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This collection of poetry is a spiritual and emotional adventure into the environments, minds, and souls of diverse dogs. Each chapter has the name of a different dog and a brief description of each, such as "Dennis: The Doubting Doberman" and "Rosie: The Reserved Rottweiler." Each dog, one in each of the twenty chapters that describe canine interactions during the final days of the wise "Dumpster Daisy," voices questions, shares experiences, and arrives at some conclusions that reveal its awareness of the intangible complexities of life. The verses and illustrations—the latter done beautifully by Patrick Atkins—reflect well-known human philosophies, as well: "You don't need to be perfect; you don't need to be successful. Be You. And try your best to be kind, honest, and helpful."
This wonderful, joyful, and self-described "quirky" experience in the power of poetry features an Introduction by Levi the Poet, who inspires readers with his perceptions of the lessons his dog has taught him and what the poet describes as the dog's empathic nature. The page-long musing describes one of Daisy's lessons about "seizing the scandal of grace by seizing the freedom to play," and the introduction ends with, "I wish you all the play in the world." The "freedom to play" is a fundamental conclusion that transcends transcendence, emotional and spiritual questing, gentle guidance provided by Daisy (the sage and guru to the group), and ultimately, acceptance and enlightenment by the dogs, as well as the book's readers. This masterpiece is recommended for anyone who would like to read aspects of Stoic and other practical philosophies in verse as interpreted by an elderly, kind canine.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
The 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Spiritual Fiction Catgory Honorable Mention