Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

I found this easy-to-read book very interesting, so passed it to a friend. She loved it and is passing it on to another friend, with the request to return it so that it can continue to make the rounds among her animal lover circle. I hate reading about cruelty, but when there’s a happy ending for the animal, it gives me hope that other unfortunate creatures might also find a better life.

In the tradition of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog and A Buffalo in the House: The True Story About a Man, an Animal, and the American West, two of my all-time favorites, Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love demonstrates how love transcends between an owner and his dog. Rescued by police after his face is mauled as a "bait dog," Oogy is adopted by the author Larry Levin and his family. Levin shares their experiences together with eloquence and genuine insight. As an owner of three rescued dogs, I highly recommend this book.

Great easy read. I wanted more of Oogy when the book ended. How lucky they all were to have found each other. If you've ever had the 'special' dog find you this story will feel like home. Loved it!

When I first saw the cover of the book, I was drawn into the picture. Just looking at him made me laugh but it also made me think why some people can be so cruel and hurt any animal. I have a cat right now but I love dogs. The book was easy to read and I finished the book rather quickly. I felt that I was sitting next to the author as he was telling the story and Oogy was lying at my feet.If you are an animal lover you will love this book.

I am a HUGE dog-lover. I will never understand how some people can be so cruel to a helpless animal. This book made me cry so hard but it also made me smile. It's amazing how a dog can come into your life and change you just because you took the time to look at them. My dogs are not pets, they are a member of my family. I take care of them and they take care of me. They are my Oogy. If you are an animal lover, you HAVE to read this amazing story.

I was hooked by the picture of Oogy on the cover. The story did not disappoint. This is a noble dog, an inspirational dog. (As someone says to the author, "When was the last time you heard of a fighting dog who was inspirational?" I don't have the quote exactly right, but it's just what I was thinking while reading.) Oogy had a horrendous history - he was literally a throw-away dog when Larry Levin and his sons first met him. Somehow Oogy's spirit and love for all creatures survived an unthinkable ordeal and shone through to all who met him, even when he was close to death and in incredible pain. This is an amazing animal, and the narrative works best when Larry Levin makes the story about Oogy. Of course it is also about a family, but it is mostly about this amazing dog. True animal lovers - vets, rescuers - recognize the special nature of this animal. People seeing him on the street are initially put off by his appearance but quickly won over by his personality. The writing style is straightforward which works well with the compelling and emotional nature of the story. I cried early and often. It is a quick read but it will stay with me for a long, long time. Minor quibble: it seemed that the author was way too hard on himself every time Oogy suffered some pain, and obsessed with making it up to Oogy for the unthinkable experiences of his early life. Mr. Levin is apparently an attorney with a very flexible schedule that allows him to spend a lot of time at home, and his bonding with Oogy is so complete that he occasionally seems to lose perspective. Another quibble is the title. Everybody loves Oogy. That's the whole point. I think the story works so well because this is basically a normal family whose lives are touched by an extraordinary dog. Oogy is the miracle. Very highly recommended.