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

This is a fantastic book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't put it down. I absolutely fell in love with Oogy! Listening to it is THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's my "go to" Christmas gift this year!!!!!!!!!

Amazing story of a rescue dog.

An absolute wonderful story. Thank you to the great people who rescued Oogy. He is definitely a special dog. If you love dogs you’ll love this book.

Sweetness

Where does Oogy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I highly recommend Oogy for its insights into dog fighting and the ramifications, as well as its sweetness of a one loving family.

What other book might you compare Oogy to and why?

There is no comparison. Oogy stands alone. I have never read a book so informative but filled with unconditional love.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many amazing scenes I enjoyed but one of the most memorable is after being the detailed description of the bond the owner and Oogy shared was something I could identify with. Visualizing them stretching out on the couch enjoying their time together was something I could relate to. As he stands to go into the kitchen so does Oogy, so would my lab. The great length in which they go to give you such vivid details in the life of Oogy made me feel as if I was right there.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The same one you already have. Oogy, the dog only a family could love.

Dog lovers will like it.

A good listen for all, 3 stars, but dog lovers will think it is better, 4 stars.

Oogy

Beautiful book, if you have ever loved a dog please add this one to your library!

Warms the soul like a cup of hot cocoa

The combination of the beautiful story of love and friendship and the narrator's voice and performance makes this audio book one of my all-time favorites. I have listened to it twice already and imagine coming back to it again in the future.

My favorite book of all time

Loved EVERYTHING! Hated the fact that Oogie didn’t live forever or that I never knew him. I live in the little town of Narberth and am so proud that Oogies humans represent!

Great Dog, Deplorable Book

Undoubted Oogy is a great dog, amazing even, to have endured all those. Kudos too to Levin, to have poured in unconditional love to care for this damaged (yet unbroken) dog. However, there's just no story in the book, it fell dead flat starting from the first page until the end. It fails to live up to the promising premise of the book (a damaged yet unbroken love, unconditional love only a family can bestow). It failed to put a smile on my face, to pull my heartstrings that I have hoped for from time to time. Ironically, the only part of the book that has bit of emotion in it was on the story about the kids adoption; which is not the center of the book and definitely not the reason I picked up this book. Just a disappointing book, doesn't really live up to the spirit and love of Levin to Oogy (or even of Oogy to Levin).

Not Enough Oogy

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

There are many sweet moments in the daily life of Oogy's family, but not enough story about Oogy and his impact on the family or his community. I wanted to know Oogy, not about the philosophy, preparation, and cooking of bacon in Oogy's home.

Would you ever listen to anything by Larry Levin again?

Not sure...I would be hesitant.

A TRIBUTE TO A DOG

What disappointed you about Oogy?

I LIKE A GOOD DOG STORY, I JUST DON'T NEED TO HEAR IT AGAIN.

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

NO

Any additional comments?

ITS NOT A BAD BOOK OR STORY. I JUST DON'T NEED TO HEAR IT AGAIN. IF I LOVE A STORY, I WILL LISTEN MANY TIMES.