Canine Companionship
Is your dog a companion or a pet? This question is asked early on in Robert U. Montgomery’s book, Pippa’s Journey: Tail-Wagging Tales of Rescue Dogs. He makes the distinction that early in life his dogs were just pets. As he grew older and wiser it became apparent that his dogs meant more to him than he realized, just like yours most likely do.
I haven’t owned a dog for a while, so Montgomery’s collection of essays reminded me of times gone by when one of the four legged critters was regularly at my side. Memories of their companionship resurfaced often throughout the reading of Pippa’s Journey.
The essays chronicle the life of Pippa, a dog that spent the first two years of life in a shelter before being adopted by Montgomery. The story that follows is one of patience, education, and love. You can follow what happens to an animal, that showed little affection in the beginning, respond to love and kindness. The result is a loving canine companion.
Montgomery’s essays are complimented by six guest essay’s that reinforce a theme of canine companionship and love.
The author uses occasional flashbacks and comparison’s to Ursa, his previous dog. They prove effective in indicating both the similarities and the differences dog owners might expect from a new dog of their own in relation to their former one.
Dog owners everywhere can learn and be entertained from Montgomery’s experiences with dogs ─ the good the bad and the ugly. However, bits of humor in the most unlikely places will have you giggling to yourself throughout the book.
Montgomery’s forays into dog behavior produce a definite positive benefit to the reader. His sage advice on responsible dog ownership is worth the price of the book.
The author mixes humor with fact and education to convince you that your pet is your companion. That realization will not only change your life, but your dogs. You will love your dog(s) and other people’s dogs more, even if you’re not a dog person.
Whether you are contemplating a new dog or are a seasoned dog owner, Montgomery has something for you in Pippa’s Journey. If you are thinking about a new dog, you can live the experience of adopting through the eyes of a keen observer and lover of dogs. His experience with Pippa will prepare you to anticipate similar behaviors if/when you adopt your next dog.
When my reading was complete I felt a certain kinship to Montgomery and his canine, Pippa. I joyed in their relationship for the emotional benefits they both exhibit. In the end, I realized that there was a subtle underpinning of knowledge and education that went far beyond the relationship between one man and one dog. The knowledge gained from Montgomery’s book is actually a practical guide for anyone contemplating a new dog in their life or expanding their relationship with a dog they have now.
More information on Pippa’s Journey and other Montgomery books can be found on Amazon.com.
