Better Together

how the animals we love can inspire our creativity and transform our shared lives

Christine King

Published by Anima Books, 2023

Printing & Distribution: Kindle Direct Publishing

(an Amazon company)

PRINT editions

ISBN: 979-8-8669-5805-4 (hardcover)

ISBN: 979-8-8669-5842-9 (paperback)

5.5 x 8.5 in. (140 x  216 mm), 100 pages

Kindle eBOOK edition

Kindle and other supported formats

22,176 words, inclusive

EPUB edition (lulu.com)

ISBN: 978-1-4466-6144-4

22,176 words, inclusive

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HARDCOVER  (not yet available in Australia)

USD: $15.95

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KINDLE eBOOK

USD: $3.50

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PAPERBACK

USD: $9.95

A heartwarming read for animal lovers everywhere


Dr. Christine King's Better Together: How the Animals We Love Can Inspire Our Creativity and Transform Our Shared Lives is a poignant exploration of the profound bond between humans and animals. With heartwarming narratives and personal anecdotes, Dr. King delves into how our furry, feathered, or scaled companions not only offer companionship but also ignite our creative sparks and contribute to our emotional and psychological healing.


In Better Together, Dr. King intertwines veterinary insights with her personal journey, offering readers an intimate look at the therapeutic power of animals. Her relationship with her dog, Miss Lilly, serves as the cornerstone of the book, illustrating the transformational impact an animal can have on one's life. Dr. King's candid discussion of her struggles with mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide, is both brave and enlightening, showcasing how her bond with Miss Lilly was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.


The narrative is rich with emotion and wisdom, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface and recognize the deeper, spiritual connection we share with our animal companions. The book's blend of humor, love, and raw honesty makes it a compelling read that resonates on many levels.


Better Together is more than a memoir or a self-help book; it's a testament to the transformative power of love between animals and humans. Dr. King’s call to recognize and nurture this bond for mutual healing and growth is a message that echoes throughout the book, making it a must-read for anyone who has experienced the magic of an animal's unconditional love.


In conclusion, Better Together is a beautifully written tribute to the animals in our lives and their incredible capacity to help us find our creativity, heal our wounds, and live more fulfilling lives. Dr. Christine King’s insights and personal stories make this book a valuable addition to the literature on human-animal bonds and a heartwarming read for animal lovers everywhere.


Emilee Jackson

read.with.emilee on instagram



A beautiful testament to the transformative power of animals


Christine King's "Better Together" is a beautiful testament to the transformative power of our relationships with animals. In this deeply personal and heartfelt book, Dr. King, a veterinarian, shares her journey of finding creativity, healing, and joy through the love of her dog, Miss Lilly. King's central message is powerful: “Loving them, and being loved in return, makes us feel good — and that changes everything.” This theme resonates throughout the book as she recounts how her bond with Miss Lilly inspired her creativity and improved her life.

With remarkable honesty, King discusses her battles with self-worth, anxiety, and depression, including thoughts of suicide. Her transparency provides comfort and hope to those facing similar struggles, showing how her "furry soul friend" played a crucial role in her recovery. Despite tackling heavy topics, "Better Together" is filled with warmth, humor, and joy. King's anecdotes about her life with Miss Lilly are heartwarming and often amusing, making the book a delightful read.

The final chapter, "Better in Return," explores how our animals' lives are also enriched by our happiness and creativity. King beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between humans and their pets, highlighting the mutual benefits of love and companionship. If you're an animal lover or someone seeking inspiration, "Better Together" is a must-read. King's blend of memoir and practical advice offers a unique perspective on how our furry friends can help us lead more fulfilling lives. Her reflections on love, expressed with honesty and humor, will touch your heart and inspire you to embrace the joy and creativity that comes from loving and being loved by animals.

"This is a book of love. It is written with honesty, determination, and wonderment. It explores and shares the meaning of love from the perspective of our beloved pets. As one reader perfectly put it: 'I love my family and friends. I love my dog more.'"

Happy reading!

