Customer Reviews for

Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain

Average Rating 4.5
( 10 )
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Sort by: Showing 1 – 11 of 10 Customer Reviews
  • Posted November 25, 2010

    Lovingly crafted

    Writing really weaves the tale of the return of the Akitas and their incredibly beautiful snow country with their rescuers. Yet, with all the love and compassion given to each dog, the author does not explain why no vet, doctor, or nurse was brought to the heroic Samurai Tiger as he lay suffering for a month. And why were no pain medications given to him?

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 14, 2008

    The story is amazing!

    I love this story

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 29, 2008

    A reviewer

    This is a careful rendering of a Japanese man's passion for and dedication to the Akita dog, a reflection of his rural-northern Japanese boyhood. Morie's efforts help bring Akitas back from near extinction at the end of WWII. Author Sherrill skillfully weaves the stories of Morie's family life with his determination to see the Akita survive and become again a symbol of Japan's rural traditions. Most of these northern-Japanese 'mountain dogs' died during WWII when families could not afford to keep non-food animals. This story should appeal to people interested in animals, in Japanese rural culture, and in a Japanese point of view of its country's redevelopment after WWII. Morie is dedicated to these dogs and there are lovely descriptions and photos revealing the animals' temperments and presence, which to him are more important than their physical appearance. Sherrill strives for balance by also discussing Morie's family members and their struggles dealing with his obsession with his dogs. Dog lovers will marvel at the magnificent characteristics of this rugged, protective, brave breed 'but I still don't really want one!'. Anyone familiar with Cesar Millan will see the parallels-- long rambles through Japan's countryside 'Cesar's walks', Morie's insistence on dominance 'pack leader', etc. Morie was 30 when he acquired his first puppy. In his long career of breeding/showing, he never sold a puppy--it felt 'wrong' to him. Morie's wife, Kitako, is a uniquely tolerant woman who shoulders a great deal of the family burdens so that her husband can pursue his career at Mitsubishi and his dog passion. Sherrill treats her sacrifices with great respect, and quotes the couple often 'they're retired in rural Japan'. It's a great read, a lesson in dedication, in networking, and pursuing a passion. If you love dogs, you'll like this book.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted September 29, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Cultural Snapshot

    An excellent cultural snapshot of a Japan that has faded into history, as well as an excellent view of the development of the Akita breed.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 9, 2010

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 6, 2011

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 25, 2011

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 16, 2011

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 6, 2008

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 7, 2011

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 29, 2010

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