Nice story but......................
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I had just finished a gripping read of "Life With George" which was entertaining from start to finish when I decided that Walking Ollie would be just as great.
I loved the little black and white pictures of Ollie dotted throughout the book, that was a really nice touch but I found the content was a little poor. I just felt that this story could be about anybodies dog, there was nothing really special about it and it didn't grip me.
If you are looking for a short book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon or by the poolside on holiday and you love dogs, then this is a nice book.
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Worth a read if you've got a rescue..
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"Walking Ollie" is an book about the author's experiences having adopted a lurcher pup from a rescue centre. It will definitely strike a chord with anyone who has a rescue dog (myself included) but I'm not sure how much it would be enjoyed by non dog-owners.
Whilst there are moments that could be described as heart-warming, this is not your normal story of the high-jinx and capers that a new puppy brings to the home. Ollie, though very young, has obviously has a rough start in life, and is damaged by it. The book tells the story of the author's frustrated attempts to over come this, and also addresses what to do when the much talked about bond between owner and dog just doesn't appear to be there.
I read this book very quickly, and if I have one criticism, it's that I would have liked it to be longer and to go into more depth from the author's point of view. There are a couple of points that I found really insightful, and wanted to know more. The author is witty and has a dry sense of humour which I would have liked to be allowed to show through more.
To finish, there's been much comment on the author's "prejudice" against labs and their owners. I think this really needs to be taken with a pinch of salt (as he himself says in the book) - I think dog owners all have their gripes with other dog-owners and their pets, it goes with the territory, and I say this as a lab owner. My lab is, in fact, a rescue and - ironically - has a list of behavioural issues as long as your arm. Maybe I should write a book?!
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Very enjoyable
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Having read Marley and Me, i was a bit apprehensive about the book, but i found it had been well written and had me in stitches, as some have said it is not as good as Marley and Me, i felt it wrong to compare the two books together, the same as the breeds, Labradors and Lurchers are completely different in looks as well as characteristics, having looked after a friends, who in many respects was like Stephen Foster's. I was able to enjoy this book and understand the trials and tribulations that he went throught with Ollie, and if there is a follow on about Ollie and Dylan it will be a definate buy for me.
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Loved this book
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I loved this book. Some reviewers have said that it is not as good as Marley and Me but I have to disagree. They are different books and the authors have different writing styles but don't be put off reading this one, you will miss out on a really good book. It is raw at times, incredibly honest and there's both laughter and tears as I guess you would expect whenever animals are concerned. It is a fabulous read and many of us will strongly relate with it.
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A great little book, but with a few faults
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I enjoyed reading this book of the author's trials of trying to live with a rescue dog who was terrified of him. However I found his views on labradors somewhat uninformed and prejudice. I liked reading about Ollie and taking on a rescue dog is great and rewarding, but have to say that if the author had bought a labrador he could have saved himself alot of work and heartache.
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