Burchett, Dave. Stay: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me About Life, Loss, and Grace. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2015.

SUMMARY:
Unconditional love, living life to the fullest, not fearing death, living totally in-the-moment…Dave Burchett experienced and learned all these things from his best furry friend, a golden Labrador Retriever, who just happened to be able to fit three tennis balls in her mouth at one time! Paralleling his dog’s behavior with his own faith in God, the author also includes Bible verses, quotes, journal entries, personal stories and lessons learned through the diagnosis of Hannah’s incurable cancerous tumor.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Okay…so why on earth, as a dog lover, would I want to read a sad story about a dog with a terminal diagnosis? Having prepared myself with a huge box of tissues, I did tear up during the book but also smiled, cheered, enjoyed and embraced the messages in the book. Though his heart was breaking, Dave Burchett lived life to the fullest with Hannah, growing in his own faith through the lessons Hannah was teaching him. (Wonder if he ever did learn how to hold three tennis balls in his mouth?) Along with other hardships in his life, the author shares his own personal stories while learning lessons of forgiveness, following, extending grace, trust, unconditional love and obedience as related to God. A wonderful memoir and testimony. So, am I glad I read this book after-all? Absolutely (but keep the tissues handy)!

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Stay from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*