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.
Very touching! Lots of plot twists about the dogs various owners with a surprise ending.
Lots of tears during the crusifiction scenes.
Parts were so hard to read, due to misfortune of this poor dog, but I couldn’t tear myself away! LOVE the ending!
Written from the point of view of a dog who lived in the final days of Jesus and was present at the crucifixion.
Good read, can tug at your heartstrings if you let it.
It was a book that I probably wouldn’t chosen off the book shelf to read. I did chose it from BookBub and I am glad I did as it is a unusal story of the dog and his life in the days of Jesus.
A good reminder of what Jesus endured for us. Supposedly through the eyes of a dog, it was like being there. Also looked at relationships and love. Would recommend it.
Being a Dog Lover I couldn’t wait to get into the book. So very interesting to see things through the dog’s point of view. Realistic.
A different take on an inspirational story.
Interesting perspective
Good background of life in the tome of Christ. There are many bad things that happen, bit the book ends well.