Introduction

The #1 New York Times bestseller
The #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller
The USA Today bestseller

"Funny, smart, uplifting, and fun, The Dog Lived (and So Will I) reminds us that animals are among our best teachers, our most powerful healers, and our most steadfast friends. I loved it!"—Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig

The tale of a dog who wouldn't let go and the woman who followed his lead.

Teresa Rhyne vowed to get things right this time around: new boyfriend, new house, new dog, maybe even new job. But shortly after she adopted Seamus, a totally incorrigible beagle, vets told Teresa that he had a malignant tumor and less than a year to live. The diagnosis devastated her, but she decided to fight it, learning everything she could about the best treatment for Seamus. Teresa couldn't possibly have known then that she was preparing herself for life's next hurdle — a cancer diagnosis of her own.

She forged ahead with survival, battling a deadly disease, fighting for doctors she needed, and baring her heart for a seemingly star?crossed relationship. The Dog Lived (and so Will I) is an uplifting and heartwarming story about how dogs steal our hearts, show us how to live, and teach us how to love.

"This poignant and fast?moving memoir of Teresa and Seamus—both definitely Type A personalities—is proof that even a hard?charging lawyer is no match for a big?hearted beagle. Their mutual triumph over terrible trials is a testament to the healing power of dogs. Four paws up!" —Martin Kihn, author of Bad Dog (A Love Story)

"This encouraging tale of finding love and love in unexpected places is full of small yet valuable life lessons that any animal?lover would appreciate."—Publishers Weekly

"A book that dares to be honest and sad and hilarious all at once. It will help inspire many people to respond to the unexpected in their own lives with humor and grace."—Susan Conley, author of The Foremost Good Fortune

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

Baggage
I should not have asked him to pick me up at the airport. Was I that lonely and desperate already? I grabbed my carry-on from overhead luggage. Too late now. He’d be there waiting, appropriately enough for me, in baggage claim. Or not. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Have you adopted a pet from a rescue organization? Was it a well-thought out plan or an emotional, spur-of-the-moment decision more like the author’s decision to adopt Seamus? How did things work out with your rescue pet?
2. How do you feel about the amount of time, energy, and money Teresa spent on saving one dog? Would you have done the same?
3. Did you initially think Teresa was brave or foolish for getting involved with a younger man so soon after her divorce? Did your opinion change by the end of the book? Would you risk your heart for a partner 12 years younger than you? Do you believe love conquers all?
4. Chris’s parents were trying to protect their son from what they viewed as a troublesome future. What do you think is a parent’s role in a situation like this? How should Chris and Teresa have handled the situation?
5. How did Teresa’s relationship with Chris’s family impact their lives together? Did Seamus’s health crisis and role in their lives help strengthen their bond or merely add another complication?
6. What part of the story resonated most with you? Did you see the author’s use of humor as a weapon or a shield? Is humor a coping mechanism for you? Is the use of humor, even when dealing with a life-threatening illness, appropriate?
7. What change did you see most in Teresa as she underwent treatment for cancer? How did her relationship with Chris help her survive? And what about her relationship with Seamus?
8. Have you or a love one battled cancer? Did you see any similarities in outlook, treatment or side effects (including relationships healed or broken)? Did the book change your thoughts on cancer or its treatment?
9. The author wages an internal war with doctors twice in the story, finally leaving both doctors. Did you think she was too hard on the doctors? Too soft? What would you have done in her situation?
10. The book ends with Chris and Teresa happy and healthy on a beach in Maui. Do you think they should have brought Seamus with them? Because he does.

Weblinks

»	Author Teresa Rhyne's web site
»	Follow Teresa on Facebook

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