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Always By My Side: Life Lessons from Millie and All the Dogs I've Loved
The editor-in-chief of Guideposts magazine shares the “heartfelt, honest, lovely” ( New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz) story of Millie, his beloved golden retriever, and how she taught him to be a more compassionate person, deepened his faith, and inspired him on his long-term path of recovery from addiction—with a foreword by Debbie Macomber.
From the moment his new golden retriever puppy jumped into his arms, Edward Grinnan and his wife, Julee, were in love with her. Edward didn’t know it yet, but Millie would change his life.
In this moving memoir, Edward Grinnan writes about his life with Millie—from their first joyous meeting, through her struggle with cancer, and eventual heartbreaking death. Edward shares how her sensitivity, unconditional love, and innate goodness helped him discover those qualities in himself and put his complicated past in perspective.
Edward also shares the lessons he has learned from other dogs he’s loved—like Pete, a poodle his father bought him in the wake of his brother’s death; Rudy, who introduced him to his wife; Sally Browne, a mischievous cocker spaniel who befriended the homeless in his neighborhood; and Marty, a hundred-pound Labrador whose behavioral issues challenged his and Julee’s marriage—as well as lessons he’s learned from the celebrated dog stories in Guideposts magazine.
Poignant and insightful, Always By My Side is an inspiring book that explores the unbreakable bond between man and dog, revealing how faith shapes our love for our dogs, and how our dogs shape our faith.
From the moment his new golden retriever puppy jumped into his arms, Edward Grinnan and his wife, Julee, were in love with her. Edward didn’t know it yet, but Millie would change his life.
In this moving memoir, Edward Grinnan writes about his life with Millie—from their first joyous meeting, through her struggle with cancer, and eventual heartbreaking death. Edward shares how her sensitivity, unconditional love, and innate goodness helped him discover those qualities in himself and put his complicated past in perspective.
Edward also shares the lessons he has learned from other dogs he’s loved—like Pete, a poodle his father bought him in the wake of his brother’s death; Rudy, who introduced him to his wife; Sally Browne, a mischievous cocker spaniel who befriended the homeless in his neighborhood; and Marty, a hundred-pound Labrador whose behavioral issues challenged his and Julee’s marriage—as well as lessons he’s learned from the celebrated dog stories in Guideposts magazine.
Poignant and insightful, Always By My Side is an inspiring book that explores the unbreakable bond between man and dog, revealing how faith shapes our love for our dogs, and how our dogs shape our faith.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 21, 2017
54 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 5, 2017
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this advance copy of this book. I enjoyed this book so much. We also have a golden retriever named Rusty who was a therapy dog but he is aging and is retired now. The book is a reminder to us of what will come soon.
Edward Grinnan has put together a memoir that was very tough to put down. Every page was filled with love, understanding and acceptance. He has looked below the surface of his animals and likes what he sees there. Edward and his wife Julee adore their dogs and have made their lives around them and their needs. Edward shares very openly of his struggle with alcohol and addiction and he shares his faith with us so generously.
The story is about Millie, a golden retriever that came into their lives as a puppy when their beloved dog Mattie died. And this leads us into the stories of each of their dogs.
Excellent read.
Edward Grinnan has put together a memoir that was very tough to put down. Every page was filled with love, understanding and acceptance. He has looked below the surface of his animals and likes what he sees there. Edward and his wife Julee adore their dogs and have made their lives around them and their needs. Edward shares very openly of his struggle with alcohol and addiction and he shares his faith with us so generously.
The story is about Millie, a golden retriever that came into their lives as a puppy when their beloved dog Mattie died. And this leads us into the stories of each of their dogs.
Excellent read.
April 25, 2018
I will read any book about a dog. This is one of the best I’ve ever read.
July 31, 2022
i liked the book well enough. I know, that is not too enthusiastic, but little things took it down little notches. Maybe they were things other would believe subtract even more stars to them. I will start with the good.
I love Guideposts magazine and being reminded of it makes me want to go out and get a subscription. The author is the editor in chief at Guideposts so kudo's for him for that. His story is also inspirational as prior to that he had to battle with alcoholism. Some may not understand the struggle a person can have, and may think, drinking too much is stupid, so just don't be stupid. More power to the people who are perfect and don't have any major demons to fight, but I suspect for most of us, even if we are blessed with not having big demons, still have little ones we aren't happy with, even if it is staying up later than we should watching stupid TV shows, or eating or drinking too many sweets, or not getting off our butt to do more of the exercise we would prefer.. I am not trying to be make small the big issues, but just say I really feel that the small temptations have the same feeling as the big ones. So reading how people are able to overcome their big demons help all of us whether ours are big or much smaller.
