Helpful Score: 8
This isn't only a story about Oogy who was adopted by a loving family, but also about the story of their adoptive twins as well. Larry Levin weaves a tale that pulls together the stories of how his sons and eventually Oogy came into his life. In fact this book seems to me to be more of a love letter to his family and Oogy even more than a story.
Now, I do have one major criticism. One, I think is clear to Larry Levin, himself, and seems evident in the book. Oogy has had very little training. It seems as though when some sort of training was implemented, Mr. Levin would make the excuse that it was upsetting Oogy in some way and with his past, didn't need more pain in his life. I find this contrary to his insistance on keeping an invisible fence to keep Oogy on the property. It has upset Oogy to the point that he has had some behavioral resistance to the collar and the boundary area. And as I do understand not wanting to impose too much on a dog that has gone through literal hell, I do not agree that positive training would do that to a dog. In fact, it is often the opposite effect. A dog who has well defined boundaries is a more confident dog. It's not unlike children. When they have those boundaries, they know there is safety there. They know that what is good and bad behavior. What is helpful to the family and detrimental.
Now that this is off my chest, I can say that I am glad that Mr. Levin has written this book. It shows another side of dogos and pit bulls (both fighting breeds) that the public at large does not often get to see. And if you have spent any time here at the blog, you know I'm against BSL (breed specific laws). This is one reason why. Within BSL, this family would have had to give up Oogy for no reason other than he was a fighting breed. He had no bite record and even his vet would attest that this dog would not bite a human. Even so, through BSL, it wouldn't matter. Only thing that would matter is that he was a fighting breed of dog.
I give this book 3 stars. It's more of an example of a great dog than a story. However, it is an example worth reading. I also liked it because there was a lot there that reminded me of the 1/2 pit bull that came into my life when I was a kid. He was also a sweetheart who's biggest problem is that there wasn't enough puppies and kittens around him at all times.
Now, I do have one major criticism. One, I think is clear to Larry Levin, himself, and seems evident in the book. Oogy has had very little training. It seems as though when some sort of training was implemented, Mr. Levin would make the excuse that it was upsetting Oogy in some way and with his past, didn't need more pain in his life. I find this contrary to his insistance on keeping an invisible fence to keep Oogy on the property. It has upset Oogy to the point that he has had some behavioral resistance to the collar and the boundary area. And as I do understand not wanting to impose too much on a dog that has gone through literal hell, I do not agree that positive training would do that to a dog. In fact, it is often the opposite effect. A dog who has well defined boundaries is a more confident dog. It's not unlike children. When they have those boundaries, they know there is safety there. They know that what is good and bad behavior. What is helpful to the family and detrimental.
Now that this is off my chest, I can say that I am glad that Mr. Levin has written this book. It shows another side of dogos and pit bulls (both fighting breeds) that the public at large does not often get to see. And if you have spent any time here at the blog, you know I'm against BSL (breed specific laws). This is one reason why. Within BSL, this family would have had to give up Oogy for no reason other than he was a fighting breed. He had no bite record and even his vet would attest that this dog would not bite a human. Even so, through BSL, it wouldn't matter. Only thing that would matter is that he was a fighting breed of dog.
I give this book 3 stars. It's more of an example of a great dog than a story. However, it is an example worth reading. I also liked it because there was a lot there that reminded me of the 1/2 pit bull that came into my life when I was a kid. He was also a sweetheart who's biggest problem is that there wasn't enough puppies and kittens around him at all times.
Jennifer D. (Jennmarie68) reviewed Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Being an animal lover I'm a little biased to how great this book was.... But I think it'd take a person without a heart to be at least a little touched by the story of Oogy.
Oogy is a rescue dog who was horribly disfigured, apparently as a bait dog to train fighting dogs. The poor dog suffered through his pain and despite the odds was nursed back to health by a vet who did all Oogy's work for free!
Oogy's story is full of mischievousness, love, compassion, and sadness. As Levin explains what he's learned of Oogy and how he got to be where he was I cried. Animal abuse is so heart-wrenching. And while I know they can't all be saved it warms my heart to read stories like this, ones with happy endings.
Oogy's antics are sometimes hilarious, as I can see my dogs trying some of the same things (although I must admit they're not yet smart enough to open the refrigerator, but I wouldn't put it past them). The story doesn't just follow Oogy but it follows the entire family as they grow as a unit.
