Peter Bogyo to Offer Reading from His Book, “A Dog's Life"

Pet lovers: celebrate Valentine’s Day a few days late this year by joining author Peter Bogyo on Zoom, Sunday, February 21, at 4:15, as he offers samples from his delightful (yes, DELIGHTFUL!) book of ... ahem ... dog obituaries, "A Dog's Life." The reading is hosted by All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore’s Perfect Paws Pet Ministry, whose monthly service at 5 p.m. will immediately follow the special event. All are invited to attend by joining the Zoom meeting (Meeting ID: 990 855 545 / Password: Saintfranc)

Bogyo, a veteran Broadway general manager compiled his writings about much-loved dogs that had died after he wrote a grief-laden letter to his deceased Scottish Terrier, Bilbo.

He never imagined that such a soulful letter would be the impetus for a book that is coveted by pet lovers who read it and share it like a Valentine with others – on loan or as a gift.

But there you have it. Read Peter Bogyo’s recently published book, “A Dog’s Life,” and you’ll fall in love with all the dogs he profiles with such warmth, grace and wit in this heartfelt tribute celebrating man’s best friend.

“A Dog’s Life” – which has garnered a slew of appreciative reviews from publications including the Washington Post (“warm, funny toasts to our canine family members ...”—Peter Marks, Chief Theater Critic) and the New York Post (“… a delight. The table of contents alone is enough to bring a smile and a tear to any pet lover’s eye”) – is remarkably uplifting for a tome devoted to … well,
… dead dogs.

Prepare for the laugh-out-loud sections in each profile that he'll preview from the profiles, as Bogyo recounts the beloved foibles of his subjects and then, in perfect balance, throws in an anecdote or two sure to draw a tear.

Doggos who Bogyo profiles in the book -- several of which will be included in his author's reading -- include handsome Bilbo Bogyo, the author’s scrappy little Scottie, described as “plagued by trans-stature issues his entire life,” who was “averse, on principle, to performing such humiliating dog ‘tricks’ as stay, heel, sit, etc;” Bandy Nauta, “a self-conscious Husky (among other things),” Tigger Knapp, “a VERY bad golden Lab,” Sandy Parsons-Cone, “a free-spirited Welsh Corgi (mostly)” Molly Maulo, the brown and white English Springer Spaniel who Bogyo reports “disdained characterless tap water and much-preferred drinking straight from the toilet.”

As with a box of delectable chocolates, reading one tribute inevitably leads to another and another and another until you reluctantly face the very last one of the 23 in the book.

“A Dog’s Life,” is filled with appreciation for wonderful creatures whose eccentricities and loveable imperfections touch us, make us laugh, move us, and fill us with love.

Meet Peter Bogyo and his gallery of memorable dogs on Zoom, Sunday, February 21 at 4:15 p.m. Then circle around your computer, tablet or phone for the monthly service. You’ll be so glad you did.

"A Dog's Life" is available on Amazon through our All Saints North Shore Smile portal. Go there first and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to All Saints.