The enduring bond between human and animal is captured brilliantly here. –Kelly Butler
An unexpected snowstorm, a tiny kitten clinging to a screen, four spirited schnauzers, ups and downs and sudden twists in the road of life. A “first dog” that inspires the Zen of Noah. A “second dog” named for the famous constellation Orion. A mesmerizing story of old and new, of letting go and surprising joy, of meeting bright-eyed Hannah and deciding it’s always the right time to love again. Two magical cats also weave their way into the author’s home to round out a warmhearted and poignant memoir about an endearing cast of characters. “Pets,” Daisy Hickman points out, “surely hold the key to unlocking the human spirit. They even remind us to stop worrying—especially about the next pet. Watching a sleeping animal, we know our worries are mostly in vain. We know the real story is about love. And that’s a very happy truth.”
Cover photograph by Javier Pardina (Lleida, Spain): “Clouds at Sunset and Stars”
I really enjoyed writing this memoir about the dogs, the cats, we’ve loved along the way. Getting from one pet to the next is never straightforward, though. We wonder, we worry, we procrastinate. And that’s what inspired A Happy Truth. If you have ever loved a dog or a cat, you’ll share many of my sentiments as you meet Sidney, Lola, Noah, Orion, Hannah, and Georgia. And here to review my new book is a wonderful blogger and an amazing reader, Sherrey Meyer. I’m pretty sure she reads ten or so books a week, so it seems! Sherrey also happens to have two cats to fuel her literary musings.
Welcome to SunnyRoomStudio, Sherrey!
Caring for them is a gift in disguise; it’s not optional.
Their needs can motivate and inspire us to keep moving.
Keep breathing, at a minimum. –D.A. Hickman
Daisy Hickman shares with readers once again her gift of lyrical prose. In A Happy Truth: Last Dogs Aren’t Always Last, the story emerges as if she paints with a fine brush in delicate colors. Hickman’s story unfolds as one filled with immense love among dogs, cats, and humans.
Hickman shares stories of four dogs, two cats. Some finding her, or meeting a new puppy for the first time. Travel in the middle of the night with an ill dog, Orion, and walking with happy, inspiring dogs. Each example brought me close to home and evoked memories I had not considered for some time.
This fascinating story drew on my imagination to the exclusion of the outside world. It was as if I quietly sat in the midst of the storytelling and watched the story unfold. Animal lovers will discover a sense of magic in these pages. And not-yet animal lovers may be converted.
Growing up with dogs, I related to stories of energetic puppies alongside older dogs. Often the older ones showed patience with their newly chosen younger family members. Since my marriage some 38 years ago, cats have become the animal to share our lives. Currently, we enjoy the antics of two cats, Iggy and Maggie; yet, over time we’ve loved and nurtured three others.
Hickman shares bits of wisdom about the love and care afforded to our animal family members. Often, out of the blue, she asks her readers a question, and I found myself answering many of them. In other words, you, the reader, become the author’s companion as she tells her story.
We talk to our pets, doesn’t everyone?
I recommend A Happy Truth to anyone who loves animals. Readers considering a new pet also will find it helpful. And anyone looking for a beautiful story will be delighted. A Happy Truth will be an exceptional gift to someone on their birthday or any other time.
Thank you, Daisy Hickman, for this beautiful
example of what we can learn from our animal friends.
Some people doubt that animals and emotions coexist, but it
seems we would have to be slightly oblivious to overlook the
endless and poignant ways in which they try to share
their understanding, awareness, and generous affection with us. — D.A. Hickman
