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Old Faithful: Dogs of a Certain Age
A stunning and indelible collection of portraits and stories that capture dogs of a certain age in all their patchy, scruffy, jowly, and devoted glory—an homage to man’s best friend, based on the popular international photography project. The dogs in Old Faithful are well worn, well loved, and well on in years. After his grandmother’s 100th birthday party, photographer and dog lover Pete Thorne found himself taking photos of elderly dogs. In their aged, imperfect faces, he saw a depth of life, joy, and wisdom missing from more youthful subjects. He gathered these rich and powerful portraits into a web series he called “Old Faithful.” The reaction was instant—and astounding—from media outlets as diverse as Huffington Post and BuzzFeed to Esquire and ABC, to thousands of people around the globe who reached out to Thorne with their heartwarming stories of their own faithful companions. The photos triggered a wide variety of emotions, eliciting smiles and tears, and unleashing a flood of anecdotes and memories. “Old Faithful” became a shared platform for dog lovers all over the world. Based on his web series, Old Faithful features dozens of color photographs that bring these dogs vividly into focus, accompanied by poignant descriptive sketches that capture the spirit and personality of each, illuminate his life and experiences, and celebrate the shared relationship with a beloved human companion. A sweet and moving keepsake, Old Faithful demonstrates that aging can be beautiful, and offers profound lessons for all of us, no matter our age.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2015
131 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 2, 2018
old dogs are the new black.
this is the third "old dog" book i've read in the past year or so, along with Dogs with Old Man Faces: Portraits of Crotchety Canines and Dog Years: Faithful Friends, Then & Now, and i still have My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts on my to-read list.
this was my final book of 2015, which i read on new year's eve because my book-ocd required me to end my reading challenge on an even number. 279 is ugly and jaggedy, 280 is soft and huggable.
and i'm looking at these noble old pooches with their whitened muzzles
and filmed-over (or extracted) eyes
and the year is ticking out its final hours and i'm sitting there quietly drinking booze and reading these stories by the dogs' owners reminiscing about their long journeys together over the years; their dog's temperaments, where they were rescued, and how their faithful friends are slowing down now with age, AND I GOT ALL MISTY!!!
and i don't know why!! i don't even have a dog right now, old or otherwise, and my cat is immortal and will never age a day and is going be my special girl forever, but regardless, i was all AWWWWW OLD DOGS!!! drip drip leak
but can you blame me? all these beautiful smelly old boys and girls with their sweet soulful eyes.
i mean - look at that. there is nothing those eyes have not seen.
and all those little old cuties whose teeth have fallen out over the years, causing their tongues to scootch out the sides of their mouths
i just wanna squeeze them all up!
but then you have to wonder if that thing about how people start looking like their dogs after a while has any truth to it.
for some, it wouldn't be a bad thing at all - handsome silver foxes and all
but for some others - eek
at any rate, old dogs make me cry. is what we learned at the end of 2015.
what will we learn in 2016?
come to my blog!
this is the third "old dog" book i've read in the past year or so, along with Dogs with Old Man Faces: Portraits of Crotchety Canines and Dog Years: Faithful Friends, Then & Now, and i still have My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts on my to-read list.
this was my final book of 2015, which i read on new year's eve because my book-ocd required me to end my reading challenge on an even number. 279 is ugly and jaggedy, 280 is soft and huggable.
and i'm looking at these noble old pooches with their whitened muzzles
and filmed-over (or extracted) eyes
and the year is ticking out its final hours and i'm sitting there quietly drinking booze and reading these stories by the dogs' owners reminiscing about their long journeys together over the years; their dog's temperaments, where they were rescued, and how their faithful friends are slowing down now with age, AND I GOT ALL MISTY!!!
and i don't know why!! i don't even have a dog right now, old or otherwise, and my cat is immortal and will never age a day and is going be my special girl forever, but regardless, i was all AWWWWW OLD DOGS!!! drip drip leak
but can you blame me? all these beautiful smelly old boys and girls with their sweet soulful eyes.
i mean - look at that. there is nothing those eyes have not seen.
and all those little old cuties whose teeth have fallen out over the years, causing their tongues to scootch out the sides of their mouths
i just wanna squeeze them all up!
but then you have to wonder if that thing about how people start looking like their dogs after a while has any truth to it.
for some, it wouldn't be a bad thing at all - handsome silver foxes and all
but for some others - eek
at any rate, old dogs make me cry. is what we learned at the end of 2015.
what will we learn in 2016?
come to my blog!
