The Enlightened Spaniel - A Dog's Quest to be a Buddhist

by Gary Heads, Toby Ward (Illustrator)

This is the story of a springer spaniel and her half-sister, who set out to discover the reason their owner meditates and is so interested in the teachings of the Buddha. Ably assisted by a bookshelf, who holds a fountain of knowledge, they embark upon a quest to discover the secrets of meditation and uncover the path to ancient wisdom. As they progress along the road to enlightenment, they not only transform their own perception of life, but also the lives of those around them. The journey is a challenging one, but is held together by Half-Sister’s wicked sense of humour and a desire to enter into spaniel folklore. The Enlightened Spaniel is a wise tale, filled with insights and humour, that celebrates the connection between all beings that reside on Planet Earth.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Animals

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2018

About the author

Gary Heads is a British novelist whose work has been translated into multiple languages and enjoyed international success. His Enlightened Spaniel Trilogy has appeared on bestseller lists around the world, captivating readers with its unique blend of storytelling, spirituality, and a deep connection to the natural world. Animals, especially dogs and cats, are ever-present in his writing, often guiding the heart of his narratives.

Gary holds an MSc in Mindfulness and has spent much of his adult life practising and teaching meditation. His first book, Living Mindfully: Discovering Authenticity through Mindfulness and Coaching, was published by Wiley-Blackwell in 2017 and reflects his long-standing commitment to personal growth and self-awareness.

In 2019, his interest in Buddhism and his love of springer spaniels inspired A Dog’s Quest to Be a Buddhist. Its success led to two further novels in the series: The Cat with One Life Left (2020) and The Stone of Truth (2021), completing what would become a beloved trilogy.

Gary lives in County Durham in North East England, where he continues to write and explore themes of mindfulness, nature, and the human–animal connection.

My latest book A Gift for a Curious Mind will be published in the near future.

I continue to live in North East England and take my inspiration from the stunning landscapes and wildlife that bless the area. There is always a story hidden in the present moment – if you pay attention.

Reviews

[Jenny]

Well, this is a special little book. My Buddhist partner got me this as a gift. I know next to nothing about Buddhism but have an overwhelming obsession with spaniels (although cocker spaniels are by far my favourite!). I found this an interesting and informative introduction to Buddhism through the eyes of an English springer spaniel and her half sister, who brought humour and laughter into the book with their antics (it appears a spaniel's mischievousness is universal!). It is also beautifully illustrated. A perfect book for spaniel (or dog) owners who wish to learn more about Buddhism.

[Caroline Hibberd]

What a genuinely special little book. I absolutely loved every page of it. It’s warm, funny, comforting and wonderfully observant - especially if you know spaniels!

The way the book links peaceful Buddhist wisdom with the wonderfully chaotic mind of a spaniel is just brilliant. Every enlightened affirmation somehow circles right back to The Yellow Tennis Ball 😂 and honestly, that is probably the most accurate representation of a spaniel’s spiritual journey imaginable.

Having just lost one of our much loved, adorable Springer Spaniels, I found myself laughing and crying in the same breath; I think because the book captures the lovable spaniel obsession so perfectly 🤎🤍

[Emily]

while I’m not Buddhist, i did enjoy learning more about the religion, especially from the perspective of a springer spaniel.

“the richness of present moment experience is the richness of life itself.”

[Chris]

This book was an absolute delight! I have read many introduction to Buddhism books and this one can stand next to any of them. In truth, I was hesitant that this concept was too silly to be taken seriously, but this was not at all the case. Having the book be narrated by a dog added such a fun (and at times very humorous) element. If you are on the fence, like the cats in this book, just do yourself a favor and read it.

[AnnaG]

I gave up on this book after 3 chapters. It's a great title and I really liked the idea of a dog trying to meditate. My own Jackapoo is really *not* Zen. However, the book itself is an odd-mix. It's not really a cutesy book. Even though it's told from the dog's perspective and has some charm, it's got too many passages of pragmatic advice to be a light-hearted "cute" read. On the other hand, it's not really a useful practical guide as the advice is couched in dog terms (smell the carrot) and padded out with doggy thoughts.

If you have a friend who is a dog owner and frazzled and you are looking for a birthday gift for them, this is probably a good thing to give, but if you are looking for a good book to read for yourself, I found this a puzzling struggle.

[Bruce Mendelson]

I enjoyed this book. It is basically an introduction to Buddhism through the eyes of two springer spaniels. It is well written, entertaining, amusing and filled with Buddhist wisdom. There are lighthearted descriptions of the 4 noble truths, the eightfold path and some entertaining and useful information on meditation. I am a dog person and presently have 3 canine companions. I believe that most dogs display many Buddhist values. For the most part, they live in the present and they almost always strive to bring happiness to fellow sentient beings- maybe not ground squirrels.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Buddhist path and enjoys the company of pets.

[Gaius Julius Sadberry]

Great introduction to meditation and the teaching of Buddha. The book is written from the POV of a dog, a springer spaniel to be exact. This fun twist makes the book easy to read and apply the lessons to your own life.

[Barbara Lomas]

Very clever and a fascinating insight into Buddhism in a very light hearted way. Got a bit bored towards the end though, couldn't have read any more

[Harriet]

I loved reading this on retreat, it's light and funny but also very dharmic and useful when meditating a lot. Kept me in the right frame of mind and helped me to not take myself too seriously!

