The Dog Who Was There

<p><strong>Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man's best friend--a special dog named Barley.</strong> </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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 </p><p>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 <em>New York Times </em>bestselling author of <em>How Happiness Happens </em>and <em>Anxious for Nothing</em> </p><p>Some of the greatest life lessons about courage loyalty trust and patience . . . I've learned from my dog. Read <em>The Dog Who Was There</em> and learn an amazing lesson about faith. --Andy Andrews <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>The Noticer</em> and <em>The Traveler's Gift</em> </p><p><em>The Dog Who Was There</em> 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 <em>Crimes of the Heart</em> and <em>The Jacksonian</em> </p><p><em>The Dog Who Was There</em> 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 </p><ul><li><em>Inspirational standalone novel with biblical elements.</em></li><li><em>Book length: 52000 words. </em></li><li><em>Includes discussion questions for book clubs.</em></li></ul>