"If I Should Die Before My Dog_____" Book Review

Cover Image courtesy of
Joe and Cathy Connolly

There are some things we'd rather not consider but they are necessary. One of those things is that even though a dog's life is far shorter in human years, we may not outlive our four-legged companion. Most of us have considered, and certainly should do, adding a codicil to our will, or incorporating it into the original, making arrangements for any pets who might outlive us. You do this by not mentioning the pet by name because you don't know who will be with you at the time of your death, but you specify a person who has agreed to look after any pets who are left when you die. And you might want to specify an amount of money to be conveyed to that person to help defray the cost of food, veterinary visits, etc. to the person who will inherit your companion. 

That's good as far as it goes but it doesn't go far enough. Have you considered what you would want to tell the person who will live with your pet and love and care for him for the rest of his life? (I use the pronoun "he" for expediency. Obviously, your pet may be a she or an assortment of males and/or females.) 

Joe and Cathy Connolly have taken the guesswork out of what we should consider in the way of information with their book, "If I Should Die Before My Dog_____" a soft cover book that is at once instructive and a workbook to be given to your companion's new owner.

Not just covering the basics of Name, Nickname, Medical History, Microchip, Food, etc., this book encompasses so much more.  Joe and Cathy have included things you may not have thought about adding such as Things That Scare Me, Toys and Games, My Bed, My Bad Habits, Words I Know, Riding in the Car and much, much more. It also includes a Thank You.

Image Courtesy of Joe & Cathy
Connolly

This is an invaluable book, one that you'll not only treasure for the memories that you will preserve but it will be of inestimable help to the person who will cherish your dog after you've gone and help make the transition easier for the new owner and your dog.

The Connolly's are working on a Cat version of the book which will be a most welcome addition for pet owners. Meanwhile, I urge dog owners to give serious consideration to buying this book now and start writing down all of the important facts about your companion.  There's even a place for pictures.  You won't regret it. Among other places, you can buy this book at Amazon:

http://tinyurl.com/jwhluyo

*Note: This review is my opinion.  I was not compensated but only received a review copy of the book so I could read it.

Review: 101 Essential Tips You Need to Raise a Happy, Healthy, Safe Dog

Every year new dog books appear on the horizon. Now, perhaps, more than ever.  The popularity of self-publishing has encouraged more people to write. E-books have carried it even further. Seldom are dog books published by mainstream publishers these days. But, then, the entire publishing business is in flux. More and more I have self-published books arriving by mail or e-book, all seeking review.

A fairly new entry in the self-published soft-cover category is 101 Essential Tips You Need to Raise a Happy, Healthy, Safe Dog by Jason Nicholas, BVetMed, Illustrated by Chuck Gonzales.  A short and snappy 56 pages, Nicholas, who calls himself The Preventive Vet, has divided the book into sections dealing with various issues, each packed with short, helpful tips for the new dog owner.

All of the entries are intended to help you prevent problems, recognize problems and how to handle emergencies.  Nicholas, based in Portland, Oregon, has included special QR codes throughout the book that is meant for readers who have a smart phone. Each time you use a code with your smart phone it takes you to a page on his website that further expands on the topic. 

I was particularly happy to see that he has explained why dogs shouldn't play with sticks and  a warning about feeding bones with care or "better yet, not at all."  These are all precautions from a veterinarian who has seen the results of these common practices.  

If I take issue with anything in the book it is what he didn't say in regard to collars.  Thankfully, Nicholas warns against leaving choke or prong collars on your dog because they can easily get caught on something and create a real crisis. Actually, such collars are aversive. They also can cause damage to the dog's trachea. This is especially problematic for a dog predisposed to a collapsing trachea but every dog has a trachea and there's no need to risk physical damage.  Dr. Nicholas does recommend positive training, which I was happy to see because that reinforces the human-animal bond and results in a happy dog without the risk of fallout that comes from old-fashioned aversives.

Along the way there are some examples to show what can happen under various circumstances but mainly it is a book filled with extremely useful tips, many that will be appreciated even by more experienced dog owners.

This book costs a reasonable $9.95 and is available online at Dr. Nicholas' website:

 http://www.thepreventivevet.com/pet-safety-books/101-essential-tips-you-need-to-raise-a-happy-healthy-safe-dog

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Tips-Raise-Happy-Healthy/dp/0988378116/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Some veterinary practices and training centers, mostly in Oregon, carry the book as well as one veterinary practice in Minnesota and one pet first aid and cpr center in Kentucky. And at New Season Markets in the Portland (OR) area.

Dr. Jason Nicholas
The Preventive Vet

He is quite amenable to veterinarians and trainers selling the book. Anyone who fits the criteria can contact him directly at: jason@thepreventivevet.com

Note: I received no compensation for this review other than a review copy of the book.