The Rufus Chronicle by C. W. Gusewelle (1999, Paperback, Reprint)

I loved this book. I lost my German Shepherd of 11 years this past June 6-6-06 and haven't fully recovered yet. It's about the love a man has for his trusted, talented dog of his life. The full biography from puppy hood to senior. It's very ligh hearted and even though I am not a hunter (Rufus was a bird dog) I could completely relate. This book not only gave me a ton of flashbacks on Mika, but it reminded me to look at my own life that time is a gift. Dogs only live for 10 or so years. We only live for 70 or so years. Our whole life is about stages ie. (puppyhood/infancy, adolecent/childhood, adulthood & senior). The book reminded me of the learning curves at all stages of life for dog and human. I now have a new German Shepherd puppy and I forgot what it was like to have so much energy in my house again. Mika was so well trained and relaxed that I don't even remember her at this stage in life. Before I know it, (Ghengis) is going to be well trained and relaxed and I'm going to be asking the same question about him..where did the time go? This book had me in complete laughter and tears. This is a great book for any pet lover and especially for anyone who is mourning the loss of their loved pet (dog, bird, cat, horse ect). Highly Recommended!!