Sit. Stay. Forever.

by Angela Elwell Hunt, Mursaliev Asker (Illustrations)

Dogs do speak. But only to those who know how to listen.

This little book came to me in a flash while I was vacuuming. When tears rolled over my cheeks, I shut off the vacuum and hurried to my computer, where I typed out a draft of the work that became Sit. Stay. Forever. I posted a copy to my Facebook page, and when the reaction of readers equalled my own, I knew I had to publish those simple lines as a book.

Sometimes small books can have the biggest emotional impact, because the emotion isn't in the words, it's in the heart of the reader. The words and illustrations on the page remind us of the precious relationships in our lives and bring us back to an awareness of and appreciation for those beloved friends.

Sit. Stay. Forever is the perfect book for anyone who loves dogs. The hardback comes with a dust jacket and makes a wonderful gift for dog lovers. There's even a page for the recipient to paste a picture of their beloved canine.

A little book with a powerful impact . . . just like the big little lives that leave their paw prints on our hearts.

Genres: Animals

ebook

Published October 28, 2020

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved a dog. The drawings are beautiful, and the words meaningful. Now, excuse me while I go hold my dog and tell her I love her.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I read this brief book at the best time or the worst, but I know I was sobbing by the last page. In spare, elegant prose, author Angela Hunt tells of the journey of a dog's life, from "let's play" all the time to the painful goodbye. I lost my dog 2 weeks ago and this book was a sweet but painful reminder of the irreplaceable bond we share between our species. The line drawing illustrations by Mursaliev Asker perfectly accompany the text. Beautifully done on all counts!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this book.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet little book about loving a dog! About the length of a child's board book, it's probably the shortest read I've had in awhile. With lovely illustrations and a space to include a photo of your own dog to make it personal, it speaks to the life of a dog and how they love their humans. Even though it was just a few pages, I still teared up at the end. I plan to gift this to some dog lovers in my life!

Special thanks to the author for an ecopy of this book! I was not obligated to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever had the blessing of loving a dog, I would recommend this beautiful little treasure. The word "poignant" may not have positive connotations for everyone, but it the only word that keeps spinning around in my mind. Sit. Stay. Forever. reaches the heart and emotions in a deeply powerful way. If you want to celebrate the life of a forever friend, this book will help you to do just that.

[Barbara Drews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little book is a testament to a dog’s unconditional love and unwavering loyalty to her people. It is a tear jerker, but, in the end, all dogs go to Heaven.

[Toria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching short story. This is a beautiful short story for anyone who has every had a close bond to a dog. Made me remember my sweet Bella.

[Pat Sabiston]

I don't know what I expected when I first opened this book. As a puppy-person, the baby on the cover just drew me in. The illustrations are breathtaking! However, it takes the reader through all the various stages of a pet's life ... even to the end. By the last page, I was sobbing, but in a good way, remembering Dewars McMichael (aka "Dewey"); Harley Corsair; and Dooley-Do, The Rescue Dog. This would be a really good title to help counsel children who are having to deal with the death of a pet. (And, it will help sad adults as well.) It's short, but very sweet.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pet parent who has loved and lost beloved pets, I had to take a look at this book. I realize the author is writing about a beloved dog, I lost a beloved cat a bit over a year ago and it still reaks my hear to think of him. Reading this book and its poems,just broke my heart again. Warning: do not read in public! I made the mistake of beginning the book on a bus trip home from work. I was fortunate to have my stop come up quickly and exited with tears streaming down my face.... This book is a labor of love and tho' a difficult read, well worth reading.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Sheila McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short little story made me cry! As an animal lover (especially dogs and cats), I have loved deeply and lost two dogs and four cats (with two passing away this year within two months of each other). This story reminds me that the Lord creates such loving babies, and we will see them again one day. Thank you Ms. Hunt for such a beautiful story!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my ow

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this short little book packs a big pull on the heartstrings. As a huge dog lover and owner of 2 dogs who are getting into the later years of life, I can relate to this book and dread the days when we have to make that dreaded decision of when to make that final call to the vet. Dogs are the best and I can't imagine life without them.

[Kinetta Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, summary of a puppy's life journey with its human will move the hearts of children and adults alike. Excellent stocking stuffer, special occasion, and any time gift for the fur lovers in your life!

[Terri Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as I write this review of Angela Hunt's newest book, Sit. Stay. Forever. There is a catch in my throat, and the burning of tears making their way to my eyes. This sweet little book reminds the reader -- young and old, alike -- that God's creatures can make a difference in our life.

As I read, I thought of our daughter's dear Chihuahua, Paco. And, if you're a long-time dog owner, those memories will surface for you, I'm sure.

It's not about being sad, it's about honoring our stewardship of these sweet creatures given to us. To learn from their joy, unconditional love, and loyalty. Each day.

I highly recommend this book.

I was given an electronic version of this book by the author for an honest review. And, I purchased two books thereafter.
#NetGallery #SitStayForever

[AnneKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I had my 18 year old yorkie laying beside me. The last few days his breathing has been more labored and he's eating less. We know the time is coming soon for our sweet "pup" to cross over the rainbow to play with his brother, who passed away at 15 years old. This book had me teary eyed as I once again am preparing myself for the inevitable. This short, sweet book made me look back throughout the years, hoping my family gave my pups the most happiest, fulfilling life. This book reminds us dog owners that they depend on us not only for survival, but for comfort and joy. A wonderful book that I will treasure and would recommend to all dog owners.

Thank you Netgalley and Hunt Haven Press / IBPA for the opportunity to read this book. And thank you Ms. Hunt for writing simple words that have a powerful effect that stays with us forever until we see our pups again.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about the life of a dog from puppyhood to old age plus. It is written simply. You learn from day one, how the puppy loves to play, trusts the vet as long as his owner is there, showing old age at the end. The illustrations are perfect for the story. If one is a dog lover, you will love it. It is an emotional book. The book does goes to the end of his life. It made me want to cry.

Disclaimer: I received a book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Hunt Haven Press through NetGalley for an honest review. This book is small and sometimes the nicest gifts come in the smallest packages. This book is for any dog lover, the illustrations and the verses are a reminder of how precious life can be and how much of an impact your dog can have on you. Being a dog lover, we do listen to our dogs, and the book reminds us there is a time for everything. Short but oh so powerful.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touchingly sweet reminder of the special joy animals bring and the deep loss experienced when they are gone. I really appreciated how the love animals express in their eyes and expressions is so clearly illustrated in this book. It is a short, but movingly powerful reminder of the bond between people and beloved pets. Thanks to the author for sharing her heart in this story. I received a complimentary copy from the author and NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great picture book for teaching kids about losing a pet. It teaches about enjoying them while you have them and being okay when it is their time to die. I love the pictures and the way the story was told. Having lost pets in the past I thought Angela did great at being sensitive to the topic.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sentimental and loving tribute to the special bond between a dog and his or her person. This is a very, very, very short read accompanied by lovely drawings depicting the life of a golden retriever. My third Golden just passed in March of this year, so there was a tug at my heart. There isn't much to say because this book is so sparse, but the thought is nice.
#netgalley #Sit.Stay.Forever

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Hunt is clearly a dog lover, because only a dog lover could write a story like Sit. Stay. Forever. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of having loved a canine companion from puppyhood to old age will relate to this tender little story. As the title says, our furry friends seat themselves in our hearts, where they stay forever.

[Hayley Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley .This book was on my kindle, it was short and sweet. The drawings were beautiful and the book made me cry. A simple book of choosing a puppy, the first visit to the vets, fun times, old age and sadly the time to say goodbye. A brilliant book, I believe for children to pick up and remember the good times and an understanding when it's time for the family pet to go to heaven.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not waste words, just like the author Angela Hunt. Beautifully written and illustrated book. Probably the smallest one I have ever read and it impacted me maybe the most. I devoured this book with my 14 year old dog on my lap, crying like a baby.
Thank you Hunt Haven Press for allowing me the privilege to read and review this treasure, I am so glad I did not miss this one.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sit. Stay. Forever by Angela Hunt is a sweet book about the stages of a dog’s life and the relationship it has with it’s owners. I see this book as gift you can give to a dog owner. The pictures in the book added to the simplicity and sweetness of the book. I enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet memorial to a cherished pet.

[Sharon Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit, Stay. Forever is a precious book - great for animal lovers. I would send this to a friend who loves dogs. It would make a good gift book for those who have lost a furry angel friend.

[oohlalabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good quick read about bringing home a puppy and the responsibilities that you have to take care of one. It’s good for kids as the words are easy to understand.

[Debora Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet remembrance book for dog owners.

This is a very short book. The pictures are what really make it stand out in my mind. I read this as an eBook. It is absolutely going to be better in print. It starts with a page to put a picture of your own special fur baby and this can’t be accomplished in an eBook. I like the fact that it has a page covering each stage of a dog’s life. By the end of it I was in tears.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever had to say good-bye to a pet this well-illustrated short story will resonate.
Oh yeah, be sure and have the tissue box handy!

I am thankful to the author for an e-copy of this book. The opinions are my own.