The Best Gift Ever

The Best Gift Ever

More than twenty-three years ago, a chocolate Labrador puppy was born.  As the smallest dog in her litter, a powerful name was given to her by her human.  She was called Xena.  For fifteen years, she was a constant companion to a woman who had endured pain and was starting a new normal.  The duo wandered, walked and ran in all kinds of weather.  They shared adventures firmly stored in the human’s mind and heart.
After Xena’s death, fifteen blog posts beginning on
December 2, 2015
and ending on
December 21, 2015
were written.
In those posts conversations about our shared experiences lead to honoring a specific book focusing on a dog or dogs.  Today I have the distinct pleasure of again paying tribute to the enrichment dogs bring to our lives.
Every action they take is based on the use of their enhanced senses, any training they may have, and a deep desire to give unconditional love.  The collaboration of author Maria Gianferrari and illustrator Ishaa Lobo gives readers a title filled with the return of that love.
To Dogs, with Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us
(
Roaring Brook Press
, December 5, 2023) speaks truth in lyrical words and in lovingly-fashioned and researched artwork.
Dear Dogs,
Thank you for your tails
that whip and thump and pump,
Even when they’re stubby—
They bring joy.
Each of eight passages begins with thanking dogs for one of their notable characteristics.  Their ears never miss a sound.  It’s as if they understand every word we utter.  With their eyes, they see us and what we cannot see.
As our hands stroke their fur, regardless of its length or texture, peace wraps around us. Their paws provide perspective in every step and stance.  When we least expect it, dogs’ tongues are the best kind of kisses.  Kisses we need.
The phrase «the nose knows» is an authentic description of dogs’ ability to sniff out anything good or bad in our surroundings, even our emotions.  When a dog’s head finds its way next to your head as you sleep, it is the best gift ever.  An unbreakable bond, a lasting connection, is formed.
As the letter comes to a close, we thank them for all the actions they take every day to join us in our lives.  They know when to give joy or soak up sadness.  They bring calm as we drift off to sleep in their presence.  We are filled with gratitude.
With every word author
Maria Gianferrari
writes we are aware of her gift as a wordsmith and of her fondness for all things dog.  As she describes each physical attribute, we know she has witnessed and enjoyed the benefits of every aspect of a dog.  Her use of rhyme and alliteration create a musical flow throughout this entire ode to our canine companions.  Here is another passage.
Thank you for your fur,
Long
Or short,
Coiffed
Or curly—
Fuzzy for nuzzling,
Gifting comfort.
On either side of the spine on the dust jacket, illustrator
Ishaa Lobo
has drawn a cozy setting within the same room as indicated by the walls.  She features a child …