This being winter and with the cold, snowy weather we have had in the Pacific NW in the last couple of weeks, I am always looking for new and innovative ways to spend time with my FF Best Friend. And I must say that although outdoor play is fun and very challenging at times, there are also times when I like to just settle in with a good book. Following Atticus was the book.
This occurred recently with our weather and my need for comfort from the storm. I found this book (Following Atticus on Amazon.com) about a little dog, with the ambition of a larger than life attorney, fighting for rights and freedom while trying to balance life. Enter Atticus M. Finch, no not the primary character in To Kill a Mockingbird, rather a miniature Schnauzer. This is not a feel good fluff story of a dog where all comes out good, rather a story of life that is persevered and challenges that are met. Humans go to REI, for one, outfitters shop to get ready to undertake these adventures. Dogs have their own supplies but the issue for Atticus was size. (Some parts to this story just need to be read in the book.)
Living in the Pacific Rim Region for the Examiner.com means there are lots of happenings in the outdoors. Outdoor activities are at our fingertips so to speak. I know many people who hike in the mountains. I have not had the experience of the White Range in New Hampshire. However, in Washington State, it sounds as though it must equate to the Olympic Range, in California the Serria Nevada and so forth. I truly am not sure there is anything in Alaska that would come close to being equal as these are newer, higher and far more rugged.
Book reviews are not something I do very often. This book is one that deserves all the best reviews on how to rise above life’s curves and bumps to take the high road. Atticus was never meant to do the things he did, but he took the challenge and made the Hiking Community see that a little dog with a very big heart could do anything he wanted. His efforts acknowledged by the Hero Awards from the JFK Presidential Library. He lives a long life passing on life’s lessons through experience, emotion and wisdom. This story could not have been told except by a fellow traveler and friend for life. I believe I forgot to mention there is a human component to this story his name is Tom Ryan. His experiences and friends made, and yes, lost; charitable organizations but most of all admiration and love comes through in this story of a little dog that was a very big dog at heart. Tom’s day job will begin and then take unexpected turns with the courage of a true adventurer.
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