A Widow, a Chihuahua, and Harry Truman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Love Again

Five months after her husband died of lung cancer, Crain bought a Chihuahua to break the stranglehold of devastating grief, despair and depression that gripped her. Her vivacious new puppy gave unconditional love, kept her occupied and helped her heal. While canine therapy may not be for everyone, this charming story offers many insights into the grieving process, as Crain describes how she resigned herself to loss, worked through anger and guilt, and rediscovered a sense of purpose. She named her dog Truman, after the president she admired for his down-to-earth character, his integrity, his indefatigable energy, his lifelong love for wife Bess and his fortitude in the face of adversity. Some of these same traits imbue her feisty, loyal Chihuahua and his winsome ways. Dog owners will identify with Crain's account of raising a pup that gnaws furniture legs, runs into neighbors' houses and drops out of obedience school. A cat lover, the author faced another tragedy when one of her three cats died in a car accident. Crain, who writes for L.A. Weekly, is also coauthor of Angel Wisdom and Angel Courage; her dog story has its share of psychic messages and mystical coincidences, plus a transcendent union with her husband's soul on his deathbed. Disarming candor and sprightly humor should endear her quirky book to anyone coping with the loss of a loved one--or with the acquisition of a demanding pet. Agent, Loretta Barrett. (May)