The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend

by Jennifer Skiff Narrated by Laural Merlington, Danny Campbell

Overview

"My dogs have been the reason I have woken up every single day of my life with a smile on my face. I am among the ranks of millions of people who appreciate the souls of dogs and know they are a gift of pure love and an example of all that is good." -Jennifer Skiff



The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments you learn something profound about life from an experience with a dog. Featuring more than seventy stories culled from hundreds of submissions to the author's website, these inspiring and heartwarming true stories show where love, tolerance, comfort, compassion, loyalty, joyfulness, and even death have provided experiences that have led to spiritual enlightenment.



You'll meet Little Bit, the Chihuahua who detected a small lump in her owner's breast, a growth even doctors couldn't find. There's Emma, the devoted Rottweiler who ferociously grabbed her owner's arm at the moment he was trying to commit suicide, saving his life. You'll be inspired by Luna, the Retriever who dragged her owner to safety after she collapsed late at night in a field. And you'll fall in love with the many dogs who simply provide steady comfort when needed-dogs like Bo, the Boxer who soothed his mistress after the loss of her son. The author also weaves her own experiences with dogs throughout the book, showing how they comforted her through mistreatment as a child, a divorce, and a cancer diagnosis.



The stories that make up The Divinity of Dogs provide hope, help, and healing for readers in the complex and difficult times in which we live. Whether you believe dogs are divine or are actually a gift from the divine, The Divinity of Dogs gives you permission to accept what you know: dogs are healers, educators, protectors, and tangible examples of pure love.

Editorial Reviews

Shelf Awareness

A perfect read for dog lovers and those wishing to adopt. An uplifting collection of stories about people who have had other-worldly experiences through their relationships with dogs."

From the Publisher

"Reader advisory: Must be read with tissues! You don't have to be a pet lover to fall in love with these stories. The Divinity of Dogs captures the unconditional love and loyalty of dogs and delivers it with one big wet kiss." —Carole Tomko, President of MyDiscovery

"The Divinity of Dogs is a fascinating read - bringing to life the very special, sometimes incredible, aspects of dogs, with whom we have the privilege to share our lives." —Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer of Dogs Trust - A Dog Is For Life

“Every dog I’ve had the privilege of knowing has imparted some special lesson, insight or transcendent gift to me. It’s what they do. The Divinity of Dogs captures the essence of dogs and their many gifts to humankind. Wonderful stories.” —Francis Battista, Co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society

“This wonderful book is a treasure trove of fascinating stories that will entertain, inspire, enlighten, and amaze you. Soul-enriching.” —Lewis Regenstein, President of the Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature

"I loved this book. The Divinity of Dogs captures the beautiful non-verbal messages between people and their pets. It's a powerful page-turner!" —Debi Boies, co-founder of Pilots N Paws

"Do yourself a favor, read this book, adopt a dog and join the rest of us who know the secret of a happy life." —Karen Rhodes, President, Dogs' Refuge Home

Blue Heron Journal

Jennifer Skiff’s miraculous book is filled with happy dog faces and inspiring stories that touch the canine-human bond.

Examiner.com

A fabulous collection of personal accounts of how dogs have helped people. Ranging from near miracles to simply providing love and companionship, these accounts are all heartwarming… a fabulous holiday gift for a dog loving friend or as a party exchange gift at your local dog club.

USA Weekend

Tissue alert, but in a good way. This is an uplifting book, perfect for this time of year. All these inspiring ‘touched by a dog’ true stories are heartwarming, and filled with pure joy – the kind of innocent and absolute joy which dogs offer and inspire.

Post Journal (Jamestown-NY)

This book should come with it's own box of tissues, because, trust me, you won't get through it without needing several. Some stories make you smile through your tears, some bring a tear because of the obvious bond between human and dog, but all of them will touch you in some way.

ME) Sun Journal (Lewiston-Auburn

...tells true stories of love, miracles and personal transformations involving dogs.

Chicago Tribune

This is an uplifting book, perfect for this time of year. Many of these true stories are heartwarming and filled with pure joy - exploring the kind of innocent and absolute joy dogs offer and inspire,

The Huffington Post - Jenny Block

It can be easy to lose sight of the humanity we all share when so much turmoil exists over resources and money and power. But with something as easy as a book filled with love stories about dogs, it can be much easier to remember the kind of people we should all strive to be — the kind who listen to our dogs a little more and the rest of the noise a little less.

Iron Mountain Daily News (Michigan) 

"One of the most inspiring collections of dog stories assembled."

Johann the Dog

packed full of inspiring, heartwarming, feel good to your bones stories about dogs and their people, and will definitely warm your heart and give you paws to just how much dogs help, love, comfort, uplift, guide, amaze, inspire and change people’s lives.

Iron Mountain Daily News (Michigan)

"One of the most inspiring collections of dog stories assembled."

Chicago Tribune

This is an uplifting book, perfect for this time of year. Many of these true stories are heartwarming and filled with pure joy - exploring the kind of innocent and absolute joy dogs offer and inspire,

San Francisco BookReview

"A beautiful book full of true stories that show us that dogs are that intangible alliance to a higher power, a divinity of sorts; furry angels."

San Francisco Book Review

"A beautiful book full of true stories that show us that dogs are that intangible alliance to a higher power, a divinity of sorts; furry angels."

Sun Journal (Lewiston-Auburn ME)

...tells true stories of love, miracles and personal transformations involving dogs.

The Huffington Post

It can be easy to lose sight of the humanity we all share when so much turmoil exists over resources and money and power. But with something as easy as a book filled with love stories about dogs, it can be much easier to remember the kind of people we should all strive to be — the kind who listen to our dogs a little more and the rest of the noise a little less.
— Jenny Block

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171066901
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	05/27/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

The Divinity of Dogs
“I had no reason to live”



Scott Thornsley

It was Christmas morning, 1995. My wife had left me in August, and two weeks later, I lost my job of nineteen years. I was alone, without anyone to turn to. Worst of all, no one needed me anymore—my workplace or the wife I loved.

I’d just gotten my PhD and was looking forward to enjoying the success that would come with it. Instead, the hunt for a new job was futile. Because of my new degree, I couldn’t get the most menial of jobs. Most people said I was overeducated. I felt like a total failure.

I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that my life was not worth living. I decided to commit suicide.

The moment came. I’d decided on a method and was committed to carrying it out. At that very moment, my four-year-old Rottweiler, Emma, bounded into the study. Her leash was in her mouth, which was not unusual. What was unusual was what she did next. She grabbed my hand with her mouth and ferociously pulled me toward the front door, tugging and yanking me out of my chair. She had never done this before.

There was a hard-falling snow, which would make even the shortest of walks difficult. Her tugging continued. I decided to grant her one more walk.

Once we were outside, she wouldn’t let me go home. She continued, just ahead, leading me through neighborhoods and school athletic fields. Emma wandered without direction, refusing to let me turn around. A couple of hours passed, and during that time, my mind cleared, and I realized my life was not over. I had much to be thankful for, and someone really did need me—even if it was a female Rottweiler named Emma. There is no doubt in my mind that Emma saved my life that day.

In the darkest of moments, a dog can make your life worth living.



Emma & Scott



North East Rottweiler Rescue & Referral

rottrescue.org

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