Jithendra Jithu

on Goodreads


Written with great joy and a pure heart


Better Together by Dr. Christine King is a heartwarming story about the author and her beloved dog, Miss Lilly. Written with great joy and a pure heart, the book shares the special moments between them. It explores how feeling good can lead to making better decisions, while feeling down can make life harder.

The book tells the story of Dr. Christine King and Miss Lilly, highlighting their strong bond. Through their experiences, the author shows how important it is to feel good to make the right choices. She also talks openly about her struggles with depression and how her relationship with Miss Lilly helped her through tough times. Dr. King even refers to Miss Lilly as her "fairy dogmother."

Dr. Christine King is an animal lover who writes with honesty and warmth. Her deep connection with Miss Lilly is evident in her storytelling. By sharing her personal experiences and struggles, she brings a real and relatable touch to the book, making readers feel like they are part of her journey.

This book is inspiring and emphasizes the importance of feeling good to make the right decisions. Dr. King’s candid discussion about depression offers comfort and understanding. This book is a must-read for animal lovers and anyone seeking inspiration from the bond between humans and their pets.

Better Together is a touching and inspiring book. Dr. Christine King’s sincere story about her and Miss Lilly demonstrates the healing power of animal relationships. I highly recommend this book for a heartwarming and motivating read.

Jyoti Ahija

bookswithjyoti on instagram



Every page brought back memories of Shiro's comforting presence and unconditional love


I recently read Better Together by Christine King, and it deeply touched my heart. This book beautifully narrates Christine's life with her pet, Miss Lilly. The bond they shared reminded me of the joy and companionship pets bring, much like I experienced with my own pet, Shiro. Every page brought back memories of Shiro’s comforting presence and unconditional love.

Christine's honesty about her struggles with depression and hard times is incredibly moving. Throughout these difficult moments, Miss Lilly was more than just a pet; she was a beacon of hope and comfort. Christine’s heartfelt description of how Miss Lilly helped her navigate through her darkest days is a testament to the profound impact pets can have on our well-being.

The journey Christine shares in Better Together is filled with both joyous adventures and quiet moments of solace. From their first meeting to becoming inseparable companions, Christine details how Miss Lilly became an integral part of her life. Reading about their bond made me reflect on the many ways Shiro brightened my days, providing comfort and happiness through life’s ups and downs.

Better Together is a beautiful celebration of the special connection between humans and their pets. Christine’s storytelling is a poignant reminder of how much love and strength our furry friends bring into our lives, especially during tough times. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever found solace and joy in the company of a pet.

Komal Ahuja

readwith_komal on Instagram


What sets 'Better Together' apart is Dr King's genuine voice and relatable storytelling


In Better Together by Christine King, readers are invited into the intimate world of Dr. King and her beloved companion, Miss Lilly. Through their shared experiences, Dr. King eloquently demonstrates the profound impact that animals can have on our lives, particularly in times of struggle and adversity.

At the heart of the book is the unwavering bond between Dr. King and Miss Lilly, which is portrayed with sincerity and depth. Dr. King's affection for her furry friend is palpable, and she affectionately refers to Miss Lilly as her "fairy dogmother," a charming testament to their unique relationship.

As Dr. King recounts their adventures and daily routines, readers are treated to a heartwarming narrative that celebrates the joys of companionship and the transformative power of love.

Beyond the heartwarming anecdotes, Better Together also delves into more profound themes, such as mental health and the healing power of animals. Dr. King candidly shares her struggles with depression and how her relationship with Miss Lilly provided solace and support during difficult times. Through her own journey, Dr. King underscores the importance of self-care and emotional well-being, highlighting how feeling good can empower us to make positive choices and live more fulfilling lives.

What sets Better Together apart is Dr. King's genuine voice and relatable storytelling. Her vulnerability and honesty invite readers to empathize with her experiences and reflect on their own relationships with animals. Whether you're an animal lover or simply someone seeking inspiration and comfort, this book offers a poignant reminder of the profound connections that enrich our lives.