I digress from the dog part. Mr Grinnan is very good at relating the personalities and experiences with his dogs. Good dog stories are always a hit for me. He also brought in some of the better dog stories that were in the magazine. I read a story from him that was one of many stories in another book, and remember the incident where he ties his dog to a table in an outside restaurant area, and the dog takes off down the street dragging the table. Unfortunately it is only mentioned in this book where in the other story it was given the full description.
The book is very good about relating life lessons from the dogs. There is so much good in dogs and talking about that is always a hit for me. Overall, his writing is very good and enjoyable. One such bit of life lesson I liked was this passage:
"Our dogs teach us great lessons and often at just the right moment. They teach us about love and much more: empathy, resilience, leadership, loyalty, compassion, humor, courage, joy, vigilance, forgiveness, serenity, respect. The teach us about life and death."
For all the majority of good writing, sometimes he is a bit too dramatic. Not too often I thought, but at times. The biggest example that struct me was this passage that heralded either a really great revaluation experience, or a big joke:
"But it was another time with Rudy, an episode that bond us immutably, that I have come to know as one of the deepest moments of connection I have ever had with a dog, a moment profound and transfiguring, refluent to the very beginnings of our joined history, human, and dog."
There is some odd words thrown in at times that I had to look up to see the meaning, for example 'refluent' (flowing back; ebbing). I am sure he was happy to find an excuse to use the word 'paradiddle.' So at times I think he was trying a little too hard in his writing. Still, overall I liked his writing.
Another point that some have mentioned is a couple of traumatic incidents that happened involving Mr. Grinnan and dogs that has some measure of negligence on his part. We all make mistakes, but some may be less forgiving of him for these incidents.
I also found the book slightly less fun is the stretching out of the diagnosis and last days after that diagnosis. Once again, not super annoying to me, but it does extend the sadness, as the timeline is interspersed with the chapters of past and another time to stretch that story out. For people that don't want to read books where Kleenex is needed at the end of the book, this is one of those of those books, but I feel like as with dogs in real life, there is a lot of joy from dogs to make it worth the inevitable ending.
I know I bounce around a bit on this review. People look at reviews to decide if they should read the book, and I would recommend it. I see some people that only mention good points and then give a book less stars with no explanation. I like to tell people some good and bad while hopefully not giving too much away. If you do read the book, love to hear your thoughts.
I love Guideposts magazine and being reminded of it makes me want to go out and get a subscription. The author is the editor in chief at Guideposts so kudo's for him for that. His story is also inspirational as prior to that he had to battle with alcoholism. Some may not understand the struggle a person can have, and may think, drinking too much is stupid, so just don't be stupid. More power to the people who are perfect and don't have any major demons to fight, but I suspect for most of us, even if we are blessed with not having big demons, still have little ones we aren't happy with, even if it is staying up later than we should watching stupid TV shows, or eating or drinking too many sweets, or not getting off our butt to do more of the exercise we would prefer.. I am not trying to be make small the big issues, but just say I really feel that the small temptations have the same feeling as the big ones. So reading how people are able to overcome their big demons help all of us whether ours are big or much smaller.
I digress from the dog part. Mr Grinnan is very good at relating the personalities and experiences with his dogs. Good dog stories are always a hit for me. He also brought in some of the better dog stories that were in the magazine. I read a story from him that was one of many stories in another book, and remember the incident where he ties his dog to a table in an outside restaurant area, and the dog takes off down the street dragging the table. Unfortunately it is only mentioned in this book where in the other story it was given the full description.
The book is very good about relating life lessons from the dogs. There is so much good in dogs and talking about that is always a hit for me. Overall, his writing is very good and enjoyable. One such bit of life lesson I liked was this passage:
"Our dogs teach us great lessons and often at just the right moment. They teach us about love and much more: empathy, resilience, leadership, loyalty, compassion, humor, courage, joy, vigilance, forgiveness, serenity, respect. The teach us about life and death."
For all the majority of good writing, sometimes he is a bit too dramatic. Not too often I thought, but at times. The biggest example that struct me was this passage that heralded either a really great revaluation experience, or a big joke:
"But it was another time with Rudy, an episode that bond us immutably, that I have come to know as one of the deepest moments of connection I have ever had with a dog, a moment profound and transfiguring, refluent to the very beginnings of our joined history, human, and dog."
There is some odd words thrown in at times that I had to look up to see the meaning, for example 'refluent' (flowing back; ebbing). I am sure he was happy to find an excuse to use the word 'paradiddle.' So at times I think he was trying a little too hard in his writing. Still, overall I liked his writing.
Another point that some have mentioned is a couple of traumatic incidents that happened involving Mr. Grinnan and dogs that has some measure of negligence on his part. We all make mistakes, but some may be less forgiving of him for these incidents.
