5 Minutes For Books

What I Learned from the Dog (and Cat)

by

When I was twelve, my family moved to a new house and soon our family expanded from simply four two-legged members to include two additional four-legged pals. Our puppy Whisky (don’t ask) and our kitten Sunny grew up with each other, and they were both a part of our family for years and years. My own oldest son even had a couple years of knowing Whisky during every visit to my parents, as these animals were family. With a childhood filled with pet memories, I can relate to the latest offerings from the folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul– What I Learned from the Dog and What I Learned from the Cat.

If you’re familiar with previous Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, you’ll recognize the tone of the essays- personal stories with universal themes meant to inspire and share lessons learned. If you’re an animal lover, these particular books will resonate with you as you read about strays who entered individuals’ lives at just the right moment and relationships that were formed between owners and pets that lasted a lifetime. While my current family doesn’t include any members with fur, we do hope to someday add a buddy who will be fond of wagging his or her tail. I’m quite positive we’ll benefit greatly from the addition.

If you’re interested in reading the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul offerings, please leave a comment here to win a copy of What I Learned from the Dog AND What I Learned from the Cat. Three commenters will be randomly drawn and the winners will be announced in next Wednesday’s giveaway post.

The winners of the Snuggle Me Story Books are #94 JoAnn Legano and #30 Michele Anne.

The winner of Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms is #18 Just Mom.

Dawn wonders how long she can keep her kids’ pleadings for a dog at bay. I guess someday her blog, my thoughts exactly, will include dog stories in addition to ones about cute kids.

Comments

  1. Having grown up with a mom who would NOT have pets, and then marrying a man who wanted a dog, and bearing children who fell in love with a variety of animals, and now that I have four ‘granddogs’ and a cat–I need to learn from these ‘friends’ and members of God’s creation.

  2. Since I now live alone, my cat greets me when I come homw and sits in my lap and conforts me.
    We had a dog when I was growing up, and cats too.
    But I prefer cats.
    Penny
    hulldotmargaretatoclsdotinfo

  3. We have always had dogs-they’ve been an integral part of our family. They offer companionship and unconditional love.

    I’d really love to win the book on dogs, but would read either. I adore the Chicken Soup Series.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  6. Both of these books look fantastic and got very high ratings on Amazon. I would love to check them out.

  9. I’ve always had dogs, both as a child and now for my own family. Would love to read these books!

  10. Just got a dog 1 1/2 weeks ago, have three cats. I would increase the zoo if I could but I think my hubby would put a Kabash on that. Dogs and Cats are night and day but both have redeeming qualities as well as qualities some people would be better off if they adhered to them.

  13. Thank you very much for the giveaway. Count me in. I have 3 cats and a dog that I love dearly and learn new things from them every day.

    saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

    — Chelsea

  14. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for dogs. They are just so special. Thanks for offering this giveaway.

  15. I’ve always had dogs growing up, most of which were strays or rescues. I’m so thankful that my parents taught me to love animals, because they really do make great companions. Dogs rule!

  16. I love animals and growing up having all kinds from dogs to birds I would love to read this book THANKS

  17. I really like the entire “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series of books, but these two are awesome, my great-granddaughter has a dog that seems like another child, I would love these books to read to her.

  18. I can’t imagine living in a house without a dog and I can’t imagine sleeping in a bed without a cat. These sound awesome.

  19. My animals drive me crazy and yet keep me sane. I’m not sure what I’d do without them.

    I’d love to have the books, the dog one for myself and my Mom and the Cat one for my Aunt and my friend. They’d be read and enjoyed many times over.

    Thank you so much for the chance! 🙂

  20. I would love these books as I have three cats and one little dog,and I really enjoy the Chicken Soup books.

  26. I was never allowed to have pets growing up, so I promptly got a dog (and a big one!) as soon as I left home. I now have two cats that I adore. Animals are such a blessing to have around.

  27. I would love to read these books-as a child we always had 2 or 3 cats at one time around and now I have a little dog that I adore.

  28. My dogs are such great additions to our family. My certified therapy dog also brings happiness to others. When my husband is gone our dogs help our family feel safe.

  31. I just love reading books. They are so exciting. Better than any movie, because you use your imagination, instead of seeing everything on the screen without any effort.

  33. Growing up with a lot of pets, and owning pets now, I realize how much our furry and feathered friends can teach us about life and unconditional love. Sometimes you just need reminders that they are the really smart ones in this world!

  34. We’ve always had cats and dogs and so these books look GREAT to me. Thanks for the chance.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

  35. I’ve never read any of the chicken soup books, but would love to read the cat one.

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

  37. Our dogs are like our children. I have been unable to convince my bf to let me have a cat *yet*. Maybe some of these touching stories will inspire him. 🙂

  38. I love these books! We just got a new puppy after being pet free for five years and he is the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. I love him so much. He has such a personality and has made friends with many of our neighbors!

  40. I’ve had cats for the last 25 years. I can’t imagine life without them! I have twins right now. They are two loving, sweet black cats. I would love to win What I Learned from the Cat.
    Thank you for the giveaway!

  45. Would love to read these and share them with my brother (I have a dog and a rabbit, and he has a cat). Thanks!

  46. My dogs are part of my family!! They offer so much unconditonal love. I would be lost without them.

  48. I have three dogs, all mixed breed “rescues” and one three-pawed cat…I love all of them dearly. Each one has a unique personality and I can’t imagine our lives without them.

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