Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Book Review: Forever Paws by Christine Davis

For anyone who has lost a pet, it is known that it is like losing a family member. There aren’t really the right words to say to them that will take the pain away. So when there are no words to be said, why not send a comforting book? Forever Paws by Christine Davis is a book that will comfort the grieving.

People say that cats leave paw prints on your heart. In Christine Davis’ new book, Forever Paws, cats and dogs have forever paws – “a gift that will one day light your way back to the four-legged friend who loves you.”

Forever Paws also talks about animals taking a little piece of your heart on a ribbon, when they leave you. The idea of animals taking a piece of your heart is so true. Every time I have lost a beloved animal, part of my heart leaves with them.  Your heart never truly recovers from the loss.

The beloved pets drink out of the river of tears, a beautiful image to think of, when you’re sad and missing your companion.



In my life, I have lost 3 of my own cats, and 4 fosters. Ashley and Marsh, the first two cats I ever had (they were my dad’s cats before he even married my mom!) and my kitten Parker who I lost to FIP. And then the four foster kittens I lost in June 2011 when they were exposed to VS-FCV, Virulent Strain Feline Calici Virus.

While reading Forever Paws, I was reminded of all of my pets that I have lost. The grief is never completely gone, even when the feelings are stirred up years later. The loss can still feel recent, even if it’s been over 6 years since I lost Parker. I still think about him whenever I see my cats May and Henry curled up. May and Parker were buddies who loved to hang out and play.  And Henry, who we got 3 days after Parker died. Those three days were lonely and left a void in our hearts.


Forever Paws is also illustrated by Christine. The book is full of vibrant colors and has something to smile about on every page.

You can visit Christine’s website at Lighthearted Press. Forever Paws along with Christine’s other books are available for purchase.

I highly recommend Forever Paws if you have lost a beloved cat, or know a friend or family member struggling with the loss of their beloved pet.  


Sandpiper Cat was not compensated for this review, but we were given a free copy of Forever Paws to review. 

6 comments:

  1. Wonderful review, Rachel! I love all of Chris's books, they provide such comfort after a loss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ingrid! It was a beautiful book to review.

      Delete
  2. Rachel, thank you so much for your beautiful words about my book. It's always a privilege to see your work through someone else's eyes. We never forget the furballs who've shared our lives, no matter how much time goes by. I know all your beloved angel kitties will live on forever in your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rachel, this a great review of a beautiful book every cat lover can relate to. Knowing the talented Chris wrote and illustrated the book makes it all the more special.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rachel, I teared up while reading this! Great review - and you're right...I know there's a thread leading straight to Ryker at the RB.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice, Rachel! I'm a fan of Christine's books as well, and her artwork. Her books have given me great comfort in my many losses, even as you mention, the ones that happened years ago.

    ReplyDelete