About The Book
The Moondog of Morristown
Life can often feel like a continuous grind, illustrating overwhelming difficulties. But what can uplift a human during moments of sorrow, illness, and even the inevitability of death?
For Glenn Blekicki, the answer lies in a 47-pound English Springer Spaniel. His memoir, “The Moondog of Morristown: Life with a Canine Savant,” conforms as a lively, humorous, and earnest tribute to this dog-centric outlook.
During his early relationship with his wife Michele, they had a sweet but somewhat oblivious rescue dog who once managed to catch fire without noticing.
Fortunately, he was unharmed, but after a short while, Harley passed away, leaving a void in Michele’s heart. That was when Bosco entered the scene. After a few days, it became clear that Bosco needed a companion, which is when Glenn met the love of his life: Cernan.
Named after his childhood idol, astronaut and moonwalker Gene Cernan, Cernan became the brains of their new Springer Spaniel duo. He had an outstanding repertoire; he could sing on command, unearthed hidden money during walks to donate to animal shelters, and even figured out how to turn on the TV with his paw to watch basketball.
Yet, beyond these remarkable antics, Cernan and Bosco’s greatest gift was their unconditional love—for each other and for Glenn and Michele.
Over fifteen years, while the couple faced loss, battled cancer, and adjusted to long-delayed wedding plans due to a global pandemic, their furry companions provided unwavering support.
With their compassionate temperaments, Cernan and Bosco brought light to Glenn and Michele’s lives when they needed it most. They didn’t just help the couple abide by life’s trials; they enriched their journey with joy.
This memoir grasps the moving true story of the moments shared with both dogs. Glenn felt driven to share this story, an elemental narrative that meditates the intense bond between humans and their canine companions.
Why Read It
The Moondog of Morristown
Reviews
The Moondog of Morristown is a heartwarming story by Glenn Blekicki. The book delves into the intricacies of the relationship between a pet and its owner while examining the depths of loss and change. It explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, love, grief, and loss, making it relatable to pet lovers. The author highlights the social and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of confronting cancer. In each chapter, you will well-crafted characters whose stories portray real-life situations and challenge your resilience from the first page. While Glenn was never a pet person, his lifetime commitment to dogs started when he met Michele and Harley. I invite you to accompany Glenn on this journey, where pets offer love, comfort, and hope.
Despite having his 'inside the house' hero, Glenn had a deep admiration for renowned astronauts such as John Glenn and Eugene Andrew Cernan.
He takes us through their extraordinary achievements, triggering your desire to meet them one day. After Harley's death, finding a replacement brought comfort and joy to Michele. However, the pleasure of introducing Houdini to us was not long-standing, and soon Bosco and Cernan became the new family members. You will gain intriguing insights into this unique dog species called the English Springer Spaniel. Cernan and Bosco complemented each other perfectly while maintaining their unique personalities. Notably, Glenn and Michele set a good example to other pet owners by being committed to their dogs' health, social life, and safety. Of particular interest is the bond between Bosco Boy and Frank.
I love this book for several reasons. First, I like how Glenn and Michele complemented and supported each other in good and bad times. Despite going through grief and loss severally, the couple was enthusiastic about better days and maintained a connection over time. Michele is a beacon of hope for cancer victims and survivors. Second, the author is an exceptional storyteller who uses vivid descriptions and imagery, creating clear images and scenes in the reader's mind. Lastly, the book has a simple storyline, giving the reader a flawless reading experience. It was easy for me to understand how each character contributed to the book's themes. Lastly, as you read through, several questions emerge and are answered at the end of the book. This aspect gives the book a satisfying end.
The editing team did well; I encountered no errors while reading. There is nothing I dislike about this book to deny it a perfect rating. I rate this book five out of five stars because of the positive aspects mentioned above. I recommend this book to pet lovers.
The Moondog of Morristown: Life With a Canine Savant is a work of non-fiction in the inspirational writing and memoir genres. Penned by author Glenn Blekicki, this heartfelt memoir celebrates the transformative power of dogs in times of hardship. The book chronicles the author’s life with Cernan, an extraordinary English Springer Spaniel with remarkable abilities, and his companion Bosco. Through humor and warmth, Blekicki shares how these dogs brought joy, love, and resilience to his life and that of his wife Michele, especially during personal losses, battles with illness, and the challenges of a global pandemic. Cernan’s unique talents, such as his ability to sing and turn on the TV, highlight the special bond between humans and their canine companions.
Author Glenn Blekicki has crafted a deeply touching memoir with a vivid portrayal of Cernan and Bosco that captures the profound impact pets can have on our lives, especially during difficult times. The humor and warmth infused in the narrative provided both comfort and inspiration, and I was constantly impressed with the ease and flow that Blekicki tackles the lightest and darkest moments with. I was moved by the way the dogs’ unconditional love and quirky abilities served as a beacon of hope and resilience for Blekicki and his wife through life's trials. The memoir beautifully illustrates how the bond between humans and pets can help us navigate and overcome adversity, making it a poignant and well-penned reminder of the healing power of companionship. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Moondog of Morristown: Life With a Canine Savant as essential reading for anyone who adores animals.