Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor by Kim Lengling is an anthology collection that follows in the footsteps of Paw Prints on the Couch. Similar to that anthology of heartwarming, and even at times heartbreaking stories, Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor gives readers a series of stories about pets who have touched their owner’s hearts and worlds. Grab a box of tissues…there won’t be a dry eye in sight once you’re done with this book.
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor does a quick job of grabbing readers’ attention with the image of an adorable pooch (appears to be a “goldie” walking into a kitchen. There are paw prints behind him that mark the path that he has apparently taken. This is clearly symbolic of the imprints that our pets leave on our lives. The title of this book is placed in a bone-shaped dog tag with little paw prints in the top right and lower left corners.
It is clear that this cover embodies the stories readers will find in this book, and gives a sense of comfort, happiness, and even anticipation of what is to come. Who doesn’t love a good story or memory of playful pets that brightened gloomy days? Or stories that divulge how someone might not be here today if it weren’t for that loyal pooch so many years now gone?
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor is led by main contributing author Kim Lengling with an introduction that eloquently sets the stage for what readers can expect to find in this anthology of stories. You’ll meet a lot of dogs, a few cats, and even a horse. No two stories in this anthology will be the same. Each will bring a unique story with a unique pet that had a specific impact on their human’s lives.
Most of the stories will be told from the human parent’s perspective, but there will be the occasional treat that we get to view things from the pet’s perspective. Those are some of the most fun stories, because of how much care the authors put into channeling the personality of their beloved pet for us readers to enjoy.
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor has a foreword written by author Lengling’s own Dexter. He’s quite an adorable little pooch as you’ll see when you pick up this book. The foreword is written in his “own words” so to speak. LOL! He’ll give you a hint about who one of the upcoming stories will be about (other than himself, of course), but he brings a nice spark of humor to kick things off.
Where Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor differs from Paw Prints on the Couch is that we get pictures!! Yes, people! Pictures of all the adorable pets that we’re going to meet. Each story that you will find in Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor begins with an adorable photograph of that specific pet. Now, you just get to imagine how soft and cuddly they were or are (depending on if they are still among the living).
Each of the stories found in Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor is preceded by a quote that relates to pets and their impact on our lives. Some of the quotes are “Anonymous” while others are from names that many of us will recognize. Each of the quotes is impactful in its own unique way. Our favorite quote from this book is –
“Most people say if I was rich, I’d buy designer clothes and diamonds. I’m thinking I’d buy a sanctuary and rescue more animals.” – Anonymous
That quote right there? Yeah, we couldn’t agree more, because that’s exactly what we would do, too.
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor is pretty heavy on the dog stories. So, dog lovers? Rejoice! There will be lots of fun stories to read, just be sure to grab a box of tissues because many of those same stories will have you crying your eyes out towards the end. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Cat lovers? Well, there are only about 2-3 stories with the kitties. It’s okay. You’re going to enjoy the ones you read, especially the one about Asti. We think you’ll agree with us when we say – we wish we could have met her.
Each of the stories found in Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor detail not just the life that particular pet lived, and the impact they made on their human’s life. No, the authors take us back to the beginning. To when that specific pet entered their life. Most of the pets featured in these stories came from shelters.
The pets mentioned in Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor, you will discover had hard lives before they found their “fur-ever” home. It’s a sad truth, but it needs to be said. Some were rescues who were taken from bad situations, but you won’t be able to help yourself when you find yourself cheering that they get a happy ending in finding a better place.
Not all the stories in Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor will end with the pet still being with their family. There will be quite a few that the authors revisit that final heartbreaking goodbye. But while those moments are sad, and will bring tears to your eyes, the authors will leave you with a reminder that they to do this day carry the memories of their beloved pet with them.
Honestly, that is the whole point of Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor. Is to not only encourage us readers to help animals by adopting from shelters, but to also love and embrace the ones we have, and the ones who have gone on ahead.
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor is a beautiful sharing of stories about family pets. The reliving of fun memories, and sad good-byes, but also the connections formed that can never be severed. At the very end of this book headed by author Lengling readers will find practical advice for those considering a new pet.
This advice and information are golden. It’s a gentle reminder that pets need us as much as we need them, and that we need to be prepared to take them in and properly care for them.
Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor is a wonderful book that any and all pet lovers should consider picking up. It will warm your heart, and bring tears to your eyes, but will also help you appreciate your beloved pet (past & present) and the impact that they have had and will have on your life.
Pros:
- Engaging stories
- Heartwarming
- Enjoyable to read
- Tearjerker
- Informative
Cons:
- None of merit (unless you’re a cat person and wanted more cats. LOL)
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