A Review of the Best Stories of Illumination Writer Dr. Jackie Greenwood

All about dogs, cats, and the people that love them

I’ve taken up the challenge to review an Illumination writer’s self-selected best work. It’s brought me an enjoyable morning of reading some fantastic writing. Dr. Jackie Greenwood’s stories touched my heart.

Dr. Greenwood is a veterinarian, giving her a unique insight into the special bond we have with our pets. Combined with her talented writing ability, she’s created some remarkable stories.

#1: True Love

In her first entry, Dr. Greenwood tells the story of her marriage through the dogs she’s shared with her husband. Anyone who loves animals knows they each have unique personalities and special gifts they bring to the family dynamic. Even the most troublesome of animals elicits the greatest joy.

As someone who has a personal weakness for troublesome animals, I heartily relate to Dr. Greenwood’s descriptions of her trash eaters, biters, and bed hogs. It’s a mess when you’re in the middle of it. But when you find yourself on the other side of their lives and looking back at the chaos, your heart swells for these sweet, silly creatures.

Funny and touching at the same time, I found myself immersed in this story.

#2: A Proper Farewell

This is a beautiful story about the life of a dog. The loving and loyal Samson was with Dr. Greenwood’s daughter, Karen, before she began her own family. He held a special place in her heart and grew to be beloved by her husband and children.

I’m not ashamed to admit I shed some tears reading this as I remembered the dogs I have loved and lost. As sad as the loss of a beloved animal is, Dr. Greenwood ended this one with hope and showed us how we can help our children not only cope with loss but celebrate life.

#3: The Dogs Contract

This story is in a fun publication, Dog Tales, where all the articles are written from the point of view of the dog. The Dog Contract lets us see life through our dog’s eyes.

It helps to remember there are reasons behind a dog’s seemingly odd behavior. Barking and eating poop may be frustrating traits to deal with for us humans, but the dogs have their own agenda. They aren’t trying to annoy us. They’re just dogs after all.

#4: Kindness Never Gets Old (What 100,000 Pets Taught Me)

My heart goes out to Rose and Tiger, the cat. And to Dr. Greenwood, the compassionate saver of animals. Rose made it her life’s mission to save as many cats as she could until she was no longer able to.

Within a five minute story, I grew to feel deep admiration for this dedicated cat rescuer. Rose was a special lady and Dr. Greenwood does a wonderful job of bringing her to life with her writing.

Our time with our animals is limited but special

I’m writing this the day after the 4th of July. In America, we celebrate this holiday with massive amounts of illegal fireworks shot off from our backyards. Last night in my neighborhood, the fireworks continued on well past 2 AM.

I’m telling you this because I have two pugs and one of them slept blissfully through the entire night. The other was panicked and barked frantically. When he wasn’t barking, he was crying. Needless to say, it was a long night.

And now, he’s snoring peacefully in his bed at my feet. While I read Dr. Greenwood’s stories, I am reminded of the short time on earth I get with this dog. And honestly, he’s worth every bit of the trouble. They all are.

If you haven’t read Dr. Greenwood’s work, I highly recommend it. She’s a gifted storyteller, bringing you into her world and making you care in a matter of minutes for the people and animals that inhabit her life.

Thanks, Dr. Greenwood for touching my heart.

Here are the articles from Dr. Yildiz that give all the information if you want to take up these challenges for yourself.

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