Oogy: The Dog Only A Family Could Love
by Larry Levin
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The story of a friendly, severely injured puppy who had been used as a bait dog in dog fights, and the family who adopted him.Tags
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A heartfelt memoir about a family that adopts a dog used as bate for other dogs. Abandoned in a house and given up on by his surgeons, this young pup eventually finds a family that will love him even with half a face.
This book is a bit sappy. There's not much to the memoir except the author's constant reiterations of his love and devotion for the animal. There is some commentary on the crime of dog fighting and the prejudice that pitbulls must endure.
This book is a bit sappy. There's not much to the memoir except the author's constant reiterations of his love and devotion for the animal. There is some commentary on the crime of dog fighting and the prejudice that pitbulls must endure.
As I have long stated, I am a sucker for animal stories. I love animals and hearing any type of tale of animal cruelty will have me crushed for days on end. Very few things in life absolutely confound me and leave me utterly without an answer and viciousness toward pets is one of them.
So I picked up Oogy with a bit of hesitation. Seeing that endearing, lopsided face on the cover put a lump in my throat before I even read the first sentence. Oogy's eyes are so deep, so intense that he practically dares you to read his story and not fall in love with him.
I read the story. I fell in love with him. Simple as that.
Oogy is a touching story, it's an uplifting story and it's a tragic story but at its heart and soul, it's an inspirational show more story - - not only the tale of a dog that suffered the worst kind of horror imaginable but the adoptive family that pulled together for him and benefitted from his love and unexpected teachings. This is a terrific book for animal lovers and for entire families to read, although smaller children may have a difficult time with the descriptions of Oogy's injuries. In fact, I had to put the book down for a moment and look away while reading about Oogy's sad life before he adopted the Levin family so be forewarned. Author (and Oogy dad) Larry Levin pulls no punches and tells it like it is, a stark and brutal reminder of those animals who are not fortunate to walk away as Oogy did. And yet reading those horrific descriptions made me appreciate Oogy all the more, and find him that much more awe inspiring and tenacious.
Oogy, in this reader's mind, is a hero, a shining example of the brilliance of the spirit. Not just the human spirit but the living spirit. This dog never gave up. He never gave up on life, he never gave up on people (despite the horrible beginning he had) and he never gave up on love. He held no grudges, no ill will and wanted only to be loved and to give love. Certainly a life lesson for all of us.
Oogy isn't a long read but prepare for the story to stay with you. Mr. Levin includes various photographs of Oogy with his adoptive family. Oogy is a must read. show less
So I picked up Oogy with a bit of hesitation. Seeing that endearing, lopsided face on the cover put a lump in my throat before I even read the first sentence. Oogy's eyes are so deep, so intense that he practically dares you to read his story and not fall in love with him.
I read the story. I fell in love with him. Simple as that.
Oogy is a touching story, it's an uplifting story and it's a tragic story but at its heart and soul, it's an inspirational show more story - - not only the tale of a dog that suffered the worst kind of horror imaginable but the adoptive family that pulled together for him and benefitted from his love and unexpected teachings. This is a terrific book for animal lovers and for entire families to read, although smaller children may have a difficult time with the descriptions of Oogy's injuries. In fact, I had to put the book down for a moment and look away while reading about Oogy's sad life before he adopted the Levin family so be forewarned. Author (and Oogy dad) Larry Levin pulls no punches and tells it like it is, a stark and brutal reminder of those animals who are not fortunate to walk away as Oogy did. And yet reading those horrific descriptions made me appreciate Oogy all the more, and find him that much more awe inspiring and tenacious.
Oogy, in this reader's mind, is a hero, a shining example of the brilliance of the spirit. Not just the human spirit but the living spirit. This dog never gave up. He never gave up on life, he never gave up on people (despite the horrible beginning he had) and he never gave up on love. He held no grudges, no ill will and wanted only to be loved and to give love. Certainly a life lesson for all of us.
Oogy isn't a long read but prepare for the story to stay with you. Mr. Levin includes various photographs of Oogy with his adoptive family. Oogy is a must read. show less
Don't get me wrong. I love pet tails -- er, tales. Marley was marvelous. Dewey was delightful. But Oogy, not so much. For starters, this book has to have one of the most painfully slow openings I've ever encountered. The author's description of a family's typical wake-up and breakfast routine feels like it was chronicled in slow motion. It doesn't help that Levin needlessly meanders way beyond Oogy's story in some sections of the book (I'm sorry, but do readers really care how the names -- even the middle names -- of children were selected?) I'm convinced that the fundamental problem here is that there's just not enough rich material for a book. An expanded magazine essay, absolutely. Perhaps even a three-part series in a weekly or show more monthly. But Oogy's odyssey -- which is laced with quite a few unanswered questions -- just doesn't carry a book. Still, some touching and humorous moments will put occasional smiles on the faces of animal lovers. show less
I will start by saying that I am not a dog person, and that despite that I have loved other “dog books.” I feel like a curmudgeon giving this a low rating, but I just didn’t connect to this story at all.
