Title: Letters to my Dog
Author: Scott Tomlinson
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 979-8-3694-9818-7
Pages: 86
Genre: Poetry / Photography / Dog Love
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
Dog lovers beware: You should have a box of tissues next to you when reading these poems as this is a definite tear-jerker! I have never seen such a focused and respectful tribute of human/dog bonding as articulated in this collection of short poems, along with a score of photographs which show the eyes of many marvelous canines. All in all, paging this book will bring out emotions to all who have a dog, especially one which is getting older and of course, those pets which have passed away.
The predominant theme in author/poet Scott Tomlinson’s collection of verses in Letters to my Dog is one of the human love of a dog and the unsurmountable, unconditional and immense love a dog gives in return. Yes, something all dog owners come to experience and yes, the grief felt upon the passing of such a gift from God.
In his book title’s poem “A love letter to my dog,” it reads: How do I pen words / to the greatest love of my life / One who was there on sunny days / or days of grey / Who coloured me with love / and made me feel safe / You sat at my side and kissed / My tears away / When you do leave this mortal plane / Nothing will be the same / In my dogs shadow / I will always remain.
Interlaced with soulful photos of dogs, mostly looking at the owner with those big brown eyes, the emotions of Tomlinson’s writing are pushed into the readers’ minds and then pulled back to the book’s prose in such a way that paging this becomes a meditative remembrance of past canine companions, as well as foreshadowing the inevitable fate of aging dogs who will be moving on.
Letters to my Dog is a must-have for all of us who love our dog, and will become an inspiration to remember the time spent together, whether walking by the seashore, or playing in the park, or just together on a couch all precious moments which enrich our humanity.
I am personally touched by reading these poems, as being a dog owner myself and lover of such a truly bonded animal. Completely different from the love of another human being, dogs have unique ways to live for a master’s love and attention. Letters to my Dog puts into words the slice of a master’s love for their dog and will always be enjoyed to page through many times. Written as intimate letters, these poems capture the unspoken bond between human and animal one built on trust, comfort, and unconditional love. Honest and soul-stirring, this collection reminds us that sometimes our greatest teachers walk beside us on four paws. This collection offers comfort to anyone who has ever found friendship and unconditional love in the presence of a faithful companion.
