Author of Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and Charlie: A Love Story Dog Memoirs
Barbara Lampert, Ph.D., MFT
Happy Harry: A Magical Golden
From the Prologue to Harry’s story:
Harry makes me smile, laugh, feel joy. There are beings like that, and when they come into your life, they capture your heart, and you never want to let them go. Harry’s spirit is so light. So pure… Everything makes Harry happy. No, more than that. Exuberant!… When I think of Harry, I can’t help but feel warm inside. And happy!"
Thanks for sharing this beautiful book! Your love for Harry was so infectious: I fell in love with him as well. It is impossible not to share your enthusiasm and your delight in this wolf prince. Nobody who loves dogs will be able to resist your book! A magnificent love story!”
— Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, international bestselling author of "When Elephants Weep” and "Dogs Never Lie About Love”
Everyone loves Golden Retrievers, or at least they should. But what sets Barbara Lampert apart is not just that she is over-the-top crazy about Goldens, but that she writes so beautifully about them. 'Happy Harry: A Magical Golden' is a wonderful love letter to the greatest creatures on the planet.”
— David Rosenfelt, national bestselling and award-winning author of "Dogtripping” and "Leader of the Pack”
An adventure and a journey of love between a dog and his person, intimately told as journal entries. This book captures the special spirit and courage that was Harry and, at the same time, tells a story that resonates with any of us who’ve loved a dog across years, days, hours, and heartbeats. How do we love so deeply and brave such loss? This uplifting book tells that story, too.”
— Susannah Charleson, author of the New York Times bestseller “Scent of the Missing”
This deceptively simple-sounding book about the life of a dog is surprisingly mesmerizing and thought-provoking. I got emotionally swept up in the dramatic world of a Golden Retriever and his adventures in the warm, sun-drenched hills of Malibu. The atmosphere felt cozy, relaxed, and down-home. I felt like I was truly welcomed into the Lamperts’ garden and into the world of Happy Harry, getting a glimpse of what life is like from his wild-wolf perspective.”
— Cris Devine, a humorist and an editor of Harry's story
This personal telling of Harry the Golden Retriever’s life brims with contagious, unfettered joy — a perfect reflection of his well-lived, well-loved life, a shining exemplar of the canine-human bond, the most remarkable interspecies relationship on the planet.”
— Nick Jans, author of the New York Times bestseller "A Wolf Called Romeo"
'Happy Harry: A Magical Golden' gives an intimate and insightful portrayal of the deep and meaningful connection we share with our dogs. A great read for any dog lover, especially if you have a Golden Retriever.”
— Mark Asher, photographer and author of "Old Friends: Great Dogs on the Good Life” and
"All That Ails You: The Adventures of a Canine Caregiver”
In a heartwarming display of storytelling, Barbara not only chronicles the joy-filled life of a Happy Golden Retriever but also imparts a profound message about the beauty of existence. Through vivid anecdotes and a captivating narrative, she skillfully weaves a tapestry of life's vibrant moments, reminding us to savor each instant and find joy in the simplest of pleasures. 'Happy Harry: A Magical Golden' has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of unconditional love and friendship, by gently nudging readers to celebrate the boundless happiness that can be found in each wag of a tail and every sun-soaked day.”
— John Lupo, DVM, Malibu Veterinary Clinic (Harry's lifelong vet)
Happy Harry: A Magical Golden is about a Golden Retriever who literally prances through life. No matter what! It’s about the happiest being I’ve ever known. Harry’s story takes place in Malibu, California, and is told in journal form, while it’s happening.
Harry had a wild streak. Was that what made him so happy, or was it in his DNA, or something else? He was happy to the very core of him, didn’t need anything external to motivate him.
Harry wasn’t your typical Golden Retriever. More like a wolf, actually. For example, he only liked a few select people but loved dogs, and he didn’t listen well. Seemed untrainable, not that we didn’t try. But so very loyal to his family, and he loved and adored puppy Bentley. All characteristics of the wolf.
So, Harry’s story also gives information about the character of the wolf and shows how Harry embodied that character. True, all dogs descended from wolves, but some dogs are more wolf-like than others,
Harry’s story tells of his genius inventing complicated and unusual ball games, in the garden and in the house. Ball games that were his lifeline all his life. Yes, Harry was brimming with happiness for no apparent reason, but he also figured out ways to make himself even happier. Sometimes that meant just making his ball game more challenging. The more challenging, the happier he was.
But then some difficulties struck him, not once but twice, and this very happy being had to figure out what to do, how to be in the face of them. Harry’s courage, his attitude, his very happy nature, all contributed to making Harry serve as a model for how to live one’s life, particularly in the face of obstacles.
Harry taught me how important that joyful attitude is, no matter what. I would look at him in wonder and shake my head, not understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy. He inspired me, so much so that I felt I had to write about him. I carry the lessons I learned from him wherever I go. Hopefully, you will too. Happy Harry is unforgettable!
