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Pets. Nonfiction. In Bones Would Rain from the Sky, Suzanne Clothier takes a radical new direction in understanding our life with dogs . . . and our mutual love. Drawing on a lifetime of experience with dogs, this nationally renowned dog trainer brings us astonishing new lessons about our animals-and ourselves. Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience, Suzanne Clothier guides us to truly comprehend another creature's mind and heart. You will discover how our dogs see the world from their uniquely canine perspective, how we can meet their deep need for leadership without using force or coercion, and how the "laws" of canine culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human world. Clothier's unparalleled insights into aggression in dogs can help prevent a tragedy, including the unnecessary destruction of a pet. As in no other "dog book" or training manual, in Bones Would Rain from the Sky an extraordinary woman shows us how to find a deep connection with another being and to receive an incomparable gift: a profound, lifelong relationship with the dog you love.… (more)
User reviews
I began reading
My immediate surroundings fell away, and I was under the table too. Of course, I bought the book, and as I drove home, I was in a reverie about my own childhood love of dogs, with its intense yearnings and joys. In the next few days, I devoured the book. I felt like I was in the presence of a zestful and compassionate friend who also happened to be a good storyteller. The chapters range around all things related to dogs. It's not a how-to book, but lots of how-to ideas came to me as I read.
It's a book to read slowly and reflectively, really, and so it has stayed by my bedside, where I can pick it up and read a bit. Clothier writes so beautifully and so much from her heart that as a writer I am jealous. And as a person who loves connecting with dogs, I am inspired.
It is not really a training manual for dogs. It's more of an exploration of life with dogs, and trying to understand the world from their point of view. If anything it should teach
Clothier does give some training tips. The main thrust is that each dog is an individual, just as people are. What works for one dog, may not work with another. There are no exact recipes as she puts it. It's up to the owners and trainers to find out what works for each individual dog. It appears a daunting task, but if we love our dogs as much as we profess, shouldn't we try?
Hanky warning: The last two chapters deal with the loss of a pet. They aren't easy reading, as she vividly brings the emotions of grief to life. They're important though in that they teach us much of how to deal with the grief of losing our pets.
Some may fault her prose as being long winded, but I enjoyed the various antedotes of dealing with troubled individuals.
robinb
Those of us who lost a pet, can deeply relate to the last chapters. So often, it feels futile to explain how grief feels, and how it
I lost Simon, my 12 year old Sheltie, in February. I still remember the morning of finding her so very ill. Seconds/minutes ticked away after 9:15 when we knew she was very sick until 11:00 when we said our brave good byes.
Now, bravely opening my heart to another Sheltie, seven months later, I watch as Lilly runs through the grass, leaping to grasp her toy while gleefully anticipating that we will continue the dance of throwing and fetching. As I see her sable colored coat sparkle as the sun gleans, I instantly remember Simon and all the joy he brought.
Comparing and contrasting is inevitable, the same as the joy and the sorrow of grief. And, it is very true that the loss of Simon is a blessing of the keen need to grasp every second of joy and hold it in our hearts.
This book is a song to dogs and to the unique, wonderful companions and soul mates they are.
Highly recommended.
Five Stars.