Leave the Dogs at Home

Arbogast delivers a raw and honest narrative of her life as a lover, a widow, and a woman. Through beautiful illustration readers are transported to Dog Paradise and Sunset Lounge with ease. The theme of death and life, both literally and figuratively, are navigated with such emotion, it seems natural to empathize with the author in sadness, joy, love, and uncertainty as her longtime companion (later husband) Jim combats cancer. Arbogast shares how complicated life can be while showing great strength and courage. For all the ways humans handle loss, the author defines and redefines the seven stages of grief with grace, humility, and pragmatism. When given the opportunity to make significant life changes and start traveling, she embraces the unknown. While the title is a little confusing at first, by the end it all comes together.