This Old Dog

If someone you know has a dog who is experiencing a new baby in the home, or will experience one, this book is for you. The illustrations are detailed and fun. The old dog is lovable. And the family dynamics are realistic. The story is told with a lighthearted compassion and love for our furry family members. The outcome is not a sad downer.

Old dog's world has changed with the arrival of the new baby, with his humans too busy for slow walks to sniff blades of grass and find just-right rocks, but then the new girl starts walking. Old dog and small girl walk side-by-side and explore the together at just the perfect slow speed. A sweet, wonderful, delight of a book that had me in happy tears on the two-page spread after she put the crown of a gold leaf on old dog's head. It will fill your heart, and make it go--like old dog's tail--thump thump.

I bought this book for my niece who lost her elderly dog last year when her daughter was a few months old. It was so difficult letting go of the old life while celebrating the new life. This is a book to be treasured. P.S. The dog in the book lives on to have a wonderful time with the new baby.

Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told story from the heart. This is the only book I’ve gotten from the library that I needed to own my own copy of. I purchased one for me and one for a friend. This is now my go-to gift for a toddler-preschool age child and their dog. The author truly knows both dogs and children and the unique bond they form growing together.

For anyone who thinks they can’t have a dog and a baby, this book will change your mind.