It began when the Levin family took their ancient and ailing cat to the local Animal Hospital for its final trip there. When they arrived, a worker was about to take a white puppy with a badly damaged face and head out for a walk. But the puppy immediately came over to Levin’s twin boys and it was instant love. What had happened to so disfigure this poor pup? Even after learning that the puppy had been used as “bait” to illegally train fighting dogs (an indication that the dog might have aggressive tendencies), Levin still show more wanted to adopt the friendly and rambunctious Oogy.
The problem I had with this book is that I found it too dry. I think part of the issue was the very long introduction before things really got moving. Pages on how Larry and his wife Jennifer came to adopt their twin boys added little, in my opinion, to Oogy’s story. And, while Levin told me frequently how much he and his family loved Oogy, and how much Oogy returned the love, I never “felt” it. Sorry, Oogy. I’m sure you’re a loveable dog, but I didn’t love the book. show less
It began when the Levin family took their ancient and ailing cat to the local Animal Hospital for its final trip there. When they arrived, a worker was about to take a white puppy with a badly damaged face and head out for a walk. But the puppy immediately came over to Levin’s twin boys and it was instant love. What had happened to so disfigure this poor pup? Even after learning that the puppy had been used as “bait” to illegally train fighting dogs (an indication that the dog might have aggressive tendencies), Levin still show more wanted to adopt the friendly and rambunctious Oogy.
The problem I had with this book is that I found it too dry. I think part of the issue was the very long introduction before things really got moving. Pages on how Larry and his wife Jennifer came to adopt their twin boys added little, in my opinion, to Oogy’s story. And, while Levin told me frequently how much he and his family loved Oogy, and how much Oogy returned the love, I never “felt” it. Sorry, Oogy. I’m sure you’re a loveable dog, but I didn’t love the book. show less
This was one of the books I picked up when library book sales resumed. I was intrigued by the dog on the cover. However, this is not a feel-good dog story--well, it is in a way, but a very different way than most stories written about dogs. I would say it is not for the faint of heart or for those who can't read about animal suffering.
Oogy is a Dogo (a Dogo is a dog breed I'd not heard of prior to reading this) who was used as a bait dog but miraculously survived. A kind-hearted vet tech at the facility where he was taken influences the doctor to heal him and then the author's family stepped in to adopt Oogy.
Oogy is a Dogo (a Dogo is a dog breed I'd not heard of prior to reading this) who was used as a bait dog but miraculously survived. A kind-hearted vet tech at the facility where he was taken influences the doctor to heal him and then the author's family stepped in to adopt Oogy.
This is a heartfelt memoir of a family's love for a dog. However, it is just not all about a truly special dog, but a family that includes a dog. So, there is a lot in here about Larry's family as well.
When Larry decided to put down his ailing family cat, fate would have it that his veterinarian had received a very abused dog that had been used as bait. This one-eared, goofy-looking, white dog took an instant liking to Dan and his twin sons. The deal was sealed, the dog that had almost had been put down was now part of a family. Named Oogy by Larry for the unique facial features that his past injuries had given him, this family's life was about to change forever.
It always amazes me how abused and injured dogs can be some of the most show more loving, and Oogy is no exception. It was touching to hear of Larry's care for Oogy and how Oogy immediately made himself part of the family and earned the name of 'the third twin' with his sons. I felt the same way when I adopted my pit-mix, and do not know how I ever lived without her. Oogy, was believed to be a pit-mix (isn't every dog nowadays?), but is really a Dogo Argentino, either way, Oogy, Larry and his family went through the same sort of breed discrimination that I have so often faced. While I do not agree with all of the decisions the family made (a shock collar for an abused dog!?!?) , Oogy's story is amazing and it is obvious that he is loved. show less
When Larry decided to put down his ailing family cat, fate would have it that his veterinarian had received a very abused dog that had been used as bait. This one-eared, goofy-looking, white dog took an instant liking to Dan and his twin sons. The deal was sealed, the dog that had almost had been put down was now part of a family. Named Oogy by Larry for the unique facial features that his past injuries had given him, this family's life was about to change forever.
It always amazes me how abused and injured dogs can be some of the most show more loving, and Oogy is no exception. It was touching to hear of Larry's care for Oogy and how Oogy immediately made himself part of the family and earned the name of 'the third twin' with his sons. I felt the same way when I adopted my pit-mix, and do not know how I ever lived without her. Oogy, was believed to be a pit-mix (isn't every dog nowadays?), but is really a Dogo Argentino, either way, Oogy, Larry and his family went through the same sort of breed discrimination that I have so often faced. While I do not agree with all of the decisions the family made (a shock collar for an abused dog!?!?) , Oogy's story is amazing and it is obvious that he is loved. show less
I absolutely loved listening to this audiobook that was read by Joe Barrett. I listen to my audiobooks in the car and when I walked in the door at night after listening to this book I just wanted to give my dog a big hug for being such a special part of our lives!
Oogy is obviously a very special dog that was introduced to the Levin family during a time of need. The ugliest dog that they could ever imagine seemed to find a place in the family's hearts immediately. They adopted Oogy as just a puppy thinking he was going to grow to about 50 pounds, but not realizing that he was a rare breed of dog not very common to the U.S., he grew much larger than anticipated. Oogy was just a few months old when he was adopted and to think that he was show more mangled to disfigurement from being used as a bait dog for dogfighting is just heartbreaking. So be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged if you decide to pick up this book!
Knowing the pain and hurt that Oogy had already endured, the Levin family was very hesitant to enforce obedience with Oogy within the home. I can hardly blame them, as I probably would have acted the same way. This did create quite the challenges for the family as Oogy basically found himself running the household. It wasn't uncommon to have Oogy climb on the dinner table during mealtime or even raid the refrigerator when no-one was looking.
The lives of the Levin family obviously changed to help Oogy settle into their household. As Oogy became such a special member of their family they wanted to protect Oogy and keep him safe just as much as that dog wanted to protect them. When Oogy started to face some medical challenges it was heartbreaking for the family to watch Oogy in such physical pain as he seemed to lose his spirit and fun personality. They worked together to get Oogy healthy again and so his happy demeanor eventually returned.
Once again I can't help but say that I loved listening to this book! Learning about how Oogy was treated as such a young puppy was very hard to listen to, but I think it is also important. I have often heard about how inhumane dogfighting is but I guess I have been sheltered as to what the extent of the abuse actually is. If you are looking for a non-fiction book that will bring you into the life of a family as they take in this special dog and let him become one of them, then this book is for you. show less
Oogy is obviously a very special dog that was introduced to the Levin family during a time of need. The ugliest dog that they could ever imagine seemed to find a place in the family's hearts immediately. They adopted Oogy as just a puppy thinking he was going to grow to about 50 pounds, but not realizing that he was a rare breed of dog not very common to the U.S., he grew much larger than anticipated. Oogy was just a few months old when he was adopted and to think that he was show more mangled to disfigurement from being used as a bait dog for dogfighting is just heartbreaking. So be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged if you decide to pick up this book!
Knowing the pain and hurt that Oogy had already endured, the Levin family was very hesitant to enforce obedience with Oogy within the home. I can hardly blame them, as I probably would have acted the same way. This did create quite the challenges for the family as Oogy basically found himself running the household. It wasn't uncommon to have Oogy climb on the dinner table during mealtime or even raid the refrigerator when no-one was looking.
The lives of the Levin family obviously changed to help Oogy settle into their household. As Oogy became such a special member of their family they wanted to protect Oogy and keep him safe just as much as that dog wanted to protect them. When Oogy started to face some medical challenges it was heartbreaking for the family to watch Oogy in such physical pain as he seemed to lose his spirit and fun personality. They worked together to get Oogy healthy again and so his happy demeanor eventually returned.
Once again I can't help but say that I loved listening to this book! Learning about how Oogy was treated as such a young puppy was very hard to listen to, but I think it is also important. I have often heard about how inhumane dogfighting is but I guess I have been sheltered as to what the extent of the abuse actually is. If you are looking for a non-fiction book that will bring you into the life of a family as they take in this special dog and let him become one of them, then this book is for you. show less
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- Canonical title
- Oogy: The Dog Only A Family Could Love
- Original title
- Oogy: The Dog Only A Family Could Love
- Original publication date
- 2010
- People/Characters
- Oogy; Diane; Larry Levin; Jennifer Levin; Dan Levin; Noah Levin
- Dedication
- To Jennifer, Noah, and Dan, whose love has kept me alive and whose confidence in me has sustained me. The joy they have taken in their own experiences as well as their delight in and appreciation of our time together has imbu... (show all)ed me with a sense of wonder.
To Oogy, of course, who has shared so much devotion, affection, and strength, and has trusted us so unhesitatingly and completely that it became another reward. Our spirits have been commingled, and we are all the better for it.
For all the people who strive to comfort and help suffering animals: the lost and the frightened, the abused and the hunted, the abandoned and the captured, and those that should be in a better place than they are. - First words
- When the alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m., it is still dark outside.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And he had.
- Blurbers
- Myron, Vicki; Goldberg, Gary David; Sakson, Sharon; Richards, Susan; Nethery, Mary
- Original language
- English US
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- Reviews
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- (3.82)
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- English, Italian, Swedish
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- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 18
- ASINs
- 9
