Using the dog as a metaphor for unconditional love and other delightful and life-enhancing spiritual curiosities, AND THEREBY HANGS A TALE both charms and instructs. It explores intimacy (and the fear of intimacy). It takes a long look at Christianity, and uses the dog to refresh our gaze. Prepare to laugh and cry with David as he relives certain episodes and finds life application in each of them. References to Thomas Merton, Brother Lawrence, Bernard of Clairvaux (St. Bernard), among many others.