Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost

I purchased this book after one of my cats died suddenly and my grief was deeper than I'd imagined it would be, at the suggestion of someone on Twitter where I'd posted a link to my blog memorializing my Mia's impact on my life.In reading the book aloud to my wife,there were moments when I had to stop. I couldn't see the pages due to the tears in my eyes, followed by bouts of sobbing. It was not the solace I was looking for at all. Some of the contributing writers, sharing their stories of their pets were outstanding in conveying so much in very few words. Such articulation is truly an art and talent. The others, in the end finding they are employed as writers is baffling.Many, too many, allowed their pets to needlessly suffer. Though I can understand the psychological dilemma of so called playing god, I find it cruel and out of touch with the domestication of animals as part of the family.I give an A for effort but three stars for delivery.Writing is great therapy and if you're looking for relief from grieving the loss of a pet, I encourage you to write. In a journal, on a blog, anywhere. Writing and getting another pet helped me the most.

A lovely compilation of essays by professional writers who loved their pets. Very helpful for processing all the feels about losing one's furry friends. We have a neighborhood copy that circulates in times of need, plus I bought this extra copy for our family.

I bought this book as a gift for my grieving friend. Her dog had recently passed away. I loved this book when I read it after two of my dogs passed away three weeks apart. Lovely stories.

For anyone who thinks he/she is alone in their love affair with an animal, this is a delicious read. Enjoy!

As above title indicates, this anthology contributed grieving process since my dog of 13years died 4/16/13. Excellent book I'd particularly recommend for anyone grieving the loss of a treasured pet.

Loved this collection of beautifully written stories about well loved animals..captured the essence of our deep attachment to the animals we love - and lose.

Loved this book and in particular my favorite poem by Ted Kooser

Barbara Abercrombie has bundled together a poignant collection of autobiographical essays which reflect upon the special relationship between celebrated authors and their beloved animals. Motivated by the loss of Robin, her horse, the writer-turned- editor researched the subject before contacting perspective writers. Featured are essays by Mark Doty, Ted Kooser, Anne Lamott, Thomas McGuane, Joe Morgenstern, Carolyn See, Jane Smiley and Jacqueline Winspear. The book has several highlights for the reader. "The General" by Michael Chitwood is a cleverly structured story where the quotations of famous writers on craft are woven into an illustrative narrative about his cat. Joe Morganstern's tale of "Fluff," a cocker spaniel who patriotically served during WWII in the armed forces is enjoyable. Anne Lamott was determined not to get another dog after the painful death of Sadie in "This Dog's Life;" however, everything changed when Lily came wagging. The author's words are memorable: "Having a good dog is the closest some of us will ever come to the direct love of a mother, or God. . ." (79). Molly dug, ran, rode in a car, burrowed in bed, and sustained an unrequited love for Thomas, the Cairn terrier. Billy Mernit concludes: "We know the ones we love by the things they love" ("In Molly's Eyes" 97). A bizarre tale, "My Virtual Cat" is about an imaginary feline that validates the commitment phobia of author Jenny Rough. "Taking Stock" by Thomas McGuane offers a brief history of man's relationship with horses. The epilogue returns to the editor's recollection of the final days of her cat, Stuart. Biographical thumbnail sketches of contributors bind the book's closure. It remains a collection of well written and emotive stories. Even before the horse whisperer and dog whisperer debuted, animals shared in our lives, shaped our fiction and animated our celluloid dreams. In the Brooklyn of my childhood, I raised chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats and even an abandoned baby owl. Today dogs romp unleashed through my fiction. As a writer and animal lover, I was disappointed that the book did not fully explore what the title suggested: the connection between the writers' works and their animal companions. The book lacks diversity by featuring common animals: dogs, cats, horses and a lone pig. A wider net would have trapped exotic creatures, such as reptiles and rodents, yielding greater reader interest. Most of the essays have predictable endings. Barbara Abercrombie's collection joins a burgeoning genre which contains such notable recent works as: Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan; Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish by Mark R. Levin; Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family by Glenn Plaskin and A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz. Visit her informative website ([...]). Royalties are donated to Best Friends Animal Society. This book has lots of heart and is recommended for anyone who has loved and lost an animal. Animals teach us how to be human by reaching into our souls where others fear to tread. They give us a glimpse of Paradise Regained.