Just This Side Of Heaven

By Timothy Glass

Book Overview

A beagle named Penny, the star of the Sleepytown Beagles Series, teaches the meaning of love and life to a family. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0981706711
• ISBN13: 9780981706719
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Platinum Paw Press
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

"Your love was unconditional and always there for us"

A few weeks ago I saw a review of the Sleepytown Beagles books. They sounded like a lot of fun so I checked them out and was enchanted. Curious as always for the story behind the story, I read Just This Side Of Heaven by the author of the Sleepytown books, Timothy Glass. I wanted to know more about the dogs--Penny, Panda and Gunner--and while I did get to know these three charmers, the book has so much more than that! Glass tells of his long involvement with beagles, and of the comfort his dogs brought him when he was hurt in a motor vehicle accident. When one of his dogs died he shared his sorrow on a website for beagle lovers; and through that site he met his future wife, Cathy. The story of how they blended their households, one in New Mexico, one in Massachusetts, is a heartwarming read; but through it all, the dogs take center stage. Cathy's Penny and Panda and Tim's Gunner; yes, they are the original Sleepytown Beagles, and their personalities shine through this little book. All the usual issues of a new household are described with humor and a light touch--and with dogs on board, making it all so much more fun. There are different kinds of dog owners, Glass tells us. There are those who treat dogs like household employees; and then there are those who open their hearts fully to a dog's love and devotion. He speaks movingly of the joys of having dogs in the family, and the pain of losing them. Just This Side Of Heaven is more than a fun read, it's an affirmation of our relationship with animals. Anyone who has ever lost a treasured pet should read this book. What motivated Glass to create the Sleepytown series? Read this book to find out, and by all means read and enjoy the children's books about Penny, Panda and Gunner. Whether or not you already love beagles, you're in for a treat. Linda Bulger, 2009

A Love Story by Any Other Name

If we are lucky enough in our lifetime, we have shared it with a special dog. One such special dog was Penny. Tim has written a love story that touched my heart. It's a story of devotion to the dogs that shared Tim and Cathy's home and hearts. I picked up this book and could not put it down. Page after page brought smiles, tears and giggles. I have enjoyed and loved all of Tim's books. I highly recommend "Just This Side of Heaven" to everyone who has loved a dog! And to those who have not known the pure joy of dog friendship, please read this book. Tim...keep the books coming!!

TRULY, A WORK OF LOVE

There are several things I like in life; actually quite a few things, but two items which are at the top of my list are dogs and well written books, i.e. good literature. Just this Side of Heaven by Timothy Glass has added greatly to these two joys. I am much closer now to 70 than I am to 60 and with the exception of S.E. Asia, have had a companion animal, a dog, or dogs, all of my life. They have been and are a large part of what makes me, me. I do know dogs, if nothing else, and I can assure you that this author does know his subject. This, in brief, is the story of Penny, a wonderful Beagle that shared the author's life for eleven years. It is actually a love story, a story of devotion, happiness and fulfillment. From the time she was a puppy until her death, she was the constant companion of Mr. Glass and there is no doubt, after reading his book, that she enriched his life is so many ways. It is difficult for "non-dog" people to understand the bond that exists between a companion and friend such as Penny was, and her partner. You note that I use the word "partner," as that is such a better description than owner or master. Penny shares the ups and downs of the author's life and it is quite obvious that he learned much from her; not just about the dog, but about himself, the way to live life, attitude and complete acceptance for things the way they are. While this is a very happy read, by all means, I do challenge the reader to make it through the final chapters with dry eyes. This is good though. When sadness through death comes for either people or for beloved pet animals, I always feel how much sadder and more tragic it would be if there were no sadness; how very awful it would be to have a companion that there would be no sadness, no feeling of emptiness, upon their departure. I know my current fur partner, Brodie, who has been my constant companion for the past 10 years and even goes to work with me and acts as a therapy dog in the nursing homes I consult for, is beginning to slow down now, and I know that, in the not so distant future, I will go through some horrid emotional trauma, I still would have not missed our relationship for anything. The reading of this work by Tim will be of comfort to me as his thoughts of the subject are quite identical to mine and it is always nice to know there are others out there that feel the same way I do. This is a very well written book! Like dogs, I know good writing when I encounter it, and I truly enjoyed this work from one cover to the next. His simply, unpretentious prose is an absolute delight to the ear, eye and mind. He has more than proved the question as to just what dogs can teach us about life and he has obviously learned his lesson well, with Penny's help of course. There are certain authors that have a knack for telling the story of dogs; they know their subject and can articulate it. Authors such as Terhune, Naylor, Kjelgaard, Kanter and Woollcott come to mind. If

Just This Side of Heaven - Penny's Journey

In the interests of full disclosure, I must admit I like dogs and I like dog stories. That said, I did enjoy this book very much. It's a lovely story about a dog, her dog family, and her human family. Wryly humorous at times, it's also sad and tender. It's my belief that we have dogs to show us the right way to grow older and age. Dogs don't tell us, in minute detail, about their aches and pains. Dogs don't complain about what they can no longer do. Dogs do enjoy each and every day. Dogs do appreciate the good things: a nice dinner, a fresh bowl of water, a comfortable bed, attention and affection from the humans in their life. Penny did that, and wonderfully so. If dogs had mantra, Penny's was "Life is good".

A must Read....

This story was written beautifully. Once I picked it up I did not want to put it down. I felt like I was right there as the author was telling Penny's story. He made you wish that you had been able to meet Penny. I can't wait for the author's next book!!!