Starter Dog

My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World

De: Rona Maynard

Narrado por: Rona Maynard

An irresistible tale of reluctant dog ownership full of heart, humor, and wisdom

Rona Maynard wants to love her life again. Stuck in the what-next doldrums after quitting a big job, she needs a new bridge to the world. So, well into their married life, she lets her husband talk her into their first dog, a rescue mutt named Casey. Rona frets about shedding, lost travel opportunities, and arguments about walking duty. She doubts she can love a dog. But when Casey romps through her door, Rona falls hard. Over time he gives her what no human could—a new way of seeing and a pathway to the heart of a moment. Her downtown neighborhood reveals its true face as she explores it with Casey, making new friends and discovering hidden beauty spots. She learns to have adventures on her own stomping ground. Through Casey, Rona falls in love with the world and her place in it, an animal among other animals.

©2023 Rona Maynard (P)2023 ECW Press

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Among the many canine classics I’ve read, Starter Dog is the leader of the pack. It’s a beautiful tribute to a long marriage in which kindness toward a dog unlocks stored affection between spouses. It is also a powerful meditation on the pleasures of a life spent discovering the world from a dog’s perspective instead of slogging at the office. With humor and insight, Rona proves that some things about being human are best learned from a dog. I loved this book.”—Catherine Gildiner, New York Times bestselling author of Good Morning, Monster

“As a late convert to the world of dogs myself, I devoured Rona Maynard’s gorgeous, engaging prose as fast as my pup wolfs down her morning kibble. Starter Dog is far more than a tale of a woman and her dog. This gem of a book showed me it’s still possible to find simple, everyday beauty in an uncertain world and that love and connection, discovered one daily walk at a time, beat ambition and accomplishment. I loved the heart and wisdom woven through this inspirational book, and—dog lover or not—you’ll love it too.”—Laura Davis, author of The Burning Light of Two Stars and The Courage to Heal

“An elegant and engaging tale. With this tender invitation to get to know her beloved pup Casey, Rona Maynard makes dog lovers of us all—even the most ardent of cat people like me!”—Mark Henick, mental health advocate and bestselling author of So-Called Normal

Walking with Rona and Casey

Rona’s gifted way of storytelling had me walking the sidewalk alongside her and Casey. So enriching to listen to Rona telling about her transformation. And she prompted me to see my neighborhood anew, even without a dog.