James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories

There is nothing like an animal, and particularly a dog, to inspire sentimentality. And many of the titles lining the shelves of the animal sections in libraries and bookstores are efforts by one or another author to tap into that unique emotion evoked in animal lovers. Just describe a dog or a cat or a horse in such a way as to shortcut to the reader's own experiences with animals, add a dignified, heart-wrenching death, and put a picture of the animal on the cover; it's sure to sell. James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories is not that book. Herriot, rather than relying on the typical sacchrine, uses his experiences as a veterinarian in Yorkshire as a study of animal and human companionship and dignity in life.

This is the last of show more Herriot's writing, published at the conclusion of his career. Always famous for his animal stories, Herriot is really tapping into human lives and interactions by studying the animals which accompany them. While each chapter focuses on a different dog Herriot was treating, the owner is also highlighted. Mrs. Pumphrey, owner of Tricki Woo, a Pekingnese spoiled to the point of near extinction, appears as both eccentric and freeh-minded patroness. Herriot sees hope and grit in the perservenrance of Hermann, a dachshund, and his owner, Mr. Cundall, who both fighting paralysis at the end of their lives. Roddy Travers, who rides his mutt, Jake, around in a wheelbarrow, is a bit of a tramp, never settling down, constantly on the move. But in his gentle and loving manner with Jake, Herriot sees a rare dignity and companionship. And Mrs. Donvan, a local quack dispensing "condintioning powders" in the town, becomes a savior, rescuing a dog that no one else would have given a second look. All of these unusual people are reflected in their dogs.

An added bonus is Herriot's obvious love for the Yorkshire countryside. I was able to visualize more of this country while reading this short book than in many previous novels set in the British countryside. Herriot paints a beautiful setting.

There are more happy endings in this book of stories than there are sad ones. But they are nonetheless moving.

Five bones!!!!! Highly recommended. show less

This is honorary Mortshire: it's set in Yorkshire in a timeless sort of era. There are virtually no clues to tell 1939 from 1979, or hell, 1919 probably.
Way back in March I was grabbing books off the library shelves, looking for a broad variety, because others at home were possibly going to look at them too. Dogs seemed like a good idea. When I got it home the Spouse said he had a copy, but I still haven't seen it.
It was a good choice. If I could find more Herriot's in the house, I would happily read them all right now. As it is I'm thinking about re-reading the essays of Robert Fulghum, which fall into that same region of faintly cheering, inoffensive and appropriate to any age, not sappy essays.

And of course I remember reading all of show more these before, but that's never a problem with pleasure-reading.

Library copy show less

Meet Tricki Woo, Mrs. Pumphrey's clever, laughing, yet majestic Pekinese dog - purportedly descended from those belonging to Chinese emperors. In veterinarian "James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories" we learn that Tricki Woo has a wide grin, a lolling tongue, enjoys Chinese food and does not like swearing! He is one of the eight fascinating dogs we are introduced to in this collection. There is a dramatic surgery on one patient named Jake - a lurcher, or cross-bred greyhound - who had the life threatening condition of a pebble caught in his larynx. The urgent procedure is brief and successful and Jake is quickly healed and capering about.

The author travels throughout the Yorkshire countryside caring for his furry patients. He describes show more in vivid detail the unique environment, lifestyle, and personality of each dog as well as the particularly deep connection between the pet and human owner. James Herriot cared for animals of all sizes in his lifetime, but in these stories it is clear that dogs are his favorite. Dog lovers of all ages will enjoy these lively and humorous tales.

~Reviewed by Kate H. (RSSAA parent and Library volunteer, Feb. 2016) show less

A collection of stories about dogs and their owners that James Herriot encountered as a vet. He recognizes and affirms the special relationship between each dog and owner in these warm fuzzy stories. It's a great read for dog-lovers. I have sometimes enjoyed reading them when I was feeling down.

I remember some of these stories from Herriot's series but loved reading them again.

James Herriot obviously loves animals and he obviously has a particular love of dogs. This comes through clearly in this collection of his favourite stories about dogs, their relations with humans, their characters and of course, Herriot being the "Vetrinary" of the much loved "All Creatures Great and Small" series, their health problems.

Of course if you have read the series, you have read these stories, because they are all taken from there. Trikki Woo, Mrs Pumphrey's Pekingese makes no less than three appearances.

A lovely slim hard bound volume with cute "paw print" endpapers, quarter cloth binding and the gorgeous illustrations of Lesley Holmes.

I only wish my copy had the dust jacket, but then again, I wish a lot of my books had show more their DJs. show less

A really enjoyable collection of stories, based on James Herriot's experiences as a vet. The stories of both the dogs and their owners, from a simpler time and place, make for light and interesting reading - that all dog-lovers would enjoy.