Devotions for Dog Lovers

Life Lessons from Canine Companions
by Judy McWhorter
Tate Publishing & Enterprises
judymcwhorter.tatepublishing.net

It's not often that we publish a book review on DallasDogLife.com, but when I met Judy McWhorter at Dog Day Afternoon earlier this year, I was so excited to get a copy of her book so I could read and review it. In Devotions for Dog Lovers: Life Lessons from Canine Companions, readers not only get 53 wonderful stories about the dogs that Judy has met and loved, we also see how dogs can teach us unconditional love, forgiveness, trust, and pure joy.

Judy McWhorter begins each devotion with a scripture from the Bible, and then tells a short but touching story about a dog that relates to the verse. You'll recognize your dog's habits and idiosyncrasies, as well as your own nature as a dog owner, in the stories that Judy shares. Woven into each devotional is Judy's own testimony of her relationship with God. She provides examples of spiritual growth through her experiences with her dogs that will resound with any dog lover, regardless of their religious background.

This book is really hard to put down. Each devotional is easy to read, sincere in its message, and ends with a short prayer to reinforce the life lesson that dogs helped to illustrate for us. One of my favorites is "Help Me! I'm Somewhere I Shouldn't Be!" My dog Buster has the same bark that Judy describes in this devotional, usually when he's gone into a room that's off limits and has been accidentally shut in. Judy describes the relief that a dog feels when he is back where he belongs with his master, and relates it to the relief we as people feel after we've fallen off track and find our way back again.

What makes this book so endearing is that almost anyone who loves dogs will appreciate the lessons that Judy outlines in the devotionals. Her tone is not sanctimonious or preachy; in fact, as a reader you feel a connection with the dogs in her examples and can appreciate the purity of emotion that they invoke. With the holidays approaching, this book will make an excellent gift for any dog lover who looks to animals to teach us how to be better people.

Devotions for Dog Lovers: Life Lessons From Canine Compannions is available for purchase on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and through Tate Publishing. The book is also available in eBook and Audible Audio Edition formats. You can also find updates about book signings on the Devotions for Dog Lovers Facebook page.