Thursday, April 28, 2011

Oogy: A Dog Only a Family Could Love - Larry Levin (Audio)





ATTENTION!  ATTENTION!  Oogy goes not die in this book!

Isn't that the first thing you think when you see a book with an animal on its cover?  Me too, and I generally avoid them like the plague.  I don't need that kind of crying in my life.  But this story is a happy one, so the only tears you will shed are tears of joy.

Synopsis:  This is the tale of the luckiest and the happiest doggie on earth, Oogy.  Oogy was used as a bait dog for a dog-fighting ring, and was discovered in an alley with one side of his face ripped apart.  Police officers brought him to a veterinary hospital, where it's big-hearted employees made it their mission to save him. 

Larry Levin was in the right place at the right time, when he visited the hospital to put a beloved old pet cat to sleep.  While they were there, he and his twin sons took one look at the dog and knew they were meant to adopt him.  They nursed Oogy through countless surgeries to repair his face, and gave him all of the love he had been missing in the first few months of his life.  Despite all of the abuses he suffered, he never showed any signs of aggression, and proved to be a faithful, gentle and loving dog for Levin's family.

Levin not only tells us the story of Oogy's life, but the tale of Levin and his wife's inability to have children, and their adoption of their twin boys.  Levin finds serendipity in these two stories, and the miracle of having their sons and the dog in his life.  This is one of those rare stories that leave you with a smile on your face.

My thoughts:  It is hard for me to find fault in a story about a poor, pathetic, wounded doggy who was nursed back to health and brings joy to the lives he comes in contact with.  It is a precious story, and one that will do your heart good.

I can't say that the book is exceptionally-written, but it is from the heart.  There is a tendency for Levin to go into too much detail with regards to his daily schedule and his family's challenges, but I understand that there was a point in the telling of his story. 

Bottom line, this is a story that is clean and uplifting, one that anyone in the family would appreciate, especially animal-lovers that cherish their pets unconditionally, no matter what their appearance and no matter what the sacrifice.

A quick word of thanks to Heather (Raging Bibliomania) for loaning me this audio. 

A word about the audio production:  Joe Barrett was our reader for this short, 5-disc audio book.  I've never experienced his work before, but he has narrated some respectable novels, such as The Bonfire of the Vanities and A Prayer For Owen Meany.  His voice was pleasant and easy to listen to.

3.5 out of 5 stars   






18 comments:

Unknown said...

So sweet. I'm trying to get a dog and so am drawn to dog stories at the moment. I must remember to check whether the dog dies before reading it though :-)

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I have this book and have been debating about reading it. I love when they don't die at the end!!! :--)

Bybee said...

I thought it would be just like Marley.

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

So glad you highlight that Oogy doesn't die! That's the thing about animal stories - they rip me to shreds every single time, so I normally stay away from them. I'm so glad that it's definitely written from the heart, though, which this story certainly would have to be given the importance of the message to not be cruel to animals, and that dog fighting is just absolutely horrible.

Zibilee said...

I am glad that Oogy didn't die as well, because frankly, that is what has stopped me from picking up this book. It sounds like it was a heartwarming read, and now that I know that it doesn't end badly, I really want to get into the audio. Thanks, Sandy, for braving the waters for all of us and scoping out the situation with Oogy!

Julie @ Read Handed said...

Adorable. I love the name Oogy - so cute! Thanks for the review.

Darlene said...

Well this sure sounds like one I'd like! I too avoid the sad ones.

Ti said...

After reading Pit Stops, about the stigma attached to bully breeds, I started to watch Pit Bulls and Parolees. That show is addicting! You should check it out. You know, because you have so much time on your hands ;)

This books sounds so sweet.

Julie P. said...

Sounds like a heartwarming story! :)

Heidenkind said...

Why is he named Oogy?

bermudaonion said...

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for stories like this!

Meg @ write meg! said...

Thanks for the heads-up regarding the non-death of Oogy -- you're right, whenever I see a book about a dog (or even with a dog!), I'm just waiting for something to happen to the poor creature!

Sounds like a heartwarming story, though I imagine I would want to swiftly deliver punches to the face and gonads for anyone who contributed to the harm of this animal. The disgusting depths of humanity are appalling sometimes.

Jenny said...

I go back and forth on books about pets. It just seems like they're are so many lately, but this little guy does sound cute. =)

caite said...

I am putting all these books about dogs..and cats and whatever critter...on the same list as memoirs. That is, not to be read unless there is something exceptional about them.

Alyce said...

I've got this one on my shelf, and your review tells me that it's pretty much going to be the book I expect it to be, which in this case is a good thing. :)

Unknown said...

That face!! Oogy is a great name. I just can't read sad books about pets....they make me so sad!!
This does sound like an uplifting read.
Thanks for the review Sandy

christina said...

I absolutely love your ATTENTION. I grew up with a mom that wouldn't allow me to watch Lassie because IRL the dog was abused. It's accurate to say I've never seen ANY lassie movies/shows or Benji and let's so, oh yes, I've even NEVER seen BAMBI! :)

Melissa said...

I may give this one a try when I'm in the mood for a short audio!