I'm Still Here - by Cathryn Michon (Hardcover)

About the Book

I'm Still Here offers a comforting perspective on the loss of a dog, using a unique, four-legged narrator to convey messages of love, joy, and reassurance. The free verse is both poetic and playful, celebrating the eternal nature of the soul and simple pleasures like the sound of crinkling wrappers or the joy of a ball. The narrator assures humans that love never fades and that reunion is certain.

Book Synopsis

NATIONAL BESTSELLER FOR FANS OF A DOG'S PURPOSE. This richly illustrated book reveals a comforting narrative told from the point of view of a loving angel dog, who wants you to know, "I'm still here . . . But I'm also there where all the animals run free, with no pain, waiting for you, watching for you, loving you, and guiding you."

Losing one's dog is one of the most difficult experiences we go through and it's hard to find solace. However, the profound, four-legged narrator of I'm Still Here has nothing but good news for humans. The free verse is equally rhapsodic about the eternal nature of our souls and the amazing sound of crinkly wrappers that means cheese is about to be sliced. This very good dog proclaims that love never dies, that we will meet again, and that if you ever doubted that humans are magnificent creatures, look no further than the humble ball.

There is nothing to fear, because it is this dog's purpose to pull you (like a bad dog who doesn't know how to do "leash") toward joy, and to remind you to relish all the naps and treats life has to offer.

Author Cathryn Michon co-wrote the blockbuster hit film A Dog's Purpose. Elegant, full-color watercolor paintings by award-winning artist Seth Taylor make this sumptuous volume the perfect gesture of compassion for anyone who has ever said goodbye to a dog (or person) gone too soon, because it's always too soon. It turns out that the best way to honor those we've loved and lost is to be here now, until we meet again.

Review Quotes

"I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever is a beautifully done and heartfelt reminder of the bonds that cannot break. A gentle healing message for all grownups who have loved and lost a dog." (Patrice Karst, bestselling author of The Invisible Sting and The Invisible Leash)

"Highly inspirational, her book is not about grief, but about a return to joy... brilliantly written." (Marc Bekoff Ph.D., Psychology Today)

"I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever" by Cathyn Michon is a beautiful written and illustrated book that is one of those books you realize you need while you are reading it. As someone who has lost a pet before, I found myself remembering the little moments I had with our dog. I think this book doesn't just serve as a healing gift for someone who has lost a pet, but it also helps celebrate and remember the time spent together." (Matt Eicheldinger, New York Times Bestselling author of "The Curse of the Ten Broken Toes")

"The divine Cathryn Michon's I'm Still Here is a glorious and profound story about love. A dog's purpose is to bring companionship, joy and empathy to all humans in a weary world. In Cathryn's loving hands and illustrator Seth Taylor's brush, life lessons from heaven are shared, memories are celebrated and connection endures as our wise angel dog shows us the way. There is humor, wisdom and hope on these pages, and the balm to heal the most broken of hearts." (Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone)

"This book is a panacea for those of us who have lost a dog, and we still miss him (or her) so much. It is the most comforting, rewarding, uplifting, adorable, funny book!" (Tracie Hotchner, Host of NPR's "Dog Talk")

"As someone whose life is steeped in puppies and focused on the beginning of life with a dog, I was delighted to discover the joy and hope contained within one written for those facing the grief of goodbye. Gorgeously illustrated and echoing the same endearing humor as A Dog's Purpose, I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever offers comfort and encouragement, lovingly reminding us of the many ways that our angel dogs are forever here with us." (Kerry Nichols, author of USA Today bestseller, Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love)

"As the founder of an animal rescue, I cannot imagine a more healing, comforting, beautiful keepsake of a book to give to someone who has had a dog cross over the Rainbow Bridge. This book is the first step in being able to open your heart to give another dog their forever home." (Georgia Lee Cameron, Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet)

"As a veterinarian and practice owner for two decades, I highly recommend veterinary practices use this book as a memorial gift to clients who have lost a loved one. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog, offering comfort, solace, and a reminder that our furry friends are never truly gone--they are forever a part of us." (Dr. Annie Harvilicz Founder of Animal Wellness Centers and Animal Wellness Foundation)

"If you love a dog, (and what feeling human being doesn't?) you need to read this beautiful, tender, touching book, and then buy a copy for each of your dog-loving friends. It teaches us what's worthwhile in life in a warm and heartful way. Pass the kleenex." (Iris Dart, New York Times Bestselling author of Beaches)

"This is not a book about grief, this is a book about a return to joy. Who better to explain the eternal nature of our souls, and the love between them, than one very wise dog who loved you and is watching over you, eagerly waiting until you meet again? I'm Still Here is a brilliant, healing, happy book!" (W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose)

About the Author

Cathryn Michon has an eclectic career as a filmmaker, actor, comic, nationally bestselling author, animal advocate and TV host. Directing and writing feature films is her life's joy. Because she was the only woman screenwriter in America who had two feature films in world release in 2019 (A Dog's Way Home and A Dog's Journey, sequel to A Dog's Purpose) all told from a dog's point of view, she began to dream of writing a free verse narrative book she could give friends who had lost a dog, to encourage them to open their hearts to another, as she had. Her dog Tucker, featured in Seth's illustrations, was adopted after she lost her only dog Ellie, and Tucker is both her muse and best friend.

Seth Taylor's artistic pilgrimage began in the mountains of New Mexico and has taken him to more than a dozen countries in the past 30 years. He has studied a wide variety of fine art disciplines including Tibetan thangka painting, Korean ink painting and Vietnamese charcoal brush painting. Seth's work appears in galleries both in Asia and the United States. These days, Seth and his family divide their time between his studios in Ansan, South Korea and Sturgeon Bay, WI. Seth regularly welcomes students to his studio and teaches meditative painting retreats at The Clearing in Elison Bay, WI.