In summary, Better Together is a beautifully crafted tribute to the transformative power of animal companionship. Dr. Christine King's heartfelt narrative serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that we are truly better together with the animals we love.

Akash Jha

on Amazon


The book has a lot of warmth and humor & is a pleasure to read


In the book, you'll find:

• Heartwarming stories about the bond between Author & Miss Lilly.

• Honest discussions about dealing with anxiety, depression, & low self-esteem.

• Inspiring messages about how the love from our pets can help us feel happier & more creative.

• Fun & touching moments that will make you smile.

This is a legit warm & touching book about how animals can make our lives better. The Author shares stories from [her] own life to show how pets can inspire us & help us feel happier & more creative. In this book she also talks about how our pets lives get better when we are happy & creative. This means that when we take care of ourselves & feel good, it also helps our pets. They enjoy our company more & we can have more fun together. This shows that the love we share with our pets goes both ways. When we are happy, they are happy too.

“Loving them & being loved in return, makes us feel good & that changes everything.” This means that when we love our pets & they love us back, it makes a big difference in our lives. Author explains this through her close friendship with her dog, Miss Lilly.

Miss Lilly is not just a pet she is a furry soul friend. Through their story, we see how much a pet can mean to someone. She shares honestly about her struggles with feeling good about herself, dealing with anxiety, & even thinking about suicide. It's very brave of her to talk about these things, & it helps readers understand that they are not alone if they feel the same way.

Even though the book talks about serious issues, it is also full of joy & happiness. There are funny and sweet stories that will make you smile. The book has a lot of warmth and humor & is a pleasure to read.

This is a wonderful book for all the animal lovers out there. This book is a beautiful reminder of the power of love & how our pets can inspire us to be our best selves. If you love animals and want to feel inspired, Better Together is a book you should definitely read.

Anjali Nolkha

readbyheart on Instagram


Her stories are funny and wise, which makes them both enjoyable and educational


The book Better Together is penned by the author Christine King. This touching and transforming book explores the connection between people and animals and shows how these interactions may inspire creativity and improve our lives. The experiences of the author with her beloved dog, Miss Lilly, serve as the basis for this personal memoir and how-to manual.

The author's story is completely forthright and extremely intimate. She talks candidly about her battles with anxiety, sadness, and low self-esteem. She also opens up about her struggle with suicide ideas. She describes how Miss Lilly's affection and company were essential to her recovery and development along the way. Because of its openness, readers who are going through similar struggles will find the book reassuring and relevant.

The transformational power of love is the author's fundamental subject. The author writes beautifully about the ways in which the act of simply to love and be loved by our dogs can make us feel better, stimulate our creativity, and make our lives happier. Her stories are funny and wise in addition to being heartfelt, which makes reading them both enjoyable and educational.

Every page reflects the author's love of animals and her profound comprehension of their emotional significance. Her observations offer direction for building a happy existence enhanced by the affection and company of our animal companions. Offering readers a ray of hope and a path to a happier life, the book is a celebration of love in its most basic form.

The book's cheerful tone is one of its most captivating features. Because of this harmony, the book shines with optimism and hope, inspiring readers to find comfort and motivation in their interactions with animals. This book is a moving meditation on how our creative fulfillment and happiness can improve the quality of life of our animal buddies.

Himanshu Sharma

coreofacritic on Istagram

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Reviews & Testimonials

This is a book of love

This is a book of love. It is written with honesty, determination and wonderment. It is about love, expresses love, explores love, shares love, and gives a glimmer of insight to the meaning of love from the perspective of the other side of the veil. If there is a veil.


And... this book came at the right time for me.... as it will for many people who will pick it up. You have expressed in words what so many of us feel and carry in our hearts.


The end came too quickly and sharply. Until I read the epilogue which softened my perspective and carried me away into my own Pollyanna world. 


OMG "I love my family and friends. I love my dog more". 🤣 You said it out loud!!

Shauna Cantwell, DVM, MVSc, DipACVAA

Medicine Wheel Veterinary Services, Ocala FL