This was a hard book to put down and to finish because I loved the story so much I wanted it to go on. Tracy Calhoun provides a glimpse into the role of a therapy dog and the dog’s role in end of life care. Though this subject may not be very uplifting for many, this book is definitely an uplifting book, for it provides a wonderful view of how others help their fellow men and women in challenging times. Tracy discusses her job raising dogs as well as her life with JJ at the Hospice House where she works. JJ is a particular dog who has a special ability to know when someone needs her and to give it willingly and easily, whether at the hospice or in another serious crisis, such as a school shooting. The book also contains several stories about JJ’s and her life and work with people in need.

This book is definitely a keeper and will be one I go back to time and again for some feel-good reading. The devotion and work of these dogs may go unnoticed, but, hopefully, not after anyone reads this wonderful story--a story that touched my heart (and will touch the heart of anyone who reads it). Whether you are a dog lover as I am or not, this book will appeal to anyone who has a heart and who enjoys helping others and/or reading about this help. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

This is a lovely book that shows the amazing unconditional love and support that dogs or any other companion animal can provide.

I received this book "JJ's Journey: The Unbelievable Life of JJ, The Therapy Dog" from Netgalley for my honest review.

The book is about Tracy, a hospice nurse who raises dogs to become therapy dogs. The book goes through the dogs she has had in her life and most of the book is about JJ. I did like the book because I really like dogs and it was interesting to find out about therapy dogs. I had the kindle edition and I believe there may be photos in the book but I could not see them on my kindle.

Oh how I adore books like this, animal accounts that feature animals doing extraordinary things for not just their human, but for all. Tracy had no idea JJ would do viral, doing just what JJ and her other dogs had done before; comfort the ill and the dying. It is something she is trained to do, but not all dogs qualify for the job. When I think of my spitfires of dogs, I know none of them could sit calmly, and know what to do in that situation. Loving they are for sure, gentle they are not!

I was able to read the Kindle edition from Netgalley, and Diversion Books. Unfortunately I think there were meant to be photos included, but they didn't load and instead gave image numbers and descriptions. I would have liked to see some of those photos.

I also felt like the book was a little unfocused at times, and jumped around the timeline of events so much that it was confusing. I did like getting the background on all the special dogs that Tracy owned, but had to reconnect with JJ's story time after time as we meandered off track.

Still though, there is something ever uplifting about this book, and I greatly admire both the work of Tracy and JJ. Tracy at one point remarks that she has been a hospice nurse for over 22 years, and I can't imagine the strength that would take. I really enjoyed this book, I just think it needs a little condensing to reach full potential. Four stars.

Let me first say that I love all animals, especially dogs. I knew right from the moment I saw the description of this book that I would love it.

This is a book that tells the story of a female hospice nurse, Tracy, who decides to raise dogs to become therapy dogs and work with the Hospice House that she works for. She has several different dogs in her life, but she has two dogs that have her heart and JJ, whom the book is mostly written about, is one of them.

JJ is like a free spirit who has a special sense that helps her to feel when someone needs her. She works at the Hospice House with end of life care, as well as with all involved in the operation of the facility when they need her. JJ also is certified to do Crisis Response when a tragic event happens, such as a school shooting or a natural disaster. I was touched by the stories that Tracy shared about JJ's work as well as her life.

The problem with this edition of the book is that there were many grammatical errors, and that made the book hard for me to get through. If the normal print edition of the book flowed better I think the reading would have gone a lot smoother. The stories in the book were good and I'm sure that other dog lovers would enjoy the book.

Tracy, a hospice nurse, dog breeder, and member of the HOPE Crisis Response Team, shares her experiences with therapy animals, particularly her golden retriever JJ, and their role in helping people in crisis.