This was a very quick read. I finished it in one setting and it only took me two hours. It's so well written that I could envision exactly what Levin is describing (although the pictures at the beginnings of chapters did help me to build an image in my mind).
A review copy of this title was provided by the publisher.
Oogy is a rescue dog who was horribly disfigured, apparently as a bait dog to train fighting dogs. The poor dog suffered through his pain and despite the odds was nursed back to health by a vet who did all Oogy's work for free!
Oogy's story is full of mischievousness, love, compassion, and sadness. As Levin explains what he's learned of Oogy and how he got to be where he was I cried. Animal abuse is so heart-wrenching. And while I know they can't all be saved it warms my heart to read stories like this, ones with happy endings.
Oogy's antics are sometimes hilarious, as I can see my dogs trying some of the same things (although I must admit they're not yet smart enough to open the refrigerator, but I wouldn't put it past them). The story doesn't just follow Oogy but it follows the entire family as they grow as a unit.
This was a very quick read. I finished it in one setting and it only took me two hours. It's so well written that I could envision exactly what Levin is describing (although the pictures at the beginnings of chapters did help me to build an image in my mind).
A review copy of this title was provided by the publisher.
Helpful Score: 3
I cried while I read this book. I cannot comprehend the depravity of people who force dogs to fight and then leave them to die like trash. I am, however, sincerely grateful that people like Larry Lavin would go to those lengths to save a life and share such an inspiring story. There certainly needs to be more awareness to this horrible dog-fighting. Give this book to someone you know who is on the fence about it or thinks it's ok. This book could change their mind....I believe it will!
Helpful Score: 2
what a great, heart warming story of an unfortunate dog,that finds his forever home!!! this book will for sure stay with me for years to come!! highly recommend for reading this. I read it to my partner out loud in a day. I couldn't put it down
Helpful Score: 2
This book starts out very well, and Oogy's story really draws you right in. I am always astounded with an animal's capacity to love, even after experiencing what Oogy did.
That said, I must admit that by the middle of the book, I was shocked and even a bit upset with Oogy's owners, particularly with the author himself, as he appeared to be the worst offender. Just because a dog has been abused, it does not mean that the animal should never again receive any sort of discipline! Allowing an 85 pound dog to sleep on your dining room table, or even climb right up on there while you're eating is simply not acceptable. Allowing him to raid your cabinets and refrigerator, and shred your furniture is also unacceptable. I wanted to climb into the book to shake the owners and teach that poor dog some manners.
Additionally, I felt that the book could have been shorter. The author added a lot of information about his sons and their adoption process that I really wasn't all that interested in.
A great idea, an inspirational story, but a poor execution.
That said, I must admit that by the middle of the book, I was shocked and even a bit upset with Oogy's owners, particularly with the author himself, as he appeared to be the worst offender. Just because a dog has been abused, it does not mean that the animal should never again receive any sort of discipline! Allowing an 85 pound dog to sleep on your dining room table, or even climb right up on there while you're eating is simply not acceptable. Allowing him to raid your cabinets and refrigerator, and shred your furniture is also unacceptable. I wanted to climb into the book to shake the owners and teach that poor dog some manners.
Additionally, I felt that the book could have been shorter. The author added a lot of information about his sons and their adoption process that I really wasn't all that interested in.
A great idea, an inspirational story, but a poor execution.
Helpful Score: 2
Oogy's tale is about heartbreak and still being able to love after extreme circumstances. If only more humans could love like Oogy. Oogy's looks are due to being tossed in as bait for fighting dogs when he was a pup. It's great to know that even though there are many who disregard life that there are those who rise above to save, restore, and love beyond measure. Mr. Levin has had critical reviews by some who disagree with Oogy's behavior, however, I believe his person did not want to create more trauma. It's a tale of love not a perfect love-but how many love stories are truly perfect. A wonderful tale and I highly recommend this family's story.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was great . I loved how this dog was saved. And how a very abused dog was able to bond with a family.