February 19, 2016
Awwwwwww......thoughts coming.
March 10, 2019
Loved the wonderful stories and portraits of these senior dogs.
January 22, 2016
Old Faithful
What a wonderful book! I could look at photos and read stories of old dogs all day long. I'm a huge fan of people who adopt dogs and especially old dogs. God has a special place in heaven for these beautiful people.
What a wonderful book! I could look at photos and read stories of old dogs all day long. I'm a huge fan of people who adopt dogs and especially old dogs. God has a special place in heaven for these beautiful people.
January 24, 2016
Ok, if you have a soft spot in your heart for animals, dogs in particular, this book will make you want to cry. A lot. But in a good way. Sorta.
Cuz these dogs are OLD and not all of them made it to when the book was published. And they are so darn CUUUUTE!!!
And people who hurt/abuse animals need to all be treated as badly as they treat the animals they abuse. I get ANGRY when I hear about people abusing animals. This book is good in showing how older dogs may have had a tough beginning in their lives, but now they are being treated like gold in their forever home. There is hope for the human race after all.
This was on sale a few days ago on Amazon for $1.99 in eBook format. It's a quick read and will make you cycle through your feelings in rollercoaster fashion. Heart melting at the adorable faces of the older dogs, then anger at the beginning story of their life, then happiness and maybe a tear or two as the final chapter of their story is told.
So if you like dogs and like bittersweet stories that will bring a tear or more to your eye, this is the book for you. All animals are precious, not just the young ones. (Same goes for humans too.) Adopt shelter animals!! Spay and neuter!! Love the animals we have been blessed with. Five stars. Recommended for all.
Cuz these dogs are OLD and not all of them made it to when the book was published. And they are so darn CUUUUTE!!!
And people who hurt/abuse animals need to all be treated as badly as they treat the animals they abuse. I get ANGRY when I hear about people abusing animals. This book is good in showing how older dogs may have had a tough beginning in their lives, but now they are being treated like gold in their forever home. There is hope for the human race after all.
This was on sale a few days ago on Amazon for $1.99 in eBook format. It's a quick read and will make you cycle through your feelings in rollercoaster fashion. Heart melting at the adorable faces of the older dogs, then anger at the beginning story of their life, then happiness and maybe a tear or two as the final chapter of their story is told.
So if you like dogs and like bittersweet stories that will bring a tear or more to your eye, this is the book for you. All animals are precious, not just the young ones. (Same goes for humans too.) Adopt shelter animals!! Spay and neuter!! Love the animals we have been blessed with. Five stars. Recommended for all.
February 16, 2021
It took me a long time to finish this book. I really absorbed it. I consider it my therapy book while I continue to mourn the loss of my "little old man doggie". I would read a couple of pages at a time and stare at all the doggie photos, cry a bunch, or giggle a lot about the accompanying stories. This book is just a real blessing to me. I love old dogs the most. I miss mine so much. This book really captures the dignity and strength of old dogs. Old souls. Heart dogs.
January 12, 2020
I got old dog books for Christmas. I'm partial to old dogs. I can read about them and love on them for hours.
January 6, 2022
I got this because karen's review made me realize it existed and because I'm missing my old dog, who we had to say goodbye to about a month ago. My coworkers were concerned I was maybe not in the right headspace for this and they were sort of right--I couldn't read it without crying. But it was also comforting and a good reminder of how great, noble, and sometimes ridiculous old dogs are. All the dogs who couldn't keep their tongues in their mouths would make me laugh through the tears. And then there were those beautiful dogs with the soulful eyes--what gorgeous puppers this book is full of!
Dogs are great. We don't deserve them. That is all.
Dogs are great. We don't deserve them. That is all.
December 30, 2015
Ask anyone in my family, they will tell you how much I adore old dogs!! There is something about their whiskers. their grey hairs, THEIR EYES!! This is a collection of beautiful photos of elderly dogs and their stories. Dogs are so loyal and wonderful companions. I cherish my dear Oreo, and hope and pray I can see him through his Twilight years when he gets older. He is truly my best friend !!
