More "Lucky For Me" Book Reviews

 

I have been blessed with 5 more reviews of my book Lucky For Me and want to share them with those of you who read my blog. I am so grateful to the people who have taken the time to write such heartfelt words to describe what their experience was to read my book and so beautifully articulate what it meant to them. 

As you will see from these reviews, some of the folks who wrote them were actually part of the journey that Lucky and I were on and had first hand knowledge of what we were going through. It was a delight to receive their feedback and see how they reacted to our book from their perspective. 

Each one of these reviews touched me in a different way and they all showed me that the book is doing exactly what Lucky and I hoped it would do . . .  to be of support to anyone who read it, in whatever way they might need some support  - no matter how big or small.

Being shown that the book had provided a myriad of confirmations, inspiration, self-reflection, a deepening of appreciation of what animals have to offer us as well as just plain enjoyment is such a treat for me. I know Lucky is pleased as well. 

I hope you enjoy reading these sincere, wholehearted reviews about Lucky For Me. 

If these reviews inspire you to buy the book or gift it to someone you know, paperback copies can be purchased directly from River Sanctuary Publishing here: River Sanctuary Publishing and ebook purchases can be made via Amazon here: Buy e-book edition

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Lucky for Me is a beautiful story of healing, love, and the bond between Maureen and her dog, Lucky. I was lucky enough to spend time with them during swim therapy. Even though Lucky had trouble walking, she came alive in the water—joyful, free, and full of spirit.

That experience completely changed how I see quality of life in senior dogs. My family used to believe it was time to say goodbye when mobility was lost, but Lucky showed me how much life and happiness is still possible.

Thanks to Maureen and Lucky, I was able to share a deeper connection with my own dog, Leo, until he transitioned peacefully on his own. This book—and the time I shared with them—will stay with me forever.

Karen, Milpitas, CA

***

“Lucky For Me” is a heartwarming and insightful read that I couldn’t put down. It’s beautifully written and incredibly easy to follow.

Through Maureen’s journey with her pup, Lucky, I gained a deeper awareness of the subtle cues in my own animals’ behavior and the importance of truly observing our surroundings. While the story centers on her dog, Lucky, the lessons and reflections shared throughout are universal—applicable to animals of all kinds, including horses and donkeys!

I happened to read Lucky For Me just before bringing home one of my own dogs, who turned out to be a very sensitive soul. The timing couldn’t have been better. This book gave me tools, reassurance, and even a few “aha!” moments—not just about animals, but about myself as well.

I’ll be recommending this book to everyone. Whether you’re going through a transition, deepening your bond with your animals, or simply looking for a meaningful and uplifting read, Lucky For Me is a true gem.

Andrea Koch

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A wonderful story about a loving bond between Maureen and Lucky and their ability to learn from and heal each other.

Mary Ellen, Monterey, Ca

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“Lucky for Me” 

May 2025

I recently lost “FLB” (favorite little boy)!  He was actually my neighbor’s 16 year old,  5lb cockapoo.  But his 2^nd home was with me as his “part-time nanny”, especially during the last several years of his decline, I would hear his cries over the fence and go to comfort him.

So, I felt compelled to reread “Lucky for Me” and it had the same impact on me as the first time – 3 years ago.  I was inspired, in awe, laughed and cried all at the same time!

We were fortunate to know Maureen and Lucky. We knew their backstory so when we saw them walking in the neighborhood, we would stop, check in and get updates on their progress. We knew how dedicated Maureen was to Lucky but her book truly reflected their day-to-day struggles and the incredible bond they had!  And it was only through her strength and perseverance did they successfully heal together. 

Maureen also helped us when our Natalie, 12 yr old Aussie was declining and with Shasta, an adult Aussie mix, who unfortunately was an unsuccessful rescue after 9 months.  We saw first hand – her connections with animals.  

Through Maureen’s courageous writing of her journey with Lucky, we were uplifted, reassured about moving forward and in believing in yourself and your heart.  “What happened in the past does not make your future.”  But most importantly . . . the power of loving animals.  

