The Dog Who Was There

By: Ron Marasco

Narrated by: Ron Marasco

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

Revisit the story of Jesus through the eyes of man’s best friend — a special dog named Barley.  

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.

Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarving family who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

“An incredibly inspiring and beautiful tale of a blessed journey of lessons learned as told through the voice of one man’s (and humanity’s) best friend, a loving dog named Barley. Ron Marasco transports both heart and mind heralding understanding and acceptance while weaving rich religious history within the pages of this unique adventure.” (Kristen Chenoweth, Tony and Emmy award-winning actress)

“If you need a spirit-lift, a book of hope, a read that will urge you to believe that hope is worth the risk, you are holding the right book. Do yourself a favor — read and enjoy!” (Max Lucado, New York Times best-selling author of How Happiness Happens and Anxious for Nothing)

“Some of the greatest life lessons about courage, loyalty, trust, and patience...I’ve learned from my dog. Read The Dog Who Was There and learn an amazing lesson about faith.” (Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift)

“The Dog Who Was There is a page-turning read that stops and opens the heart. Revealing profound truth with compelling grace, Ron Marasco offers a singular vision of the greatest story ever told.” (Beth Henley, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian)

“The Dog Who Was There is a wonderful, engaging book that adds a completely new perspective to the Passion story. Ron Marasco has created a character in Barley who will entertain and inspire readers. The retelling of Christ’s ministry through the human characters connects the reader in a unique was to the Gospel message, but it is Barley who will charm people of all ages.” (Kevin Baxter, Ed. D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles)

Inspirational standalone novel with biblical elements.

Book length: 52,000 words.

Includes discussion questions for book clubs. 

©2017 Ron Marasco (P)2017 Thomas Nelson

A story of love, forgiveness and hope beautifully told

I enjoyed every moment of this story. Beautifully narrated by the author with imagination so much that I could close my eyes and visualize every scene. Well done! Not forgetting at the same time to share the gospel message.

Inspiring

Beautiful story. You will experience the meanness of humanity yet the depth of Christ's love and forgiveness . Narrator was expressive.

Overly s/b 5Well thought out viewpoint of the Crucifixtion

Being both a Christian and a dog lover.

This title cause my eye.. well written with aspects of the time coming to life. Full of surprises. Superb book. Highly recommend.

Awesome Happy Tearjerker

I hated the father and his servants at the start of the book. Felt compassion for the poor and cried and stopped it many times while I composed myself at the crucifixion of our beloved savior. What a great book!!

LOVED this story

This is a great story,and great narration. Enjoyed this book very much. Would definitely recommend.

The dog who was there

tears, smiles, a chuckle ,happy tears ... What a wonderful re-acquaintance w my faith and every emotion in me. A must read or in this case listen. I loved it!

exceptional story from a dogs point of view.

you can imagine the sounds and smells through little barley. every member of my family has read this book. easy reading, heart warming, you just want to hug this little dog and keep him safe.

Nice reading

It's easy to listen to and gets emotional in some parts that bring the truth home.

I WOULD GIVE THIS BOOK 10 STARS IF I COULD!

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!! Thank you Ron Marasco for a truly wonderful story.

A great take on a well known story

What an interesting way to tell this old story. it gives you a close look into the historical times. I grew up knowing the story of the last days of Christ but this gives you a deep background into the people of the times. I truly enjoyed the view from the dog.