You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness

For All Dog Lovers

If the cover alone doesn't inspire you to read this book, you probably don't belong to that elite and sometimes maligned group of people known collectively as "dog lovers." If you dip into the first few pages, you'll see what you are missing. This memoir of a dog rescuer who never intended to be one is funny, touching, and ultimately satisfying.

The author, who lives in a Manhattan apartment, stumbled into rescuing Boston terriers and dogs masquerading as Boston terriers. As all who have ever worked with dogs in need, she made plenty of mistakes but gave plenty of love. She had successes and failures. She shares the frustration of not being able to help some dogs as well as the frustration and anger of the people who damage these dogs so severely. And she tells her story, and the stories of the dogs, with humor and heart.

I read an uncorrected proof so these quotes may have changed in the published edition:

"Mattie was a wonderful aunt, but at this moment her concern was not for me. What concerned Mattie...was that I'd get this dog and not treat it well and then she'd stop liking me."

About a doggie daycare center that wasn't so good, she writes:

"I was infused with guilt, and I wasn't about to leave him there again. Plus, he stunk like a mall pet store."

"How do you go from a person who spends hundreds of dollars at posh Manhattan pet shops on clothes and grooming items to a person who leaves a dog at a shelter?"

"A puppy that chewed on things and wasn't housebroken? Why didn't you put it on a chain gang? It was mind-boggling...."

The author also writes about the difficulties of finding the right home for a dog, and how much instincts enter into the decisions, about the death of dogs and mourning them. The book is funny and serious and will have animal lovers and especially those who have worked in rescuing them nodding their heads in agreement and understanding.

[End of the book review but the beginning of a minor soapbox: If you are considering getting an animal, do your research. Don't buy from a backyard breeder or a pet store that gets its dogs from a puppy mill, hell on earth for dogs. Do consider adopting a rescued dog. If the dog is older, know that he has been abandoned for good or bad reasons and is going to need some time and patience to settle in. If you adopt a puppy, know that he is going to find your favorite, most expensive pair of shoes to chew and he is going to leave unpleasant puddles and piles of varying viscosity on your best rugs. It is your job to gently train him to be the wonderful dog that he can be. And consider adopting a mutt. If you need to call him a "designer dog," go for it, but plain, old mutts make some of the best dogs in the world. Just ask my Maggie Mae who is snoozing with her head on my foot even as I type. End of rant.]

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by a representative of the publisher for review. She is a dog lover, thought I would enjoy the book, and she was right.

14 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

Fun Book!

This was a great book if you are a dog lover or an animal lover of any kind I highly recommend it! One part that cracked me up was; when they had found a dog with a tracker and called the owner and the woman asked "Can you mail him?" I about fell out of my chair! Too Funny!
The grief chapter was the hardest one to get through if you've ever lost a pet this chapter may be hard for you but it is a very touching chapter and leaves you feeling good.

I enjoyed when she explained what makes a dog person and how to find the right kind of dog for someone. There was definitely some giggle worthy moments in this book especially if you have ever had a puppy or an old dog.

I highly recommend this book it's a fun read I would definitely read more by this author!

I listened to this on audio and Karen White does a Great job at the narration!

4 ½ Stars

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

For everyone who has loved a dog, loves a dog or longs for a dog of their own - a must read!

Reading Julie Klam's You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness takes us through her journey as a young, single woman living in a studio in Manhattan who takes and rescues a Boston terrier - and the satisfaction and delight that ensues. In the months and years that follow, Julie falls in love, marries, changes apartments, starts a family, and grows increasingly involved in fostering and caring for rescue dogs. With sympathy and humor, You Had Me at Woof captures Klam's transformation into the dog expert amongst friends, fans, followers, and family - though she wryly suspects that behind her back 'it's the dog nut.'"

Klam captures the tough moments as she volunteered, fostered, and cared for "unplaceable dogs" and in inexplicable moment that the dog and his/her human fall in love. For those of us who loved a dog, love dogs, or long for a dog of our own, Klam's You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness is a reminder, celebration and testament to one of the most enduring and satisfying friendships.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

LOVE this book!

This is a MUST READ for every dog lover. You will laugh, cry and be entertained.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Cute quick read for dog lovers

A cute book for dog lovers, esp those involved in rescue groups. The author does ramble on at times!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful read!

I fell in love with the cover first, then the book followed closely behind! Whether you rescue dogs, simply love dogs, love Bosties, or any breed, this book will keep you up late at night waiting to see what happens next, but hoping it never ends as each rescue dog that comes along has its own delightful story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommend

I rescue and foster Boston Terrier's also. Her book is a very accurate
example of what life is like in this business. It has it's ups and downs but when the right home is found for a dog my heart just leaps for joy!!! Wonderful Book and has been added to my library

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

It had me at woof!

Thorughly enjoyed this book. Its a funny, lighthearted read, cept for the part about poor little Hank! Julie is a very entertaining storyteller!

I cant stop reading it!

This is the best nonfiction book ive ever read! It had me hooked on the first page! Perfect for any dog lover, espesially lovers of boston terriers.

I loved this book!

Being involved in rescue these past few years, I laughed and cried along with the author through this book, which chronicles her initiation into the world of rescue through her experiences with her Boston Terriers. The cover picture is priceless, as are her descriptions of the dogs she let move into her heart.

The author had me at Woof!

Humorous read with lots of doggie talk!

sweet book about the authors love of bostons and she recalls many different stories about her work with boston terrier rescue.

Not just for Boston Terrier fans

I really liked this book. It made me laugh out loud at some parts and cry at others. It describes the rescue world perfectly! I volunteer with rescue and could relate to every tale. The book takes a few tangents here and there, especially the last chapter, but it is still worth the read.

Boston Terrier lovers will love the book. Dog lovers might like it.

This was my first purchase for my Nook Color and I wish I would have just borrowed it from the library. I'd read the few reviews that were available at the time saying that if you were a dog lover you would love the book. I'm a dog lover and thought it was okay, but I didn't love it. I'm sure it would be a great book for Boston Terrier lovers.

One of the other reasons I went ahead and bought the book was that it had the Lend Me banner and prior to reading the book I thought about a family member who might like to read it as well. Even if I'd still wanted to lend it out, it appears the publishers have removed the book from the Lend Me program.

I'm going with 2.5 stars (but clicked on 3)

Great book !!

I would recommend this book to all dog lovers. As a Boston Terrier fan it was really moving to see someone that loves their furchildren as much as I love mine !

Recommend for Boston Terrier fanciers.

Cute read if you have Boston Terriers

I loved this book - I laughed out loud on the subway reading it

If you love dogs, you'll love this book. A great read. Give it to the dog lovers in your life.

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