Stay: My Forever Friendship with an Aging Dog

by Lisa Rimmert

A heartwarming and humorous memoir about one woman’s naïve attempts to ignore, deny, and will away her dog’s mortality.

After a slew of untimely goodbyes to childhood pets, Lisa’s first act as a newly-graduated and -married twentysomething was to adopt a dog of her own. She made a vow to four-month-old Dakota: to give her a long, happy life and to be there for her until the very end.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

Reviews

[Jocelyn Jane Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I have never had a dog, the author's love, caretaking and grief in Stay really speak to me. This is a story about devotion. It's also about denial and personal growth. I came away loving the writer and her dog. Rimmert's relationship with her husband and their mutual respect for each other (and their pets) is also inspiring. It begs the difficult questions: how far will you go to help your loved ones and what will you do when they are gone? Glad to have experienced these words.

[Jessica Brickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was so looking forward to reading this book as I'm currently the parent of an aging dog. I identified with so many feelings and sentiments in this memoir. I also can't tell you how long it took me to read the last 30 pages of this book as I knew it would be hard. I found what felt like a good time for me, and they were some of my favorite of the book because I know they may help me in the future and that some of the bittersweetness may be the same.

[Alyson Sheldrake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful memoir for all dog lovers
This is a beautifully written, painfully honest and heartbreakingly familiar memoir of love and loss of a beloved pet. I have to confess to a slight reluctance to begin reading this book, having recently lost our own darling and much-loved dog, but I am glad I was brave enough to turn the pages. Lisa writes of the love of her rescued pup, Dakota, now an old lady with problems walking. Caring for an elderly pet, then ultimately having to make the worst decision any dog owner must face, is a lesson in love and Lisa shares her emotions and fears with a candid honesty that will leave you reaching for the tissues and rushing to hold and kiss your own dog and tell them you love them even more.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a wonderful human being who is the best caretaker for her doggies (and also her kitty). I will admit that I stopped at 55%. It was too painful for me to continue, having said good-bye to 3 pets in the last 3 years. I enjoyed what I read and recommend this book to anyone who wants a kindred spirit to relate to when caring for an aging pet.

[Cindy Ojczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Rimmert shares what many of us feel but are at a loss to share with others. The thought of losing a dog can be just as difficult as the loss. The sadness she feels is peppered with the joy of their relationship. The realness of it all touched my heart. I wish every dog could experience this love.

[Nancy Collander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heartfelt, heartwarming, joyous, and sad tale of Lisa, Brad, and Dakota. I've had, and lost, many senior dogs, and this story resonated with me and my experiences. If you love dogs, you'll love this book!

[Amruza · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny, heartfelt, and captivating. This is the book about friendship with dogs that I've always wanted to read.

[Joel Kurtzberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly Moving and Well Written

Incredibly moving and well written. Recommended to anyone who is a dog lover or who enjoys a good love story.

[Sandi Antalick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!! I have a 16-1/2 year old Beagle and our day is coming. She put into words how I'm feeling during this time. I'm glad she shared her story because I don't feel so alone.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent- although it’s extremely sad it was well written and something all of us who are devoted to our pets must face.

[Karen Izzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - it was raw, funny, and authentic. Full review on my website.