Elsa Was Born a Dog, I Was Born a Human...Things Have Changed - Hardcover

Rhoda Lerman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0989279316 ISBN 13: 9780989279314

Publisher: Blue Heaven Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

Some dogs don't want to be just dogs. They want more. They want to be human. In Rhoda Lerman's newest book about her dogs, we get to know Elsa, a very large, black and white Newfoundland, as she struggles to be human, to speak, act and think as we do. Because of her profound and intense relationship with her humans, Elsa has become a person-dog, happily living her life on the interface between human and dog. Lerman, who is always trying to understand her dogs and join their universe, has struggled to become a dog-person. Elsa and Lerman understand each other. When Elsa has puppies, seventeen of them all at once, it is important that the 150 pound Newfoundland is able to remember her dog instincts. But Elsa is a reluctant mom, overwhelmed and terrified, and she needs Lerman to take over the task of caring for her enormous litter. As Elsa (person-dog) and Lerman (dog-person) live through the fragile, joyful, terror-filled days of birth and growth, we watch as the two of them discover more of what they need to know about each other and ultimately about the universe. Rhoda Lerman is a much praised fiction writer and playwright. Her first book about dogs, IN THE COMPANY OF NEWFIES, now a classic, which is still in print after seventeen years, has become a bible for dog owners of all breeds for its depth of understanding and vision. This book takes the reader to new and visionary levels about the relationship between dogs and people and what is possible.

About this title

About the Author

Rhoda Lerman is the highly praised playwright and author of six novels including GOD'S EAR, CALL ME ISHTAR, THE GIRL THAT HE MARRIES, BOOK OF THE NIGHT and ANIMAL ACTS. Her play ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, HER SECRET JOURNEY which was based on her book ELEANOR, A NOVEL, has been on national tour twice (once with Jean Stapleton and currently with Loretta Swit). Lerman, who has always owned all kinds of dogs, brought home a Newfoundland puppy over 20 years ago. The she brought home another. She has been breeding Newfoundland champions and soulmates ever since. Lerman lives in New York state with her husband and her 12 Newfies.

Review

Rhoda Lerman has done it again! An already accomplished author and playwright (she penned the highly acclaimed play ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, HER SECRET JOURNEY starring Jean Stapleton as Eleanor Roosevelt), and an award winning breeder of Newfoundland dogs, Lerman has poured her heart - love, ache, fatigue, worry, compassion - into this story of her female Newfoundland and the 17 puppies she birthed. It is poetic, lyrical and engaging - sometimes the dog, sometimes Rhoda, sometimes the memories of her childhood, sometimes the crazy goings on in the kennel with a brood of 150 lb dogs who each has their own personality. Always beautiful, sometimes funny, poignant, very real-life, sometimes wistful. Easy to read, thought provoking. It makes me think of the bond we have with our animals, and how deep that bond really goes into the far reaches of our soul. We love our dogs like children, they in turn love us back and care for us - a trait that remains consistent whether we are tired, or irritable or just plain too busy for them. Rhoda shows how they become our partners in life. It's a great read, just writing this brings tears to my eyes. Enjoy! --Sara L. Stein M.D.

I couldn't put this book down. The author served as a guide through new pathways, spiritual and also humorous, provoking curiosity and riches that I seek in books but rarely find. I love my own dog more having read this, and feel his life and my own so much more deeply now. I know he feels my rebirth of love as well. I'm a better human having read this book...and a better companion, too. --Susan Whalley

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! After I read Rhoda Lerman's book, IN THE COMPANY OF NEWFIES, I knew I had to get a Newf. Now I have the most beautiful 19 month old Newf. With him laying his head on my lap, I laughed and cried in parts. Rhoda's writing beautifully described their relationship, the hardships, emotions, and triumphs experienced with Elsa, her puppies and rest of the group. Couldn't put this book down. This book is a gift. It is a memory I shall cherish --Barbara Berkowitz

Edition details

• Publisher: Blue Heaven Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0989279316
• ISBN 13: 9780989279314
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 220