I'M STILL HERE: A Dog's Purpose Forever, lovely meditation on love, loss, grief, and going on anyway

I'M STILL HERE: A Dog's Purpose Forever
CATHRYN MICHON (illus. Seth Taylor)
Andrews McMeel
$9.99 Kindle edition, available 10 September 2024

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 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.