Incredible Kratu

By: Tess Eagle Swan, Lynne Barrett-Lee

Narrated by: Charlie Norfolk

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Incredible Kratu tells the story of the lovable rascal from Crufts who became the peoples' champion worldwide and, in so doing, healed his owner's heart.

A solitary child who only really found solace in nature, Tess Eagle Swan ran away from home aged sixteen and, by her late twenties, had already survived violence and drug addiction. In the following decade, life spiralled further out of control. Something had to change.

Tess had always loved animals, so when she saw a post on Facebook about the plight of two dogs in Romania, she was moved to take action, helping find homes for both. It was the first step on the road that led her to Kratu—the Carpathian/Mioritic Shepherd cross she adopted in 2014. From his humble beginnings on a Roma camp in Transylvania, Kratu has gone on to become a canine international treasure. Now a trained assistance and therapy dog, he has brought joy to millions with his lovable antics—not least with his legendary appearances at Crufts. But the role he has played in Tess's story is more compelling still. After a lifetime of distress, Tess and Kratu's bond allowed Tess to finally learn to love herself and answer some of the questions behind her troubled beginnings.

Incredible Kratu is the inspirational true story of this unlikely pair, who found in each other the love and support they needed to beat the odds and turn both their lives around.

©2022 Tess Eagle Swan and Lynne Barrett-Lee (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

Critic reviews

"This is a book for anyone who has ever thought they didn't quite fit in." (Beverley Cuddy, Dogs Today)

"An uplifting and inspirational story about how one life-changing bond saved two souls. Perfect for dog-lovers and those on their healing journey." (Happiful mag)

"An astonishing book: by turns emotional, funny, eye-opening." (Ann Green, Chief reporter, Psychic News Magazine)

"An inspirational story that is told with humour, candour and humility that I am sure will offer hope to others who also struggle with their mental health." (Mark Winstanley Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness)

Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits—Meant to help each other through the world. That’s how I see Tess and Kratu. I am thankful to Tess for sharing her journey (and Tutty’s) and her incredible Kratu. I never tire of hearing about the antics of Kratu, Maia, Paqo, Raffy, and that stinker Polo. What a cast of characters! I am even more fond of Mr Colin than I was before.
This is such an uplifting book and Charlie Norfolk’s narration was perfect.

Outstanding!

Although I’ve not yet finished listening, absolutely cannot wait to say: This audio book is a wonderment! From the intimate writing style, flow and content to it’s narration, I give this title 5 glowing stars. To me, Tess is a remarkable woman who has blessed us all by sharing her own deeply personal struggles and victories in the light of her own Azlan.. pardon me, Kratu… a joy-filled and irrepressible creature who surely will cause your heart to smile. Thank you, Tess and Kratu.