Rating: 
Summary: Effect -Pets, Optimism, Diet, Exercise- NOT Cause of Health
Review: Living in Canada, our resources and laws are different. Being disabled with a fatal illness, having a sister newly in the dog-grooming and training business, and just losing a dear relative, I was curious about "service animals", and death. I believe the dog more than once saved the author's life, and his co-workers, and tried to help one that suicided successfully. Depression is a wonky brain with wonky body chemistry. Now if more research could figure out what the dog could ... It is uplifting to read stories of growth, discovery, healing, and hope. Unfortunate, but realistic, that one doctor believes she talks to angels. The language is conversational and easy; the story is heart-warming and tear-tugging; the characters are huggable and real; the questions raised eternal and immediate, begging discussion. Ideal for a book group. I loved this story from start to end and wanted more. (What about his children?) The good makes the bad part worse. Most dangerous is the misconception, widely circulated and propagated, that pets (for example) CAUSE better health. Or putting on a happy face, or eating vegetables, or walking daily, or whatever.
Hello. Stop reversing cause and effect. People who have enough energy and health and money and support to care for a pet are healthier than those who do not. People who have enough energy and health and money and support to eat well, exercise and take care of themselves are healthier than those who do not. People who have enough energy and health and money and support to work at a job are healthier than those who do not. People who have enough energy and health and money and support to get and keep a happy life and relationships are healthier than those who do not. SURPRISE? Pets and diet and exercise and work and optimism and support DO NOT CAUSE HEALTH. They RESULT from health. I would like to have enough energy and health and money and support to have a pet, eat well, exercise, work at a job, have a happy life and relationships. I do not. I am not causing my ill-health; I am suffering from ill-health. Stop blaming me and demanding I change and get better. I cannot. I do not cause my ill-health and I cannot wish it better. Commendations to the author and his support network. Most are doing fabulous, positive work, that I hope leads to research, and good changes. Just keep it straight between cause and effect.
Rating:
Summary: The powerful connection of dogs and humans
Review: Mike Lingenfelter and David Frei have written a book showing the dramatic bond between humans and their dogs. Mike's experiences with Dakota are dramatic examples of what can often happen, but are so often unheard. Dogs become very attuned to their humans, and so often we ignore what they're saying. This book proves that when you listen, you learn more about yourself, and your dog. It's a powerful book, and I cried during the last half. Dakota and Mike have helped change the way people think about service dogs. Thank you for this wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: The powerful connection of dogs and humans
Review: Mike Lingenfelter and David Frei have written a book showing the dramatic bond between humans and their dogs. Mike's experiences with Dakota are dramatic examples of what can often happen, but are so often unheard. Dogs become very attuned to their humans, and so often we ignore what they're saying. This book proves that when you listen, you learn more about yourself, and your dog. It's a powerful book, and I cried during the last half. Dakota and Mike have helped change the way people think about service dogs. Thank you for this wonderful book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Angel By My Side
Review: Thank you to Mike Lingenfelter for sharing his exceptional story, I absolutely loved this book. Not only is this book inspiring to all who will read it. "The Angel By My Side" will open your heart to what service dogs do for their human "partners", the difficulties and obstacles that each has had to overcome and the truly remarkable work that both Mike and Dakota have done and continue to do. In our "throw-away" society, perhaps this story will also teach people about rescue dogs and what wonderful companions they are (I have a rescue dog of my own). Beware...you will need a box of Kleenex when you read this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Angel By My Side
Review: Thank you to Mike Lingenfelter for sharing his exceptional story, I absolutely loved this book. Not only is this book inspiring to all who will read it. "The Angel By My Side" will open your heart to what service dogs do for their human "partners", the difficulties and obstacles that each has had to overcome and the truly remarkable work that both Mike and Dakota have done and continue to do. In our "throw-away" society, perhaps this story will also teach people about rescue dogs and what wonderful companions they are (I have a rescue dog of my own). Beware...you will need a box of Kleenex when you read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Angel by my Side
Review: This book is not "just" about a dog. This book is not just about a "typical" dog or an "exceptional" dog. This book is about
life. It is a book about what most all of us want in life:
acceptance, joy, play, nurturing, happiness and last but not least: unconditional love. "The Angel by My Side" shows how we don't really "own" a dog; but how a dog (here a Golden Retriever) can teach us about the really important things in life and help us get away from our own selves, our own problems, and how we can give to others, in a multitude of ways. And yes, we as humans, can still learn from dogs.
Rating:
Summary: The Angel By My Side
Review: This was a wonderful book. It goes to prove dogs are not just dogs like some people say. They are smart and wonderful. I was glued to this book and cried hard at the end. It brought back memories when I had to put my four dogs to sleep(2 in one week)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This was a wonderful book. It goes to prove dogs are not just dogs like some people say. They are smart and wonderful. I was glued to this book and cried hard at the end. It brought back memories when I had to put my four dogs to sleep(2 in one week)
Rating:
Summary: Truly inspirational story
Review: What a truly inspirational story about the inter-species bond between human and canine. Stock up on at least a box of kleenex before attempting to complete the read. Reminded me of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY, an inspirational tale of a Boston Terrier named Boomerang, who shows humans the power of unconditional love. They would both be the ideal gift for "Love Your Pet Day" on February 21st.
Rating:
Summary: Truly inspirational story
Review: What a truly inspirational story about the inter-species bond between human and canine. Stock up on at least a box of kleenex before attempting to complete the read. Reminded me of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY, an inspirational tale of a Boston Terrier named Boomerang, who shows humans the power of unconditional love. They would both be the ideal gift for "Love Your Pet Day" on February 21st.
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