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

I’m a bestselling author of books with a leaning towards spirituality and nature, I get it from my grandmother. There is never a book without a dog, or a cat, wandering somewhere between the pages.

I’ve been a piano player, and a meditation teacher. I like to think that within my books are little snippets of wisdom, little gems picked up along life’s journey.

In 2019 The Enlightened Spaniel – A Dog’s Quest to be a Buddhist was published. It has become an international bestseller and has to date been translated in five languages.

In 2020 the second book of The Enlightened Spaniel Trilogy – The Cat with One Life Left was published. The final book, The Stone of Truth followed in 2021.

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Niall Kiely · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Shona Kinal · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Falcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Samantha fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

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

[Kylie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[MARILYN RAYNER · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Margaret Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Cj Mumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

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

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Louise E · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A light-hearted read about Buddhism and mindfulness from a dog's point of view! A fun, uplifting book for dog-lovers which contains some wise insights.

[Susan Barton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a self help book in disguise given to me by my Spaniel loving friend. I have to admit I just skipped through it. I'm sure others will love it

[Greta Halliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish, Buddhism through a Spaniels eyes and learnt a lot too. A thoroughly recommended read.

[Misty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I thought it would be.

[Michele Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a dogs point of view. Specifically a Springer Spaniel. Love it!

[Karen May]

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