Helpful Score: 1
I am so glad I listened to this book. I was already a confirmed animal lover, but this story taught me that I need to be more open minded about some of the dog breeds that tend to get a bad rap. Oogy proved that looks can be deceiving. When great love is given, it is often received in return.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a beautiful book and story. Oogy is a dogos Argentina breed but is mistaken for a pit bull. At 2 months old he is used in dog fights and left for dead. Yet a woman who runs the vet clinic Diane Won't give up. Oogy is a sweet lovable dog and the Levin family adopts him. They all fall in love with him and vice versa. If you love animals you will love this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a delightful book written by a man who rescued a dog ... or a man who was rescued by a dog. It is a quick read and a fun story. I recommend it to any dog lover.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I have read in a long time. It really shows us how love can heal a broken heart.
Helpful Score: 1
I love that this dog and this family ended up together.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is very touching.The author does a great job with desciptive writing. I found a few areas when he was describing his day to day,hum-drum life somewhat boring. Once you get past the day to day life descriptions, the story is captivating and wonderful especially for dog lovers.This book then became hard to put down. I considered keeping the book, but upon seeing how many wished to read it I could not.Enjoy everyone!
Eva Marie L. (babyjulie) -
Helpful Score: 1
What is every person carried with them a tiny piece of what makes Levin (and his family) so great? A tiny piece. Would that be so hard? Imagine the difference that would make for the animals in this country. In the world.
I finished this last night and I hope I get to meet Oogy someday. I'd get in my car and drive to the Levin's today if presented with the chance. He truly is remarkable. Oogy's story may be one of the rare ones but people should be aware there are others. If not in exactly the same situations. (Look up Firu on FaceBook for example.)
It scares me to think how much worse these animals would have it if it weren't for people like the Levins, the people who came into Oogy's life at the animal hospital, myself, other rescue workers, pet owners who go "above and beyond", etc. It's funny but we never look at it as "above and beyond" - it's just what people should do.
Oogy's story needed to be told. All of their stories need to be told. I had one main problem with the book and aside from that my comments will all be personal.
My main problem - Levin's writing. I've tried to not think too harshly because after all Levin isn't an author. (I find it kind of amusing that when I read the first few pages I immediately thought to myself that Levin had to be a journalist or a lawyer. He's a lawyer.)
But his writing is very.... detailed. Far too detailed. Far, far, far too detailed. Like, I don't care that he sleeps on the left side of his bed, or that he turns his doorknob to the right. I don't care that he sleeps using 3/4 of a blanket. I know he microwaves his coffee for 50 seconds. I don't want to know that. I don't want to know that much about my own kids life! Good God! It makes me wonder, since I know nothing about how publishing works, if maybe someone okay'd the book and gave him a minimum page count? But no, I think this is just him. Which is fine but it doesn't work extremely well in written form.
His writing is very bare. I think it would have done good to have had someone helping him along with this.
I don't like flowery, overly descriptive writing and it's the reason I stay away from certain kinds of fiction. You usually don't meet up with that in this sort of book. Unless this is something that would bother you to great extremes I say try it. It's quick, just over 200 pages, and it's meaningful. I don't agree with everything Levin writes about but a true animal lover he is. And I also want to point out, in case he ever reads this, he has multiple reasons to be proud of those boys of his. I'm sure he knows this but if what's written about them here is true, wow. I can only hope my daughter is like them when she's their age.
I almost forgot, does anyone think color photos were left out for a reason? Because of Oogy's looks? I wish they'd been included. Oogy isn't scary looking to me. I'd be hesitant to go up to him by myself or with my daughter without first asking permission but we do that with every dog. That should be done with every dog. If the owner said it was okay I'd be all over him and so would my daughter. I think he's beautiful.
About the personal stuff. One of the doctors involved with Oogy's care had a young boy come into his hospital years earlier. (Or what I'm led to believe was years earlier - it doesn't actually say.) The young boy had a torn up pit with him, was crying, and said his dog was attacked. Dr. Bianco fixed the dog up, handed him back and went about his business. (If he did this without charging the child, which I have to assume by the info here, he should be commended, that's rare as hell these days.) Several months later the kid came back. Same dog, same injuries, same act. Dr. Bianco stepped to the kid and told him he knew he was fighting the dog. So what did he do? Did he take the dog? Call the police? Even call the kids parents? He fixed the dog up - again - handed him over and told him to not bring him back. There is nothing included here about him trying to talk to the young boy, maybe to school him on dog fighting and what happens, etc. Nothing. One can only think of what that dogs time after that entailed. I'm sure his time on this earth ended by now. Not very professional IMO but certainly nothing having to do with the writing of this book. Something I wanted to mention.
