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“Even in today’s crowded market of dog-related stories, these stories stand out . . . [and] deserve to find a wide readership.” —BO BENGTSON, editor of Dogs in Review and Sighthound Review, and author of The Whippet.

 

“I love this. It’s like Chicken Soup for the Soul, with stories that are salty, spicy and sweet. Rich and filling, this book warms your heart just like Mom’s comfort food. It should be read with gusto and enjoyed with relish.”—CHRIS WALKOWICZ, author of The Perfect Match and President Emeritus of the Dog Writers Association of America.

 

“The relationship between and a man and his dog is a truly special connection. This book illustrates the profound strength of that bond. An eloquent mingling of humor and reflection. I’ve never read anything like it.”—MONICA MORALES, NBC News.

 

“In this rare instance, it’s fair to judge a book by its cover. Paws and Reflect is a sweet and deeply moving paean to a love we happily dare to name: the stirring, surprising relationships between men and their dogs.”—ALEX MACLENNAN, author of The Zookeeper.

 

“Not what I expected! It’s always appealing to read stories about the friendship between man and dog, but these stories go way beyond to a land of deep devotion, uncensored humor, and fierce compassion. I cried; I laughed; I wanted more. This is a must read, even for cat owners.”—SALLY HUXLEY, author of The Cat Who Had Two Lives.

 

“Paws and Reflect does more than explore the bond between gay men and their dogs, it highlights the human-animal bond that so many of us are privileged to experience. I can’t imagine any dog lover who couldn’t relate to these stories. Sit! Stay! Read! —DARLENE ARDEN, author of Small Dogs, Big Hearts.

 

“That special bond between man and his dogs shines through and makes it abundantly clear that the mutual canine-human love and affection developed over the ages has no preferences. A truly moving and provoking collection of canine-man devotion.”—STEVEN D. GLADSTONE, ESQ. , American Kennel Club, Board of Directors, class of 2009.

 

“I really loved these stories. The mountain rescue is so dramatic. The pee-training is hysterical, and taking care of sick dogs reminded me of our Airedale, McGill, who had a similar immune disease and was similarly brave to the end. These wonderfully written stories convinced me that our precious dogs, like Mathew Phillips’s ‘Brandy, ’ are indeed touched by angels.”—REBECCA CHASE, ABC News.

 

“Unusual, engrossing, and vivid. A marvelous collection of stories of dogs who are guides, partners, helpers and healers. It’s interesting that these are not just stories about dogs, but stories about how dogs were able to help men connect with the world beyond themselves. —JOHN CONSTANTINE, breeder, Adamis Kennel Brussels Griffons and Miniature Schnauzers, Vice-President of the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.

 

“A wonderful collection of stories about the coupling of man and canine. These are loveable dogs and loveable men. Men who are puppy whipped, pull lame dogs in wagons, carry incontinent dogs, are outed by dogs and are saved by dogs. I am totally enthusiastic about this book.”—GINI SIKES, author of 8 Ball Chicks.

 

“The happy devotion of a dog is the closest thing we have to ideal love. The stories in Paws and Reflect remind us of that, and as long as we have dogs, anyone’s life can be warmly enhanced. These tales of connection are universal, and along with the provocative facts about dogs that introduce each one, this book offers a warm and satisfying read for dog-lovers everywhere.”—KATHERINE RAMSLAND, author of Bliss: Writing to Find Your True Self.

 

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PAWS and REFLECT

 

a special bond between man and dog

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NEIL PLAKCY & SHARON SAKSON

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© 2006 by NEIL PLAKCY and SHARON SAKSON. All rights reserved.

 

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NEIL: To my parents, who bought me my first dog, and to Marc, with whom I hope to share all the rest of my dogs.

 

SHARON: To the men and the dogs in these pages and in our lives.

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