Beezer and Boomer is a new type of grief memoir. It covers Doug's journey with two beautiful dogs who were terminally ill. Searching everywhere he could think of, Doug was able to find lots of help for how to deal with a pet's death after the fact, but nothing to help along the journey. His book does just that, but so much more. Thank you, Doug, for sending me this book to review.
First, I have to make clear that I'm not a pet person. I have two cats. Each morning I sweetly suggest to them that they find new homes. In return, they snuggle closely to me as if I've just given them high praise. I'm not the person that carries a picture of my pets around in my purse. I'm not the person that calls my sisters and says 'Guess what my cat did!' I'm not the pet owner that has conversations with my pets, other than to suggest they find new homes. I'm not neglectful or mean, I'm just not a pet person. So, why did I ask Doug for a review copy of his book? I have no idea other than something inside me compelled me to do so, and I'm thankful for it.
The B Brothers, Beezer and Boomer, came to live with Doug when they were just pups. Immediately, they became important members of his family. As Doug's personal life began to fall apart, the B Brothers were the ones that held him together. When Doug found that the other pups from the same litter were being diagnosed with kidney disease, he became worried. Beezer was the first to be diagnosed. Later Boomer had his own illness.
For pet peope, those whose pet is a member of their family, I can see the necessity of this book. I can't imagine the heartache of watching a pet you love die from terminal illness and not knowing how to handle it. Doug has created a useful tool in this book. Along the way, Doug outlines the important lessons he has personally learned in coping with the impending loss of his pets. Honestly, if you know a pet owner going through a similar situation, this book is worth it's weight in gold purely for the lists regarding hope and guilt.
So what does this book hold for us non-pet people? Quite alot. The principles that Doug learned regarding life and death with his pets also hold true for our lives and our relationships with others. Also, Doug's memoir shows us a touching journey in his life, from coping with childhood issues with his father to balancing his day to day life. Doug's writing is touching and alive. I dare anyone out there, pet person or non-pet person, to read this entire book without shedding a tear.
To thank his canine brothers, Doug has started up the B Brothers Project. Non-profit pet organizations can go to http://www.beezerandboomer.com/ to participate and earn up to 40% of book sales. The B Brothers Project will help animal groups, large and small shelters, humane societies, pet adoption centers, animal advocacy organizations, rehabilitation sites, clinics and more. Doug is also a proud moderator for Yahoo's kidney group as well as being a creditor's attorney and triathlete. Release date for Beezer and Boomer is scheduled for June 21st and is now available for preorder.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Doug. His third dog, Coral, passed away from kidney disease April 24th.
I h ave read thousands of books in my life; nothing like this. Doug's message resonated with me in a unique way at exactly the right time, and I am eternally grateful for his message and his gift. This book is truly a must read for those of us whose four-legged kids are in the final chapters of their lives.
ReplyDeleteDoug and the B Brothers were with me in print and in my heart as my Maxine was preparing to start on a new journey to be free of the bone cancer that ended her life. Their lessons allowed me to focus on how she lived, not how she died. The book helped me understand that it was okay to be sad, but throughout my sadness, I was not afraid. And in her end, we were both at peace. For that I will always be grateful.
ReplyDeleteFor those facing the loss of a cherished member of their families, as well as those have alread suffered such a loss, Doug's book is extremely important. For those who don't have a furry friend in their families, the book will still provide important life lessons.
ReplyDeleteThank you Doug for sharing such a personal and emotional story with the world. Your heartfelt words captured the pure essence of raw, untamed, authentic love between animal and human companions with such eloquence and compassion. This book will allow so many people to release the fear around death and be at peace when having to let go. The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer is a must read story of embracing the celebration of life, love and friendship in it's purest form. Well Done Doug! What a way to honor the life of your canine brothers!
ReplyDeletethis sounds lovely, and being a pet person, i'm definitely adding this to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteWow what a story..I love all animals, especially the ones in my family:)
ReplyDeletethanks for linking me:)