I Have Heard You Calling in the Night

Thomas Healy is a hard drinking, hard fighting man - not much different from other hard drinkers, I suppose. On a whim, he buys a Doberman puppy, Martin. The responsibility of caring for Martin seems to awaken a sense of responsibility in Mr Healy. As Mr Healy takes care of Martin and Martin takes care of Mr Healy, the relationship blossoms into a best friend relationship. So what if one of the friends has 4 legs instead of two? This is mostly about Mr Healy's transformation to a drunken fighter to a more gentle soul but it is an amazing transformation. If you ever have doubts that animals can heal, you should definitely read this book. I recommend it highly and I'm not even a "dog person".

As an animal lover and dog owner, I was drawn to this book. As a mental health professional who regularly works with people struggling with substance abuse issues, the book also appealed to me from that aspect. I completed my Master's Thesis on Pet Therapy, so I already know the powerful benefits one could get from pets. This book confirmed it all for me. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I thouroughly enjoyed the book!

I am a big fan of autobiographies and Thomas tells his story like no other. Thomas shares his intimate feelings and how he overcame his downward descent with the help of a puppy. Anyone who has been down and out knows that sometimes you need something to grab as your life preserver, for Thomas it was his puppy Martin. Anyone who deals with alcoholism, wether in their own family or within themselves, will benefit from reading this story of triumph and overcoming the clutches of alcohol and how it effects us and everyone around us. An inspiring read you will not soon forget.

I finished this book last night and was sorry to have it end. I had really enjoyed looking forward to picking up where I had left off the previous reading. This story was well written because it was from the heart. An honest look at oneself by a man who was redeemed and given a second chance by his love for a dog. His deepening faith over a long period of time, as a Roman Catholic, was beautifully depicted, as was his love for his mother and his wonderfully supportive sister, Mary. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves dogs; has an addiction; or wants to read an inspiring story of increased faith by a very beautiful author. Hope you keep writing more for us!

I can't remember the last time I was this moved by a book. This is a great book for anyone who has ever loved and lost someone, whether human or dog. I would like to thank the author for sharing his story and inspiring others.