whose needs should come first, those of her paralyzed dog or her healthy husband? After a tragic accident killed her first dog, her new puppy died from distemper ten days later. Her third dog, a springer spaniel named Kaylee, survived a fall off a 75-foot cliff at the age of nine months. These three tragedies compelled Sandy to prove that she was not a failure as a pet owner. Kaylee relied on Sandy for everything, and Sandy needed her dog. Kaylee and her eventual successor, Cassie, became Sandy's "heart dogs"--those once-in-a-lifetime pets that affected her soul, giving her the courage to stand up to her parents, obtain the job of her dreams, and become a better partner to her husband.

This memoir examines the realities of helping a dog heal from a traumatic injury, including the stresses it can place on relationships. Filled with the joys of small accomplishments and advice on how to navigate through the rough patches, it offers a lifeline for readers experiencing difficulties with their pets or their lives.