Paw Prints On Her Heart

This collection of poems contains some very personal verses and some which may have a broader appeal. If you have dogs or cats there should be something in here that raises a memory or a smile, perhaps a tear. The poems are a celebration of the benefits of furry lodgers, and a recognition of the heartaches they can bring.

"Paw Prints on Your Heart" provides the reader with a fascinating and humorous journey into the wonderful relationship between human beings and their four-legged friends-be they dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc. No matter which pet animal takes over your household, the relationship can best be described in one word-precious. This is pointed out time and time again by the stories described by author Jo Bruner. They are the types of stories that will warm the cockles of your heart, to use an old adage. Throughout her many years in business and as a homemaker, Jo has had a variety of pets, but not until she and her husband, Dick, moved to Florida did she, as she describes it, "strike it rich." During one of her early morning walks around the new neighborhood, Jo ran into one of her neighbors, Sue, who announced that she was adopting a new standard black poodle, Sam, and she also pointed out that Sam's breeder, Sondi, had other puppies in the same litter. Off went the Bruners to visit Sondi and the puppies. Soon after that, Jo and Dick returned home having just adopted a three-month-old cream colored poodle. The Bruners named their new boarder, Rocky, because, as Dick put it, "we didn't want a sissy poodle." Not too long after that, Jo and Rocky started on their walks around the neighborhood every early morning and early evening. They got to meet, greet and chat with a whole host of their neighbors, who, you guessed it, were also walking their canine friends, pals and "children." When she returned home after each walk, she would report on these meetings with her husband, who told her, "you've got a book there; but we may have to move out of the neighborhood." He was only kidding, of course. But read for yourself. Prompted by her observations during visits with her late mother, then in a nursing home, Jo decided to do something about the loneliness she could see in many of the home's other residents. Her plan: "Why not take Rocky into nursing homes and let his natural charm bring some sunshine to those people who were all alone and in need of a smile?" That's when she approached the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and offered Rocky as a "volunteer." After considerable training, Rocky was certified as a therapy dog and he and Jo began visiting nursing homes; according to Jo, "A very rewarding experience." In 2003, the family expanded by one; a 2 month old, silver standard poodle, named Beau, was adopted. Join the Bruners on their travels throughout the United States and the Canadian Maritimes in their motor home. Both "boys" had a ball and since most people in RV's also travel with pets, Rocky and Beau did beaucoup socializing. Readers of "Paw Prints on Your Heart" will certainly enjoy sharing in their escapades and it will remind you of the wonderful times with your own special pet.

I will try and forgive you for going to heaven... A little girl is sad when one day, her best friend in the whole world has left her and she does not know how to cope. But with the love of her mum to carry her through, she learns to keep remembering her special and most loved friend and to know that her memories can be as valuable as the moments they shared before they parted. Afterall, paw prints on a heart full of love will never drift apart. "A sensitive and sweet story of a child and pet friendship that aids children in loss and grief but shows how healing can work as a strength...wonderful reading for children..." Madeline, Indiebook reviewer

Here's to great dogs. Many of us would like to believe there's a special place in doggie heaven for the really great ones. I know I want to. No question they've earned it, deserve it, and it seems only fair. I know there are a great many great dogs out there, working their magic, living their lives with their families and saying it all without ever saying a word. For dog lovers, our precious memories of those "non-conversations" with dearly-departed four-legged friends lend silence a deafening quality.I explained to a friend that Paw Prints is a book about great dogs, not just my dog, although Mac was truly some great dog. And as I've said many times, he was certainly the dog of my life, and his friendship enriched and changed not just my life, but the lives of everyone in our family. While the book is my attempt to capture Mac's remarkably and improbably wonderful story before it fades to past, it's also in many ways my story, too.Because Mackie and I were happily and deliriously, joined-at-the-paw.Amazing, I think, that I could learn so much from a guy that never said a word.Paw Prints in My Heart is Mac's story. I think of it as my gift to our family and all of his friends, two and four-legged, that had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing and being loved by this magnificent old Labrador retriever. It's my best attempt to capture and chronicle a remarkable life, the pain and sadness of his passing, but most of all, his joyful impact upon us over what truly was a most improbable life of fourteen years and a day. A reverent and grateful tribute to a gentle and pure spirit that for me will always be a living reminder of a loving friend in the very truest sense. In every way, for me this book was a labor of love and joy to write. Parts will make you laugh, and others may bring you to tears, so a tissue at times may be advised. But I have the highest hopes that you'll read it, enjoy it, and connect in ways that only you can understand. Maybe even share it with friends that might understand and pass it along, as a comfort for a true friend they've lost, and for what they've experienced, and a way for them to remember the laughter and happy times through their tears.I hope that dog lovers everywhere read this book and see a bit of their dog in Mac.I hope that the non-dog lovers amongst us read this book and reconsider. I hope that everyone has at least one dog of their life in their life.My first novel Rush to Dawn, was, in many ways a love letter to my wife, Lynne.This book, I'd like to believe, is a love letter from Mac to all of us.

"A powerful and emotional story." — Alyson Sheldrake, Bestselling author of Kat the Dog #1 International Bestseller and 8x Literary Award Winner In his debut memoir, Kerk Murray shares his coming-of-age journey, paying tribute to the animals that touch our lives and the compassion that drives us forward. It's a story of love, loss, and the courage to start anew. Through poignant and evocative writing, he recalls the defining moments with the animals of his past and present, and the hope that lies beyond the pain. His story is a reminder of the possibilities living within us all. Pawprints On Our Hearts is heartfelt and inspiring memoir that will strike a chord with animal lovers and stay with you long after the final page. ------------------------------------------------------------- ⭐2022 Royal Dragonfly 4x Book Award Winner ⭐2022 The BookFest 3x Award Winner ⭐2022 Reader's Favorite Book Award Winner ⭐2022 Reader's Choice Book Award Finalist

A Dog's Beautiful Spirit The love and devotion you have toward man is a reflection of God's holy spirit. A dog's kindness and loyalty moves with God's beauty. The core of a dog's character is found in the courage to protect man in the face of danger. You expect little from man yet comfort him and are there in time of need. A dog's faithfulness is a friendship held together deep within the hearts of man. A dog continues to grow throughout his life giving his strength and hope and compassion to man. A dog is like an angel that walks with man on earth keeping him in step with God's light. The heart of a dog is his gift to mankind. A dog heart forgives all and emerges with a loving soul that is there to please and holds no grudges. The miracle of a dog's promise is the grace he gives to man through God's hand of humanity. Man is truly blessed when a dog's beautiful spirit has touched his life and heart.

Two Labs and a Bloodhound is a biography about thirteen dogs that have shared their lives and adventures with the author. Keeping this in mind as you read , hopefully you will be able to laugh, cry, and visualize in your mind what the author has experienced.