I also found the book slightly less fun is the stretching out of the diagnosis and last days after that diagnosis. Once again, not super annoying to me, but it does extend the sadness, as the timeline is interspersed with the chapters of past and another time to stretch that story out. For people that don't want to read books where Kleenex is needed at the end of the book, this is one of those of those books, but I feel like as with dogs in real life, there is a lot of joy from dogs to make it worth the inevitable ending.
I know I bounce around a bit on this review. People look at reviews to decide if they should read the book, and I would recommend it. I see some people that only mention good points and then give a book less stars with no explanation. I like to tell people some good and bad while hopefully not giving too much away. If you do read the book, love to hear your thoughts.
March 26, 2019
As I always do with dog books I inhaled this lovely book about the dogs who have kept company with Edward Grinnan. As the editor of Guidepost magazine, Grinnan has read many a wonderful story about special canines. He intersperses his own story with selections from the Guidepost stacks.
March, 2018 ... just reread this lovely book. Could it be that I needed it because my own Millie is aging? Great reminder to live and love today.
March, 2018 ... just reread this lovely book. Could it be that I needed it because my own Millie is aging? Great reminder to live and love today.
May 1, 2017
Tears Down My Cheeks and Landing by My Side
This is a very emotion-spawning book. One thing I hate about dog books is that they usually end with the dog dying. Well, this book has about 8 different dogs in it, so prepare to cry. The author skips forward and backward in time; I understand he was connecting stories, but it was slightly annoying. It was a good book to read as long as you were prepared for the alternating emotions.
This is a very emotion-spawning book. One thing I hate about dog books is that they usually end with the dog dying. Well, this book has about 8 different dogs in it, so prepare to cry. The author skips forward and backward in time; I understand he was connecting stories, but it was slightly annoying. It was a good book to read as long as you were prepared for the alternating emotions.
January 19, 2018
I thought the book was very very moving. It paralleled the course of the various dogs' lives along with the author's. It is so wonderful to read a book so full of love and compassion. It also shows that of course not everything has a happy ending but living with love along the way can weave a beautiful life.
September 19, 2020
1.5
I can guess why people love this book. I know why it was recommended to me. But honestly...I struggled through it. This was less about life lessons from dogs, and more about a man who is not coping well with the loss. I struggled with his concepts of God and the relationships he compared within his religious scope. I struggled with the fact that, multiple times, it is referenced, and even flat-out declared by his wife at the end: "Our marriage won't survive a year without a dog." And I struggled with the fact that the entire book was depressing. He has lost a lot of dogs he has cared about, as have many of us. But at the end of every story it was a heart-wrenching description if their deaths and his/his wife's inability to cope.
To me, it didn't read as a great book on life lessons, but moreso a man and his wife who haven't learned how to heal and whose relationship with God (and each other!) isn't as healthy as it should and could be.
Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps I misunderstood the whole thing. But it was definitely not what it was portrayed, from the back cover to the reviews.
I can guess why people love this book. I know why it was recommended to me. But honestly...I struggled through it. This was less about life lessons from dogs, and more about a man who is not coping well with the loss. I struggled with his concepts of God and the relationships he compared within his religious scope. I struggled with the fact that, multiple times, it is referenced, and even flat-out declared by his wife at the end: "Our marriage won't survive a year without a dog." And I struggled with the fact that the entire book was depressing. He has lost a lot of dogs he has cared about, as have many of us. But at the end of every story it was a heart-wrenching description if their deaths and his/his wife's inability to cope.
To me, it didn't read as a great book on life lessons, but moreso a man and his wife who haven't learned how to heal and whose relationship with God (and each other!) isn't as healthy as it should and could be.
Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps I misunderstood the whole thing. But it was definitely not what it was portrayed, from the back cover to the reviews.
October 22, 2020
This book is both a wonderful ode to pet dogs and a study of human life and relationships. Ed Grinnan is a wonderful writer (and editor) who easily moves through and among various storylines to tell an effective tale. This is a book that really speaks to dog lovers and owners, though others could appreciate the brilliant writing. Most dog owners, like myself, can really feel and recognize Mr. Grinnan's joys and heartbreaks and blessings. Be warned, this book is quite the tear-jerker. Readers who want strict sequence and direct timelines may not like the indirect journeys taken by the author. It's a little hard to follow the order of dogs owned by the Grinnans, and the back and forth timeframes involved. But the order of things and the timeline are much less important than the overall story of how our pet dogs affect our lives in ways both obvious and mysterious.
June 12, 2017
I picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend, who loved it. I have owned and loved four different golden retrievers, and lost them all to cancer, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to revisit that raw place in my mind by reading this book. I found that the stories Mr. Grinnan told were very typical of my life in dogs, so they didn't grip me as they might someone who is new to the golden world. In the end, although it was a sweet book, I, as a slow reader, just didn't feel that it was something I wanted to spend any more time on. And there was still the avoidance of reliving the pain of losing them, which never really goes away.
