When Mary Beth Crain lost her husband of only three years to cancer, she though she would never again know the meaning of the word happiness. Inconsolable, she couldn't imagine anything with the power to draw her out of the seemingly bottomless pit of grief.

But there was a savior - or two - on the horizon, in the form of President Harry S. Truman, Mary Beth's idol, from whose practical wisdom she had always drawn strength, and his namesake, Truman, a three-pound Chihuahua. Drawing upon Harry Truman's wise words, and the small but powerful furry presence that brightened her world, Crain shares her experience of overcoming loss by finding inspiration and joy in both her dog and a former president who was the embodiment of common sense, integrity, and optimism.

Customer Reviews:

0 of 0 found this review helpful:
Caregiving and Grieving with Humor, 2007-05-15
I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. Mary Beth Crain seems to embody the essence (and the quirks) of living through the process of being a caregiver,grieving her loss and moving across bereavement with her companion Truman. Her humor shines through, giving a light hearted overview of a serious subject. We need more books on Care Giving and the Bereavement Process that uplift our spirits and giving us a good "Belly Laugh" along the way. KUDOS !!For the Laughter!
Katherine Rosengren R.N. M.A.

1 of 1 found this review helpful:
A Wonderful Story of Healing, 2006-07-03
Aside from being more-than-a-little horrified that she went away for the weekend knowing her cat was ouside with its lower jaw ripped off....this was a wonderful book.

It's a lovely story of how animals help heal our hearts.

But, I still have trouble resolving the woman who wrote this book as the same woman who left her maimed cat alone for the weekend. Temporary insanity is the only explanation. She really should have left that part out.

1 of 1 found this review helpful:
Says It All So Well!, 2002-07-29
An entertaining narrative of Chihuahua personality and charateristics per se, as well as an astute insight into the complexities of emotions and perceptions while restructring life after the loss of a spouse. An excellent account of canine capers and especially personal renewal, spiced with humor and tears, says it all so well!

3 of 3 found this review helpful:
A great story that has meaning, 2001-06-17
I really related to this story as I too, lost my husband two years ago with cancer. Also my chihuahuas and cats and birds have been my salvation. I really understand where this lady is coming from. She did an excellant job of relating the real feelings one experiences with a death of a loved one. My hat is off to Mary Beth as a really great writer and may she find the happiness she deserves. I too, believe there is a connection with dog and God.Carole

3 of 3 found this review helpful:
For Anyone Recovering From a Lost Love, 2001-01-04
I found this book while searching for manuals on how to raise my new chihuahua "baby." He came into my life not because I had lost someone to cancer like the author, but as a last-chance effort to get over a broken heart. In the end the cause of the loss didn't matter; I could totally relate to the author, her grief and the healing power of 6 pounds of atomic puppy.

My thanks to the author for a book that was an integral part of my recovery and for validating all the feelings I thought were mine alone.