This is a sweet and inspiring book. It is very readable, all about the healing that comes to a human who is willing to trust in a dog. This is right up there with my favorite dog book, Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs. That book is a non-fiction account of how dogs help to heal their humans. This is one lovely story of the same type.
This book was recommended to me by my vet, who happens to be featured in the story. Although I don't normally read books with the word "Angel" in the title (I hate "trite" stories), I loved this one. I even started coorosponding with the author, who is as fresh and disarming as the book makes him appear.
I've purchased copies for my family and friends so that they can (a) enjoy a good story, (b) appreciate MY special alert dog, and (c) know what it's like to go from being a productive member of society to starting all over again with a dog as your new best friend.
Whether you like uplifting stories or not, you'll love this book - I did, and I'm a confirmed "grump"!
Wolfman
A friend who is blind and has an assistance dog recommended this book to me. I must thank him dearly. No matter whether you own a dog (or other pet) that is just a pet, you will need tissues handy when you read this book! We have a beautiful Golden Retriever who recently was registered as a Delta Society Therapy Dog. I believe our dog, though not trained to be an assistance dog, has some of the same characteristics as the dog in The Angel by My Side. This is a must book to read for anyone who owns a loving dog.
More than a story about a man and his dog.
The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.
Highly Recommended
I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.
