Cathryn Michon

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: This richly illustrated book reveals a comforting narrative told from the point of view of a loving angel dog, who wants you to know, “I’m still here . . . But I’m also there where all the animals run free, with no pain, waiting for you, watching for you, loving you, and guiding you.”

Losing one’s dog is one of the most difficult experiences we go through and it’s hard to find solace. However, the profound, four-legged narrator of I’m Still show more Here has nothing but good news for humans. The free verse is equally rhapsodic about the eternal nature of our souls and the amazing sound of crinkly wrappers that means cheese is about to be sliced. This very good dog proclaims that love never dies, that we will meet again, and that if you ever doubted that humans are magnificent creatures, look no further than the humble ball.

There is nothing to fear, because it is this dog’s purpose to pull you (like a bad dog who doesn’t know how to do “leash”) toward joy, and to remind you to relish all the naps and treats life has to offer.

Author Cathryn Michon co-wrote the blockbuster hit film A Dog’s Purpose. Elegant, full-color watercolor paintings by award-winning artist Seth Taylor make this sumptuous volume the perfect gesture of compassion for anyone who has ever said goodbye to a dog (or person) gone too soon, because it’s always too soon. It turns out that the best way to honor those we’ve loved and lost is to be here now, until we meet again.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: Not my usual fare. I'm pretty hard-hearted abou grief and grieving, compared to most, because I feel so much of the stuff most people resonate with is mawkish and embarrassing.

Except when it comes to our poochies.

Much emotional investment in many dogs, oceans of tears when I lose them, and a beautifully warm glow that no human's ever induced in me, made this a must-read. It was sentimental, the illustrations gorgeous, and the package came through as beautiful and luxurious even on my tablet. That's good design.

So heartfelt!

Embodying joy.

Good boy!

She's got the right idea!

Precious little pup...makes you want to schmoozle those teeny little ears, no?

I think anyone who's ever loved and lost would love this poultice for that ache. show less

As someone who has loved and has cared for many cats over the years, there are some deaths that are more painful than others. The reason I wanted to read this book was because in 2021, I lost my soul cat Niko due to complications that arose following surgery for chylothorax. His death was particularly hard on me because due to circumstances, I did not get to properly say goodbye. It also made me really sad that his last moments were spent in a large emergency veterinary hospital room, show more surrounded by other animals who were also in critical condition.

“I’m Still Here” brought me to tears, but it was also very cathartic and healing. I especially loved page 80, which says “Please understand we're still in this life together and you need to be ready for when i send another cat to love you until we meet again.” About 6 months after I lost Niko, I brought home Oliver, a kitten who I believe was paw-picked by Niko. Oliver was and continues to be the most loving boy. Every time I hold and cuddle him, I feel like I’m blowing kisses to Niko.

“I’m Still Here” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone who’s ever loved and lost a cat. It would also make a wonderful gift for a friend or family member who is grieving the loss of their cat.

P.S. For those with dogs, the author’s husband W. Bruce Cameron has written a similar book titled “A Dog’s Purpose.”

Thanks to Andrews McMeels Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary eDRC. All opinions are my own. show less

There are not enough words in the human language to express how much I loved this book!!!

I could easily close my eyes and hear so many of the dogs that I've had saying these words. We always have that one special one, yet they are all special in their own way.

Dogs bring nothing but pure joy and unconditional love to their people. I believe that's what they come to this Earth for and obviously the author feels the same way. The illustrations are beautiful. Having cared for many hospice show more animals I absolutely love that the author included images of disabled dogs.

I believe this book would be appropriate for children to help them understand what going to the rainbow bridge means and that it's not something to stay sad about. I recommend this book for anyone any animal lover dog, cat, any animal lover will get a smile and warm feeling from this book and enjoy the sweet images. Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC for an honest review. show less

A friend gave it to me but she didn't know it is a bereavement book of sorts. It was written my W. Bruce Cameron's now wife. He wrote 'A Dog's Purpose' to help her get over the loss of her dog Ellie after she had sworn never to get another dog again. This book I believe would be a good book for someone who has lost a dog.

It is narrated by an angel dog to give us the message that love never dies. I am not able to relate the different thoughts conveyed on the nature of dogs and the joy they show more bring, but those of us who live with a dog know it. I never get tired of reading about their attributes written in a unique way.

Here is a sample between words before and words after:

it seems like I left
and in a way I did
my fur, my paws, my tail, my breath

they left

but I'm still here

The text is pretty sweet and is sprinkled out in the pages along with pictures of a day that is meant to look like the author's dog Tucker. (That happens to be the same name as my dog.) I really loved the book and think that quote is enough and suggest you just get the it to read on your own. show less