October 19, 2021
This is a darling little book. I absolutely love the photos of the senior dogs with missing teeth, white muzzles, tongues hanging out and lumps and bumps. The people that wrote the tributes to their dogs have a very special connection.
March 12, 2020
Pretty good. Old dogs are just as important as puppies. 👍🏻
May 24, 2016
Old dogs are so precious. Having just lost my old dog it was impossible to look at all the beautiful faces in this book, with their grey fur and lumps and bumps and wise eyes, and read their stories, without shedding a tear or 100. In a world where only youth and beauty are considered worthwhile it is so wonderful to read about those who love and honor their old dogs and are able to see their oldsters' value. I especially enjoyed the stories of Norman and Mance, the bulldogs (of course!).A book to turn to when you need a reminder of the kindness and beauty that are in the world. Very much recommended.
*They said good-bye to Mance in November of 2014 in their home with the help of their vet, Paula, who had made sure he was comfortable that last year and in the end. Brian and Michelle still miss him everyday, and even though they have not yet cleaned his slobber off all the windowsills and door jambs in their home, they no longer cry every time they are reminded of him either.*
*They said good-bye to Mance in November of 2014 in their home with the help of their vet, Paula, who had made sure he was comfortable that last year and in the end. Brian and Michelle still miss him everyday, and even though they have not yet cleaned his slobber off all the windowsills and door jambs in their home, they no longer cry every time they are reminded of him either.*
September 24, 2018
Professional photos of some old characters with a story by their loving owners.
They are a bit white around the muzzle, ears and face. They may have lost some teeth. But the love is evident in their eyes - even if the physical eyes are gone.
The affection of their owners is equally evident in their words. And so many of these adored companions are rescued and/or from shelters as well as not being necessarily young puppies when they got to their forever homes.
This is a book that every dog lover would enjoy. Especially if they own a canine of the older persuasion.
They are a bit white around the muzzle, ears and face. They may have lost some teeth. But the love is evident in their eyes - even if the physical eyes are gone.
The affection of their owners is equally evident in their words. And so many of these adored companions are rescued and/or from shelters as well as not being necessarily young puppies when they got to their forever homes.
This is a book that every dog lover would enjoy. Especially if they own a canine of the older persuasion.
Read
February 2, 2016This is a two-fisted hankie kind of book. As a mother of an 11 year old Pomeranian, I snatched this book off the shelf when I saw it, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The photos of these faithful old souls were beautiful as were the stories that accompanied them. I had to read in spurts to give my sinuses a break. It is a definite keeper, and I do so hope that Thorne will release a second volume. There are so many more stories that be to be told.
July 18, 2018
Wonderful photos of aging pets
I had my 2 fur babies for over 10 years. Both were rescued so I had my hands full with escapes in the beginning and lots of puppy love for the rest of their lives. I lost my best friend to ruptured spleen and his brother a year later to cancer. I knew what each person felt as i looked at the photos and read their stories.
Pete , thanks for bringing their stories to life
I had my 2 fur babies for over 10 years. Both were rescued so I had my hands full with escapes in the beginning and lots of puppy love for the rest of their lives. I lost my best friend to ruptured spleen and his brother a year later to cancer. I knew what each person felt as i looked at the photos and read their stories.
Pete , thanks for bringing their stories to life
January 10, 2016
::insert gross crying:: Five stars, old dogs are the best dogs. So many years of friendship, and loyalty and slobbering. Beware this is a total tear jerker and if you don't cry reading this book then you have no soul.
January 17, 2016
I'll pretend I didn't cry happy tears throughout this beautiful photography book.
January 23, 2016
Engrossing photos of senior dogs. Most are accompanied by text from the owner, which ranges from mundane to tear-producing. Have given the book one star less because no old cockers were featured.
November 16, 2016
What a great book! Love those old faces.
October 3, 2021
Age has a certain beauty, whether it's in humans or our canine companions. If you've ever loved a senior dog, you'll love the beautiful photos of senior dogs in this book. Each one is accompanied by a short explanation of their life, usually by the owner/adopter. Whether they are Velcro dogs or tend to be more aloof, whether handsome or quirky-looking, each chapter is a tribute to the role dogs play in our lives, and the ways they repay our love and care for them in a multitude of ways.
This book is for dog lovers everywhere. It will make you smile and maybe shed a tear or two as it touches your heart.
