Good Dog. Stay.

July 11, 2008 at 4:12 p.m.
Good Dog. Stay.
Good Dog. Stay.
By Jill Williams

Know any dog lovers? Are you a dog lover yourself? This little gift-sized book would be perfect for any dog lover. This is a heartwarming chronicle of one family's life with a good dog. A beloved member of the family. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and ultimately until the end. The author depicts touching and humorous family moments with their pet and reveals life lessons learned along the way. Scattered throughout the book are pictures of many breeds of dogs, and a few of the author's pets, including Beau, the black lab the author wrote this book about.

Like the author, we too had a black lab as a family member. But whether you had a Collie or a Pug, you'll be able to appreciate this book if you consider(ed) your pet to be a "Good Dog." The author's family experienced many of the same trials and tribulations that all puppy owners face, from chewing to housebreaking. Anyone with a puppy will not be able to resist their own trip down memory lane. As the author's family grew and changed, so did their relationship to their pet. Again, we can draw similar experiences from our memories. Children grow quickly and often become adults and leave home all in the lifespan of a pet. What changes a family goes through, but their loving pet is still there, unchanged except for a few behaviors: choosing longer naps, for example, and fewer romps in the park.

When the family pet becomes ill, the family suffers as well. When is it time to let go? What is the right thing to do? Even when we do the right thing and put down a beloved pet, we still feel guilt. We feel a loss. Pets that have become members of the family are especially hard to say goodbye to. The author's struggle with this is no different than that of many who have had to do the right thing for their pet. We can identify with the entire book, if you've ever had a Good Dog.

The author has written five bestsellers and numerous non-fiction works. She currently writes for Newsweek. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992.

Jill does laundry for a 7 year old who thinks he's too old for toys, a 5 year old gymnast, a 5 year old niece who has joined the family, and a 3 year old computer whiz. She also occasionally irons her husband's suits. In between loads, Jill loves to read.