From navigating life’s final chapter to discovering the remarkable diversity of the canine world, two books offer readers opportunities to deepen their understanding of life, relationships and the natural world. Dying Well with Hospice: A Compassionate Guide to End-of-Life Care by Paula Wrenn and Jo Gustely helps families approach end-of-life care with greater knowledge, compassion and peace of mind, while David W. Macdonald’s The Book of Dogs: A Life-Size Guide to Canids Worldwide explores the science, ancestry and extraordinary variety of domestic dogs and their wild relatives.

New Book Explores How Hospice Can Bring Comfort and Meaning to End-of-Life Care

When Jim Wrenn began his hospice journey, he was afraid of death. Over the next two years, however, his wife, Paula Wrenn, watched him develop a sense of courage, peace and even joy as he approached the end of his life. Before he died, Jim asked her to share their experience to help other families navigate hospice with less fear and greater understanding.

Paula honored his wish by partnering with Jo Gustely, the hospice nurse who helped care for Jim, to write Dying Well with Hospice: A Compassionate Guide to End-of-Life Care. The book combines the perspective of a family caregiver with the professional knowledge of a hospice nurse, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges and possibilities of end-of-life care.

Published by Amans Vitae Press, the book explores how preparation, communication and compassionate support can help families make the most of their time together when a loved one is nearing death.

“I was inspired watching him grow from a person afraid of death to someone facing end-of-life with courage and positivity,” Wrenn said. “Both of us credited his hospice experience with making his end of life meaningful, even joyful.”

Rather than presenting dying solely as a painful or frightening experience, Wrenn and Gustely examine how hospice can provide comfort, guidance and opportunities for meaningful connections. They explain what families can expect during the natural dying process, how hospice professionals support patients and caregivers, and why discussing end-of-life wishes before a crisis can make difficult decisions more manageable.

The authors also address a common misconception about hospice: that choosing it means giving up. Instead, they describe hospice as a form of care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life, helping patients remain connected to the people and experiences that matter most to them.

For those preparing to care for an aging parent, spouse or other loved one, the book offers insight into the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. It also encourages families to have honest conversations about personal values, treatment preferences and wishes for the end of life.

“Caregiving for a loved one is challenging and stressful at times, but the rewards are immeasurable,” Wrenn said. “Dying Well with Hospice is about validating the importance of the end of life and helping families discover the spiritual and emotional benefits that can be attained by supporting a loved one in this most important journey.”

The second edition of Dying Well with Hospice: A Compassionate Guide to End-of-Life Care was released in April 2026. The book is available through Amazon, offering families and caregivers a resource for approaching end-of-life care with greater knowledge, compassion and understanding.

‘The Book of Dogs’ Explores the Fascinating World of Canines, From Tiny Chihuahuas to Gray Wolves

Dog lovers can explore the remarkable diversity of their favorite four-legged companions in The Book of Dogs: A Life-Size Guide to Canids Worldwide, a richly illustrated guide by leading canid expert and award-winning author David W. Macdonald.

Published by the University of Chicago Press, the book examines the connections between domestic dogs, their ancestors and their wild relatives, offering readers a comprehensive look at the canine family. From the diminutive fennec fox, the world’s smallest wild canid, to the majestic gray wolf, the book highlights the extraordinary variety of animals belonging to the family Canidae.

Macdonald also explores the diversity of domestic dogs, from towering Great Danes to tiny Chihuahuas, demonstrating how dramatically members of the canine family can differ in size, appearance and behavior.

Unlike books focused exclusively on household pets, The Book of Dogs takes a global approach, covering every related wild canid species alongside the extensive range of domestic dog breeds. The result is an accessible resource for readers interested in understanding dogs within the broader animal kingdom.

The book also examines the science behind canine ancestry. Drawing on developments in genetics, Macdonald explains how researchers study the origins of modern canids and the surprising ways different members of the family have hybridized. These scientific insights offer a deeper understanding of the relationships connecting domestic dogs with their wild kin.

Beyond genetics and evolution, Macdonald explores the ecology, behavior and social lives of wild canids, providing insight into how these animals survive and interact with their environments.

Photography is central to the book’s appeal. Its striking images include life-size snout portraits of all 37 wild canid species, along with photographs showcasing more than 200 dog breeds from around the world. The visual presentation allows readers to examine the distinctive features and remarkable diversity of these animals in detail.

By combining scientific research with accessible explanations and compelling photography, The Book of Dogs offers more than a celebration of beloved pets. It places familiar companions within a much larger story of ancestry, adaptation and the natural world.

For dog enthusiasts, wildlife lovers and readers curious about animal evolution, Macdonald’s guide provides an opportunity to discover the many connections between the dogs sharing our homes and the wild canids roaming the planet.