No cats under my Christmas Tree this year – Seasonal gift suggestions, by Juno

Internationally known dog-blogger, Juno, a six year-old labradoodle, lives with his humans in Summerland in the BC interior.

Meet Sesame (pictured above), a cherished former member of the Gray family household who left them years before my arrival. I am told that in those days, one returned home to two dogs and two cats, a veritable reception committee at the top of the stairs as the humans returned home. One cat in particular loved resting under the Christmas tree. That was Sesame. Well, that was then, and this is now. We are done with cats. A second dog, possibly, but no more cats thank you. No cats under our tree this year.

You will rightly ask what do I hope for under this year’s tree? How about a book, a very special book, The Gospel According to Sam, a 20th Anniversary Edition no less. Penned by American priest, Bill Miller, it’s widely available from store and online vendors. The author’s description both appeals and reveals a furry festival of fun for all breeds and creeds:

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Gospel According to Sam is newly revised and updated with brand new stories of joy, love, and hope surrounding the Fearless Earless Airedale, Sam.

The Gospel According to Sam is a collection of “animal stories for the soul,” written by William Miller, a priest and storyteller with an earthy sense of humor and a southern sensibility that has you laughing out loud. Sam is Miller’s Airedale, a lovable, “wounded healer” (Henri Nouwen) of a dog who survived a house fire that burned off his ears but couldn’t extinguish his spirit. Sam becomes a vehicle for healing, humor, adventure, spiritual growth, and prayer for Miller and his friends, neighbors, and parishioners.

Heartwarming and thought-provoking, Miller’s meditations on life and faith aren’t limited to Sam or even just dogs; birds, pigs, squirrels, rabbits, fish, bugs, and yaks feature in his stories. Twenty years after it first released, The Gospel According to Sam is still touching reader’s hearts. Featuring new stories of people who found God through Sam, dogs that have been rescued in his memory, and the sermons of him still being preached, the book brings people together in ways that only animals can.

William B. “Father Bill” Miller is a writer, priest, and speaker, who is the author of three books, including The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul (20th Anniversary Edition), The Last Howlelulah: Tails from the Trail, and The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth about Lager, Loving, and Living.

His sermons and keynote talks—delivered at conferences, churches, and organizations across the United States and Europe—blend inspiration, humor, and unforgettable stories that leave audiences moved and motivated. Father Bill has founded four music festivals and pioneered numerous creative worship experiences celebrating the musical legacies of many of the world’s greatest artists. He was a founding partner of Padre’s, a legendary music venue in Marfa, Texas. He has pastored innovative churches in Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana, all of which grew significantly.

He is a passionate animal advocate who has rescued eight dogs. He is the visionary behind Saint Cecilia’s, a creative faith community in Round Top, Texas, where he lives with his dog Mystic.

In short, Bill sounds like a really neat guy. And so does his Airedale, Sam. Essential listening that deserves a place under your tree this year.

Woof. Juno

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