We can learn a lot from our four legged friends, and author Sofia Steryo-Bartmus learned a lot from her dog, Bunny, after living together for 15 wondrous and challenging years. Bunny, who had Addison’s disease, taught the author lessons about life that even her human friends could not, such as how important it is to relax, enjoy, live in the moment, and love.

This heart-warming and moving book uses anecdotal stories about Bunny, poems and quotes and adorable illustrations, along with wise sayings direct from Bunny herself, to impart insightful and uplifting ideas for living a better life. A wonderful read for anyone seeking to be inspired, you don’t have to be a dog-lover to get the benefits of dog wisdom (dogma?) that Bunny shared over the years.

Paws of Wisdom is not a groundbreaking book. Rather, it works its magic quietly and sweetly, causing you to shed a tear here, laugh a bit there, and absorb lessons that at times are so simple, we forget how profound they are. Don’t take life for granted. Love while you have the chance. Let go of the past. Trust yourself. And take time out each day to just do nothing. Dogs know best how to just be, and not always do, do, do. (Although they do do doo-doo!)

I loved this little book, and will share it with those I love. I have always loved dogs, and because of Bunny’s wonderful wisdom and her own story of life, love and death, I will no doubt treat my own dog, Copper, with much more gentleness, patience and compassion. Not to mention the humans in my life. Paws of Wisdom brought a smile to my face and my spirit. Seems dogs really are humans’ best friends. And teachers.