Full disclosure….I love dogs.  That said, I promise that even if you don’t fancy dogs,  your heart will be warmed by this book.  It is like a love song to the bond between young and old.  I’m quite certain you will want to sit right down and read to someone you care about.

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 “This Old Dog is a book that walks calmly into the room and warms your heart with its easy camaraderie before settling into a much-loved napping spot.” — Bookpage

This Old Dog

Martha Brockenbrough – Author
Gabriel Alborozo – Illustrator

When so much of the world is new, you want to go slowly…to stop and enjoy everything; hills to roll down, perfect-sized rocks, trees that seem to whisper their thoughts. It’s the same when you’re much, much older, and every time ’round the seasons seems precious. Yet those in the middle (we know who we are) are always rushing, rushing, rushing. Appointments to make, trains to catch, places to be, FAST. That’s what makes the bond between Old Dog and the little girl so special. Old Dog is gray and shaggy whose “bones are sore” but whose “heart is strong.” 

Gabriel Alborozo’s joyful, slightly goofy pictures lightens the poignancy of the old dog’s condition and rise to a feeling of elation when the child, one day, plonks onto the floor and begins to toddle. For the old dog, it is a new day. Here is a companion whose faltering steps move at just the right speed to match his aching hips and knees. Here is a pal who shares canine interests, such as the smell of things and the joy of rolling around in the grass. This kind and lighthearted picture book will help readers appreciate the old dogs in their lives—even those not strictly of the canine variety.

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Martha Brockenbrough talks about her book.

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• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

• Take naps.

• Stretch before rising.

• Slowly run, romp, and play daily with a young friend.

• Thrive on the attention of your young friend.

• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

• Delight in the simple joy of a long, slow walk.

• Be faithful.

• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

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Here are photos of our grandchildren napping with their old dog.