The Grace of Dogs: A Boy, a Black Lab, and a Father's Search for the Canine Soul

A day or two after the loss of my dog, while researching the theologian Dr. Root for my college, I discovered that he had also written this book about the loss of his family’s dog. I bought it as an eBook and read it within a day. It helped me so much that I bought this hard cover copy to add it to my library. This book is very well written and not only tells the story of love and loss beautifully, it also includes significant documented research. My wife also enjoyed reading it and she too saw our little guy throughout the pages. I will recommend this book to my family and friends if/when they lose their dogs.

He writes and has done the research to back up what many of us dog lovers have known and felt our whole lives. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for any dog lover and would hurt some clergy to read it too.

The Grace of Dogs is just that… FULL OF GRACE and Hope and detailing the beauty of the unique and wonderful creation of a dog by our loving God

A year ago, I adopted Arya, a black lab mutt who is an incredibly high energy puppy. She had been adopted before, but was returned to the shelter because the family didn't have the time or energy to deal with her. She came into my life at a time when I was beginning to face by own depression, while I was struggling through my final year of seminary, and when I was feeling exceptionally isolated in my internship site. The love this dog poured into my life was nothing short of God's grace made known here on earth. I've begun to refer to her as my Bishop, as she is the one who Pastors the Pastor. Andrew Root has masterfully captured everything I've experienced in my relationship with Arya, and have as of yet been unable to put into words. I'm grateful that he stepped out of the normal bounds of theological writing to compose a work like this that lives fully into what practical theology should be. This book reveals the often unexpected and unassuming ways that God's grace appears in our lives. I've found grace through Arya just as Root and his family found grace through Kirby. This powerful and easy to read book examines the love that every dog owner has known in a way that illuminates the means by which God's love and promises are made known - through our relationships, even those with our canine companions. I cannot possibly recommend this book enough!

I do not believe in some make believe person is controlling the universe. But I do believe in the love and bond dogs and humans have, why belittle it with some religious mumble jumbo.

I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with the author 's stories about his dog, Kirby, and the ultimate question about whether or not our dogs are re-joined with us in eternity. As a Christian, I have searched for the answer to that question. If you are familiar with Rainbow Bridge, you know how the thought that a dog is reunited with his/her person(s) one day is what helps to heal the broken heart of one whose faithful dog passes. After reading this book, although no guarantees are given, there are enough conclusions drawn to comfort me that my loving God has a plan that far exceeds our imagination and I choose to believe that includes those wonderful, unconditional-loving dogs who added so much to our lives. Loved this book!

I agree there is a touch of our Creator's grace in the love relationship between man and dog. It's a worthwhile and interesting read.

Thank you Andrew for your caring, thoughtful heart, and for sharing this lovely journey of a boy and his dog (and here I speak of you Andrew, for I believe we are always and forever God’s beloved children).My two most memorable ‘take always’ from your book are the powerful story of your son’s blessing of his dear friend at his death along with your historical account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s reflection to another young boy concerning his own theology (and mine also) that God never looses what is revealed to us as love.God bless and keep you in your teaching Andrew and also with your sweet family this day and forever. Cathy Tibbetts

Fabulous, easy read. Recommend for all dog lovers.

Sorry, I don't remember ever ordering or getting the item.