Posted: Thursday, April 22, 2010 --- 3:45 a.m.

There are so many books about dogs and even books about grieving over them after they die.

But a new book is about preparing yourself and your four legged friend during what can be a long good-bye process.

This brand new book "The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer" was just awarded this week the prestigious Natalus Award, other winners have been the Dalia Lama and Depak Chopra which is why it makes this week's Hot Trends.

Attorney Doug Koktavy got the "B Brothers" Beezer and Boomer and raised them like family.

The story is as much about Doug and his journey as it is his dogs.

The B brothers were close as you can tell. This book, a wonderful read, is about learning through losing. And trusting ourselves as we take care of our ailing pets.

These dogs were his family visiting the park as often as possible.

Then, at just 9 years old, Beezer got kidney disease.

Doug did everything but was emotionally beaten when Beezer left. Many of us can relate to that.

Then, Boomer got cancer a few years later. He went through the same thing, yet Doug's emotional state was very different.
That final day was filled with treats, and Doug felt blessed to spend one more afternoon with what he calls "my big dog." He was sad but very much at ease emotionally.

His dogs taught him to live in the moment. Guilt is about the past, fear is about the future. He said that he realizes that in life, pain is mandatory, but your suffering is optional.