I'll admit that I purchased this book because of the cute puppy on the cover-- I wanted a "mindless Christmas read" and since we've just added a Golden Retriever puppy into our family, this book looked perfect! It wasn't until I started reading it that I realized it was a true story and a very interesting one at that! I learned a lot about Helper Dogs and all the good they can do. I have a son with special needs so any cause that is out there to help out those with differences and disabilities always tugs on my heartstrings-- but in this book, you don't get to just learn about the organization and the good that the dogs do-- but the 'behind the scenes' look at Helper Dogs-- the true "heart" behind this organization. We also get to hear about how much heart, love, tears and sacrifice-- goes on with the Puppy Parents. The author, not only shares her journey with the cause, but also in becoming a 'dog person' and how having a dog can complete a family. Great book. I will read this author again-- even if the cover of the other books isn't as cute. Seriously, how could I not pick up a book with this title?! And you should see the cover. So eff'ing adorable. Thankfully, the title doesn't fully describe the (true) story of this book, just more of the timeline. An older couple UK wants to have a baby but can't, so they decide to adopt and train "helper" dogs. Of course, since they have never had a dog before, they get super attached, which I have to say now is the most annoying thing about this story. It's like surrogacy, they really want women who have already "finished their family" before they go off and have a baby for someone else. I think you really should either currently or in the past have owned a dog before you can be a trainer, so you know what it's like to give it up. Of course, a dog isn't as much like a baby and since they are really desperate for helper trainers, beggars can't be choosers, but I wanted to strangle the couple every single time they thought they could keep their dog in the end, even offering a payoff. How lame! Thankfully in the end, they got their own forever dog, which is probably better for them anyway. I did like reading about the struggles they went through in training the dog as I was going through similar things at the time with my (new to me) dog. Cutesty and just so very British and just an okay read. Lamer then I had hoped, but a decent read for dog lovers.
Do You like book O Cãozinho Que Chegou No Natal (2010)?
Excellent the work done by individuals' supporting Helper Dogs in the Uk is great. A quick read!
—Eleanor
Hated it....... very hard read..... had to make myself read it...
—locpro998