April 20, 2019
What a good book, all about the dogs in his life and dogs he's known. If you're a dog lover, even if you're not, you'll love this book. The story about his first dog was very similar to my first family dog, Lady. It really gave me a flashback. By the end of the book I was sobbing uncontrollably. I am an avid reader of Guideposts Daily Devotional and have been for years where Edward Grinnan is the Editor-in-Chief. I really enjoy reading those stories. So I'm very familiar with Edward and his Millie. I was saddened by her passing when I heard. This is a great read and will make you think differently of dogs. Makes me want to get one but I'm a cat person so I enjoy other people's puppy dogs.
April 23, 2017
I loved this book. I wasn't always a dog lover, I was always a cat person. It wasn't until I moved in with my daughter and three dogs that I learned how wonderful they can be, and how very smart and intuitive they are.
This book made me cry, laugh and cry again. Edward does such a wonderful job telling the story of all the dogs in his life and what an affect they had on him. They teach us unconditional love and how to forgive. It is so much fun to watch them interact with each other and us. I will be sharing this book with everyone.
This book made me cry, laugh and cry again. Edward does such a wonderful job telling the story of all the dogs in his life and what an affect they had on him. They teach us unconditional love and how to forgive. It is so much fun to watch them interact with each other and us. I will be sharing this book with everyone.
February 21, 2017
A fun book for dog lovers. I know they will be touched by these tales and will remember similar times with dogs of their own. I had hoped that this would be a great gift for my Mama who loves Edward Grinnan, but she is not a dog lover so I'm not sure this is for her. I was touched by the wonderful canine relationships that Grinnan describes. He is a wonderful storyteller. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2017
Loved this book about dogs & their humans. Non-fiction which I read very little. Guess it dealing with the dogs (golden retriever) for one got my attention. Also told the story of Edward Grinnan & his struggle with alcohol. He had many dogs in his life & marriage. Each one played a different role but his Millie was the most beloved. Had a happy ending & I am sure he will tell Grace's story soon. (New golden in his life)
June 17, 2018
I picked up this book as research for my blog crazymaizey.blogspot.com. It turned out to be the story of a man and his dogs. In other words a compilation of love stories. It was an easy read, even the sad parts. The author wrote beautifully about his life's ups and downs, told funny as well as emotionally moving stories about beloved canines, and left me believing that dogs are brought into our lives for and with Divine purpose.
December 5, 2018
This was such a touching book. Each dog is a special gift from God. Sending just what we need when we need it. To all our long gone special creatures God gave us for a short period of time but forever in our hearts. I cried in know how it hurts to love these furry friends and send them back to God. He in return sends us another one to love and nurture.
Had me at first bark. God is so good to us. Picking each dog out in advance for us to cherish, guide and most of all love.
Had me at first bark. God is so good to us. Picking each dog out in advance for us to cherish, guide and most of all love.
May 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Animal books are always something that get to me and I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on how they have made a different in other people's lives (as well as my own). This book was full of animal stories. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book!
January 17, 2019
Awesome. A must read. If your a dog person this story will pull at your heartstrings. I give this book a 10 out of 10.
Awesome. A must read. If your a dog person this story will pull at your heartstrings. I give this book a 10 out of 10.
Awesome. A must read. If your a dog person this story will pull at your heartstrings. I give this book a 10 out of 10.
December 26, 2019
I loved the annedoctal stories. I read it right before we got our golden retriever puppy and cried my eyes out. I recommend this to any dog lover but especially those with (or expecting to get) a golden retriever. My heart is full.
April 23, 2017
Cried when the dogs died, but the characters weren't deep enough for me to get attached to.
Read
June 6, 2017Such an amazing story from a man I have always admired in his Guidepost writings. I had no idea how dogs had played such a big role in saving his life and helping him to meet his wife.
Want to read
June 29, 2023👨🏻😍👱♀️🐕💕💏🐕💔😭
July 8, 2017
What dog lover doesn't like a good book about dogs someone has loved and the lessons they teach us. Wonderful stories about wonderful dogs. Keep a tissue handy.
July 29, 2017
An excellent look at the lives of dogs and their humans. Heartwarming and sad. Being a cat person I can say that cats and their humans have the same relationship. Great read!
September 14, 2017
My husband had this one sitting on his nightstand, so I picked it up. The book includes some sweet and moving essays on Grinnan's life with dogs.
September 23, 2017
Fun book to read for anyone who loves dogs. His experiences as well as others, how dogs can be so close and understand us so well.
August 17, 2018
I have taken Guideposts since 1978. I always read his column. I enjoyed the book.
December 27, 2018
Who doesn't love dog stories?
February 19, 2019
A wonderful dog book, full of stories about the many canine friendships that had shaped the author's life.
June 19, 2019
I laughed. I cried. But mostly, I loved.
June 20, 2019
If you are a dog lover, you will love this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews