Tuesday, December 21, 2010

165 - Oogy: the Dog Only a Family Could Love; Larry Levin













What animal lover wouldn't be a bit curious about this sweet, but disfigured face, of a dog called Oogy? I had read several reviews on this book, and even though, I told myself, "no more dog stories", this audio book called my name from the library shelves, so I couldn't resist.

Fate seemed to bring Oogy and the Levin family together. They met when the author took his twin sons to the vet, along with their terminally ill cat. First thought to be a pit bull, but later it was clarified that he was in fact, an Argentine Dogo breed. Oogy was just a puppy when he was found abandoned, in a cage, with half his face and ear chewed off. The vets at Ardmore Animal Hospital near Philadelphia where he was taken, had recognized his injuries as ones resulting from dog fighting. Oogy was too young to be a fighter, he had been a bait dog. 

Oogy had numerous surgeries to relieve intense pain he experienced from his injuries. Despite the horrific first few months of life he experienced, he never lost his spirit to live, and to forgive. Oogy immediately bonded with his human family. He made himself at home in his new environment, and get into trouble like just about every other puppy.  The Levin's never showed anger toward Oogy and made a promise to him that they would give him the best possible life.  When this book was released in October of 2010, Oogy was 8 years old and still a happy member of the Levin household.

This animal rescue story had a happy ending, but sadly that is not always the case. If you are looking for an uplifting, redemptive story about an animal who got a second chance at life....try Oogy; I think you will enjoy it.  The audio book was red by Joe Barrett who did a decent job. It is a relatively short book, just 5-cds.

Here is a brief video about Oogy and his family.

Rating - 4/5 stars
library audio book

12 comments:

  1. Every time I see the cover of this book my heart goes out to Oogy - and the Levin family. I know that I will one day this book - I simply can't pass up a good dog story, and especially one with a happy ending.

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  2. I would love to read this. Wonderful, to-the-point review.

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  3. I tear up reading the flap copy for this book EVERY TIME I pass it in the book store. I really, really think it would be the perfect holiday present for anybody who is a true dog lover!

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  4. I just bought this book recently - saw a trailer somewhere - looked great - glad you enjoyed it - am hoping to get to it over the holidays.

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  5. He is adorable. I can't believe they would use such a young puppy for dog fighting. That is so sick. I am so pleased that he found a loving home.

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  6. I am so excited about this book and can't wait to listen! It's repulsive to me the things that people do to animals sometimes, and it's good to hear that Oogy made out ok.

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  7. Just reading about Oogy makes me teary eyed. I can't imagine what kind of person would use a puppy as a bait dog. I can't wait to read this book.

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  8. I know many an animal lover who has read this or is currently reading it. they all love it!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Sad beginning--wonderful ending. I feel for animals that are mistreated.

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  10. It is so tough for me to read these books - I literally bawl for hours as I read it, and I cannot stand the cruelty that exists in this world. It breaks my heart every time. I truly wish there were tougher penalties for those who abuse animals.

    I am happy to hear that this is a story that turned out to have a happy ending -- so rarely does it happen, and it's so heartwarming to know that hopefully there are more people out there who care about animals than who hurt them.

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  11. This is one that I want and have to read. After just adopting an American Bull Dog we have become even more aware of the abuse pit bulls are experiencing daily from humans. Such a sad thing but Oogy gives us all hope!

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  12. I've read about this story on other blogs and know I will enjoy reading it. I can't pass up a dog story and I know this one will make me cry for sure!

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