A nice short story about a dog (in particular) and dogs (in general). Wonderful photographs throughout. Yes, the dog dies, but not in the tear-jerking way of many dog books. This is more a celebration of life--not just the dogs, but ours too. ( )

A very fast read. It's a good book if you are a dog lover. In fact I think you must have had a dog as part of your family to really connect with the book. The focus is on a dog named Beau and his failing health. Having owned a dog myself and gone thru the process of "putting her down," was a very tragic and overwhelming experience. I don't understand why people are so drawn to reading about it. Perhaps it's just a way of sharing the pain. If you enjoy dog stories and some quick wit I would recommend reading this book ( )

The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed," writes Pulitzer-winning author Quindlen about her beloved black Labrador retriever, Beau. With her trademark wisdom and humor, Quindlen reflects on how her life has unfolded in tandem with Beau's, and on the lessons she's learned by watching him: to roll with the punches, to take things as they come, to measure herself not in terms of the past or the future but of the present. Heartening and bittersweet, this book honors the life of a cherished and loyal friend and offers listeners a valuable lesson: Sometimes an old dog can teach a person new tricks. ( )

A funny , wise and heartwarming remembrance by one of my favorite writers about her beloved black Labrador, Beau. I love reading her Beau stories, and their essence will be familiar to any other dog lover. I only hope that when Lucky reaches the point when a merciful release from pain is the right thing to do, that I will be able to do it with the grace that Anna Quindlen described in this book, which, by the way, I did not finish dry-eyed. ( )

A touching, oftentimes humorous and -- in the end -- enlightening book. Quidlen's wonderfully written tome is lean on words but packed with insights about coping with grief and our own mortality. Animal lovers will relate with every turn of the page. The author's delightful tribute to her black lab will spur pet owners to relive their own fond memories and undoubtedly shed a few tears. ( )