Zen and the Rescue Dog

Book excerpt: Think you don’t have time to really get to know your shelter dog? Using the steps in Zen Buddhism as a starting off point, this book offers insights, practical tips, and exercises you can use to bond with your adopted dog and achieve a more relaxed and enjoyable life together. While feeding, walking, and occasionally petting your dog is a good start, no matter how busy you are, you will be able to better connect with your dog by trying the suggestions in this book. With entertaining stories about the author’s particularly idiosyncratic dog and the trials and tribulations that others have had with their rescue dogs, the author shows us that owners of an adopted dog can peacefully coexist with their pets. Observations and advice from animal experts at rescue organizations, vets, and experienced dog owners also provide insight about how to better succeed at understanding your adopted dog. Readers will also discover why adopted dogs are often best suited to rehabilitating humans in need. If you have a rescue dog or are thinking about adopting one, and are looking for ways to help the two of you have a more peaceful existence together, this book is for you.