“The Art of Racing in the Rain”

The above titled novel by Garth Stein was recommended to me by my friend Janice shortly after the book was published in 2008. A dog-lover to the core, Janice loved all dogs, believing that there was no greater love on earth than that of a puppy you have raised. “Children grow up and they don’t really need you after a while, but a dog needs you till the day they die.”

The main character in “...Racing in The Rain” is Enzo, raised and loved by his race-car driving owner. The entire novel is told from Enzo’s point of view, and a movie is soon to be released based on this best-selling book.  Enzo believed in an ancient legend that a dog who is wise and prepared will be reincarnated as a human in his next life. So Enzo becomes wise, and prepared... and the ending is a tear-jerking surprise.

I have read that book twice, and I will read it again as soon as I finish the novel I am currently reading.  I spoke to Janice last week, and we laughed about my dog Savannah who hides under a blanket when she hears a loud noise. I sent a photo to Janice, showing the dark spot of Savannah’s nose peeking out from under her security blanket. I was going to call Janice this week, to tell her about the upcoming movie based on Stein’s extraordinary book.

Janice passed away a day ago. Alone in her apartment, sitting in her favorite reading chair. Her daughter-in-law called last night to tell me that she will be buried in Louisiana near her parents. She was a wonderfully well-read lady, classy and classic, with a southern sense of humor that could make you laugh till you cried. Janice was also a talented artist and she gifted us with a painting of this big old house shortly after we moved here.

I have no doubt that if reincarnation is indeed possible, Janice will be coming back on this Earth as a little dog because this truly gifted woman was indeed wise, and thoughtfully, prayerfully prepared.