The Puppy That Came for Christmas by Megan Rix

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to not-so-gracefully get back into the swing of things after the holiday rush.  Here's hoping your holiday was merry and bright. As for me, I'm having a drastically hard time stepping back into things. Had to work today and it was oh-so-busy it could make your head twirl. A nice slow but steady day would have been refreshing but what can you do but take it in stride. *shakes head* Anywho...

Today's title I was going to feature before the holiday's arrival but had second thoughts (not to mention time constraints) when I realized how.perfect it would be just after the magical day. Why? You'll see.  Today's book of choice is..

THE PUPPY THAT CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
by
Megan Rix

What starts as a heartfelt desire to share their lives with a family turns into a furry affair that would benefit not only themselves but others in need.  Megan and Ian were two that wished to be more but fate doesn't always take into account what we want when it weaves its tapestry and as their hopes of adding a little one to their home dwindled with time, so did their aspirations. However, all of that changed one sunny day on the opposite side of the world when a puppy named Goro opened their eyes to a new take on extended family.

Yes, my friends it was the small act of renting a puppy for an afternoon stroll in a foreign country that introduced them to the love a fur baby can really give...and receive. As many of you know, I'm a pet parent myself and my fuzzy wuzzies make an appearance here every so often so I totally get what they were feeling. The love they give freely is amazing and can turn the darkest of days right side up again.  This couple wasn't sure if a full fledged commitment was really in the cards from them so they decided to get their feet wet my assisting in the training of a future helper dog. Enter the little ball of yellow fur we shall call Emma.

Emma showed them the ins and outs of puppy parenting as well as the exceptional results that can be achieved when training isn't so much a job but a heart felt team effort. She was a gorgeous golden retriever that grew into so much more in such a short amount of time that when the inevitable day of graduation came... no one was truly prepared.

No worries my friends, all things end well for both parties but it was their first experience with the necessary "good bye" that eventually follows in these types of programs.  As much as they weren't certain they were ready for the big plunge initially, eventually they came to see they weren't ready to bid their charges farewell time and time again. It's a big undergoing not only financially to train and grow these fine four legged helpers but there is a toll on the heart that is very hard to justify. Hats off to all those able to perform this routine over and over because without people like you, we'd have a severe shortage of these furry life ablers. 

The journey of life is always unexpected no matter how much planning is put into every step and the Rix's allow us to peer into their own adventure with eyes wide open. From their struggles with fertility to considerations of adoption to their eventual acceptance and embracement of the hand life has dealt them...it's emotional and truthful but well worth the tissues that may be needed.

Recommended reading for teen through adult readers. It's a wonderful story for the holidays or any day and will certainly give you a new perspective on life as you know it.  Review copy courtesy of Milena at Penguin Group USA. (Thanks!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, feel free to visit them online (http://us.penguingroup.com). This book is available now on a bookstore shelf near you so you know if you just happy to be looking for a furry tale of surprising warmth or need a good pick for someone going through the same troubles....this just might be the book for you.

Until next time...happy reading!