Gaining a Leash on Life: Lessons from Bud Book

This book was not as i expected, in some ways it was rather strange as I thought it would be an book full of tales of how the PAT dogs change peoples lives and how the training is carried out. It was instead a rather thought invoking book, it brings home the harsh realities of living with old age, when people can't cope alone anymore, nowadays families are scattered, and who is there to cope with ageing parents? The author has this problem to contend with while taking her dog to the local old peoples home, as she had ageing parents who were finding it hard to cope but with no family near, and being so proud they would not admit that it was hard to carry on. There were no lovable characters in this book but the realities of people put in a home confused and lonely, yes the dog did play a part and hopefully did cheer people up and maybe make a difference. It did make you think why can't people take their pets ,and treasures when they go into a home surely it must be better mentally for them.I am sure there are some homes where this is allowed ( it boils down to finance and other rules and regulations obviously) but the book was depressing reading, although i was envious of the author having such great trails to take her dog on such walks, truly wilderness -( the book was set in the USA ) and enjoyed her descriptions and adventures outdoors !