The tale of a BIG dog

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A journey of trust and friendship

When Rosie Lowry decided to take home Hagrid, a two-year-old Mastiff with health issues, little did she know what kind of a life journey she was embarking upon.

That journey was one of learning for both human and dog. In an effort to deal with Hagrid’s changing needs, Rosie had to venture into uncharted territory. Life with Hagrid was a rollercoaster ride, with experiences ranging from dealing with unwanted behaviour to more health issues than Rosie had thought possible! Working with vets, exploring complementary therapies, finding out more about diet, venturing into self-selection, Rosie’s journey included a foray into many of the practical issues surrounding dog guardianship. One key piece of advice leading from this: learn to question.

However, dealing with Hagrid’s physical needs of course was only one aspect: there was also the process of building a trusting relationship and overcoming emotional issues.

Even the everyday, ordinary aspects of life proved to be a challenge that Rosie had to rise to.

This book is Rosie and Hagrid’s story.

Sheila Harper B.Ed, B.A.

Testimonials

Rosie Lowry’s story about Hagrid (and other animals) is beautifully written, warm and wise. Rosie’s vast experience as a behaviourist shines throughout, and she shares a great deal of excellent advice and tips on all aspects of raising and caring for a dog. I particularly love her emphasis on observation, on taking the time to get to know your dog and allowing time for him or her to get to know you, and on the importance of giving choices which foster confidence and independence. A heartwarming book!
Lisa Tenzin-Dolma: Author and founder of International School for Canine Psychology (ISCP)

The Tale of a BIG Dog is an excellent book that complements Rosie’s previous work ‘Understanding the Silent Communication of Dogs’.

Rosie invites us to share her story as caregiver to the wonderful Hagrid with a warm and insightful narrative that leaves you feeling you knew him personally. It is a story of companionship, connection and the exploration of the emotional experience of both dogs and owner. It is just as much a cautionary tale as it is an inspirational one, and I hope it will allow more people to trust their own ‘feelings’ just as much as taking opinion from others.
Andrew Hale: Certified animal behaviourist

Using the heart-warming story of Hagrid, Rosie Lowry guides all of us, who are carers, through the day-to-day delivery of well-being to our dogs.

So much that affects our dogs’ lives is addressed in this book. Topics range from their relationships with us, our families, other dogs, other animals and, importantly, vets.

Health, food and the right exercise are of vital importance and Rosie’s holistic approach to these topics explains clearly not only ‘the how’, but crucially ‘the why’.

In a world where so many human to dog relationships are based on command and control, Rosie’s emphasis is on building a dog’s confidence through a partnership, where each learns to make appropriate choices.

We expect our dogs to live comfortably in our environment, an alien environment and not the one that nature prescribed for them. This presents so many challenges that we, as carers, have responsibility to help them overcome in a way that reduces their stress, recognises their natural abilities, and enriches their lives.

The Tale of a BIG Dog, follows on seamlessly from Rosie Lowry’s first book, Understanding the Silent Communication of Dogs. It is full of ideas and inspiration giving us the confidence to consider a range of insightful approaches to improve our dogs’ lives.
Jeremy Basset: Colleague