The Grace of Dogs by Andrew Root

The Grace of Dogs by Andrew Root

In the bestselling tradition of Inside of a Dog and Marley & Me, a smart, illuminating, and entertaining read on why the dog-human relationship is unique--and possibly even spiritual.

Dr. Andrew Root's search for the canine soul began the day his eight-year-old son led the family in a moving Christian ritual at the burial service for Kirby, their beloved black lab. In the coming weeks, Root found himself wondering: What was this thing we'd experienced with this animal? Why did the loss hurt so poignantly? Why did his son's act seem so right in its sacramental feel?

In The Grace of Dogs, Root draws on biology, history, theology, cognitive ethology (the study of animal minds), and paleontology to trace how in our mutual evolution, humans and dogs have so often helped each other to become more fully ourselves. Root explores questions like: Do dogs have souls? Is it accurate to say that dogs love us? What do psychology and physiology say about why we react to dogs in the way that we do? The Grace of Dogs paints a vivid picture of how, beyond sentimentality, the dog-human connection can legitimately be described as spiritual--as existing not for the sake of gain, but for the unselfish desire to be with and for the other, and to remind us that we are persons worthy of love and able to share love. In this book for any parent whose kids have asked if they'll see Fido in Heaven, or who has looked their beloved dog in the face and wondered what's going on in there, Dr. Root delivers an illuminating and heartfelt read that will change how we understand man's best friend.

Andrew Root is an associate professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN). Minnesota (Saint Paul). He is the author of various works, including Rethinking Relational Youth Ministry (Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780451497611
ISBN 10	0451497619
Title	The Grace of Dogs
Author	Andrew Root
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Random House USA Inc
Year published	2018-06-05
Number of pages	176
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.