Rating: 
Summary: I did not want to know the truth!
Review: I read this book, and was put into an incredible vision state while waiting for my laundry dryer buzzer to go off in the next room. I found myself slipping into a hypnogogic state, and this allowed the integral lessons of this book on dog-human relations throughout life times to be applied practically to my case. I do believe this can be true for any reader.However, you must be prepared for what you find out about your reincarnational resume! I found out that in a past life, my dog Rufus and I changed roles! In that life, I was the dog and Rufus was the human. I realize this may contradict some metaphysical tomes that proclaim that a human soul and canine mass-mind soul cannot switch roles, but it was a fact, my truth as I envisioned it. In the previous life, my dog Rufus was a kind gentle owner, and I was a terrible dog, refusing to be house broken, eating shoes and knawing on table legs. I was the hound from hell. I do believe, and I suspect Shirley would agree, that I was given the role of human in this life to experience this situation from the karmic reverse side, since I now have a dog that refuses to be house broken, chews on my shoes and table legs. Karmic justice, allowing all souls to learn, right? Nonetheless, I would have preferred this to stay unconscious. Alas, if I was a bigshot movie star with good friends in the book publishing area, I suspect I could sell this yarn in book form. But then I would need to throw in a few Egyptian and Atlantean references, and perhaps mysteriously tie all of this material mysteriously to the Dog Star of Sirius! Read enough of this trite self-obsessed stuff, and you can write it yourself! That is what we call being a co-creator with God in creating your own reality, folks. I advise you to avoid this book if you are not ready for the truth about your past life in the dog house and using your tongue to clean your private parts. Nonetheless, I compliment Shirley for her 30+ years of spiritual research and learning, which has led her to the ultimate enlightenment that a Dog is Man's Best Friend. Hmmm....I think I learned that when I was 5 years old and watched old LASSIE episodes on TV, but it is bad for my vibs to get sarcastic, since what you resonate is what you get. If you lay down with dogs, you may get up with fleas! Actually, THAT is probably one of the higher truths of the universe that Shirley didn't cover in this important but unnerving book.
Rating:
Summary: What happened, Shirley?
Review: I was not only dissappointed, but saddened to read this book, at least some of it. The spirit was willing, but the more I read this book, the more I realized that the author was either deliberatly playing a joke on her readers, or that she had gracefully taken leave of a certain sense of reason, to be kind. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but could not. I have actually, up to this point, defended Ms. Maclaines beliefs and experiences when others simply relegated her to an eccentric woman, and the source of ridicule. Sadly, after reading this book, I have found myself beginning to agree with the people with whom I have disagreed with, for the most part, for so long. I find it hard to believe that this was the follow up to "The Camino". Perhaps I am willing to give her one more chance, but after this book, it will take alot to gain my interest in one of her books. She is an intelligent woman, no doubt. I can only wonder what she was thinking here, and hope she overcomes it.
Rating: 
Summary: Look Deeper -- It's Here
Review: I've decided to write a review after perusing all the ones already written, and after reading the book myself. I want any future potential buyer to know what's what. Disregard all those comments that say Shirley MacLaine has lost it, is fuzzy-minded or too sentimental. While "Out On a Limb" remains Shirley's best book so far, this one is clear-headed as can be and deals with a different subject, a magical animal. What those other comments indicate is the readers' lack of a sense of humor.
You know some people are so darn literal, right? In truth, there are wonderful insights and wisdoms throughout the book. If you don't like animals, or if you think a dog is a dog is a dog, then you probably won't relate that well to the book, unless you recognize truth when you see it. This experience Shirley is having with a canine is rare. Her dog, Terry. is not your father's four-legged pal or your mother's cutsy, cuddly snookums. It's not about 90% of what most of us have experienced with a family dog or an adorable, sweet, or smart dog or cat that we loved and remember fondly. No, this is that rare 10% of animals that come into one's life that transcend the ordinary pooch or pussy. You have to experience it to understand it.
Shirley is NOT ga-ga in her dotage over a pet! She has been gifted with one of these transcendent animals and she is right: they do speak to their humans in many ways, and they love you like no man or woman has ever loved you (unless you're very, very lucky) before. I'm not talking about devotion. That's ordinary, expected. I'm talking about the real thing: unconditional love. We use that expression too much these days and most of us are lying about it. Frankly, we don't know what we're talking about. It's something we want to do, something we want to get, but we seldom come close. When we do, it's unforgettable whether it happens with man, woman or beast. It's a spiritual experience to be treasured and Shirley is one lucky lady.
Rating:
Summary: The Rat Terrier is remarkable and deserves Shirley's book.
Review: It seemed only natural to me that as far out as Shirley MacLaine has dared to go she should be drawn back into the reality of our human natures by a tiny dog that weighs only 4 to 6 pounds and has a heart as big as a lion, the grace of a gazelle and an unbounded joy in living. Shirley has captured the essence of this animal's nature and the inherent grace and understanding that refines true beauty, loyalty and love. Good girl, Shirley, you remain my absolute favorite, we are on the same wave length and our Rat Terriers must meet soon. We must be awfully good people to deserve to have such delightful creatures come into our lives at this stage.
Rating:
Summary: Out on her rocker
Review: It's very sad that a celebrity has to look for true love from a pet rather than friends and family. I have read all of her books and feel greatly disapointed that at this stage in her life she resorts to writing about a dog and their past lives together.
I guess that is what is to be expected from an actress winning the Academy award, who now does an occasional movie of the week. I really have to question someones mental health and suggest she retire gracefully like many of her peers.
What I found distrubing is why doesn't she address issues with Dogs she has had in the past, what makes this one different. Also with all that is going on in the world today I think we all need to love one another unconditionally especially we two footed beings.
On a footnote remember this unconditional love comes from someone who sent their daughter to Japan at 3 years of age.
Rating: 
Summary: interesting soul baring account on what is love
Review: Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love
Shirley MacLaine
Atria, Oct 2003, $23.95, 199 pp.
ISBN: 0743485068 When this reviewer first read the topic of unconditional love between a human and a canine, I had two thoughts: First what a bonehead topic that I refuse to gnaw on it. Second, a few days later I was thinking of something my husband jokingly said that my significant other was my now deceased dog Max. Shirley MacLaine points out that she has found may different types of love with her children, her friends, her spouse, her work, and even politics. However, perhaps the most perfect love she has discovered is that which she shares with her four legged pal Terry. Outside of chow, Terry asks little in return as she offers endless love with no demanding return on emotional investment. Ms. MacLaine insists that she and Terry once lived in ancient Egypt and now they are together again with Terry serving as her spiritual guide through the potential end days because endless love is what it is all about. Thus at times over the edge, canine lovers will appreciate this interesting soul baring account on what is love told from two perspectives, that of the author and by Terry. Clearly written for the canine crowd (owners not pets) this is an interesting take on relationships. Though Terry's account of his beloved's lifestyle is obviously a mirror of Ms. MacLaine's biological looking glass, those who comprehend how a canine can be a significant other will appreciate this deep look into what ultimately is a truth. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Shirley Does it again!
Review: With life changing books like Out on a Limb and The Camino, Shirley brings us her new book with the same great inspiration. Out on a Leash takes us into the reality of animal companionship and love. I my self have seen the soul that "fur people" can bring forth in people's lives. Shirley talks about this very topic and introduces us to her little dog Terry-and Terry talks to us to!. This is an all-around great book about Love, Light, Pets and Shirley MacLaine! A worthy read for animal lovers and Shirley Fans alike.
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