"Nobody who loves dogs will be able to resist [this] book! A magnificent love story!"
- Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, International bestselling author of Dogs Never Lie About Love and When Elephants Weep
Book Details:
Happy Harry: A Magical Golden
by Barbara Lampert
Genre: Dog Memoir
Publication Date: November 13, 2023
Synopsis:
In her dog memoir Happy Harry: A Magical Golden, psychotherapist Barbara Lampert, a lifelong dog lover, tells the story of her beloved Golden Retriever, Harry. Like her first dog memoir, Harry's story comes from her mostly uncensored daily journal and takes place in Malibu, California.
Harry was a genuinely free spirit - wild, and very wolf-like. Did all this contribute to his being exceptionally happy? Perhaps.
Harry was not only the happiest being Barbara's ever known, happy to the very core of him, but also the bravest. More than once in his life, Harry had to face true adversity, and each time, Barbara would look at him in wonder, not fully understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy.
Harry literally pranced through life, with a joyous attitude that made being around him like magic. Barbara fell in love with Harry. And as you immerse yourself in Harry's story, it's likely you will too! Happy Harry is unforgettable!
Excerpt for Happy Harry
I call Harry my calendar dog. Exquisite face. That’s what drew me to him when he was nine weeks old. Sounds superficial, but I thought his face was extraordinary. And this sounds superficial too, but I’d hoped his face would stay as gorgeous when he grew up. Well, it has. But you know, no matter what he turned out to look like, I knew I would love him tremendously. What’s inside Harry is amazing!
Harry is the happiest dog I’ve ever known. Genuinely happy, from the core of him. Mostly with a ball game. Harry can’t wait for the moment when he can go out to play.
The first few years with Harry were insane. He was a maniac, wouldn’t listen. Particularly when he was out of the house on a walk or at the big field at the nearby school. We tried every kind of leash and harness. We enlisted a dog trainer. Nothing worked. But little by little, he’s getting better. Still pays scant attention when we’re out of the house, but at least I don’t have the feeling he would run away. Though he’s never off leash when we’re out. Never!
Those first years were so chaotic with him that I was resigning myself to the possibility he might be a sociopath, because he seemed to not care about rules, listening, or consequences. I needed to accept him as he was. But now, at six, Harry has become incredibly devoted and loyal. Our wild wolf has settled into his pack.
I’m at work right now and can’t wait to get home and see Harry. Give him lots of kisses, get his over-the top joyful greeting with a soft toy in his mouth. Seeing Harry brimming with enthusiasm makes me so happy! I love him so much!
Harry’s adapting… But more than that, he’s still so joyful. His abundance of happy energy is so wonderful to be around. He’s still putting stuffed toy rabbits and balls in his mouth, particularly when he’s really happy. Still comes to me with even more enthusiasm and his head held even higher than usual when I say, “Hey Harry.” I love saying that to him, and Harry seems to love hearing it. I only use the “Hey” with Harry. It’s special, just for him. Something I started saying to him a few years ago. To me, it’s a way of emphasizing how cool Harry is. Yes, Harry is really cool, in the true sense of the word. Unafraid, carefree. Still.
Dogs are such special beings. I swear a big reason they were put on this earth is to teach us how to be.
Book Review
Let's face it—life can be "ruff." But sometimes, an inspiring spirit comes along that makes the journey easier. For Barbara Lampert, that spirit was Happy Harry. Today, Inkspired gives a book review for this delightful dog memoir.
Lampert’s book opens with an unwritten invitation—an invitation to sit a spell in her garden (which, I’ll admit, I would love to visit IRL) and share in the unbridled joy showered upon the world daily by a rambunctious and effusively happy Golden Retriever named Harry. The book, though drawn largely from the pages of Lampert’s own journals, feels more like a friendly conversation between friends—tales over a tall iced tea perhaps. Simple joys.
And that brings us to the underlying theme that quietly ripples beneath Lampert’s stories of Harry’s obssession with his favorite ball, his playful interactions with his brother, Barney, and his antics with a cat named Oreo.
Joy.
What readers can take away from Happy Harry is the gentle reminder of how to squeeze the joy from life. Live each day to the full. In fact, overflow it. An easy, inspiring read that will appeal to pet lovers and anyone who may need a little light to help kindle their joy.
Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Author Bio:
My passion is dogs! I’ve had dogs most of my life and hope to have at least one by my side always. Dog energy is the best!
I’m the author of two dog memoirs: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and before that Charlie: A Love Story. Each about one of my Golden Retrievers. (I told you dogs are my passion!)
I’m a psychotherapist, licensed for over thirty years, specializing in relationships. I was a flight attendant for nine years. And taught sociology at several universities. I have two master’s degrees and a doctorate.
Gardening is another love – not as much as dogs, but right up there! I see my garden as a work of art and garden as much as possible in my free time. I love being in nature.
I live in Malibu, California with my husband David and, you guessed it, our two wonderful Golden Retrievers, Oliver and Henry.
Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.lampert.50/ and https://www.facebook.com/barbaralampertauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaralampert1/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbarbaralampert/
How do you incorporate themes into your writing?
I would enjoy reading this. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for hosting my book, "Happy Harry: A Magical Golden" today - I really appreciate that! And thank you so very much for your wonderful review of Harry's story!!
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing today.