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!
