If you have ever loved and lost a dog, this book is going to tug on your heartstrings. I think I've cried most of the way through - not just because of the sadness of losing a dog but just how incredibly brilliant they are.

This book follows Nathan Wilkinson from childhood into adulthood when he is married and has children of his own and the dogs that have been a part of this life. It's about the bond he has with his dogs and that they have with him, as well as the devastating loss when the time comes... but we also get a little glimpse into what happens when it's time to cross the rainbow bridge, which is just lovely.

If you've never owned a dog, you'll probably struggle to understand the depth of connection possible with having a dog and the absolutely gut wrenching grief of losing one. If you have been lucky enough to have a dog in your life that has been a true member of the family, this book is going to rip your heart out!! Dogs are just amazing and this book is a real celebration of the special relationships we can have with our dogs and gives hope that life on earth is not the end, that those connections are forever.

This a book for dog lovers but you're going to need your tissues!!

Dan V. Jackson’s The Rainbow Bridge, at first glance, appears to be a sweet book about what we hope happens to our pets when they leave us. But appearances can be deceiving. Rather, it tells the story of a man’s life journey from childhood dangers through teen and young adult confusion, into the horrors of combat and struggles of business and family life, all in terms of a series of pet dogs.

But there’s another element to it. Much like W. Bruce Cameron’s bestseller A Dog’s Purpose (or my own The Teachings of Shirelle), Jackson’s book posits that our dogs are here as our guardian angels, to teach us, protect us, and even lead us to our best destinies. But instead of Cameron’s reincarnation myth, Jackson imagines that all our pets are there from our birth, waiting for their releases to come into our lives and work their magic.

Each of the dogs in Nathan’s life does so in a different way. From one whose only importance is a quick self-sacrifice, to an intelligent companion whose greatest achievement is secretly gifted to a family member, to a renowned heroic military dog, to a sweet matchmaking Schnauzer, to two knucklehead Labradors whose greatness defies reality (and then are made hilariously famous for completely unreal fictional acts), Jackson captures the truth that every dog in our lives is different, and achieves greatness in unique ways.

This epic, beautifully told, tale is for everyone who’s ever looked into their dog’s eyes and seen something timeless and mysterious, who has asked their pup from the bottom of their soul, “Just who are you, and how did I get you?!” And beautifully, Jackson’s answers keep the mystery intact, just as our dogs always have.

I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. How much I didn’t want it to end. How I really, really ought to buy stock in Kleenex.

When I’m getting ready to write a book review, I typically take notes throughout the book. I started doing that with Rainbow Bridge. Then I stopped. The story took over. It resonated so deeply, in fact, I couldn’t read it and take notes at the same time. So I put my notes away and immersed myself in this extraordinarily powerful and poignant story.

I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

Rainbow Bridge traces the love, losses and life of Nathan Wilkinson from toddlerhood into adulthood through the lives of his dogs: Frisco the border-beagle. Shiloh the German shepherd. Lindsay the mini schnauzer. Georgie the Belgian Malinois and military war dog. Labs Zooey and Boomer. Each dog has a distinct personality but evinces the kind of steadfast devotion to Nathan and his family that only dogs can.

I cried along with Nathan and his family over the loss of their loyal, ailing Shiloh. Applauded the steely resolve and dauntless courage of war dog General George S. Patton (Georgie for short). Laughed over the jealous affection of Lindsay and the crazy antics of Boomer and Zooey. And sniffled through the self-sacrificing love of Frisco, a heroic border-beagle mix with sparkly eyes.

Set mostly in Arizona and spanning some 30 years, Rainbow Bridge is sensitive and superlative writing at its finest. The plot is Rock of Gibraltar solid. The writing is warm and robust. The characters are people we know and might invite over for coffee. The structure is alert and brisk, tucking in the tail of every character and story arc into a satisfying and heartfelt ending.

Coming through loud and clear throughout the pages of Rainbow Bridge is how well the author knows dogs. How thoroughly he understands the unique and special bond that is forged between dogs and their humans. How the excruciating pain of losing a dog is like no other. Ditto how important it is to NOT abandon your dog to the vet when it’s time for them to leave you, and that you really do owe it to your faithful companion to be there and comfort them in their final moments.

With great insight and sagacity, the author also shows us how dogs are indeed “more than just animals wandering through your house; they really and truly are members of your family. And they really do love you more than anything else, even themselves.”

Propelled by the remarkable, limitless love and loyalty unique to canines, Rainbow Bridge will melt your heart, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever known the love of a good dog. It may also open a window into how your devoted dog sees you – and why. And how much we owe them.

Just hand me another tissue, okay?

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