We have met many people on our RV travels. We have also connected with many RVers through social media and blogs. The beauty of full-time RVing is the fact that regardless of how many hundreds of thousands of us there are roaming around, we are a tight-knit community of friends, advisers, and storytellers. We always learn a lot from each RVer we come across. There is always some kind of take away from our encounter.
Rene Agredano and Jim Nelson are veteran full-time RVers. They run a variety of businesses, most notably a support group for animal amputees and their pet parents, known as Tripawds and their full-time RV website Live. Work. Dream. They recently completed a book, Be More Dog: Live Life in the Now and invited us to review it.
I have to admit I was a little nervous about reading the book. Any book about pets sends me running the opposite way. Just last year, Levi and I lost both our dog (Brewy) and cat (Sammy) within a month. They both had cancer. It’s hard not to mention them without gulping back the tears.
Having said that, I am glad that I read Rene and Jim’s book cover to cover. I was prepared with a box of tissues. Be More Dog is one of those books that you don’t come across very often. The kind that tells a great story and allows the reader moments of reflection and revelation. You close the book wanting to save the world or at least try to better yourself in some way.
Be More Dog is a bittersweet tale about one remarkable canine named Jerry and his pet parents, Rene and Jim. The story details Jerry’s adventures with his people from the moment he was adopted through his misadventures growing up and maturing into a loving, active, loyal dog.
After a devastating diagnosis of osteosarcoma, Jerry underwent an amputation of his front left leg coupled with a grim life expectancy. Determined to make the most of their remaining time with Jerry, Jim and Rene decided to sell their home and business and set off on a cross country journey in an RV.
Jerry checked off bucket list items, explored different sights and smells. He met all kinds of people and fellow canines along his travels. All the while, Jerry relished each day, each event, as it happened. He adapted to his new body almost instantly, never allowing the absence of one limb to cause a dent in his activities.
His inclinations inspired and drove Rene and Jim to follow suit. They always strive to “be more dog” by making each moment count, and to spread Jerry’s message, they formed a global online support group for pet amputees and their pawrents.
Levi and I did a lot of reflecting with our pets throughout reading this book. We cried, laughed, and reminisced. Jerry’s stories and messages gave us pause as we recalled stories of our own. Rene and Jim were very open and raw about their feelings throughout their travels, enjoying their time with Jerry but having a lingering worry in the back of their minds. We were comforted knowing that we were not alone feeling these same emotions.
Through it all, Jerry had many lessons that he imprinted on his people, just like Brewy and Sammy did with us. Jim and Rene not only shared a memorable part of their lives in this book, but they also offered inspiration and guidance through the indirect teachings of their amazing dog, Jerry. Among other pearls of wisdom, Jim and Rene learned the importance of appreciating each moment, staying strong when the going gets tough, and adapting to change rather than caving in. All of these and many more reminders to live each day like it’s your last.
With our world’s current state of affairs, people are living in what Jim refers to as FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt). Now, more than ever, it’s essential to Be More Dog. Make this book an essential read today. Order your copy in ebook or paperback form using our affiliate link below.
