THE BOOK OF BARKLEY: 2026

Monday, February 9, 2026

An Honest Customer Review

Amazon Review: "I destroyed this product in 15 seconds. Sure, the remains provided a shredded cardboard ambience to the area, but I expected it to last longer, and the warranty wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. Would Not Repurchase."

- Sunny D.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Light Flurries with a Chance of Zoomies.

No, I'm not at ALL excited that it snowed again.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Explorations with Da Princess Harlow

Book Display picture provided by C.D. Sterling

Many of you remember How Sam See's It blog. C.D. hasn't been blogging actively for a while, but we're friends on Facebook, and I've been keeping up with the adventures of her newest Rescue Golden Retrievers out in Washington state (not far from where I grew up).

Da Explorations of da Pacific Northwest: As told to da Momma from da Princess Harlow (C.D. Sterling) is a wonderful short children's story. C. crafts a great tale, as I found years ago when I read Cowgirl at Heart, her first novel. But this new one really touched my heart, and I enjoyed it as much as the little ones in my family. Having watched "Da Princess" Harlow grow up over these last years, and shedding tears for her recently when she went to the Bridge, this story really struck home, and will for any child or adult who has loved a dog.

My review on Amazon - FIVE STARS

"A wondrous short story of a young woman's adventurous trek with her funny canine companion out into the wilderness of their own landscape. Told with the sense of love that every adult who has dearly loved a dog will relate to, this story is one that will be embraced by children of all ages. As Golden Retriever Harlow and her loving guide "Da Momma" set off on their adventure, we learn much more than just being open to the joy around us, even if fleeting. There are subtle but valuable lessons for all: be prepared, share your things, LEARN new things, leave the wilderness the way you found it, and of course, have enough "cookies". It was a joy to read this aloud to the little ones in my own family, and I know they will want it read before bed on many an evening. A delightful adventure, indeed."

Click Here to Order Amazon Kindle

- $1.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited (for members)

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Veggies are GOOD for you Sunny

The Chewy Box has arrived!

Look, Sunny - it's a Nylabone Broccoli (bacon cheeseburger flavor)

I wasn't sure if she'd like it, but this is now her favorite chew toy (along with Claude the Lobster).

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Green Energy Dog

When the solar charging station is REALLY uncomfortable,but it's the only one in your vicinity.

FIVE STARS

No one who has ever had a dog as a companion will be able to read The Book of Barkley: Love and Life through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever by L. B. Johnson with dry eyes.

Johnson tells the story of her life, from childhood to adulthood, from the perspective of her relationship with Barkley, a Lab that she got when he was just a stubborn ball of fur who ‘selected’ her when she viewed the litter of which he was a part. Her descriptions of adjusting to Barkley’s presence in her life, and how this helped her come to terms with and understand her past and learn to take life a day at a time on her own terms will resonate profoundly with anyone who has fallen in love with a dog and had to learn to live with its loss.

This is a story of unconditional love and acceptance, the kind that asks nothing but love in return. As Johnson and Barkley forge bonds of trust and understanding, she also strengthens her human relationships.

This is much more than a mere memoir – it is a story of life and how to live it, and how we humans can learn to live our lives better if we’d only learn to live it like a dog does. The author uses language well, with descriptions of animals, people, and places so vivid you feel that you can feel the textures, smell the odors (pleasant and otherwise) and hear the whining of a puppy needing to go out to do its business. Life can be sad or happy, and the author takes us through it all – a trip that you won’t regret taking. A five-star book that definitely merits the Awesome Indies Seal of Excellence

About Barkley and His Mom

My Mom started this blog due to requests from friends who wanted a place to go for stories of her furry friend Barkley that weren't in the book and stories of my rescue and new life in my furever home. She donates all of the proceeds from her writing to animal rescue and groups that train search and rescue and service dogs but that's OK, as she still gives me lots of dog treats and toys.

The Book of Barkley is Mom's first memoir. She used to be a jet pilot for somebody's Uncle but now has a Ph.D. in something involving science and forensics which is like TV but without expensive suits or cleavage. Additional mayhem is provided by my Dad and our 100-year-old "fixer upper" Mission Bungalow.

Her second memoir "Saving Grace - A Story of Adoption" was published in April of 2015". Her Third Book - "Small Town Roads", her first Fiction Novel was published October of 2016 and was an NPR selected "2017 must read" and 2017 Readers Favorite International Book Award GOLD for "Fiction - Religious Theme". Her 4th book, "Calexit, The Anthology", a Novella with other authors, was published in October of 2017 and was on the Amazon Best Seller's list two days later. Her fifth book "True Course - Lessons from Life Aloft" was a #1 best seller at Amazon 24 hours after publishing so I think she has been bribing you all with treats.

Abby - Mom's Lab Assistant