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.
Sweet insights into the life and times of Jesus Christ.
Would recommend this book to seekers of the Christian walk. Great read. Book caused me to wonder about my own dog.
Interesting perspective having the story of an encounter with Christ told from the point of view of the dog.
A most inspiring look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the point of view of a dog. Touching and heart rending. An excellent read to ponder for time to come.
I found the writing very poor and hard to read.
This was an excellent story of a dog living during the time of Jesus. Very entertaining and enjoyable first person story. The first person is the dog!
A new twist on the last days of Christ on the earth. Different perspective on an age old story. Enjoyable.
Great animal book. Love dogs, esp. this one.
Powerful. A different perspective of Christ’s last week. So descriptive the reader feels a part of the action.
This was written from a small dog’s view of the world in the first century around the city of Bethlehem. He changed masters a few times, having good and bad masters. He describes his feelings, all the wonderful scents, being sad, scared, hungry, trying to understand what people want him to do. It is when Romans ruled the area. His first master are following the Messiah. This takes all twists and turns, and ends up with him alone. It was happy, and also tragic. I basically ends with the dog seeing the Messiah crucified. Some unexpected twists and many great characters which make this a very special book. It was a great read. I will definitely read it again.
Different perspective
No one told me this was a fairy tale. When the figurine turned and winked at the dog, it lost me. Honestly! I was expecting a delightful story of a dog in Bible times. Not what I was wanting to read.
I really enjoyed this book!
This is a very sweet and sometimes tear jerking story of a little dog living at the time of Jesus. For a little truth in advertising here, I can’t go to most animal movies because I cry like a baby, so this book had my tear ducts working out several times. It didn’t help that the narrator looked a lot like my pooch. I would have liked there to be time actually with Jesus, but the story centers less on Him than on the impact of his teachings on others.
I liked hearing/seeing life during the time of Christ thru a dog’s life. However, I felt the storyline was predictable and somewhat elementary.
I just love this book! I will reread it, probably several times! I won’t spoil it for other readers but you will be very surprised at the end! This whole book is a page turner! A great book and a must read! You won’t be disappointed!
This is a must for a Christian dog lover. This story could have so easily happened. It gives a different perspective of the crucifixion.
I really enjoyed this book. Unexpected ending.
This was very unique. I loved how Jesus and his life were seen through the eyes and thoughts if a dog.
I enjoyed this book very much!!! If you like Christian novels, you will enjoy this book. It was sad in places, but happy in others. A very nice story and was easy to imagine this happening! I recommended it to someone who thought is was awesome as well.