Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends - Hardcover

Wilson, Hersch

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1608688879 ISBN 13: 9781608688876

Publisher: New World Library, 2023

Synopsis

A heartwarming meditation on the powerful presence of dogs in our lives and the transformative lessons they can teach us about love, loyalty, grief, and more, from the author of Firefighter Zen

"When in doubt, get up and walk your dog" is the first of many valuable maxims in Hersch Wilson's remarkable Dog Lessons. The follow-up to his acclaimed Firefighter Zen, this is not a training manual for dog owners, nor a primer on the latest in animal behavioral science (as he readily admits, he's a pretty lousy dog trainer). It is instead a blend of memoir and clear-eyed meditation on these fellow pack animals, a heartfelt reflection on what dogs can teach us when we open ourselves enough to listen and learn. <p/> After more than sixty years living and working with dogs (Wilson is a volunteer firefighter and, along with his wife, a boutique pet store owner), he began writing a column about dogs for his local paper in Santa Fe in 2013. The 120 (and counting) entries -- filled with self-deprecating stories and lighthearted musings on a life filled with fur-covered furniture, unexplained messes, and destroyed property -- evolved into a decade-long meditation on the truths dogs have to teach us. From universal values like loyalty and curiosity to practical lessons on napping, playing, and avoiding a serious fight, it's eminently good advice. <p/> Readers of all types, from the most ardent animal lovers to the simply dog-curious, stand to benefit from the insights in Dog Lessons. As Wilson himself acknowledges, the most significant lesson dogs teach is that "life is valuable and short" and that the "happiest lives are threaded with sadness. That is the way."

About this title

About the Author

Hersch Wilson is an organizational consultant, pilot, former professional dancer, and volunteer firefighter. He writes a monthly column on dogs for the Santa Fe New Mexican, has published articles and done presentations on PTSD and firefighters, and is the author of Play to Win and Firefighter Zen. His wife Laurie owns and runs an award-winning, popular boutique pet store. They have two daughters and currently two dogs: a Great Pyrenees named Toby and a Chihuahua-terrier mix named Maisie. They live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. <p/> HerschWilson.com

Edition details

• Publisher: New World Library
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1608688879
• ISBN 13: 9781608688876
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256