The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers

I could write my own book about the love I have for The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer. Myself, a human dad to two black labradors, just like Doug; As they were getting on in age I just got a feeling that I knew I wouldn't get through their loss without some help. After stumbling on fan favorites like A Dog's Purpose, Marley & Me, etc...and having those books not fulfill what it was I was looking for, Amazon's handy "you might like" feature "suggested" I check out Beezer and Boomer. So after reading the premise, I decided to buy it.It sat on my coffee table for a year, occasionally getting dusted. We lost one of our labs, "Justice" suddenly out of the blue and yet still, the book remained on the table waiting for me to get up the courage to read it. As time ticked on, our second labrador, "Johnny" was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and my world came crashing down with the difficult choices that brings. We made some choices in his care that had I read the book, I would have made differently. But the book gave me comfort and taught me that doing my best was good enough...I hadn't failed as I thought I might have.Needless to say, I began reading the book part way through Johnny's journey with Osteosarcoma. There's a major event in the book and the day I read about that event...it was actually that day on the calendar. Coincidence? I don't think so. As I read on, I realized Boomer had the same condition as Johnny. Coincidence? I don't think so.There were so many parallels and "ah ha" moments in the book and in my own life that it became clear that Doug's book found me. I went from a near breakdown on the day of Johnny's diagnosis to holding him in my arms for his last moment. And when that moment came, I was proud of me, proud of Johnny and proud of how I helped the other people in my home cope. Never would have happened without The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer.I've given the book to many people and some make it through as changed as I did and some have to put it down and sadly choose to not finish it. My advice is you MUST power through and you will get those amazing, life changing moments, the "ah ha" moments, lots of comfort, lost of laughs and a book takes you on an emotionally epic journey. My mother in fact is reading the book now. She calls me crying, she calls me laughing, she calls me to talk about the "ah ha" moments she's having... She needs this book not just for when her pup gets older, but right now as she's caring for my grandmother. Caring for your dog or caring for your family...it's the same emotions and decision making process about selecting their care, being mentally and emotionally fatigued yourself, having day after miserable day worrying about a future death that you have no control over. Read the book. It will give you your days back and teach you how to have joy every single day in the face of something tough.Doug chose his tagline well. "Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers." Buy the book. Finish the book. And learn the lessons from Doug, Beezer and Boomer. 5+ Enthusiastic Stars!

This book helped me deal with my aging pup. The author describes his journey with his labs and his own transformation while dealing with their illnesses and ultimate passing. This book has given me a new understanding and appreciation for my life with my furry buddies !

If you don't know where to turn and if you feel like no one understands what you are going through with caring for your ill pet, this book will give you the comfort you have been looking for. As a pet owner, there are few, if any resources available to help you cope with the ongoing losses and pain associated with caregiving. In my case, I had the loss of an aging pet whose health declined rapidly over just a few days, and then leading to his passing. Anticipatory grief is exhausting and debilitating because it leaves you helpless as you see the creature you love deteriorate right before your eyes. It is inevitable that you will feel pain during this stage in your pet's life, but how you deal with the pain will make all the difference for you and your pet. You will find yourself in great company with Doug's book because it is exceptionally well written and you will encounter his special transformation with the lessons of the B Brothers. While an emotional journey, this book will enable you to deal with your fear head on by accepting things you cannot change and making the best of the "new" moments with your pet. You will be reflecting on your own journey and emotions as you learn from Doug and the B Brothers. When you discover your strength from their lessons, it will help you make the best of your life, therefore, helping provide a comfortable life for your pet during their declining health or advanced aging. Even if you have a healthy pet, do yourself a favor and get this book. You will discover the peace before you need it, so you will be able to cherish even the most painful moments when you do experience them. Life is not meant to be pain free. However, this book will help you find strength by applying meaning to the present so it is not as painful. This is what you have been looking for!

I am an avid dog lover, animal rights activist and mom to 3 wonderful Pugs. As a result, I have an extensive library of "dog books." The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer is by far one of the best ~ if not THE best ~ books I've ever read. It hit home in so many ways. Two of my dogs have serious health issues and are advancing in age. My "daughter" has serious respiratory issues and one of my "sons" has been fighting cancer for almost 2 years. Doug Koktavy and I have similar backgrounds, as I, too, had a less than happy childhood and spent many years in the legal profession. In following the illnesses of Beezer and Boomer and seeing the profound life changes in Doug as he cared for his beloved dogs through their illnesses, I saw myself in so many ways. I learned many life lessons from Doug. My "son" with cancer is in his second remission at this time, but I realize how much time I spent worrying and fretting over the past 2 years instead of just enjoying and loving my boy in the here and now. I'm working on allowing "heartspeak" to chart our course now, instead of worrying about where we will be in 3 months, 6 months or a year. All through his first cancer treatments (chemo), despite its effect on his physical body, my "son" remained a happy boy, in love with life. The second time around, we had the tumor removed, but passed on the chemo, and at present he is doing well. Whatever the future holds, I am determined to make the most of our time together, to be happy in the gift of every new day, and not let cancer and fear deprive us of whatever time we have together. This is definitely a book I will read again and draw strength from at some point. Thank you Doug Koktavy for your wisdom and your willingness to share something so personal.

I love this book. It is full of warmth with some humour. However be prepared to weep buckets even though it would appear that Dough had money to research the illnesses of his dogs unfortunately the end was the same. It is just the same that one cannot give dog's a transplant. It is up there will my other favourite book "The Dog Years".