Anne Y

***

This seemed like it was going to be a simple Happy Ending story, but it was so much more involved than that. It has such a heart wrenching start concerning what to most would be a hidden aspect to our society’s involvement with pets and the way people treat them.

With the author’s commitment to Lucky’s wellbeing, and her constant care and searching for answers to the many unknowns on how to make Lucky feel cared for and loved again, it turns into a heart warming story that will touch every reader. The All-In attitude of the author and the care she provides without compromise will have the reader reflecting on their own life and choices they have made. 

It is endearing to see how the author took a very difficult situation and not only made the best of it, but touched the lives of so many others in a positive way along the way. Maureen not only found security and happiness for Lucky but found out ‘who she is’ along the way; something we all tend to search for while we navigate our way through life. I tend to not think of life as a journey, but more of an endless series of challenges that we have to deal with to become who we are going to be. The author bares her soul as she describes dealing with those challenges for both Lucky and herself. You feel both for Maureen and Lucky throughout this tale and are pulling for them at every turn. Luckily, happiness is everybody’s reward in the end.

I can’t help but think that anyone who reads this heart warming story will be changed by what the author was able to accomplish, with limited means, by the dint of her own personal convictions.

Matthew, Silicon Valley, CA

Another "Lucky For Me" Review

I recently received another review of my book that touched me so deeply it made me cry. As I read her words about how the book had supported her, I felt such gratitude because it was one of the ways I had hoped it could assist people. 

In the prologue of my book, I mention that part of the reason that I felt so compelled to share our story was because I felt deep inside my heart that it would be of assistance to others. 

I wrote: I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light the path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in the process of self-discovery, my hope is that you'll experience some "aha" moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too. 

Receiving this heart-felt confirmation from this beautiful soul lit me up. She confirmed for me why it felt so important to write the book and share the journey that Lucky and I went on. Here is what she wrote:

Wow! All I can say is wow! I finished Lucky For Me (by Maureen Burkley) on the plane a few weeks ago.

The most PERFECT ALIGNMENT OF TIMING is indescribable. I don't remember when I got the book and started reading it, I’m a slow reader lately and I read in small chunks and then I pick it up again, but I feel like each time I picked it up, that each part I read served me so perfectly during that particular time.

Since we never had a dog, I have learned so much about dogs from this book. But the most interesting part, the book also made me think a lot about life…

As I got to the end, reading about Lucky's last year, last few months, down to last hours AND after her transitioning ... I can't even describe how meaningful it was for me - for my now and things I felt for Maureen and Lucky and for MYSELF at the same time, all interwoven together.

With each part of the book I read, it was like being there and being here and having a NEW understanding for the criss-cross points. I was able to begin to feel what Maureen felt AND see how those things connect to things unfolding in my own life right now.

I was able to understand Maureen’s decisions points, where they come from, and marvel at their relationship, at the end, not only had Lucky taught her and us so much, but ....compassion.... wow, compassion!! The place where compassion comes from!! Our wisdom. Our intuition. And the light and joy and peace that come with it.

I feel so much reverence for Maureen and Lucky. I thank her and Lucky both for how I was able to take what I was reading and connect it to my own life, my own journey in such a powerful way. Lucky is still teaching!!! Your pets are still teachers even after they are gone.

Zhanna Kozar

Lucky For Me Has Finally Been Published!!

It is with great excitement that I share this . . . My book "Lucky For Me: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery" has finally been published and is available for purchase!!!  

It has been "in the works" or "on the shelf collecting dust" for so many years, I wasn't sure this day would ever come but as I explained in a recent blog post . . . some synchronicities and magic got it moving again and we finally crossed the finish line!!!

At the present time, I have decided to sell only through the publisher so if you feel inspired to purchase a copy of my book, you can go to: Lucky For Me - A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

The publisher and I chose to start with just paperback copies of the book. Down the line we will assess if we'd like to make it available as an e-book as well but at the moment it will only be available in the good old fashioned "hold it in your hand" way.  :-) 

In my last post, I shared a summary of the book so you can get a feel for what it is about. As for why I wrote the book and how I hope it will assist people, here is a paragraph from the prologue that will explain: 

I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light the path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in the process of self-discovery, my hope is that you'll experience some "aha" moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too.