All Things Dog Blog

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Dandy Dog Book Review:
You Had Me at Woof

Guest book review by Kristine Tonks

Photo courtesy Amazon

After reading the first chapter of Julie Klam’s book, You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness, my first thought was, “I could have written this myself.” I immediately identified with Klam’s early struggles to find her place. Skipping from job to job, she didn’t know what she was meant to be or what she was supposed to do. Following a hilarious attempt at becoming an animal communicator, the author eventually found what she was looking for in a funny-faced little Boston Terrier named Otto. The setting and specifics may have been different, but the overall experience was the same. I have a feeling Klam and I would be excellent friends.

Obviously, this was only the start of the story. I can only hope my future turns out to be as interesting as the author’s adventures. And my future dogs as sweet.

Otto’s life was unfortunately cut short by illness. It took Klam a long time before she felt ready to bring a new dog into her home. This is something else to which many can relate. By this time she was pregnant with her first child and holding down a steady writing career. She adopted her next dog from a Boston terrier rescue group in New York. Despite some issues, Beatrice proved to be the perfect addition to the increasingly hectic household. Though very different from Otto, she had just as many lessons to teach about love, patience, and sacrifice.

It is at this point the author decided to take her passion for dogs one step further. I alternated between giggling and sobbing as Klam described her experiences as a volunteer with the Boston terrier rescue. A long line of foster dogs paraded through the apartment. It was impossible not to burst out laughing at Hank’s crazy antics, and not to cry at the horrifying conditions of the city pound. Every dog was a new challenge. Klam’s tenacity and warm spirit through it all was an inspiration.

Julie Klam writes from a very personal space. As I read, I felt as if I was experiencing it all with her: the helplessness when a beloved foster dog was hit by a car, the exasperation when another refused to attend doggy day care, and the delight in puppies newly born. Just when things would settle, one of the dogs would come up with a new surprise. Even though Klam made sure not to sugar-coat the dirty details, she made it obvious when it comes to dogs, the joy far outweighs the pain.

One of the most important messages I gathered from this book, is that dog rescue is something achievable by anyone. Dog fostering doesn’t require a doctorate in animal welfare or a forty acre farm. All it takes is the desire to do some good. If someone like Julie Klam, who I identify with so much, can have four very different dogs in a very small apartment, packed in with a child and understanding husband, maybe I can do it too. With my cat’s permission, of course.

Kristine Tonks is a former history student who has recently discovered a passion for all things dog; she writes Rescued Insanity. If she hadn't adopted her dog, Shiva, from the shelter when she did, the piles of books would have taken over her house. Kristine feels that rescuing Shiva is by far the best thing she has ever done.

Other Book Reviews you may enjoy:
Oogy
Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life
The Darkest Evening of the Year

Want your own copy of You Had Me at Woof? Click here to order your right now:

Friday, March 4, 2011

Darby's Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog

by guest blogger, Kristine Tonks
of Rescued Insanity

I don’t take the time to read children’s books very often. When I heard about Darby’s Story: The Life of an Adopted Dog by Martha Steward, I jumped at the opportunity. Any book starring a sweet rescue dog is automatically on my reading list. I doubt anyone could look at the cover of this book without falling in love.

This isn’t a typical boy-meets-dog story. After all, neither Darby the husky mix, nor Drew the young child, are quite conventional. The book begins with the author and her son, Drew, attending an adoption event at a local pet store. Instead of rushing toward the energetic puppies, the two think carefully about the kind of dog who will best fit their lifestyle. Once they spot quiet Darby, relaxing in his crate, they take the time to get to know him first before making the big decision to bring him home. This way they ensured that not only would they be happy with Darby, but he would be equally happy with them. It’s an important message for all who are thinking of owning a dog.

The rest of the book goes on to illustrate the funny and interesting ways in which a dog added to the life of Drew and his mother. As the boy grew up, Darby was there to keep him entertained. Sometimes it seemed Darby was more of a sibling than a pet. The two even competed for prime seating in the car. Throughout the story, the small family went through many changes. They moved to a farm and adopted several other animals. Each one, especially the cat, provided a new challenge for Darby. I enjoyed Steward’s insertion of her guesses at what could be on his mind. Like many dog owners, I often do the same.

By the end of the tale, I was on the verge of tears. As we all know, the life of a dog is much too short. They could live for centuries and it wouldn’t be long enough. The author dealt with the last few years of Darby’s contented life with delicacy. Steward even included valuable notes on helping children say goodbye to a beloved friend. There was sadness, of course, but also joy for the memories they shared.

In my opinion, Darby’s Story is the perfect bed-time story book. While younger children may have a difficult time grasping some of the concepts, I think all would enjoy snuggling down to hear about Darby’s fun adventures with his multi-species family. I know the photo of the large dog sleeping with the baby goat will give me pleasant dreams for many nights to come.

Want to win a copy of Darby's Story for a special child in your life? Comments here on this post, as well on about this post on our Facebook page, will be entered in a special drawing to win a free copy of Darby's Story. The winner's name will be announced next week on March 11, 2011.

More on Darby's Story:
The website
The blog
Authorhouse (to purchase your own copy)

5 Minutes for Fido just about always has some sort of commentary on my posts. What are they up to today?

Kristine Tonks is a former history student who has recently discovered a passion for all things dog; she writes Rescued Insanity. If she hadn't adopted her dog, Shiva, from the shelter when she did, the piles of books would have taken over her house. Kristine feels that rescuing Shiva is by far the best thing she has ever done. Kristine also reviewed A Small Furry Prayer Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life here on All Things Dog Blog.