By Mary Garwood

Reviewed by Marlee Elyse, age 12


When I first looked at this book, I assumed it would be a two-day read that would make me laugh, cry, and wish I had that much courage. I was completely right. This little, inspiring book is fun and filled with more emotions than I thought were able to fit into the 109 pages this book contains. Mary Garwood's writing is witty and emotional. It’s the little things, such as referring to a small orange kitten as "the size of a handful of caramel popcorn, while being as vulnerable and helpless as a newborn baby," that make her stories a read you’ll remember. The twelve stories are encouraging and meaningful, and they are all true.

I have to say, above all, read the story entitled "Ben and Pooch The Saddest Story Ever Told." It really was the saddest story ever told. The pain and sorrow the words sent me while reading this book where unbearable. The thought of not finishing the story crossed my mind, in hopes of not crying. But I read on, to find tears rolling down my trembling face. The story was about the author’s husband, Ben, and the puppy he had, named Pooch. During the first part of the story, it explains how Ben’s family is suffering due to business and financial problems, and Ben painfully experiencing why bullies have earned such a bad reputation. To help sooth the pain, Pooch is adopted into the family. Ben and Pooch were all each of them had; Pooch was Ben’s painkiller. In Mary Garwood’s wording, "through all this Ben and Pooch, still as solid and strong hearted as ever, never changing and always true blue. A tight hug around his neck prompted a wag from his tail that coated the bruised and scarred feelings, calmed the racing heart, and cooled the knot in his aching stomach." After reading this story, I felt I had no further choice then to wrap my arms around my dog, Zack, and let him fill my heart with warmth and compassion as he always does.

I recommend this heart-warming, tear-jerking book to anyone with a passion for animals. It’ll make you giggle, bawl, and inspire you. I enjoyed reading this book and hope others will read it, and have their souls’ touched, just as mine was.

Buy this book now!