Jack's Book of Blessings: Celtic Poems by a Scottie Dog

"Everybody knows that dogs are especially good at blessing others as well as asking others to bless them."
-Roberta Bondi, “Introduction”

Jack the Scottie tells you about his day with poems for every activity from breakfast to going to sleep. Jack’s blessings lead us through each moment of the day: the walk, the leash, the treats, the lap, the dog park (and even the not-so-enjoyable bath). The book features original drawings of Jack, drawn by his companion and co-author of the book, Beth A. Richardson.

Jack’s Book of Blessings is a companion book to Richardson’s book of Celtic blessings, Christ Before Me, Christ Within Me. Jack’s poems follow the classic Celtic form of prayer — “Bless to Me” — found in the stories and writings of the Scottish highlands.

“Bless to me this bowl
Where my breakfast and supper
Appear each day.”
-Jack

The introduction of this special book is written by dog lover, Dr. Roberta C. Bondi, professor emerita of church history and spirituality, Candler School of Theology, and lover of dogs.

Praise from Cats and Dogs:

At last! A book that goes beyond affirming we non-humans bless God, to one that translates those blessings! Jack’s Scottish Celtic heritage proves ideal for framing this universal expression of praise. As a Norwegian Forest cat, my prayers are more reserved than Jack’s, and I certainly do not have his sort of co-dependent relationship with my humans (“Mom,” p. 3, really?!). But the nap, the bed, the treats, the lap, these are universal in relationships with domesticated humans, every one of whom should read this book to strengthen their often inconstant faith.
- Pepper Allen, Norwegian Forest cat

Jack has penned such lovely blessings for the life of us dogs. We treasure all the things that matter--our families, our food, the smells, the walks. Jack rocks!
- Graford and Fiona Earle, border collies

About the Authors

Beth A. Richardson, is a writer, photographer, editor, cartoonist, and lover of dogs. She is the author of a companion book to Jack’s Book of Blessings called Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings published by The Upper Room, Nashville, TN.

Jack, a Scottish Terrier, was born in Indiana and lived with Beth and her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Jack the Scottie was a “real dog,” despite the cartoons included herein. (Cartoon Jack was much more cooperative than “real Jack.”) Jack passed away suddenly in October of 2018. He lives on in the hearts of many.