"The partnership between Mike and Dakota was astonishing, humbling, beyond description—and absolutely true. This remarkable story about a man and a dog has volumes to teach us about healing, devotion, and the mysterious and numinous bond of one soul to another: Must-reading for anyone who has ever loved—or been loved—by a dog. For skeptics of the human-animal bond, this book will make you a convert!" Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers "The Angel by My Side magnificently showcases how, over the millennia, we’ve come to find our relationship with pets inextricably woven into not just our health and happiness, but our very survival. Nobody who reads this book will ever look at their own pets the same way again—they’re not pets, they’re life-support systems cleverly disguised as four-legged family members! Do your pet and yourself a favor: Buy this book, and when you’re done reading it, keep it in the medicine cabinet for the next time you need salve for your soul." Marty Becker, D.V.M., veterinary contributor for Good Morning America, chief veterinary correspondent for Amazon.com, and author of The Healing Power of Pets "Get yourself a comfortable chair and a box of tissues, and curl up with this book. As you read this remarkable story, you will come to believe in the human-animal bond, if you didn’t already." Sophie Engelhard Craighead, Chairperson of the Board, Delta Society "The Angel by My Side is a truly amazing tale that has movie of the week written all over it. It is a story that deserves to be read and seen by the masses, a must for any animal lover. In fact, it would be a terrific value for someone who doesn’t show affection towards animals, so that they may see just how vital they are to this world. "With this book, Lingenfelter and Frei have done a tremendous credit to the service dog community. The writing style is spare, as there is no need for fanciful phrasing and flowery speeches. Their message is clear and concise and so is their writing." Shaun Coen, Dog News Magazine "Anyone who is curious about how animals can be considered 'therapeutic' should read this book. Readers will be intrigued by the transformation Mr. Lingenfelter makes throughout the book, as he stops feeling sorry for himself and gets back out into the world. "It is these personal tales that will tug at readers’ heartstrings and keep them enthralled. Anyone who loves animals will want to read this amazing, miraculous story of how the man on the verge of ending it all became a man grateful for each sunrise and the dog that brought him around, while touching hundreds of other lives at the same time." Christina Mehra, Staff Writer, VetCentric We're including your new book in our Winter issue of Animal Watch. I read it cover to cover and found it absolutely AMAZING. Marion Lane, Editor, ASPCA Animal Watch This story isn’t your typical feel-good one note tune; there are twists and turns. One of those appeared to be a turn for the worse when Dakota was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mike sought the best treatment he could find, even if it meant traveling from Alabama to the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University’s veterinary teaching hospital – Ft. Collins. However, Mike believes more than just good medicine and healthy nutrition saved his dog’s life. He writes about just how powerful that connection can be between people and their pets. Steve Dale, Pet World  I will never be the same after reading "The Angel by My Side" thank goodness! It changed my mind and my heart for the better. Suffering depression and aniexty is no longer a shadow behind me. I cried reading the book not realizing the tears where also a cleansing for my own soul. My smile is now a real one, My happiness is genuine, and I wake up each morning in celebration of a new day! Dakota is still about his business, offering a message of hope in our lives. Truly he was an angel in disguise. Thank you Dakota for re-directing my life in a positive way! I smile knowing you are still saving lives. Reviewer: A reader from Alabama Lingenfelter says he was compelled to record the miracle of his experience with Cody to lend hope and inspiration to others. In so doing, their story will have you on an emotional roller coaster. At the conclusion, you’ll not know whether to stand up and cheer or sit down and cry, and likely you’ll do both. But The ANGEL by My Side is much more than a feel-good, tear-jerking diary. It will endure as a classic testament to the precious and tender spirituality of the canine/human bond. -Rue Chagoll, Golden Retriever News