Whenever I hear someone talk about how a dog can't, or they think they can't, understand certain words I laugh. While certain breeds are more capable of learning and understanding, most, if not all, dogs will understand some words at some point.
My Lab knows all of the usuals, 'want to go for a ride?', 'treat', 'bone', 'walk', 'ball', 'toy', 'shake'. He knows an insane amount of non-usuals like 'belly scratches', 'medicine', 'Julia', 'mailbox', 'ham', 'cheese', 'apartment', and I could keep going. And these are all words that are not associated with anything. Not with any special time of day, activity, mood, nothing. He knows the words. I don't consider that all that crazy myself. Maybe because I've been around dogs all my life. Aren't animals as a whole fairly intelligent? This makes me want to write down a complete - or as complete as possible - list of all the words Scooter knows. Just to see it in front of me. I may have to do that now.
I want to meet Oogy. I want to drive to his town and sit somewhere until he walks by. I want to pet him and I want to look in his eyes. I want to give him a kiss. Maybe one day I'll get to do that. Until then I'll be happy that he's made it to where he is now, that he's surrounded by love and great people, and that I got to know a little about his life.
I finished this last night and I hope I get to meet Oogy someday. I'd get in my car and drive to the Levin's today if presented with the chance. He truly is remarkable. Oogy's story may be one of the rare ones but people should be aware there are others. If not in exactly the same situations. (Look up Firu on FaceBook for example.)
It scares me to think how much worse these animals would have it if it weren't for people like the Levins, the people who came into Oogy's life at the animal hospital, myself, other rescue workers, pet owners who go "above and beyond", etc. It's funny but we never look at it as "above and beyond" - it's just what people should do.
Oogy's story needed to be told. All of their stories need to be told. I had one main problem with the book and aside from that my comments will all be personal.
My main problem - Levin's writing. I've tried to not think too harshly because after all Levin isn't an author. (I find it kind of amusing that when I read the first few pages I immediately thought to myself that Levin had to be a journalist or a lawyer. He's a lawyer.)
But his writing is very.... detailed. Far too detailed. Far, far, far too detailed. Like, I don't care that he sleeps on the left side of his bed, or that he turns his doorknob to the right. I don't care that he sleeps using 3/4 of a blanket. I know he microwaves his coffee for 50 seconds. I don't want to know that. I don't want to know that much about my own kids life! Good God! It makes me wonder, since I know nothing about how publishing works, if maybe someone okay'd the book and gave him a minimum page count? But no, I think this is just him. Which is fine but it doesn't work extremely well in written form.
His writing is very bare. I think it would have done good to have had someone helping him along with this.
I don't like flowery, overly descriptive writing and it's the reason I stay away from certain kinds of fiction. You usually don't meet up with that in this sort of book. Unless this is something that would bother you to great extremes I say try it. It's quick, just over 200 pages, and it's meaningful. I don't agree with everything Levin writes about but a true animal lover he is. And I also want to point out, in case he ever reads this, he has multiple reasons to be proud of those boys of his. I'm sure he knows this but if what's written about them here is true, wow. I can only hope my daughter is like them when she's their age.
I almost forgot, does anyone think color photos were left out for a reason? Because of Oogy's looks? I wish they'd been included. Oogy isn't scary looking to me. I'd be hesitant to go up to him by myself or with my daughter without first asking permission but we do that with every dog. That should be done with every dog. If the owner said it was okay I'd be all over him and so would my daughter. I think he's beautiful.
About the personal stuff. One of the doctors involved with Oogy's care had a young boy come into his hospital years earlier. (Or what I'm led to believe was years earlier - it doesn't actually say.) The young boy had a torn up pit with him, was crying, and said his dog was attacked. Dr. Bianco fixed the dog up, handed him back and went about his business. (If he did this without charging the child, which I have to assume by the info here, he should be commended, that's rare as hell these days.) Several months later the kid came back. Same dog, same injuries, same act. Dr. Bianco stepped to the kid and told him he knew he was fighting the dog. So what did he do? Did he take the dog? Call the police? Even call the kids parents? He fixed the dog up - again - handed him over and told him to not bring him back. There is nothing included here about him trying to talk to the young boy, maybe to school him on dog fighting and what happens, etc. Nothing. One can only think of what that dogs time after that entailed. I'm sure his time on this earth ended by now. Not very professional IMO but certainly nothing having to do with the writing of this book. Something I wanted to mention.