This book is for dog lovers everywhere. It will make you smile and maybe shed a tear or two as it touches your heart.
July 29, 2017
I liked the premise and I really liked looking at all the pictures of these sweet old dogs. I guess I'm not a pet person, though, because after the seventh or eighth time someone referred to their dog as their best friend, the best snuggle buddy the world has ever know, or how they are beloved by the entire world, I was kind of done. I love dogs and I love that you love your dog. One or two of these sentiments would not have been a problem. But, after a while, I felt like I was reading the same ooey-gooey message again and again and again...............
August 2, 2018
For those who love all dogs
I bought this book having recently sent my 15 year old golden retriever Rusty to the rainbow bridge. He was my 3rd golden to leave us but lived the longest despite a rough first 8 years. He was a red golden but developed a sugar face and eventually his red was half silver. Old dogs are the best and it warmed my heart to read how others loved their old souls.
I bought this book having recently sent my 15 year old golden retriever Rusty to the rainbow bridge. He was my 3rd golden to leave us but lived the longest despite a rough first 8 years. He was a red golden but developed a sugar face and eventually his red was half silver. Old dogs are the best and it warmed my heart to read how others loved their old souls.
April 2, 2020
This book is a love song dedicated to old dogs. Peter Thorne’s photos capture the soul of the fabulous dogs included in the book. The owner statements are heart felt, some very brief and some much longer, and they capture the personality and unconditional love of each featured canine. My dog is now 13, and I found him in every story. Old Faithful is an emotional roller coaster if you have or had an older dog, but is well worth the ride.
May 25, 2021
We recently had to say goodbye to our Cassie at 15 years, 4 months, and two weeks old. The day we let her go was one of the most difficult of my life.
I thought I would have difficulty reading this book through the tears, but instead, I experienced smiles and laughs.
We still have three more super-seniors, soon to be 13, 13, and 14. We love them, we get frustrated, we love them, we laugh, we love them.
And I loved this book!
I thought I would have difficulty reading this book through the tears, but instead, I experienced smiles and laughs.
We still have three more super-seniors, soon to be 13, 13, and 14. We love them, we get frustrated, we love them, we laugh, we love them.
And I loved this book!
October 7, 2018
If you love dogs, you will enjoy reading this book!!
This book is full of amazing histories from wonderful beings (dogs) and their lucky families
I loved the book!!
The pics are beautiful and the stories reminded me my own experiences with my beloved dog.
I hope this book helps to make people appreciate the magic and kindness from older dogs.
This book is full of amazing histories from wonderful beings (dogs) and their lucky families
I loved the book!!
The pics are beautiful and the stories reminded me my own experiences with my beloved dog.
I hope this book helps to make people appreciate the magic and kindness from older dogs.
June 12, 2021
Only for dog lovers
Stories told by owners of senior dogs. I didn't care for the grouping of full page pictures followed by individual small photos with the name and breed and story of each old dog. I would prefer each full page photo with the dog story. I did shed a few tears as I read the stories.
Stories told by owners of senior dogs. I didn't care for the grouping of full page pictures followed by individual small photos with the name and breed and story of each old dog. I would prefer each full page photo with the dog story. I did shed a few tears as I read the stories.
January 13, 2019
Lovely pictures of our faithful and loving friends in there prime. The front of the.book looks just like my dog of 14 years who passed away last year. I love to go through the book at least once a month.
February 19, 2020
Beautiful Book
Anyone who loves dogs, especially older ones, will thoroughly enjoy this book. It has pictures, and some stories, of elderly dogs. Having had many senior dogs, I loved this book. Highly recommended.
Anyone who loves dogs, especially older ones, will thoroughly enjoy this book. It has pictures, and some stories, of elderly dogs. Having had many senior dogs, I loved this book. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2020
I have the softest spot for senior pups, so this book made me 😭😭😭. There is no love in the world like that of an elderly doge. The pictures, the stories, the whole thing just... well, I need to go hug and kiss my Snoppy now.
October 26, 2023
feel good
As a rescue person and old dog lover these stories give me hope for a just world some day for animals. The stories are sweet but with a message of love and caring. Will read more than once.
As a rescue person and old dog lover these stories give me hope for a just world some day for animals. The stories are sweet but with a message of love and caring. Will read more than once.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews