Do dogs go to heaven? Do dogs have souls? Both are common questions, especially among those who’ve lost furry family members and can’t bear the thought of never seeing them again.
Kay Bratt explores these ideas in All (my) Dogs Go to Heaven. Touching on relevant Biblical scriptures, she chronicles her tumultuous past— including a traveling childhood and a near decade of domestic abuse— revealing how her beloved pets helped her cope, and instilled hope for better days ahead. Interspersed within this memoir are short essays from real people who have experienced signs from their departed pets as proof that they are still around in spirit. Included in the back of the book is a Grief Guide to help get us through those first devastating days after our loss.
Insightful and fascinating, Kay Bratt has ultimately given us a message of hope with All (my) Dogs Go to Heaven. -Judy Morgan, Founder of Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
I have to say that I was not sure if this was a good time for me to read this book. My 16 year old cat, Maggie, is not doing well. We are hoping for the best, but trying to prepare ourselves to make a hard decision. Contrary to my worries, I feel that the book brought me comfort. I already knew a lot about Kay and her Bratt Pack through Facebook, but there was much more detail given in this book. I loved that she shared personal stories about her childhood and difficult first marriage. My favorite part was learning how she met the love of her life! The stories about people’s spiritual encounters with their departed pets were fascinating. They were very specific to the point that it would be hard to dispute them. Such comfort for all pet owners! I highly recommend this book for all animal lovers.
I have always been a dog person, but never had one as a child. When my husband and I were first married, we had an Australian Shepherd named Anna, who we had to re-home when our oldest daughter turned out to be allergic and ended up in the hospital multiple times with asthma attacks. Fast forward to 4 more kids later. We had never gotten another dog. I often thought about a poodle, because they are known to not cause allergies, but discarded it, thinking as a purebred, they would be too expensive. One day I decided to search in an online pet finder website, and there was Paris, a white miniature poodle who had been found on the streets, and was sadly waiting for a family in a shelter. I knew she was ours, and when we went to the shelter to meet her, she came right to us, happily straining at the leash like she knew we were there for her. She jumped right into my husband's lap and then made her way to the rest of us, happily licking and wiggling her delight. Later, we would realize how out of character that was for her, because she was usually very shy and standoffish around new people. I believe God led me to her, and that he whispered to her too."Your family's here! Go meet them!" For 9 years, Paris became part of our family. We called her our 6th child, and our little girl dog. We kept her name, because what could be a better name for a French poodle, right? She fit in right in, even joining in on family photos with a doggy grin without being told when we lined the kids up. Then on March 3rd 2021, after a short illness, she passed at home. It took us by surprise, but 5 of the 7 of us were here with her, in tears of grief and disbelief. It's only been 3 months, and we still feel her absence every day. We feel guilt because we didnt know she was so sick, and question what we should have done differently. But we know we were so blessed to have her sweet personality, loving licks, snuggles, happy barks, and her joyful wagging tail for as long as we did We just wish it could be longer. Thank you, Kay, for writing this book. The bible references to back up your beliefs, and the possibility of the Rainbow Bridge, gave me hope that we will see our little girl dog again. I have an image in my head of her racing toward me, ears flapping, as we are one day reunited. The grief tips in the back are especially helpful, and very lovingly written, as was this whole book. It has also opened me up to the idea of adopting another, and last night I submitted an application to be considered for another poodle, a dog who has spent her whole life being bred, and never had a real home or family. I saw her a few days before, but hesitated because of her age, (8 1/2), but Grandpa's story has inspired me. I'm going to pass on this book next to my 21 yr old daughter, Leila, who has suffered maybe the most of all of us since losing Paris, since Paris slept in her bed with her, and definitely looked at her as her pack mom. I always joked I was Grandma. I hope reading it will free her a little from her grief, and give her hope that our separation is not a permanent one. Again, thank you for writing this book, and pouring your heart out onto the pages to help others. ❤
First of all, don’t start reading this if you have to be somewhere or have something that needs to get done as you will not want to put it down. I have followed Kay for quite awhile and was familiar with a lot of her story. Some people that cross our paths just feel like soul sisters and having experienced a lot of the same, she sure feels like one. While reading this there will be tears and laughter. So honest and raw for someone to share their story and heart with us. I’m suggesting all my dog and animal loving friends get his book and keep it on hand to refer to again and again. Share with friends to help them through their grief when losing a beloved furkid. I’m grateful to have been able to read an early copy of this book. I can’t wait until everyone can read it and experience the love between the pages.