[Niall Kiely]

A sweet introduction to Buddhist philosophy through the eyes of a spaniel. Be a dog, live in the moment!

[Shona Kinal]

Picking up this book (or rather clicking it) from Kindle Unlimited, I was drawn by the innocence and simplicity of this book. Full of both chuckles and tuts alike, this book is easy to flick through.

It’s tone almost comes across as a children’s book, if it weren’t for the size. It’s light hearted in approach, but the puns can vary. While some are sweet, others stretch for laughs, but don’t quite reach them. Despite this, the book is still charming, and learning about Beginners Mind and Mindfulness in a simple manner was extremely helpful.

The Enlightened Spaniel does have a couple of spelling errors, but I won’t judge these harshly, and credit goes to Heads for putting such passion in to an insightful book.

However, one moment did confuse me. Without ruining the book, a change in perception, while not changing at all, was slightly confusing. This happens twice, and I can’t quite seem to figure out the reason why.

All in all, a neat book that tells the basics in a sweet way, but one or two narrative moments made the book a little confusing.

**Praise goes to the illustrations. In a world where photoshop and stock imagery (although still creative and interesting) are becoming commonplace on book covers, it’s lovely to see a difference on my digital bookshelf**

[Luke]

I liked the idea of this book but in general I wasn't a big fan. I didn't particularly get on with the writing style and reading pages and pages of what a dog might think about when it's meditating or trying not to eat a carrot is not that interesting. However, it picked up as it went on and I got used to the weirdness. I did really enjoy the actual Buddhist content, particularly the quotes and poetry, and I learned some interesting things from the book, I just wish it had been written in a more coherent and less irritating way. Perhaps the author and I just have different opinions on how a dog might think! I wouldn't read again but I don't regret having read it.

[John Holder]

This was a unique and really charming overview of Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. My partner actually found this and suggested it to me. The canine POV makes this volume a disarming, yet accessible, window into the search for a richer and more satisfying inner life. It’s a quick read, but nonetheless conveys a dense portrayal of techniques and paths to personal enlightenment.

Highly recommended.

[Jo Heilbronn]

For spaniel lovers in particular

What a thoroughly entertaining book. Couldn’t put it down and could t stop myself from laughing out loud lots of us could empathise with ‘wandering mind’!! The writing is simple yet effective. I could so ‘hear’ the spaniel’s voice. Definitely want to read more of the author’s work.

[Frances Gaudiano]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a light and entertaining way to learn more about Buddhist philosophy. I enjoyed learning about 'being in the moment' from a spaniel's point of view. I would recommend it to both dog lovers and people with an interest in spirituality. As a pagan, I found this book instructive.

[Vicky Bowler]

Enlightened by Spaniels

I had no expectations of this book when I began reading it. I don't know if I've gotten any further on the path of enlightenment after reading it. I do know, however, that while reading this book, every page made me smile and I laughed aloud at least 3 times in every chapter. Here's to living in the moment, being compassionate, and loving dogs.

[Kathie]

This book is a delight. As well as being informative about Buddhist philosophy and meditation strategies, it is whimsically written, using the voice of a springer spaniel in search of enlightenment as the narrator. The spaniel's Half-Sister, the Bookshelf and even the Wandering Mind become personas in the search.

[Martin]

Well, well well.....

After the initial shock of reading a book from a dog's PLC I really enjoyed this and will certainly be reading the rest of the trilogy. I learned a lot about Buddhism played out in easy steps. Very funny too. A delightful surprise.

[Ruth Cozad]

a dogs lovers book and one I enjoyed--not so much for Buddhism but the meditation aspect. It didn't offend my christian background but I'm pretty flexible and enjoy learning how others celebrate belief.

[Kim Falcus]

An absolutely charming book, it made me laugh and smile aswell as being thought provoking. I would highly recommend reading ♥️

[Samantha fisher]

Good read

Very good read if, like me, you enjoy meditation and want more insight into the principles of meditation, highly recommended

[Kylie Martin]

Sweet book about the two spaniels journey in Buddhism. Can relate to some of the funny doggy antics.

[MARILYN RAYNER]

Wonderfully enlightening

The best book ever to explain the teachings of Buddha, more so when seen through the eyes and ears of a
Dog

[Brenda L Brandon]

Enchanting... follows two springer spaniel's spiritual path to meditation and enlightenment

[Margaret Haigh]

A brilliant book on mindfulness and Buddhist teaching, explained through the medium of a Springer spaniel. Works really well and most entertaining.

[Cj Mumm]

Lovely book! Have to admit I was drawn because of a springer I once had. He was a wonderful, peaceful companion. Not a religious person but Buddhism makes sense to me. On to the second book!

[Pauline Tarpey]

Brilliant

Beautifully thought proving
Very profound and a reminder to live in the moment. Covers some basic Buddhist teachings
Loved reading this book.

[Deb]

Great little book and very interesting and light hearted. My only criticism was the distraction from the proof reading fails - quite a few typos of the 'off not of' and 'too not to' ilk.

[Rachel]

Not only creative, enjoyable and fun, but also a very interesting and informative read about the ways of the Buddha.

[Louise E]

The best book on Buddhism

It makes the theories so accessible by looking at them thru a dog’s perspective. And it’s funny. I loved it.