Oogy by Larry Levin
Everyone who has visited So Many Precious Books, know what a sucker I am for all living being, cutie and furry, so how was I to resist this book. I took one look at the cover and fell in love with yet another dog, Oogy.
This memoir is about Oogy and the family who adopted him. He wasn't the first adoptee in his family. Larry Levin and his wife, Jennifer weren't able to have biological children so they adopted. They quite surprised when they got the call saying that the mother had given birth to twins. They named the boys Dan and Noah.
It was when Dan and Noah were 12 years old that Oogy came into their life. Larry and the boys had gone to the veterinarian with their ill cat and was greeted by Oogy. He inquired about him and found out that Oogy had been near death when he was brought in by the police after a drug raid. It turned out that he had been a "bait" dog. Used to train other dogs how to fight. Half his face was bitten of along with one of his ears. The fight dogs were suppose to kill him but they didn't quite succeed. Oogy was just a puppy then, only about three months old.
You would have thought that that experience would have affected him for life, become a mean dog himself but he loved people, and it was love at first site for both Oogy and the Levin's. He slept with the boys every night and watched over them. When the boys graduated high school he was there to see them go off to college.
I was worried when I started reading this book. So many books about pets end the same way but this one didn't. It was a heart warming tribute to Oogy and the family who still love him. It wasn't as sentimental as some stories I have read and for that I am thankful. The descriptions of Oogy's experience as a bait dog were painful to read but necessary. Larry Levin treated his entire family, including Oogy with respect.
If you have any suspicions of animal cruelty where you live, please learn from Oogy and call animal welfare immediately. Also, as Bob Barker says, "have you pets spayed or neutered."
4/5
Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Book Group for sending me the hardcover edition of this book.
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I'm listening to the audioversion of Oogy right now in my car and when I get in the house I just want to give my dog a big hug. I am loving this book and it did bring me to tears a couple of times.
Jo-Jo said... December 9, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Jo-Jo, tears, me too!
Teddy Rose said... December 9, 2010 at 12:07 PM
I've got the same soft spot Teddy Rose. That's how we ended up with our own Oogy.
Luanne said... December 10, 2010 at 4:48 AM
Luanne, I wish I could rescue all the dogs and cats in the world.
Teddy Rose said... December 11, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Oh I too fell in love with OOGY. He has such character and grace not to mention more love than people half his size sometimes. Definitely a touching story but also one of resilience, the love of family, and overcoming the cards we are dealt. Thanks for sharing!
Gina said... December 12, 2010 at 12:29 AM
GMR, it is all that.
Teddy Rose said... December 12, 2010 at 2:11 PM
I really enjoyed this book - not to read about Oogy's sufferings, but his triumphant life after that he's still experiencing full of love. He's a gem.
flmom said... December 17, 2010 at 6:29 AM
Aww poor Oogy. What a name. Is that a pitty? It looks like one. I love animal books too, especially dogs.
Kathleen said... December 17, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Flmom, he is a gem. I wish I could meet him in person.
Callista, Oogy is very much loved now.
Teddy Rose said... December 17, 2010 at 1:48 PM
I have this book on my TBR list but am a little apprehensive about reading it. I've heard it was a great book but was afraid the "sad" factor would outweigh the "full good" factor. After your review I think I can now bring myself to read it.
Laura H. said... December 24, 2010 at 2:46 PM
Laura, the "happy out weights the bad, for sure.
Teddy Rose said... December 24, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Great review! I also fell in love with the cover (Who can resist such a cover?! Oogy is so cute.) and bought a copy of this. I shall be receiving it soon :)
I read a couple of pages online and the first few pages already drew me in. I simply can't wait to start reading it!
YWLiang said... February 18, 2011 at 4:14 PM
YW, I know. I wish I could meet Oogy in person. He should go on tour. LOL! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
Teddy Rose said... February 18, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Sounds like a nice tribute
bn100 said... February 11, 2014 at 5:33 PM
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