Mirror Books unleashes book on new tricks from old dogs

Mirror Books has snapped up a German bestseller on how old dogs can teach new tricks, including “patience, enduring love and forgiveness.”

Senior commissioning editor Ajda Vucicevic acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to The Wisdom of Old Dogs by Elli H Radinger from Gesche Wendebourg at Random House Germany. The book will be published in hardback and eBook format on 24th October 2019.

According to the synopsis: “In this lovingly expressed gift book, Radinger explores the valuable lessons we learn from our canine companions in their old age, and how we can utilise these in our everyday lives. A beautifully written nature-mindfulness crossover, The Wisdom of Old Dogs is a touching love letter to man’s best friend. Old dogs teach us to live in the moment, take every day as a gift, and approach our relationships with other people with the love, trust, and honesty that an old dog shows its owner.”

Vucicevic said: “Living with an old dog is a joy and an adventure unlike any other. This book perfectly encapsulates the wonder and the wisdom older dogs can bring to our lives. From living in the present, and enjoying each moment as it comes, to teaching us about patience, enduring love and forgiveness, this book has it all. The Wisdom of Old Dogs will appeal to anyone who has ever had and loved a dog, and I am thrilled to be publishing it.”

Radinger added: “When my dog turned 11 years old, I realised how little time I had left with her, and I decided to give up my long-term wolf research in Yellowstone to be with her for the rest of her life. Life with an old dog teaches us how important it is to spend time with those we love. Every day my old dog teaches me the secret of happiness: give me a bone and I will be happy; give me a place in your heart and YOU will be happy.”

German naturalist Radinger released The Wisdom of Wolves (Michael Joseph) earlier this year, drawing on her 25 years experience studying the wolves of Yellowstone Park.