A must-read for every dog lover—a short, tender, and uplifting tale of a cancer survivor and the life lessons shared with him by his beloved family dog. Our dogs come into our lives as “just the family pet,” but before we know it they become drinking buddies and fuzzy shrinks, playmates and Cheerios-munching vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks and sleeping partners. And, in their mysterious and muttish ways, our dogs become our teachers. When Dana Jennings and his son were both seriously ill—Dana with prostate cancer and his son with liver failure—their twelve-year-old miniature poodle Bijou became even more than a pet and teacher. She became a healing presence in their lives. After all, when you’re recovering from radical surgery and your life is uncertain, there’s no better medicine than a twenty-three-pound pooch who lives by the motto that it’s always best to play, even when you’re old and creaky, even when you’re sick and frightened. In telling Bijou’s tale in all of its funny, touching, and neurotic glory, Jennings is telling the story of every dog that has ever blessed our lives. The perfect gift for animal lovers, What a Difference a Dog Makes is a narrative ode to our canine guardian angels.
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"I'm wanting to study to become a veterinarian and this book really was an eye-opening helpful read! I realized a lot of the things my dog and I do, are not as weird as my boyfriend says they are. ;] Whenever your dog licks your toes, they think it's a salty, yummy, delicious potato chip! That was probably my favorite part. But not only was this book about the love your dog has for you, it was about the care and loyalty a dog really can do for you, especially if you are like Dana and have cancer. This was an inspiring story and I recommend it to dog lovers everywhere!" — Anna (5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm wanting to study to become a veterinarian and this book really was an eye-opening helpful read! I realized a lot of the things my dog and I do, are not as weird as my boyfriend says they are. ;] Whenever your dog licks your toes, they think it's a salty, yummy, delicious potato chip! That was probably my favorite part. But not only was this book about the love your dog has for you, it was about the care and loyalty a dog really can do for you, especially if you are like Dana and have cancer. This was an inspiring story and I recommend it to dog lovers everywhere!"
" "What a Difference a Dog Makes" is a wonderful tribute to our canine friends. Dana Jennings captures the spirit of dogs and their relationships with us. I could see the dogs that I have known and loved in little Bijou. This is a great book to read curled up with your own furry friend. "
" Cute, sweet tidbits from one dog and her person. "
" Audiobook. A feel good story about living through cancer and life with a dog. "
" I found this in e-book form and there's a mixure of humor, inspiration, and an over-all heartfelt honesty. Enjoyed it immensely! "
" Very sweet book, great for all dog lover's "
" This book was weak at best. The writer was not really sympathetic in spite of having cancer and the book didn't flow at all. It didn't do the dog justice and wasn't really funny or sweet. "
" I love the story of Bijou de Minuit and Dana Jennings. It's a love story about an adorable black poodle and a person afflicted with cancer. I highly recommend this book. "
" Dana's writings on the New York Times compelled me to read about his battle with cancer with his miniature poodle at his side. His sense of wonder and gratitude make this a worthwhile read even as you know he has experienced debilitating pain. "
" Perhaps it's just because I've read so many great dog books - "Marley & Me", "A Dog's Purpose", "The Art of Racing in the Rain", and a few good non-fiction ones as well, but this just seemed disjointed and shallow to me. "
" Loved this book. Quick read, lovely story. If you love dogs, you will love this book. "
" This book was ok. I am more of a cat person though. "
" I recently received this book from Goodreads. It was a quick read and very good. Whether you are a dog lover or not there are some wonderful life lessons in this book. Thanks Goodreads, I really enjoyed this book! "
" I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.thank you! a good reads First Reads win! i'll be starting this book next! "
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