There are several things I like in life; actually quite a few things, but two items which are at the top of my list are dogs and well written books, i.e. good literature. Just this Side of Heaven by Timothy Glass has added greatly to these two joys. I am much closer now to 70 than I am to 60 and with the exception of S.E. Asia, have had a companion animal, a dog, or dogs, all of my life. They have been and are a large part of what makes me, me. I do know dogs, if nothing else, and I can assure you that this author does know his subject.
This, in brief, is the story of Penny, a wonderful Beagle that shared the author’s life for eleven years. It is actually a love story, a story of devotion, happiness and fulfillment. From the time she was a puppy until her death, she was the constant companion of Mr. Glass and there is no doubt, after reading his book, that she enriched his life is so many ways. It is difficult for “non-dog” people to understand the bond that exists between a companion and friend such as Penny was, and her partner. You note that I use the word “partner,” as that is such a better description than owner or master. Penny shares the ups and downs of the author’s life and it is quite obvious that he learned much from her; not just about the dog, but about himself, the way to live life, attitude and complete acceptance for things the way they are.

While this is a very happy read, by all means, I do challenge the reader to make it through the final chapters with dry eyes. This is good though. When sadness through death comes for either people or for beloved pet animals, I always feel how much sadder and more tragic it would be if there were no sadness; how very awful it would be to have a companion that there would be no sadness, no feeling of emptiness, upon their departure. I know my current fur partner, Brodie, who has been my constant companion for the past 10 years and even goes to work with me and acts as a therapy dog in the nursing homes I consult for, is beginning to slow down now, and I know that, in the not so distant future, I will go through some horrid emotional trauma, I still would have not missed our relationship for anything. The reading of this work by Tim will be of comfort to me as his thoughts of the subject are quite identical to mine and it is always nice to know there are others out there that feel the same way I do.

This is a very well written book! Like dogs, I know good writing when I encounter it, and I truly enjoyed this work from one cover to the next. His simply, unpretentious prose is an absolute delight to the ear, eye and mind. He has more than proved the question as to just what dogs can teach us about life and he has obviously learned his lesson well, with Penny’s help of course. There are certain authors that have a knack for telling the story of dogs; they know their subject and can articulate it. Authors such as Terhune, Naylor, Kjelgaard, Kanter and Woollcott come to mind. If Glass continues his present course, his name will surly be listed among these.

This is a good book and should be in ever dog lovers library.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks ( )