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

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!!

Wonderful!

This book is one of the best books I’ve ever encountered. No bad words. Great for any age. Good lessons. But, listen to this with plenty of Kleenex. Good ending. Great animal story.

Being there with Barley

Would you listen to The Dog Who Was There again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to Barley's story again because it was such an encouragement to me. I could see my own life in Barley's. I could feel his rejection, his love for his owners, both good and bad. Life deals all of us some hard blows but faith always wins, as Barley learned.

What did you like best about this story?

Seeing and hearing things through a dog's eyes and ears. I was in love with Barley by the end of the story.

Which character – as performed by Ron Marasco – was your favorite?

Micah

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Stay close to the master, and follow in his footsteps.

Any additional comments?

This was a great story for young and old. The narrative of the "Kind Man" was amazing. I could almost see Barley watching with tears in his eyes as the Saviour was crucified. I only wish he could have been there at the time of the resurrection. Perhaps there will be a sequel including that event and perhaps Pentecost.

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.

Wonderful. Amazing. Inspiring

Do you love dogs? Do you love to read? Do you believe in Jesus? The you GOTTA listen to this book! Perhaps the best book I’ve read/listened to all year.

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.

Wonderful story!

What did you love best about The Dog Who Was There?

I loved how all of the characters were interwoven. It seemed realistic and believable.

What about Ron Marasco’s performance did you like?

He brought feeling to each character in a way that made them relatable but not overly dramatic.

goid book

i liked the book and how it tied events together. the ending was a pleasant surprise.

Wonderful

Of all the audio books I've listened to, this one had the most twists, turns, moments of true joy and sadness. The best part is that all the stories are not left open-ended for you to guess. Everything has a satisfactory, sometimes happy sometimes sad, ending to it. I truly enjoyed this book.

Nice reading

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