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The Healing Power of Pets: Featuring Barbara Barth's Poetic Memoir "Sleeping with Dogs"

Writer: Kaecey McCormickKaecey McCormick

Hello, fellow readers and writers!


cover of the book sleeping with dogs

There’s something special about the way animals shape our lives—the unconditional love they offer, the quiet companionship, and the moments of unexpected joy they bring.


As someone who loves exploring the connections between humans and the world around us, I’m always drawn to stories that capture the depth of these relationships.


That’s why I’m excited to spotlight Sleeping with Dogs: A Poetic Memoir by Barbara Barth. This collection of poems isn’t just about dogs—it’s about healing, companionship, and the way our furry friends become part of our hearts and homes.


In this short (37 pages) memoir, Barth shares her experiences through free verse, giving readers an intimate look at the dogs who have shaped her journey.


To give you a glimpse into her world, I’m sharing an excerpt from the bookone of her poems, featuring Bray, one of the many dogs who found a place in Barth’s life.


Enjoy!

~Kaecey

 

Excerpt from Sleeping with Dogs: A Poetic Memoir by Barbara Barth


Bray, dog one on my widow adoption spree

Jake was gone and just Foxy-Lady remained.

black afghan mix dog photograph

My fear surfaced, what if I lost her?

One dog, never enough, no safety net

Paranoid reeling from too many changes.

Meet Bray, my local rescue posted.

A black Afghan mix, scared of his shadow,

A year to socialize him, to calm him

So they could reach in his crate

Without his pooping at human touch.

Now ready for his forever home, me.

The park was quiet, an open field

Surrounded by a circle of tall trees

Foxy's paws on the window, tail wagging.

I leashed her up and we stepped out.

Bray so handsome, black waving fur

A long narrow face with ears to match.

Fifty pounds of anxiety, close to panic

Trying to act normal, but brown almond

Shaped eyes told the truth, avoiding us.

The rescue girl held him tight on his lead

Then a miracle happened, Foxy moved over

By his side, sniffing him, relaxing him

As no human could that day, or later.

I reached out gently, but he pulled back.

Still, I knew he needed me, I needed him.

At home he bonded with Foxy, trusting

Following her, a constant companion.

The day Bray shared a kiss, a day of joy

His black tongue darting out, licking

My hand, then backing off as quickly.

Everyone loved his gentle soul

Everyone wanted to win him over

Only surrounded by other dogs

Would he allow physical contact

And it was reason to celebrate!

Always an enigma, holding back,

His ghosts never completely gone.

Bray lived his best life, ten years

On his terms, never pushed to do more

Then he could, accepted for who he was

Loved until the end, Bray being Bray.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

photograph of author barbara barth

Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after the loss of her husband in 2008. Known as "Writer With Dogs" over the years, she now calls herself "Chihuahua Mama" and lives with six demanding Chihuahuas in a charming small town forty miles from Atlanta.


She is Literary Arts Chair on the Board of her local art center. Inspired by the many talented artists she meets Barth started painting. Her whimsical style embraces ladies, gardens, critters, and of course cats and dogs.


Find her online at:



 

ABOUT THE BOOK

cover of the book sleeping with dogs

Barbara Barth started adopting dogs after the loss of her husband in 2008.


From larger dogs to downsizing to Chihuahuas there are always five to six dogs at home.


Barth has captured the essence of each dog's personality in short free verse poems.


Known as Writer With Dogs, Barth has written two memoirs and a variety of novels.


Dogs are always present in her stories. This is her first collection of poems.


ISBN-13: 979-8988575061

ASIN: B0DNMFXP46

Print Length: 37 pages


Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon. You can also add it to your Goodreads reading list. And you can learn more about the book and the author by visiting other stops on the blog tour (see image below):


a graphic of the blog tour

If you check out Sleeping With Dogs, please drop me a note and tell me your thoughts, either in the comments here or by sending me a message!


Happy reading and happy writing!

signature with photo of kaecey mccormick


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