A Happy Truth

A Happy Truth was inspired by the author's fascinating journey between dogs--between pets. It's surprising, poignant, funny--a memoir about dogs and cats and learning to make decisions that bring us joy. As the author worried about the "next dog" or the "last dog," she also felt certain of a far deeper story that poetically reveals priorities and values and truth; Hickman knew this was the sweet spot for inspired decision-making. Tucked in every chapter, the wonder of animals, especially dogs and cats, and how they simply transform our lives--how they deserve love, consistent care, and much greater sensitivity to their needs. What would the world be like without dogs? Or cats? The author celebrates both in A Happy Truth--a story of spirited dogs, clever cats, and fortuitous decisions that unfolds over the course of several years and begins with a tiny kitten hanging from a window screen. Never "just a dog," "just a cat," after final partings, though, she, like many, felt reluctant to begin anew. Yet, uncertainty created a stalemate, time slipped by. So despite lingering doubts and trepidation, the author forged on until an inspired path emerged ... until she realized that last dogs aren't always last. A warmhearted, joyful, and powerful memoir that also demystifies decision-making, A Happy Truth captures the dynamics of grief around losing a beloved pet and how we find the courage to love again. “Pets hold the key to unlocking the human spirit. They remind us to stop worrying—especially about the next pet. Watching a sleeping animal, we know our worries are mostly in vain. We know the real story is about love. And that’s a very happy truth,” notes poet and memoirist D.A. (Daisy) Hickman.