mrsthrift's review
3.0
I got this at the Pittsburgh Airport, which actually has a semi-decent bookstore in its AIRMALL, on my last trip to Olympia. I am currently facing a life with 2 difficult cats and 2 difficult dogs, so I thought an uplifting story of man's best friend could bring some peace and hope. Dude is overtly British and makes too many references to his Choice to Be A Writer, but he paints his ladyfriend in a darling light - I like people who are able to communicate how much they love someone without endlessly professing their adoration and devotion. He provides the same charming perspective on his relationship with Ollie, the rescued lurcher -- there were moments where his frustration and defeat dripped from the page, and my own patience wore thin with their struggles. The book was a quick and easy read. I laughed when his lurcher humiliated him again and again at the park. I felt like the climatic "bonding" moments were splayed out in a way that was realistic and endearing. Difficult rescue dogs don't "normalize" overnight -- oftentimes it happens when you aren't even looking. I felt like this story captured that process realistically. I never need to read this book again, but it was a pleasant enough way to pass the plane ride.
robinhigdon's review against another edition
5.0
A must read or listen to for all dog lovers, especially ones with those anxiety ridden rescue dogs!
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