Oogy

The Dog Only a Family Could Love

By: Larry Levin

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

In the best-selling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.

In 2002 Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen - one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue - ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home.

Heartwarming and redemptive, Oogy is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Larry Levin (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Really enjoyed this heartfelt story

Would you consider the audio edition of Oogy to be better than the print version?

Yes, at the time I listened to this we were traveling and it was so relaxing to ride alongand look at the scenery and listen to a good story.

What other book might you compare Oogy to and why?

I also listened to Huck and not that it was sad just that it was a great animal story.

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, I havev't

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oogy was but not Huck

Any additional comments?

Nothing more than I love animal stories.

Tugs at the heartstrings...

Sweet story of a battered dog and a loving family who took him in. Used as a bait dog due to his loveable nature, Oogy was left to die. A determined vet and a caring family has made this special dog's life wonderful. The story also gives ia small glimpse into the world of dogfighting. Dogs are housed at abandoned properties and rotated so they cannot be linked to any owner. People who fight dogs will look for bait dogs on Craig's list or other forms of advertising, targeting the "free to good home" listings. ( I found this enlightening.)

Oogy, however is not a sad story but one of overcoming obstacles and rescue. I would thoroughly recommend this tale (no pun) if you need encouragement.

a great listen!

Would you listen to Oogy again? Why?

Yes, I think there were lesson in the story we could all learn.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oogy, because he had so much love to share

Which character – as performed by Joe Barrett – was your favorite?

Larry Levin-because it is nice to see a soft side of a man

Loved, loved the book!

Would you listen to Oogy again? Why?

I'm a Pit Bull lover, actually I love all dogs. OOGY was the underdog and needed someone to try to understand him and his actions. He got just that from Larry, even if it did take him a bit to figure it out. Enjoyed the way Larry wrote the story out.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Oogy?

When he was able to break through his torment and Larry understood.

Which character – as performed by Joe Barrett – was your favorite?

OOGY

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When things fell into place for OOGY and his partner.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend to dog lovers of any type.

beautiful book

I loved the book!! What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing! I strongly recommend this book to any animal lover. The narrator is fantastic!

Uplifting Story, Well Told!

What made the experience of listening to Oogy the most enjoyable?

As a lover of animals and dog rescuer, I found Oogy's story uplifting. I enjoyed listening to it. The fact that it is not an over-emotional tear-jerker was a definite plus, since I listen to Audio Books as I sew and iron.

What did you like best about this story?

Oogy's story of going from an abused dog to a treasured family member. I'm hoping that there will be another book about Oogy as he moves on into his next "career", and I live that just as I was thinking that would be a great thing for Oogy, sure enough, that is going to be his next move!

Amazing story of survival

Amazing story of survival & unconditional love. It always amazes me what terrible cruelty animals have to endure at the hands of humans. But in spite of that cruelty they remain trusting loving & kind. If only more people had the same amazing traits the world would be a much better place. I love you oogy!!!!What an amazing dog.

Great Love Story

This is one of the best pet stories I have listened to. It is triumph orver cruelity, acceptance and even love for a family that adopts childeren and pets. I was glad that it had such a positive ending because it was not sad. I laughed and I cried, but ultimately I wish I could have gotten to know Oogy.

Karen

Heartwarming story

What made the experience of listening to Oogy the most enjoyable?

I am a dog owner and lover. this was such a nice story--about the people as well as the dog.

Everyone should listen to this book

If you are a pet lover or just like a story where an underdog comes out on top in spite of hardship, try this book. I'm blessed to have been introduced to Oogy!