Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man’s best friend—a special dog named Barley.
No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.
Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarving family who finds Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.
On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.
“An incredibly inspiring and beautiful tale of a blessed journey of lessons learned as told through the voice of one man’s (and humanity’s) best friend, a loving dog named Barley. Ron Marasco transports both heart and mind heralding understanding and acceptance while weaving rich religious history within the pages of this unique adventure.” —Kristen Chenoweth, Tony and Emmy award–winning actress
“If you need a spirit-lift, a book of hope, a read that will urge you to believe that hope is worth the risk, you are holding the right book. Do yourself a favor—read and enjoy!” —Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author of How Happiness Happens and Anxious for Nothing
“Some of the greatest life lessons about courage, loyalty, trust, and patience . . . I’ve learned from my dog. Read The Dog Who Was There and learn an amazing lesson about faith.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift
“The Dog Who Was There is a page-turning read that stops and opens the heart. Revealing profound truth with compelling grace, Ron Marasco offers a singular vision of the greatest story ever told.” —Beth Henley, Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian
“The Dog Who Was There is a wonderful, engaging book that adds a completely new perspective to the Passion story. Ron Marasco has created a character in Barley who will entertain and inspire readers. The retelling of Christ’s ministry through the human characters connects the reader in a unique was to the Gospel message, but it is Barley who will charm people of all ages.” —Kevin Baxter, EdD, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Inspirational standalone novel with biblical elements.
Book length: 52,000 words.
Includes discussion questions for book clubs.
This powerful story touched my heart and evoked tears along the way, but also enriched my thoughts as I viewed the time and life of Jesus in a new way—through a faithful dog’s eyes. Yes, this compelling novel includes painful events and suffering, but it is presented in a realistic and redemptive tale, offering hope for the future. You can’t help but love Barley and root for him to survive and succeed. And the parts that seem so horrible lead to something special. I recommend this amazing tale. I received a print copy of this memorable book as a prize online. All opinions are my own.
I loved the connection of the dog perspective to the people and time of crucifixion.
Very nice story for the Christian animal lover
I have read many books in my life but none like this. It is, by far the best book I have EVER read. I have never written a review of any book before but I have already recommended it to several of my friends. The ending is surprising. I have never read a book like this before.
Kind of sad book supposedly from the dogs perspective, not much really about God…..It was just ok….
I felt like I could see it all through his eyes. It was so sad at times.
I loved this book. It was very thought provoking.
What an amazing take on the time of Jesus’ travels. There is no way you can read this book and not feel love, compassion, fear and awe!
This was not what I expected at all, but it was good. I expected a story about a dog. What it really was, was Holy Week as seen through a dog’s eyes and the people around him. Very believable. Touching.
Very thought provoking. Enjoyed it very much.
What an unusual take on a world changing event. Loved all of it
It was very good . Very touching . Good to read during the Christmas season.
A dog is man’s best friend.
I received a copy from The Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts are my own. This was a interesting perspective from a different point of view from the dog. You hear about animals in the Bible but to have one written from the thoughts of a dog that just might have been there during the period. I would recommend this book to anybody who wants a clean read about a piece of history,
Awesome view of Jesus’ death from a totally different aspect. Awesome book!
One of the best I’ve read lately. Didn’t expect it. May read it again.
It’s a bold writer who write a book from a dog’s point of view. Period.
But it is an especially bold writer who writes an inspirational story about Jesus from a dog’s point of view.
Barley is a small dog who lives a quiet life with an aging married couple in the time of Jesus. They are killed, and Barley falls in with a group of outcasts, and with them, he witnesses Jesus, aka “the Kind One.” enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The Kind One changes the lives of some of the outcasts and his message of love spreads charity and hope among these outcasts. Barley is a witness to the tragedy and horrors of the Crucifixion also.
It’s a simple book to read, quick, and the writing is fine. It’s original, yet it’s almost …well, almost but not quite cheesy. Yet, I’d say read it and see what you think.
If you are a Christian and you also love dogs this is a great fictional account of the story of the crucifixion. It is told from a dog’s point of view. It also tells the story of the dog in a Biblical setting.
A heart felt story of a dog who witness the crucifying of Jesus
This book looked at the world from a dog’s point of view. Not only was it entertaining, it was inspirational, and gave insight on how some of the characters ended up the way they were.