Co-Co AKA The Lazarus Dog

About this book

A BOY, HIS LITTLE DOG, AND A PRAYER FROM THE HEARTCo-Co has always been ready to play. But one morning she will not touch her eggs. She lies on her side, barely stretching her legs, and when Ray brings out her leash she does not even look up. Ray knows something is wrong, and he wants to take her to Doc right away. Mom thinks Co-Co is just tired and needs a little rest. So they wait one more day.The next morning Co-Co is sleeping so soundly that Ray can hardly wake her. Now Mom agrees. She lifts Co-Co gently into the car, and they drive quietly down the road, careful of every bump. Ray admits that he is nervous and scared. Mom pats his knee and whispers a simple prayer, asking the God who made all things, and who made sweet Co-Co too, to guide them safely and show Doc what to do.A HARD DAY AT THE VETAt the animal clinic, Doc listens to Co-Co's heart and takes an x-ray. Ray waits and prays again, asking God not to let Co-Co be scared. Then Doc comes out with heavy news: Co-Co has a tumor in her heart, and he cannot make her well today.On the ride home Ray begins to cry. Then he remembers all the people Jesus healed, so many times. He bows his head and asks God to make Co-Co well, and a deep peace and joy fill his heart. He tells Mom the good news he feels inside, and the two of them stop at the grocery store for chicken and rice to bring home to Co-Co.WHAT CHILDREN WILL FIND INSIDETold in gentle rhyming verse from a child's point of view, Co-Co AKA The Lazarus Dog walks young readers through the worry of having a sick pet and shows them where to turn when they feel afraid. Along the way, children will see: - A boy who notices when someone he loves is hurting and speaks up- A mother who listens, comforts, and models how to pray- Honest feelings of fear, sadness, and nervousness, named in words kids understand- A child who remembers the healing stories of Jesus and brings his own need to God- The peace that comes from trusting God with something too big to fix aloneA GENTLE WAY TO TALK ABOUT BIG FEELINGSEvery child who has loved a pet knows the worry of seeing that friend unwell. This short picture book gives families a calm, faith-filled way to talk about that worry. Its short rhyming lines are easy to read aloud, and its moments of prayer give parents a natural place to pause and pray together with their own children.A STORY WRITTEN IN LOVING MEMORYMolly Ann Pollock Birth wrote this story in memory of her brother, Ray Pollock, who was known for his love of animals and his quiet faith. That same tender heart for animals and steady trust in God runs through every page, as young Ray cares for Co-Co and carries her to the Lord in prayer.PERFECT FORParents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and anyone who wants to read aloud with children about prayer, faith, and caring for the animals God made. It is a warm choice for a child who loves a family dog, a child facing a pet's illness or a trip to the vet, or a family that wants to talk together about bringing every worry to God.Open these pages with a child you love and share a story of a boy, his little dog, and the prayer that changed how he faced his fear.