Conversations with My Old Dog

“No Dog Should Die Alone” was the attention-grabbing — and heart-stirring — headline of journalist Laura T. Coffey’s TODAY show website story about photographer Lori Fusaro’s work with senior shelter pets. While generally calm, easy, and already house-trained, these animals often represent the highest-risk population at shelters. With gorgeous, joyful photographs and sweet, funny, true tales of “old dogs learning new tricks,” Coffey and Fusaro show that adopting a senior can be even more rewarding than choosing a younger dog. You’ll meet endearing elders like Marnie, the irresistible shih tzu who has posed for selfies with Tina Fey, James Franco, and Betty White; Remy, a soulful nine-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; George Clooney’s cocker spaniel, Einstein; and Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from Ground Zero. They may be slower moving and a tad less exuberant than puppies, but these pooches prove that adopting a senior brings immeasurable joy, earnest devotion, and unconditional love.

"Do you ever talk to your dogs? I do." Psychologist Dr. Robert Pasick and his loving but aging dog Lucy invite us into conversations about living and dying. You know the common questions we humans ask: What breed of dog should I get for my family? What dog breeds are good with children? How do I cope after my beloved pet dies? We want real relationships with pets. You'll love Rob's Yellow Lab after reading this book, and you'll also think about far bigger questions dogs raise like: "What Breed is God?" As Rob cares for his aging dog, that's one chapter you'll enjoy. Rob reminds us how pets transform our lives.

Motivational author and speaker, Zig Ziglar, shares lessons of love and wisdom inspired by life with his favorite Welsh Corgi dog, Taffy.

A historical glimpse through the eyes of San Rafael's littlest citizen, Sporty Dog. As told in conversations with the author's aunt.

THE PAST Pastor Sims finished digging the grave when he heard a tinkling behind him. The hair on his neck stood up. He looked up, but no one was there. Gloria received the telegram of her uncle's passing and her need to come and take possession of his farm. The stage pulled in, the driver opened the door, offered his hand to the lady, and said, "This is Weslin, Kansas; hot, dry, and nothing moves after ten p.m." THE FUTURE I switched on the TV, searched the channels; all were off except one. The announcer said, "A new government was in power, running the whole world. Everyone has to adjust to this new world government." A black sedan pulled into the yard, out poured four people. I saw bulges under their jackets. I reached back, and unsnapped the holster strap on my Beretta, and said, "Good morning." I didn't receive good anything back. One man put his hand in his pocket. I saw the butt of his automatic. I had been judged, sentenced to die. The execution was to take place, and I was not allowed to voice my defense.