This memoir about a woman's struggle with bulimia and the shelter animals who she credits with saving her life is definitely a testament to the power of the human/canine relationship. As someone who has always loved and owned dogs, this was its overwhelming appeal to me. I must admit that bulimia is an eating disorder that I don't have any direct experience with and didn't know very much about prior to reading this book. I don't know if I still understand it completely or not. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around such extreme behavior, though the author did a pretty good job describing her own thoughts, experiences, and motivations.
For eight years Ms. Kopp battled the disease with its endless cycle of bingeing and purging. It was only when at 24 she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA and was involved in caring for shelter dogs that she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. Through the pages of her book we get to know a few of the extraordinary homeless animals who impacted her life and led to her recovery--Sweet Pea, Big Girl, Abby, Stewie and others. It is the story of the spiritual healing these animals bring to her life that is the heart and soul of her book. Animals can teach us to savor and live in the moment, and reclaim our joy.
This book would be a good read for animal lovers and anyone who has endured struggles and prevailed.
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