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I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Visiting Hours

A Veterinarian's Memoir of Love, Life, and Letting Go

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Welcome to a heartwarming journey through a life enriched by the wagging tails and wet noses of man's best friend. This memoir is a love letter to the furry companions who have padded alongside the author, sharing life's ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Each chapter unfolds another paw print on the heart, another tale of devotion, mischief, and the unparalleled bond between dogs and their humans.

 

From the adorable Splash who despised rain but loved cozy indoor afternoons, to a dynamic pack that captured the essence of friendship and leadership, every story is a testament to how these four-legged wonders touch our lives in deeply meaningful ways.

 

Beyond the tail-wagging adventures, the book delves into the emotionally complex and ethically responsible decisions surrounding pet euthanasia. Our commitment to these loving creatures, the author asserts, extends "from the animal’s cradle to the grave." The biblical notion of "dominion over animals" is reframed as a lifelong responsibility to protect, love, and when the time comes, to let go humanely.

 

You'll also meet the family and friends whose lives have been forever changed by their interactions with these incredible animals. Whether it's Wendy and Chris navigating the comedy of a beach trip gone awry, or Zack finding his life's calling nurtured by his childhood furry friends, each perspective adds another layer to the rich tapestry of relationships that only a life with dogs can weave.

 

As the author reminisces about the irreplaceable moments and lessons learned from each wag, woof, and lick, he wraps readers in the comforting thought that these dogs, whether they're bounding around the yard or have crossed the rainbow bridge, continue to make us better people. They transform houses into homes filled with unconditional love and incessant joy.

 

So come along for this sentimental ride, a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt the unspoken connection with a pet. This book celebrates not just the lives of these wonderful dogs, but the life that they breathe into each one of us.

I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Fewer Paw Prints

 Tales of Joy and Heartbreak from a Life Shared with

Beloved Canine Companions

Have you ever loved a dog so deeply that their loss left an indelible paw print on your heart?


"I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Fewer Paw Prints" is a touching odyssey that will resonate with anyone who has ever shared their life with a beloved canine companion. In this poignant and often humorous memoir, Dr. Brian Joseph invites readers into a world where fur, slobbery kisses, and unconditional love reign supreme.

From the moment you open this book, you'll be drawn into a rich tapestry of stories spanning over five decades of canine companionship. Dr. Joseph, a veterinarian with a lifetime of experience, doesn't just tell dog stories – he paints vivid portraits of the furry souls who have shaped his life, career, and understanding of what it means to love unconditionally.

This book is more than just a collection of dog tales. It's a journey through life's highs and lows, all seen through the lens of canine companionship. Readers will find themselves nodding in recognition as Dr. Joseph recounts the challenges of raising puppies, the hilarity of dogs' misadventures, and the gut-wrenching decisions that come with caring for aging pets.

Animal lovers will appreciate the insider's perspective on veterinary care, including heartfelt accounts of difficult diagnoses and end-of-life decisions. Dr. Joseph's experiences as a zoo director and Army veterinarian add unique dimensions to the narrative, offering insights into animal behavior and welfare that go beyond the typical pet owner's experience.

The book doesn't shy away from the grief that comes with losing a pet. Instead, it faces it head-on, offering comfort and understanding to those who have walked this painful path. You'll cry, but you'll also find solace in knowing that others have felt this deep love and loss.

Throughout the book, Dr. Joseph weaves in valuable lessons on responsible pet ownership, the importance of proper training, and the profound impact that animals can have on our emotional well-being. His veterinary expertise shines through as he tackles difficult topics with compassion and clarity.

"I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Fewer Paw Prints" is more than just a memoir – it's a celebration of the joy, laughter, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. It's a reminder to cherish every moment with our four-legged family members, and a testament to the enduring power of the human-animal bond.

As you journey with Dr. Joseph from Gig Harbor to Winnipeg and back again, you'll laugh, you'll cry, and above all, you'll be reminded of why we open our hearts to these furry companions time and time again, despite knowing that their time with us is all too short.

This book is perfect for:

  • Dog lovers of all breeds, especially those with a soft spot for Bernese Mountain Dogs

  • Anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet

  • Readers interested in veterinary medicine and animal welfare

  • Those considering adding a large breed dog to their family

  • Anyone seeking comfort and understanding in pet loss

  • People interested in therapy dogs and their impact


Prepare to have your heart stolen, your funny bone tickled, and your soul touched by this unforgettable tribute to man's best friend. "I Wish the Rainbow Bridge Had Fewer Paw Prints" is not just a book – it's a journey through love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds that make life worth living.

© 2025 by ADVANCE

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