What’s more fun than writing about dogs? Reading about them! Especially in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities.  I have written at least three essays about my sweet girl, but Barbara Barth introduces the idea of sharing her dog stories through free verse poetry!

In her book Sleeping With Dogs: A Poetic Memoir, the author shares love stories about the many dogs she has rescued over sixteen years. Like some of us, she cannot turn away from sad, fearful eyes that connect with hers, hearts that speak her language, the beautiful creatures longing for a warm bed, a home. And we, as readers and dog lovers, may find our own healing through them. 

In this memoir, we discover not only the physical nature of these precious beings but also get a glimpse of their attitudes, emotions, and anxieties. We experience heartbreak, humor, and even a little romance, getting to know the shy, stubborn, sweet, and sassy. We become acquainted with Foxy-Lady (after the Jimi Hendrix song), Chloe (the fashionista), Miss April in Paris (Diva), Odette, Studly (the big flirt), Bertha Barth (she’s got Betty Davis eyes), and others. 

I adopted Millie at just eight weeks old, a little ball of white fur, and she’s been my constant companion ever since. She understands me like no human I’ve ever known and loves me despite my weird and quirky ways. When she was younger, I dressed her in fancy dresses like this author does her dogs, and we, too, dance, sigh, and cuddle together. Their comfort comes first as we make room for them in our beds, often sleeping too close to the edge. We don’t mind their digging in the covers, circling until they find the perfect spot, and snoring through the night.  And what a joy to wake up to prancing, happy ones to begin the day!

I loved this little book of poems, maybe because the author has given her life to dogs or because I adore those fuzzy, warm-hearted animals. If you don’t already love dogs (but how could you not?), you will now. I say, “Dog lovers, beware,” because after reading Barth’s dog stories, you might find yourself running out to rescue one…or maybe two!

About the Author: Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after losing her husband in 2008. Over the years, she has been known as Writer With Dogs. She now calls herself Chihuahua Mama and lives with six demanding Chihuahuas in a charming small town forty miles from Atlanta. She is the Literary Arts Chair on the Board of her local art center. 

Find her online at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarabarthstudio/

Blog: https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/

Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon. You can also add it to your Goodreads reading list.