The Healing Power of Pets: Featuring Barbara Barth's Poetic Memoir "Sleeping with Dogs"
- Kaecey McCormick
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Hello, fellow readers and writers!
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 book—one 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.
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
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
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):
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!
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