- ISBN13: 9780981881300
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
‘Baxter’s inspirational story reminds us how dogs can teach us to live fully in each moment, even if that moment may be our last.’ –Cesar Millan, professional dog trainer and star of Dog Whisperer ‘A testimony to the powerful connection between pets and people.’ –Joe Camp, author of The Soul of a Horse and creator of Benji Moments with Baxter is a collection of touching, true stories about the poignant connection between Baxter, a 19-year-old t… More >>
Moments With Baxter: Comfort and Love from the World’s Best Therapy Dog
Tags: Baxter, cesar millan, inspirational story, joe camp, powerful connection, product description, professional dog trainer, remainder mark, testimony, true stories
#1 by Kelly Trent on June 23, 2010 - 1:44 am
Although I have not read “Moments with Baxter”, I received an email that contained a video of “Baxter” rolling into a terminally ill patient’s room in a red wagon, and his owner scooping up his lifeless body, which resembles a sack of grain slumped over her arms. She places Baxter next to the patient, who gently strokes him and smiles. Don’t get me wrong-I whole heartidly believe in animal therapy. The research is astounding regarding the benefits of animals playing a very big role in complimetary therapy and recovery in patients. I am a nurse with a background in Oncology-I believe that quality of life is a huge factor in deciding a plan of care. Here is the problem I have with Baxter-what is the quality of life of this dog? He is elderly and has lost the use of his legs. I cried like a baby as I watched this video, not at the site of Baxter making a difference in an ill patient, rather at the site of Baxter being picked up and placed on the bed like a stuffed animal. Thank god our society allows animal owners to humanely euthanize their pets when they are suffering or no longer have a quality of life. It is a shame laws do not allow for us to do the same for our human loved ones. Perhaps Baxter’s love ones need to consider his quality of life.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by Dog Lover on June 23, 2010 - 4:28 am
What I liked best, of course, was Baxter. I also liked the information provided about therapy dogs and the certification process.
What I liked least was “the book.” I often am disgusted by the poor grammar and writing skills found in fiction offerings and am frequently infuriated by these issues in non-fiction. This book, however, reinforced the truth that even when grammatically correct, something can be poorly written. I didn’t enjoy the stories because I found myself going into editing-mode and mentally rewriting the stories to make them more, er, “readable.” Ms. Joseph is an English teacher so I expected the proper use of the language and that expectation was more than met. She shouldn’t plan on writing any more, though, unless she works on a writing style to encourage reading pleasure – not just information transferal.
The proceeds from the sales of this book go to terrific causes, the production aspects of the book are beautifully done (it’s pretty), and the value of the content will lead me to recommend that others purchase it. I won’t recommend it as a good read, though, because I don’t think it is one.
I salute Ms Joseph, her husband, and all the myriad persons and organizations who train, own, and use therapy animals. That doesn’t mean, though, that I have to say that any of them are great writers or that books about any of them are necessarily good books.
I’ll give Baxter, the dog, and his owners 10 Stars!
I can give Baxter, the book, no more than 2 stars
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by A Mom on June 23, 2010 - 5:40 am
This is a great book with a wonderful story about a wonderful dog. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times and he was an amazing pup.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by REE on June 23, 2010 - 7:00 am
THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK. I BOUGHT ONE FOR MY FRIEND AND SHE ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. I READ ABOUT BAXTER BEFORE I PURCHASED THE BOOK AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT I PURCHASED IT.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by BookReview.com on June 23, 2010 - 7:55 am
I have a dog. And the reason that’s so important in this review of Melissa Joseph’s beautiful coffee table book, “Moments with Baxter”, is that the first thing anyone thinks of when they read a book about dogs is their own dog. If they don’t already have a dog, the thought is always of whether or not they should get a dog, and if so, should it be one like that. In this particular case, one like Baxter.
Baxter is a therapy dog, which is a dog with the task of visiting children and the elderly at libraries, hospitals, and homes for assisted living, lending its companionship to those who are sick or hurt. “Moments with Baxter” is a collection of stories about the people he has known throughout his career as a therapy dog, told by his owner, Melissa Joseph. Baxter is a large golden bear of a dog, who came into his career at a late age, around 14, and completely swept the employees and patients of San Diego Hospice off their feet.
The stories are told through large scale photos of Baxter visiting hundreds of different people throughout the ward. They are remarkably uplifting photos, many of them depict men and women who are near death and yet up and smiling, their bone thin arms wrapped around Baxter’s neck with youthful smiles on their faces. These aren’t the kind of photos we associate with hospitals, and it’s difficult to comprehend the transformation that 15 minutes with a therapy dog can bring to someone.
Baxter brings a kind of ease that is also uncharacteristic to the hospital setting, typically fraught with emotional extremes; the wailing of a family’s loss, or the infant cries of a newborn. Baxter is such an amazing dog because of how clearly none of this touches him. He seems complacent in the photos, never sad, but never overjoyed either. He stares almost inquisitively at the camera as if to say simply, “I’m a therapy dog. This is what I do.” And people squeeze him and smile, they put adorable hats on him, squeeze him again, and he maintains his respectful demeanor.
I think about my own dog, Tortuga, and how excited she gets to meet anyone. She does cartwheels, and her tail wags so hard that it carries her entire body with it. People are flattered to meet her, but she nearly knocks them down with her massive feet. When she gets older she’ll make a wonderful therapy dog, but for now it’s obvious why Baxter is such a master.
“Moments with Baxter” is a book that anyone with a dog should have. Even if your dog isn’t one for therapy, it proves that some dogs, like people, are bred to make a difference in the world. All of the proceeds through purchase of the book go to Therapy Dogs International, so if you think your dog is up to becoming a therapy dog the first thing that you can do to help is buy the book. Check out [...] for more information on therapy dogs, and put this book on in your home. Your dog will love it.
Rating: 5 / 5