna is!
Taking time out to read this book and not feel I had to make major changes was a nice feeling. Traditional "self help" books normally end up half finished on my shelf but this one has made me do more of a mindset change instead of feeling like I like ive failed before I got to the end of the book! The door stop one was my fav, taking a moment before the transition from work to home and embracing Lunas welcome! I enjoyed the layout of the book, easy quick reads when you have a moment to yourself! If your looking for something different and light hearted this book is definitely for you!
Got this as an netgally ARC, thank you to Terrapage press and B.K Larrikin
Taking time out to read this book and not feel I had to make major changes was a nice feeling. Traditional "self help" books normally end up half finished on my shelf but this one has made me do more of a mindset change instead of feeling like I like ive failed before I got to the end of the book! The door stop one was my fav, taking a moment before the transition from work to home and embracing Lunas welcome! I enjoyed the layout of the book, easy quick reads when you have a moment to yourself! If your looking for something different and light hearted this book is definitely for you!
Got this as an netgally ARC, thank you to Terrapage press and B.K Larrikin
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It even feels weird to say but this book about dog behavior has such practical advice. I'd love to be as happy as a dog, as forgiving, as capable of real relaxation. Maybe I can get a little closer. But I also found this wonderfully humorous and I loved the pictures.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderful book about the author's dog as a profound guru for life. I absolutely loved it, and so will anyone who adores their animal companions.
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