Thanks to Red Thread Publishing Group and author Kay Bratt for a digital advance readers copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
I was intrigued by the book's title, and am familiar with Kay Bratt's story because I follow her on Facebook, so was excited to be part of the book's launch team. Full disclaimer: I don't have any dogs and the only pet we've ever had was a black and white Dutch rabbit. But let me assure you that this didn't make any difference to me in enjoying this memoir. Kay writes from her heart, and anticipates the questions and arguments you might have. I was impressed with her theological research and biblical evidence to back up her statements about pets in heaven.
But this book isn't merely a list of reasons, or even just her anecdotal dog reminiscences. Kay skillfully tells her personal life story which includes a turbulent childhood, an early abusive marriage, finding the love of her life, being a mother, and becoming the successful writer she is today. Within this narrative she includes stories of the pets she's had throughout her life, and how they have supported her by providing hope through the sorrowful times. I appreciated her scripture references and how she shares her faith.
In addition to the sweet photos of her pets that conclude each chapter, Kay adds short essays within this memoir from real people who have experienced signs from their departed pets as proof that they are OK and waiting for them on the other side of the "rainbow bridge." I have also heard similar stories from those who have lost a human loved one, but have never had this experience myself. Even so, I'm not going to dispute the validity of this, since it gives them comfort and harms no one.
The inclusion of a Grief Guide to help get through the first days of loss of a pet gives the book added value, and makes this a thoughtful gift for someone struggling with this issue. Kay also includes a recipe for the special dogfood she makes for her dogs, including the rescue dogs she fosters and adopts. She is the Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas.
I think that whether or not you have dogs, this insightful story of Kay's life experiences is a worthwhile and touching read. If you have lost a pet, reading this memoir could provide you with hope and support. And for those considering fostering or adopting a dog, this is a good first person account.
Kay Bratt has done it again! All (my) Dogs Go to Heaven is a touching and emotionally charged book. Fair warning though, have a box of Kleenex at the ready, and plenty of time to devote to reading. It kept me up all night, I just couldn’t put it down!
If you follow Kay Bratt on any social media platform you know she has had a very tumultuous life. I’ve always felt connected to her because I also married at a very young age (16), and had an abusive ex-husband. Coincidentally my “new” (of nearly 19 years married) husband is also named Ben. :o) When Ben and I adopted our first daughter Leilah from China in 2008, Kay’s book Silent Tears was assigned to us as required reading by our Social Worker before we could begin the process of adoption. I have been reading, and have enjoyed all of her books ever since!
All (my) Dogs Go to Heaven however is different for Ms. Bratt, instead of being a “story” about fictional characters, she literally dumps her heart and soul into the pages of this novel. This is “her story” in which she shares from the deepest depths of her heart, her “not-so fairy tale” life. She also shares her love for animals starting from her childhood, and how she now knows in her heart that her furry companions were placed in her path for a reason. God knew she needed “someone” to get her through the hard times, and get her to the other side.
This book is filled with heartbreaking reminiscence, as well as spiritual and uplifting stories of hope from others who have lost their beloved pets, and how they felt their presence after their pets passing. You’ll “meet” Kay’s furry family members and grow to love each of them (especially Grandpa). Kay shares how her deep-rooted faith began, and how it has shaped her life. She quotes scripture that in my opinion points to how we WILL see our fur babies someday on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge!
**As a bonus Kay has put together a grief guide for dealing with the loss of a beloved pet, and also a recipe for her very own homemade dog food!**
This was one amazing read! This memoir is truly an emotional read and it has so much to give. I am so happy to have read it. I finished the book in two sittings. The author weaves her own memoir and the memoir of the dogs she has had. It is heartfelt and how when the worst moments in life come somehow, that wonderful fluffy friend is there for you. I can feel how this storytelling swept me away. It is a nice way to make life and loss become bearable, with sharing with others, being able to speak about hard topics. I'm a dog lover too and have had several dogs over the years and if I had a book such as this one back then it would have helped me to understand better..the pain and grief would have been better and a whole lot easier to deal with. Only a couple of years ago a dog I had adopted who needed a new home, tragically passed away. It was excrutiating and heartbreaking. My lovely girl couldn't be saved, we only got a short time together some 9 months. I consider my dogs my family and they have helped me in many ways over the years! So with this wonderful book it has made me understand differently and also see things from an even better perspective. I loved the way the author talked about her dogs and the ones her book is dedicated to! Her special dog Grandpa, also what made the book so good is that there are other people who's stories were included. Faith , belief and what the meaning of the rainbowbridge is. How you can truly feel the presence of your loved one without giving away more about this wonderful book. It is a brave and soul reaching account of life and passing and also the miracles that can happen! I'm so grateful to have read this amazing book and can definitely recommend it! Yes, all our dogs go to Heaven at least mine do too, I see you Chanelle. Thank you! Charlotte N
Kay Bratt has a way with words. I struggle to find the words that do this book justice. I was fortunate to get an ARC of her book "All My Dogs Go To Heaven." This book covers all of the bases. You get the heartbreaking stories of love and loss from fellow animal lovers as they share their story. You also get the funny moments and the happily ever after. Kay tells of the pets that she loved and lost. I was familiar with some of the stories from following Kay on social media. She is so open about the hurts and heartaches she has gone through. I won't post spoilers here. This book can help those that are grieving loss. It will provide comfort. The book is like a hug from Kay. This book ended with the funny stories of the Bratt Krew. The open way that Kay writes makes her feel like a friend you could sit across from and talk for hours.
This is the first book I have read by Kay Bratt. I am used to reading only romance and when I started reading this book, my son commented that it wasn't my normal romance book. It isn't but it s a much deeper romance story than I am used to reading.
I was touched from her first story to the end. I too, have lost pets and been devastated. I, too, have been a victim of domestic abuse by several exes in my past. I, too, have overcome the past and have a much better present and look for an even better future. I could relate to her and this book in a way that I haven't been able to relate to a book in a long time.
I started this book last night and just could not put it down. This book should be on everyone's to be read list
Another awesome book by Kay Bratt. This book touched me some many ways we lost two of our furbabies in the last year one was just this April. This is a book once you start it you need to make sure you have time to read it from cover to cover, you won't be able to put it down. I love all the stories of the signs from beyond that many have had with their departed furbabies. Those stories are very comforting. I believe that our Halia is up in heaven with my son and they are together again and that made the decision to let him go much easier. I love how Kay gives us such truthful insight into her struggles and how her furbabies came at just the right time to help her through hard times. This book requires plenty of Kleenex nearby. I know one day soon we will have to say goodbye to our Troubadour and this reading this book will bring such comfort. Thank you Kay for writing such a wonderful book. I highly recommend this book too anyone that has furbabies or has lost some. Thank you Kay for the chance to read this early copy.
Heartwarming, heartbreaking, eye opening. Kay writes from her heart and we get a glimpse of how a young woman will stay in an abusive relationship when there seems no way out. I really never considered before that animals would be in heaven. Now I have a more open view about where they will be.
I have had dogs my entire life. My husband and I have owned some very special Shih Tzus during our 30year marriage. I loved reading about the deep bonds between people and there dogs, and a cat. I went into the book already believing that when I die, my dogs will be there to share eternity with me. Reading about the signs from beyond that many have had with their beloved pets was emotional for me and very comforting. I like to think that my dad gets to enjoy his dogs and mine until I am there with them. Parts of the book were a hard read. Kay had such difficult times in her childhood. I feel so sad for her, but glad to know her pets were there for her. Her young married life sounded horrific and I hope some women who read this can be inspired by her to not stay in an abusive relationship. I am so glad that Kay has such a different life now where she has a supportive man in her life. I just loved reading about when grandpa came into their lives. He went from living on the lamb outside of a chicken farm to enjoying his evening golf cart rides to survey his property. All (My) Dogs Go to Heaven is an amazing book. Please be like grandpa and ride along.
Congrats to Kay Bratt on the release of her non-fiction book about grief. Readers struggling with the loss of a pet, particularly readers with a strong sense of faith, will love this one.
This book is so, so, very good. Heartwrenching, hope-infusing, Bratt's (and friend's) tales of pets that got her (them) through hard times made me laugh and cry. I could so relate to it and am so grateful to have hope that our beloved pets meet us again one day in Heaven. My soul-pet passed a couple of years ago and I have missed him so much. My kitty, Lily, is 13 and I dread the day she is no longer snuggling with me. But I agree with Bratt's analysis, if Heaven is the best place, it MUST include a reunion with our dearly departed. Thank you for writing this, Kay Bratt. I know I will read it again many times in the future, and will recommend it to others who lose their best friends.
I'm a huge fan of Kay Bratt's books, and this book doesn't disappoint! Make sure to have tissues nearby. I cried along with the story of her tumultuous up and downs she has faced in her life along with saying goodbye to fur babies that have come and gone. I also laughed along with her at some of the silly antics or happy memories the different fur babies have added to their owner's memory bank. Such a wonderful book to help people get through the grieving process of saying goodbye to their fur baby and also to be able to look back and the wonderful memories you have and thinking of your fur baby running free in heaven playing with other fur babies. Loved this book, but I definitely got emotional reading it. ❤
This memoir is more profound and sincere than any I have ever read. Whether or not you are a dog lover, this book is one that will touch your heart and inspire you to struggle through and find your best life.
If you’ve ever wondered will your pets be waiting for you on the other side, then this is a must read. It is part personal memoir (Kay’s) along with heartfelt stories from pet owners whom have experienced the painful loss of a fur baby. But more than that it details how owning an animal is sometimes therapy for our souls. Do our pets give us signs from beyond... I’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusion. A long time fan of Kay Bratt’s stories. This one is a bullseye to your heart. Long after the last page is read it will linger in my mind reminding me of my rainbow 🌈 babies. Kleenex required.Thank you kindly for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This beautiful book is unlike anything I have ever read before. The author opens her heart and life to her readers, to explain the meaning behind the book's title. By telling her painful history, she shares how she has grown to believe - to know - that her dogs go to Heaven. As she lays bare some deeply personal and scarring years of her past, the author shows how she received unconditional love from her dogs at an early age. At times, they were the only safe haven for her heart. Anyone, this reader included, who has shared a life with a special dog, will understand completely. Ms. Bratt's life took far more joyous turns and she generously allows her readers along the journey. The book includes segments from other dog parents who also believe their dogs are in Heaven. Included as well are a collection of Biblical passages that reference this belief, too.
Kay Bratt is an exceptional author and an incredible woman. She has become involved in a Yorkie rescue, filling her home and her precious dogs' hearts with love. She is a survivor, a wife and mother, and a woman who clearly loves deeply and unconditionally, just as her dogs do, here and in Heaven.
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I did it anyway! I read this entire story in one sitting while comfortable on the beautiful NJ beach. However, I was trying to wipe my tears with my towel that was full of sand at times! This is a wonderful, spiritual, love-filled,uplifting, heartbreaking book. It is told by the author Kay Bratt. She always has a stunning way with words. It is about her life journey as well as her fur kids. She explains how they must at different times "fly to heaven" and how she copes with these losses. I am a dog Mom and having a sixteen (approximate) and a thirteen year old, one on hospice and one now with dementia, this story has deeply touched me. I believe that the Lord, creator of all people, and animals and would love to have us ALL under one roof when the time comes. I am grateful that others feel as I do. This book gave me peace and hope. I know it will for all those who also devour this book.
Kay Bratt opens up and shows us pieces of her past and her heart, how she became the wonderful author and woman that she is, and the animals that helped shape her, encourage her and comfort her. Yes, there is sadness, human and animal, but there is also love and hope, the hope that our fur babies are waiting for us after they cross the rainbow bridge, and that they will be there to share their love with us again.
enjoy any book about dogs so I was thrilled to be given an advanced reader copy of All Dogs Go to Heaven. Kay Bratt, the author, tells her life story as she talks about dogs and the role they played in her life. She had a hard life growing up and then had an abusive marriage. The story takes you through some of these memories as she and her husband and father travel in an RV and see some of the memories from her childhood. She did find comfort in dogs growing up and also got support from one during her troubled marriage. Pets do bring peace and even laughter into our lives. My dogs do this for me too. Saying goodbye to a furry friend is always hard. I have also grieved for my pets who have passed due to old age or cancer. Kay shared her belief that dogs go to heaven and gives some biblical references to support this. She and other dog lovers tell stories of how they feel their dog has given them signs. I’d like to think that I will see my dogs again. What do you think? She also put some helpful information on dealing with the grief at the end of the book. I had to have a box of Kleenex near me for some of the book, but I would reread it again. She wrote from her heart just like she has done in the Tangled Vines series that I am reading. I want to thank Kay Bratt and her publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy of the book. I am voluntarily leaving a review and hope that you will pick up the book to read too!
What a wonderful story this was. Kay lays her heart out there describing her childhood troubles, family issues, all the moving around she had to do and the abusive marriage she was in. Throughout all this she was a true savior to many pets along the way who loved her unconditionally. Pets definitely have a way of bringing some peace and love into our lives. Saying goodbye to a loved pet is the hardest. I had to unfortunately experience this letting go of our 14 year old little Yorkie. The grief is real, the loneliness without them sitting in the window waiting for you to come home, and always there by your side when you are feeling sad is very hard to get over. Kay has a heart of gold with her pet rescue, her work at an orphanage, and finally making her life complete with the love of her Ben. The trip with her dad was a wonderful thing to do visiting her old childhood places and being able to tuck away all those memories. I do believe that one day I will meet up with my little girl again. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Thanks Kay for another wonderful story. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
THIS BOOK!! This is a book that is written from the heart. Kay Bratt exposes all of her scars, warts, insecurities and hurt that have been a part of her personal life and then she proves that our fur babies are little angels and should be thought of as such. Kay Bratt always speaks from her heart in everything that she does or writes. I love her books; however, in this book, I could feel the heartache, the passion and the compassion on every page. I personally have a 16 year old dog that is everything to me and I wasn't sure how I felt about reading this. I am SO glad that I did! Seldom have I read a story that is so raw and REAL. If you only read one book this year, make sure it is this one. You will not be disappointed and I just bet you will have all the "feels" afterwards. Kay's personal story is tear-jerking to say the least, but the culmination of her long journey and determination in life is quite honestly amazing to me. She is a woman that I personally look up to and respect. She is also a champion for all the fur babies in the world...that in itself should make her a heroine to everyone! I highly recommend this book!
Loved learning more about one of my favourite authors as well as all the stories of precious pups and a few kitties as well. I'm an equal opportunist pet lover. I giggled and I cried. These stories touched my heart so deeply as I grew up and now, in my 40's still have multiple pets. So I've experienced this heartbreaking loss that only another pet lover can truly understand, as they are family. Thank you, Kay, for your beautiful descriptions and grandpa's story. I've you for years and loved all your Bratt pack's adventures, but grandpa truly captured my heart and I cried when you posted he went over the rainbow bridge. Thank you for sharing your babies with us. Someone once told me that great grief speaks of a greater Love. Excellent book and one I'll keep on my shelf when i need the reminder.
Kay Bratt is one of my favorite authors. She has a way with words and can tell a story like no other. This book was very special to me. I know what it is like to be in an abusive relationship and how hard it is to finally get the courage to leave. But the scars from that relationship will always remain with you. I have had a dog as a companion for as far back as I can remember. Each time I have lost one it was like a little piece of me died, also. In All My Dogs Go to Heaven, Kay pulls at your heartstrings and gives you hope that you will see your dogs again one day. Kay is so open and honest and pours her heart out in this book, holding nothing back. Make sure you have a box of tissues and an open schedule when you start this book. Thank you, Kay, for another great and inspiring story.
This memoir bought back a lot of wonderful memories of my Alexis Kay. She was our first fur baby married. We had her for 14 glorious years. Of all the dogs I had growing up and all the dogs since then Alexis Kay was my girl. She was my shadow. When the boys were born she was so gentle with them and became their protector like a third parent. This book was a lovely reminder of where all dogs go with some touching biblical scriptures along the way. Along with a look into the authors life and of all of her accomplishments over the set backs to where she is today. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is grieving over a lost pet. As we all know they are more than an animal they are a member of your pack.
I’ve read almost all of this author’s books and loved them all! A lot of this one reads like her autobiography though and I can see now why I felt such a kinship. Thank you Kay for sharing your story and for all the encouragement and hope you’ve given to those who lose their beloved pets. I sure could have used this a year and a half ago when we had to put our Skyler down. Our granddaughter was just talking about how she felt so bad for her when she was in the bedroom and couldn’t get up one day. That progressed to where she couldn’t walk at all on her last day. BUT, she was with us for over 8 years and was the best dog ever! A true, gentle giant who ended up on the streets somehow before we rescued her. She was so well trained and I don’t know how anyone could have let her go!
Kay Bratt is one of my favorite authors but this book is very different from the other books I have read that she wrote. This book was a very intimate look at her personal life and struggles and the animals that helped her through it all and made her the person she is today. And she also looked at scripture to form her own opinion about whether dogs go to Heaven or not. And her conclusion is the same as mine. It wouldn't be Heaven to me if my dogs weren't there. If you want an inspiring read from a person who has dealt with a lot in her lifetime and came out the other side as a Christian and all round good person, please read this book.
All My Dogs Go to Heaven by Kay Bratt is a though provoking read, and very different from the books you normally expect to read from this author. This book takes the reader on a journey of many years from early childhood to present day, and shows the love between a pet and its human. Our fur babies can help pull us through some of the most trying times of our lives, and their love for us is unconditional. The pain of losing one of these special pets, at times can seem unbearable. Yet I do believe one day we will be reunited with them. I highly recommend this amazing read to others. I received a ARC of this book, and all opinions expressed here are my own.