
It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump
And Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs
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Narrated by:
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John O'Hurley
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By:
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John O'Hurley
About this listen
Now, in It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump, a charming and hilarious book about the enduring wisdom of dogs, O'Hurley brings his love for dogs to listeners, exploring with his characteristic wit and warmth personal yet universal lessons learned from a life lived with canine companions.
Within these pages we meet the dogs of O'Hurley's life, both his and others', who have served as some of his most valuable and enlightened teachers: Taffy, O'Hurley's first dog, a dachshund who demonstrated that compassion is best expressed by listening; Betty, a sweet bearded dachshund/black Lab mix, who encourages us that not only will a safety net appear if we're brave enough to leap, but that every moment has the potential to change our lives; and Scoshi, a wizened Maltese and O'Hurley's loyal companion for 15 years, who reminds us to always bark the truth, to be grateful for every meal and every moment, to never fear a face-off, and to never miss a nap.
At once poignantly moving and laugh-out-loud funny, It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump is a must-read for dog lovers everywhere.
©2006 John O'Hurley (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. All rights reservedListeners also enjoyed...
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What listeners say about It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Nancy
- 04-17-08
Dog Gone Insightful
Great listening. Makes you think. You see a life through the dogs you have in it. I have had my mother and best friend listen to it. It is worth it.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall
- shirley K. Bigham
- 11-01-07
Shirley
held my attention but was boring in many areas. I am a dog lover but this is not the epic tale I was hoping for.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall
- J. Sherman
- 11-30-06
You'll wish it would keep going
If you're not afraid of looks and pointing as you laugh hysterically while driving, this is a book for you! For 3 straight days I arrived at work with the biggest smile on my face. There's something about those furry little faces and wet noses that turn professional people into babbling idiots.
I have always appreciated my dogs for the wonderful creatures they are but I wasn't prepared for the way this book would expand on those feelings. In a positive, feel good fashion, this book is an experience in life from our dogs perspective.... similar to the saying "Don't sweat the small stuff".
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10 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Christine S
- 12-29-10
sweet
John O'Hurley shares his heart-felt views of lessons learned, many garnered from dogs. If you are a dog lover, or just enjoy thoughtful perspectives, this book is well recommended.
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Overall
- LAE
- 02-06-07
funny & touching
This is a great listen all around. John O'Hurley is quite a talented performer AND WRITER.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Doxie Mom
- 09-22-12
A dog lover's delight
What did you love best about It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump?
The story itself & the life lessons that are learned
Who was your favorite character and why?
John's two dogs. He was constantly amazed by the lessons he learned from and how they related to the dogs & his life.
What does John O'Hurley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He reads with a feeling that draws one in and not leave until the end of the story
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Absolutely and I did
Any additional comments?
n/a
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- Jerry
- 06-26-17
A really good book!!!
Would you listen to It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump again? Why?
Absolutely! It was funny, moving and downright interesting!
Who was your favorite character and why?
John O'Hurley is more than Peterman. His delivery of his own words is perfection. You cannot help but laugh when the time is right. He can be serious at times and he pulls you right int
What does John O'Hurley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
There is nothing better than an author reading his own words. The inflections add to the emotions that the author is trying to portray.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This book makes you laugh more than cry but it does have its moments. If you do not say "I can relate to that!" then you have never had a dog. A truly great book.
Any additional comments?
Every dog owner should read this book. Listening to John O'Hurley was pure joy!
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- S. Budd
- 04-23-23
Wonderful story and voice
Loved John Hurley and his story telling. We need more from him. The animal stories are the best to listen to at bedtime.
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- L. Horn
- 05-09-07
Extremely fun listen
The only con I can mention is that it wasn't longer! If you're a dog lover, you will thoroughly enjoy this book and likely identify with some of the stories and personalities. At times laugh out loud funny and at other times tender and touching, this book is a pure joy to listen to (and John's narration is top-notch!).
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Jenny
- 12-03-07
Highly Recommended
This isn't an epic dog lover's novel. These are the poignant thoughts of a well-accomplished man. John O'Hurley shares with us some of the life lessons he's learned with the help and companionship of the dogs in his life.
This book is not a laugh-fest, but rather the reflection of some of his interpersonal and memorable moments of his life. It's lighthearted, but did bring tears to my eyes at one point. The way he chooses to describe the events that helped shape him into the man he is today is touching, witty and very though provoking.
There are some very funny moments in this book! His humor was not wasted on me, or my boyfriend. We both listened to this book on our way to dinner and on errands, and I’m glad we did.
The messages in this feel good book are simple… slow down, live in the moment, don’t miss the small but important things going on around you, stretch often, nap when you can, and numerous others.
I look forward to reading any other books he writes, and hope they will be longer in length, as this one was over way too soon.
I plan on giving copies of this book to several of my friends and family this year for the holidays. It’s a great read that hopefully will inspire them (and you) to see the world a bit differently.
Enjoy!
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3 people found this helpful