“The first time I saw it I knew. This was my destiny: I would pursue this object with all my being, with all the passion and desire I could muster, again and again and again.”
About the book
Me & Chris is the story of a dog named Alex and his master, Chris, as told from Alex's imagined perspective. In this highly visual, memoir-style album, the two share a lifetime of adventures: building gardens and stone walls, renovating houses, forming and ending relationships, and—in a novel and sometimes controversial way—teaching visual art to elementary school students in an urban public school. This visually rich book is fully illustrated with color photographs and the artist-author's original journal pages and artwork.
“Life Affirming—I could not stop turning the pages. Tears streaming a few times (in a good way). It was a unique perspective and so very thought provoking. It made me want to run home and cuddle my dogs just for being canine ❤️🐾.”
I would not be the person I am or a teacher if it were not for Alex, my dog and faithful friend for 16 years.
“Yes, I am the best doggy — cute enough for you?!”
Journal entry from Friday, September 22, 1995
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
—Unknown
From: sharon crain
Date: June 23, 2018 at 2:47:23 PM EDT
To: chriscozzi@comcast.net
Subject: Alex
Dear Chris,
OHHHHHH MYYYYYY!!!!!!!
I do not have adequate words to describe the sheer joy I felt when I read Alex’s book. It is so fantastic- so real- so true- so Alex!!!
You have indeed captured and honored the real Alex. He was more than a dog. He was a teacher and an incredible inspiration for many — such as Saowalack.
He was also a terrific writer. So many times in the book I found myself giggling at Alex as he said things such as” We would go off to work and jump in the truck—- well, I would jump in the truck.” It was so cute to read a book from a dog’s perspective.
You really did such a marvelous job of weaving the story and showing the photos to present a unique picture of a wonderful dog and his owner.
Congratulations Chris. This is a brilliant book and all of us at 151 Circle Beach are mighty proud of Alex and of Alex’s book and Alex’s owner.
Thank you so very much for the gift of this book. We will treasure it as Alex’s neighbor and friend.
Saowalack is so eager to talk with you and have you sign her copy of the book. As she says: Alex chanced her life.with great appreciation, Sharon and Bill and family (plus Tasha)
Date: June 19, 2018 at 7:32:45 PM EDT
To: CHRISTOPHER COZZI <chriscozzi@comcast.net>
Subject: Alex Book
Hi Chris,I received the book...😢😢😢❤❤❤the book is so beautiful...😇😇😇I am so overwhelming to be in touch with Alex again. So many Alex pictures as like he is still here...I am forever thankful to met Alex. Whose had become my hero, he had shown to me...how to heal by trusting one another. Because of my fear of human, Alex was god sent to me to reconnected with my lost soul again. So much can't be explained but please know he is my hero...Alex was a gentleman in my life, he was my healer. I am so honored to know Alex. I was his student, he taught me so much to moved on and go forward and until now...Alex still in every moment of my life if I need to connect to him...as if he is still my healer. I hope he is looking down to me...and proud of me how far I have come along...Thank you for writing this book.
By the way I will bring the book to the beach house for you to sign...I will leave the book with Mary and Richard. Hopefully you can stop signing it for me one day before end of Summer.
Have a wonderful trip in Italy.
Saowalack
Enjoyed the illustrated diary of Alex very much...his aversion to chlorine, fixation in that iconic yellow tennis ball, our natural beauty of New England, stone wall masonry, interpersonal relationships, wary school principals and of course skunks! For me a meaningful moment to reflect on rescue and companionship! A short animated version could be very cool indeed!
Best to Chris.
Andy