While many books are published on how to train your dog, and many explore the human-canine relationship, this new eBook, The Mindful Dog Owner, focuses specifically on the human perspective and walks the reader to the path of mindful connection with dogs.
Before teaching a dog to sit or heel, the mindful dog owner asks the Big Picture questions: Do I really want a dog? Am I willing to commit to a “for-life” relationship with a dog? Do I have the patience? Can I accept this dog for what he is? The book helps readers to contemplate their beliefs about the joys and challenges of life with a dog.
The book frames dog ownership with Zen/Buddhist concepts taught by philosophers such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Alan Watts, and Lao Tzu. It guides readers in “emptying their cup” (opening the mind for learning), and it challenges them to assess a commitment that may be as enduring as a “’til death do we part” vow. When readers “study the dog bowl,” they learn how each daily activity with a dog—walking, eating, playing, or training—can be a meditation. By finding balance in each moment, as dogs do without effort, the mindful dog owner chooses The Middle Way espoused by the Buddha. In the delight of “scratching where it itches,” both dogs and humans infuse each day with joy.
With the simplicity of a Zen rock garden, The Mindful Dog Owner advances dog ownership as a lifelong practice of graceful action, attention, and harmony.
Reviews for The Mindful Dog Owner:
“This thoughtful book takes a good look at how dogs behave according to our emotions, behavior, and our best intentions.”
“…invites the reader to practice empathy and learn the challenging art of mindfulness”
“…magnificent reminders to cultivate our own peaceful paths in harmony with our dearest friends, our dogs”
“…a ‘must read’ book for anyone and everyone considering bringing a dog into their home and family”
“…a new voice that changes the way we think about our beloved pets, giving them the dimensions they deserve”
“This book is an eye-opener for any dog owner…Make the commitment to being a mindful dog owner, and you are committing yourself to a simpler, more joy-filled way of being and living with our dogs”
