From the bestselling author of God Stories, this “mysterious and faith-inspiring” (Publishers Weekly) book shares the uplifting stories of people who have encountered the divine through their dogs.
The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments we learn something profound about life from an experience with a dog. In this inspiring collection of true dog stories, you’ll hear dramatic firsthand accounts from people whose lives have been transformed by a dog’s love. From everyday blessings to lifealtering miracles, these stories confirm what many of us have always known: dogs are the ultimate gift, sent here to help us on our journey.
You’ll meet Mazie, the Lab who was rescued from a shelter only to return the favor by rescuing her new family; Luna, the Retriever who pulled her person to safety after she collapsed in a field; Little Bit, the Chihuahua who detected cancer in her owner’s breast; Emma, the Rottweiler who stopped a troubled man from taking his life; Bo, the Boxer who helped comfort a mother after the loss of her son; and other amazing, heroic dogs you’ll never forget.
Filled with heartwarming anecdotes, adorable dog photos, and the author’s moving personal story, The Divinity of Dogs reminds us that we’re not alone and will always have joy in our lives as long as we have dogs by our sides.
Jennifer Skiff is an award-winning television producer, journalist, and author of God Stories. An advocate for animals, she is a Trustee of the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Australia. She lives in Maine and Australia.
Read an Excerpt
The Divinity of Dogs “I had no reason to live”
Scott Thornsley
It was Christmas morning, 1995. My wife had left me in August, and two weeks later, I lost my job of nineteen years. I was alone, without anyone to turn to. Worst of all, no one needed me anymore—my workplace or the wife I loved.
I’d just gotten my PhD and was looking forward to enjoying the success that would come with it. Instead, the hunt for a new job was futile. Because of my new degree, I couldn’t get the most menial of jobs. Most people said I was overeducated. I felt like a total failure.
I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that my life was not worth living. I decided to commit suicide.
The moment came. I’d decided on a method and was committed to carrying it out. At that very moment, my four-year-old Rottweiler, Emma, bounded into the study. Her leash was in her mouth, which was not unusual. What was unusual was what she did next. She grabbed my hand with her mouth and ferociously pulled me toward the front door, tugging and yanking me out of my chair. She had never done this before.
There was a hard-falling snow, which would make even the shortest of walks difficult. Her tugging continued. I decided to grant her one more walk.
Once we were outside, she wouldn’t let me go home. She continued, just ahead, leading me through neighborhoods and school athletic fields. Emma wandered without direction, refusing to let me turn around. A couple of hours passed, and during that time, my mind cleared, and I realized my life was not over. I had much to be thankful for, and someone really did need me—even if it was a female Rottweiler named Emma. There is no doubt in my mind that Emma saved my life that day.
In the darkest of moments, a dog can make your life worth living.
