Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts

Friday, February 21, 2025

Another Review of Lucky For Me

This past week, my book Lucky For Me was reviewed by Readersfavorite.com. I was delighted to find out that they gave it 5 out of 5 stars! 

I have shared the review below in case anyone reading my blog is still unsure if they want to read my book. Maybe this will inspire you to make a purchase.  :-)

And for those of you who HAVE read my book, if you feel compelled to write a review I would definitely welcome that! You can post your review directly onto my book's page at Amazon.com Amazon ebook or send it to Riversanctuarypublishing.com  https://riversanctuarypublishing.com/shop/lucky-for-me/ - or both! 

Since there are many people who like to read reviews before making a purchase decision, every review is helpful. I am grateful for every bit of support! 

While book sales are always welcome, for me this is more about Lucky For Me reaching the people who it can provide the most assistance to. That has been my heartfelt wish all along - for our journey to provide support to others. In the prologue I shared a bit about why I wrote the book. Here is that paragraph from the prologue: 

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 a 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 a 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.


Review by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite:

Maureen Burkley's Lucky For Me is the author's story about her tough but highly rewarding journey with her dog. The author's German Shepherd, Lucky, went from a traumatic experience as a puppy to being rescued by a caring human. As Maureen drew closer to Lucky, she found out about the dog's health challenges and other signs of the lingering effects of trauma. However, she also saw herself discovering similar battles as she strived to be the best human friend to her dog and attend to Lucky's needs. From hospital visits to water therapy and chaotic encounters with other dogs, Maureen's journey with her dog is captured in a very compelling tale. Get ready to meet a resilient and caring human and her playful and adorable German Shepherd in this deeply poignant memoir.

The many profound deductions in the book are quite enlightening. I found myself pausing to reflect on the author's thought-provoking observations, such as her belief that animals "come into our lives to help us reconnect with our true selves." Maureen Burkley's determination not to give up on Lucky, despite being advised to, and the dog's multiple challenges inspires you to tackle any situation life throws at you. Lucky's recovery process and struggle with trauma are depicted well alongside Maureen's challenges with her family and other personal issues. The author's experiences in difficult moments and being on edge when she took her dog outside reveal that her dog rescuer role was far from easy. This soulfully written memoir will make animal lovers feel deeply emotional and captivated from start to finish. I feel very fortunate to have read Lucky For Me.




Saturday, January 3, 2009

A Man Who Loved His Dog

Along with animals, I also love rock music. At 10pm on Saturday nights, there's a local channel here in the Bay Area that highlights local musicians (or musicians that got their start in the Bay Area). Last week, much to my delight, they highlighted my all time favorite - Eddie Money.  I was almost giddy as I watched the man that I have been crazy about since seventh grade stand on stage and belt out my favorite songs.  

Tonight, I turned on the TV to see who they were going to be highlighting and it was Tesla. I have a few favorite Tesla songs . . . Love Song and What You Give holding the place of my most favorite of their songs.  

In an interview with Troy Luccketta, he explained that "What You Give" was actually written about a dog.  He said everyone always assumed it was written about a girl, which is what I thought as well, but after hearing him say that, I felt compelled to pull out my Tesla CD and give the song another listen. I was touched to listen to the lyrics with a different 'ear' and hear how this musician felt about his dog so I decided it was an appropriate thing to share this evening. So, for your reading enjoyment, here are the lyrics to "What You Give" and if you feel so inclined, check out the song on itunes. It really is a great song . . . all the more sweeter to me now that I know who it was written for!

Who's the one that makes you happy?
Or maybe, Who's the one always on your mind?
And who is the reason you're livin' for?
Who's the reason for your smile?

I feel so lonely, yet I know I'm not the only one, to ever feel this way.
I love ya so much that I think I'm goin' insane.
I'm goin' crazy, outta my head.
Goin' crazy, outta my head
Can't think about nothin' but your good, good love,
And what you give.

Now everyone needs somebody.
And you know, everybody needs someone.
Well, and a-yes it's true?
Everybody needs a special kind of love,
And your the only one I'm thinkin' of.
You mean the world to me.
You are my only.

It's not whatcha got, it's a-what you give.
It ain't the life you choose, it's the life you live.
It's only what you give, only what you give, only what you give,
It's not whatcha got, a-but the life you live
It's the life you live.
Play it pretty for the world.

You're the only one that makes me happy, oh yeah baby.
And you're the one always on my mind. And yes it's true.
You are my reason, my one and only that I've been livin' for
What can't forever be . . . forever and nothin' more.

I feel so lonely, yet I know I'm not the only one
To ever feel this way.
I love ya so much I lose track of time,
Lose track of the days
I'm going' outta my head,
going crazy, outta my head.
Can't think about nothin' but your good, sweet love
And what you give.

It's not whatcha got, it's what you give.
It ain't the life you choose, it's the life you live.
No, no, no, no, no!
It's not whatcha got, it's what you give.
And it ain't what it's not, but what it is.