Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links.

I love my dogs, Bailey and Gino. We rescued Bailey from Caring Canine Connections when she was 10 weeks old. She was a stray in a high kill shelter in North Carolina. (She was going to be euthanized over Thanksgiving.) Apparently, she was bitten during transport up to New Jersey, leaving a tear in her ear. Gino, my Chihuahua mix, was dumped out on the street. I went with volunteers from CCC to save 19 dogs from a high kill shelter back in July. Gino sat on my lap the entire drive back home. He looked at me with his big bug eyes as I whispered sweet nothings like “You are okay, little man. No one will ever hurt you again.” into his ears, which were drawn back and down. He was supposed to be killed over the Fourth of July.

I often say that my dogs saved me from myself. They have come into my life when I needed them most. Anxiety and worry are both useless emotions, but have overcome me when I was frantic about finances, health concerns, switching jobs, and finding work. I tried to tell myself that I was living the American dream, but some days felt like a true nightmare.

I received an autographed review copy of One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying by Tom Baker. The book is written from his dog, Mango’s, point of view, which adds humor and lightheartedness to the story. Tom adds his perspective at the end of each chapter. One Dog’s Faith is a Christian book, and has several references to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. (As most of you know from my previous posts, I was raised Catholic, but do not practice. I consider myself more spiritual and believe in the religion of karma and being nice to others.) Since I love dogs and have been successfully managing my anxiety for ten years, I figured it would be a good read. It turns out, I really loved this book. I have many tabbed pages with important life reminders.

I interrupted Bailey during her nap to capture the perfect picture.

Tom Baker writes in One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying:

“He [God] allows us to go through some pain in order to progress toward improvement. He sometimes has to hold us down in the middle of our misery to help us find our comfort and happiness. God sees the big picture and knows what’s best for each and every being.” (p. 114)

“Fear is powerful if you let it take over. Fear and faith can’t live in the same dog house.” (p. 168)

“Michelle just said, ‘Give it up…Give it to God…God will provide…God will make a way,’ And He always did, without fail. I saw it; she saw it.” (p 191)

One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying is a feel-good book. It put many things into perspective. I used to come home from a long day at work and instantly start preparing for the next day. I would lay my scrubs out, prepare a lunch and start dinner, set the coffeemaker, pay bills, fold laundry, empty the dishwasher. I was going through the motions, preparing for something that wasn’t even guaranteed. My dogs would be begging for my attention, showing their gratitude and happiness that I was finally home. Now, when I get home from work, I drop my stuff on the table and sit on the floor to give them lots of love. I take them for a walk outside and smell the fresh air. I silently thank God for giving me another beautiful day and the opportunity to be able to come home from a day of work and spend time with my husband and furbabies. I learned to not take life so seriously. One Dog’s Faith offers perspectives that make you think about your life and how to improve upon your relationships with others, as well as God.

Gino with One Dog’s Faith by Tom Baker

Mango reminds us that dogs live for the moment. They don’t take things seriously. They are happy with very little, and that they truly value their time with us on Earth. I watch Bailey and Gino in awe. They, like Mango, have taught me to let go, trust God, follow instead of lead, and the true meaning of unconditional love.

Be sure to purchase One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying on Amazon. One lucky winner will win a copy.

ENTER THE

ONE DOG’S FAITH

GIVEAWAY

Rules: Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the continental USA. Winner must provide name, address, e-mail, and phone number within 24 hours of the close of the giveaway or another winner will be selected. You will receive one copy of One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying. Contest runs from October 24, 2017 at 12:00 AM until November 7 at 12:00 AM. Good luck!

Visit Tom Baker’s website: One Dog’s Faith and follow him on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. Don’t forget to connect with the author’s dog, Mango, on Facebook!

Namaste.

Disclosure: I received a copy of One Dog’s Faith: How My Dog Helped Me Trust in God and Overcome Chronic Worrying complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you are interested in having your product on Realm of Vibes, e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com for more information or fill out the form on my Contact page.