The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it—basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them.”
—Charles Bukowski
Testimonials
"Every dog-lover needs to read this"
"If you've ever experienced the adoration of a pet, read this. If you've ever felt like your dog was family, read this. If you've ever grieved the loss of a fur baby, read this. If you've ever wondered if anyone else understands your heart for animals, read this.
Meet Harry, a golden retriever you'll instantly fall in love with on the first page. Throughout the story you'll get a beautiful glimpse into what true dog companionship is about, and laugh at the antics and cry at the heartbreak, but walk away with a deeper connection to what it means to love. The writing is beautiful, the stories memorable, and the characters absolutely adorable.
It's a feel-good must-read story that every dog lover will appreciate."
– ReaderGurl, review on Amazon, December 7, 2023
"Beautiful love story"
"Barbara has written a beautiful love story – that not only shows her love of dogs (in this case, with a focus on Happy Harry), but also how dogs respond to love, which often leads to the kind of deep emotional bond that Barbara and Harry had with each other. The book is also a wonderful tribute to dogs, and how much we can learn from them – for example, their ability to adapt to the most adverse situations.
Barbara has an engaging writing style that draws the reader into her lovely world."
– Stewart Florsheim, review on Amazon, February 8, 2024
"A great story about an extraordinary dog"
"This was a wonderful journey in the life of Barbara's beautiful golden.
Makes me wonder how many animal owners (including myself) really 'see' and understand their precious pets.
Some subtle life lessons for us all to be learned from this book.
So much fun to read – a unique style of writing, while the pictures enhance the story as well.
Highly recommend..."
– Joan H, review on Amazon, November 17, 2023
"A wonderful heartfelt story!!"
"Happy Harry: A Magical Golden says it all!
In addition to being beautiful, Harry had a real zest for life, a brilliant wolf-like mind, and a nurturing soul, (as he so lovingly demonstrated with his sidekick Bentley). Even when faced with adversity, Harry found a way to continue with his happy life!
Barbara conveyed all of Harry's attributes so brilliantly in her writing, you could picture and share every moment of her beautiful story. A truly special read!"
– Gail Carolyn, review on Amazon, December 2, 2023
"A story for everyone"
"This is a book for those with pets and those who do not own pets. Ms. Lampert’s account of her time with “Harry” her Golden Retriever, from his being a puppy to his end, is moving and clearly demonstrates that dogs are sentient beings with their own unique personalities. In relating the story of Harry, the author reveals her own inner beauty, as she underscores the spiritual connection that all living beings share. One is reminded of how transient and precious life, that we so often take for granted, can be."
– Manny Cosentino, Artist, review on Amazon, February 13, 2024
"A very sweet and heartfelt book!"
"This book is a wonderful read for all pet lovers. They really do have so much to teach us."
– Harper Curry, review on Amazon, February 2, 2024
"What a joy, what a journey, and what a great read"
"Thank you Barbara for sharing your amazing journey with your wonderful furry little man Harry. I too love dogs and have had many in my lifetime although not all have the kind, inspiring, and happy outlook of Harry. Thank you again!"
review on Amazon, November 24, 2023
"Love this book!!"
"Loved reading this book .It was so heartfelt. The love that she expressed for “ Harry” and for her other fur babies was so relatable. Its nice to see others feel the same about dogs on this planet . And don’t tell my poodles, but … now I want a golden!! :)"
review on Amazon, November 14, 2023
"Harry the Magical Golden"
"I have read a lot of books about Goldens. I love them!! Most books were not this good. I know since I have loved and lost them also. Ms. Lampert has put into words how it feels and as I read her book I could feel her pain with her words and description as Harry was going to die. I think it is rare that that someone can make me feel that pain right along with her!"
review on Amazon, January 27, 2024
"What a special journey!!"
"This book touched my heart!! What a journey this story took me on! Made me want to adopt a golden asap!!! So sweet and genuine…. The friendship between us and our fur babies is priceless. Thanks for this Gem!!!"
– Marcy Cardona, review on Amazon, November 16, 2023
"A must read"
"The author truly conveys how Harry's joy permeated her life and that of her husband. This is truly a feel- good book that illustrates the joys of having such a pet and help those who have not had such experiences to understand what can be so rewarding in having one. I enjoyed the book very much and recommend it highly."
– Elena A. Marchisotto, review on Amazon, December 4, 2023
"A Delightful Read!"
"I just finished Barbara’s latest book, Happy Harry: A Magical Golden. Oh my goodness, it was amazing! I laughed, I cried and experienced warm fuzzies from head to toe.
Fantastic job, Barbara!
What kept going through my mind as I read this book is that there are very few who really can put living in the now into practice and even fewer who can put this valuable lesson into words.”
– Dr. Kip Leland, review on Amazon, November 15, 2023