Whenever I hear someone talk about how a dog can't, or they think they can't, understand certain words I laugh. While certain breeds are more capable of learning and understanding, most, if not all, dogs will understand some words at some point.
My Lab knows all of the usuals, 'want to go for a ride?', 'treat', 'bone', 'walk', 'ball', 'toy', 'shake'. He knows an insane amount of non-usuals like 'belly scratches', 'medicine', 'Julia', 'mailbox', 'ham', 'cheese', 'apartment', and I could keep going. And these are all words that are not associated with anything. Not with any special time of day, activity, mood, nothing. He knows the words. I don't consider that all that crazy myself. Maybe because I've been around dogs all my life. Aren't animals as a whole fairly intelligent? This makes me want to write down a complete - or as complete as possible - list of all the words Scooter knows. Just to see it in front of me. I may have to do that now.
I want to meet Oogy. I want to drive to his town and sit somewhere until he walks by. I want to pet him and I want to look in his eyes. I want to give him a kiss. Maybe one day I'll get to do that. Until then I'll be happy that he's made it to where he is now, that he's surrounded by love and great people, and that I got to know a little about his life.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my all-time favorite dog tales. What a sweet animal and a really moving story. Animals give us so much. I recommend this to any and all warm-hearted animal lovers.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed OOGY. It is a positive, uplifting story about the rescue and rehabilitation of a dog. It's also a small peek into the heart of a man, the author, Larry Levin. His compassion and humanity are examples to follow.
Helpful Score: 1
Oogy is a heartwarming tale. It's so nice to know there are people like Mr. Levin in this world since there are people like the ones who tossed Oogy in with fighting dogs. This is a tale worth reading and I highly recommend this book. Oogy is beautiful.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
I adored this book, fell in love with Oogy and his family and everyone who cared enough about an abused puppy to save him. This book shows we shouldn't put stereotypes on breeds of animals. Oogy was orginally believed to be a pitbull puppy, who would have been euthanized not only due to his horrific injuries but just because of his breed. Turns out he was a rare Dogo. And turns out Oogy was a rare kind of dog in more ways than just his breed. This warmed my heart and reaffirmed my belief that we must be willing to look beneath the surface, we never know whats lying in wait to change our world.
Quick, easy read, I felt a part of this family and feel like Oogy is part mine.
Quick, easy read, I felt a part of this family and feel like Oogy is part mine.
This is a okay book. The cover got me reading the book. Oogy is a remarkable dog. I agree the hum drum of the authors life was boring. The story about his adopted sons is good. The ending is good also. It was worth while and quick read but be aware there are some boring parts.
I do animal rescue so I could tell many tales of incredible animals and their will to live. Yes, this is one of those amazing tales..that could have been told in a short story. To make it into a full book, a lot of filler had to be added that made it B-O-R-I-N-G! I won't deny Oogy is an amazing dog. I also won't deny this book may cause tears..some of sadness, some of boredom.
What a sweet book! Before you pick it up, you know that a family will love Oogy for the rest of his life. It is so sweet that his "dad" chronicles that and that Oogy, in return, loves the family back. It's a simple story but it is sooo sweet!
This book is a must read for anyone who has made a shelter dog a member of their family. We rescue them from uncertainty and loneliness but as is often said, "they rescue us." The story of Oogy is amazing how an abused dog can give so much love and open human eyes to the wonder of sharing life with another living creature.
I give it a five star
BBBBBOOOOORRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!
Great all around dog story.
Jacqueline C. (jcluvscats) -
This is a special story about a very special dog. I really enjoyed reading about Oogy!!
This book started off making me angry, just as they described the treatment of these dogs. Next, I found the story heartwarming. Toward the end, though, I felt that the book just got a little weird. Not way out there, just a bit strange. All in all, I really enjoyed the book.
