I crave different kinds of books in the summer and winter. In the winter, I want a long book that I can get lost in for weeks. Something about snuggling up with some hot chocolate and a good book makes me all warm and fuzzy. In the summer, I prefer quick reads; something that I can read over the weekend while I sit in the sun (or by the ocean if I’m lucky!).
Now, I don’t typically do book reviews because I’m behind enough on my current stack of books, but the tagline on the front of the book intrigued me.
“How a Rough-and-Tumble Rescue Dog Dragged Me Back to Health, Happiness, and God.”
Jan Dunlap writes about her journey of bringing a dog into her home in her book Saved by Gracie
. She didn’t want a dog and in fact, was terrified of dogs. After a medical misdiagnosis, she dealt with severe anxiety that limited her experiences of the outside world. She lived in her own bubble; that is, until Gracie came along.
As someone that has had dogs her entire life, I found this read not only humorous, but eye-opening as well. Jan mentions things she never realized about having a dog that I foolishly assumed were common knowledge. Of course people don’t just know things, Kelsie! 😉
I loved reading about how Gracie slowly opened Jan’s world to once terrifying experiences. Things weren’t as bad as she expected them to be. In reality, she was missing out on life’s beauty.
There weren’t a hundred accidents or vicious animals waiting for me in the woods. Instead, there was a spring smell of the earth, the trickling sound of the stream, birds calling, buds opening. It was beautiful. – Jan Dunlap, Saved By Gracie
As the book continues, Jan discusses some research she read about the science behind the human-dog bond. Study after study has shown that individuals that have dogs are physically and emotionally healthier than those that do not have dogs. I know Mauja and Atka open me up every day, which for an anxiety-ridden introvert is a pretty big deal.
If you aren’t much of a religious person, like myself, don’t shy away from the book. Jan quotes a few Bible verses, but nothing that should deter anyone from reading it. Also, there are a few mentions of a trainer and training methods positive trainers like myself don’t agree with, but again, it shouldn’t deter you.
I found Saved By Gracie to be a wonderful read; a humorous take on a serious situation. If you’re passionate about the bond between humans and dogs, this is a must-read. So how about a giveaway?!
Jan was gracious enough to give books to two lucky winners! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below 🙂
Disclaimer: It’s Dog or Nothing received the book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links. Don’t worry, It’s Dog or Nothing only shares products we love and feel you would enjoy. Thanks for supporting It’s Dog or Nothing!
Sounds like an interesting book.
What a great, honest review! I can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks for sharing my book with your audience! Gracie continues to teach me new things about dogs – and life – every day.
I had always had cats. Then we decided to go to a shelter and get a dog. Into my life arrives Lady Girl. I had never known the love of a dog before. She has made my life better just being her sweet, loving, devoted goofy self. She can make me laugh when I am sad.
I am an introvert as well, and if I didn’t have dogs I’d probably be hiding in my house a lot more than I do! Honestly, they get me moving and keep me healthy! Plus, they lead me to blogging which really made a dream come true for me (being a writer).
I have heard of this book before and thought it sounded good then. I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, but it makes me happy to have books on hand waiting to be read!
My baby before Layla was in a Domestic Relationship with me, we ran away together, she kept me alive in so many ways and I am blessed to have had her in my life. When she passed a lot passed with her, three months later I rescued Layla whom has brought me so much happiness, she did not know her sister or the past, only our future together which has made our bond so special, she makes me laugh, gets me out and in a nutshell I could not see my life without her. Baby will always be part of me but I believe she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge when she knew I was safe so that I could rescue a new lil one.
Our Skipper save us when we adopted him.
my oldest dog, Evie, saved both my mother and me. i had moved back to my home city per the request of my mother to be her caregiver, which was a 24/7 job. i had to deal with many lawsuits and problems with my older siblings, which is the reason my mother wanted me to move back and help her b/c they were taking advantage of her. for over 10 yrs plus i had to deal with this. Evie gave me unconditional love and helped me make it thru the days. she also gave my mother lots of love, made her walk and do her exercises. Evie was a big stress reliever.
I read Jan’s book and agree that she did a wonderful job at describing the human-dog bond she came to cherish!
My dog adds so much love and joy to my life and has helped me with stress and depression. She makes me laugh daily and is always there to give me love.
This looks like such a great book! We entered!
Mommy just realized she met you at BlogPaws! Your doggies are so cute!
I was lucky enough to get to read and review this book a few months ago, and it’s really awesome! I loved it because I was definitely saved by the big red girl who’s currently lying beside me snoring like an old bear. It’s incredible what a difference she has made in my life, and in my husband’s life too.