Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to DoIt: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy [Paperback]

John O'Hurley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2008

From the New York Times bestselling author ?and his dog? more woofs of wisdom

In his first book, John O?Hurley wrote of the many life lessons he?d learned from dogs?lessons that carried him from the New England woods of his childhood to his life today as an award-winning actor, composer, and writer amidst the bright lights of Hollywood. Now, in Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It, John once again finds himself seeking the wisdom of a canine companion. After years of parenting pets, last December, he became a father to his first child, William. Along with the many new joys of being a dad, John faced a new set of challenges?and it was Scoshi, his wizened white Maltese and faithful confidant for nearly two decades, who, at every turn, pointed the way.

At once poignant, profound, and laugh-out-loud funny, this book is a one-of-a-kind celebration of the joys of parenting pets and children alike, and further testament to the enduring wisdom of man?s best friend.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A whimsical delight.”
—Orlando Sentinel

“Lighthearted self-help.”
—The Boston Globe --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

From the author of the national bestseller It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump, more woofs of wisdom—this time, straight from the dog's mouth

After years of parenting pets, John O'Hurley became a father to his first child. Along with the many new joys of being a dad, he faced a new set of challenges, and it was Scoshi, his wizened white Maltese who pointed the way—in writing.

Eight weeks after William was born, John began finding curious scribblings on small scraps of paper. Dear Little Pink Thing, the first note read, Who are you? The notes were Scoshi's life lessons for father and son—a wise old dog sharing truths he had learned over the years.

During the many fishing trips they took together, Scoshi learned the importance of quality time spent with loved ones. When he was waylaid by a skunk, Scoshi learned that life's not always fair—but that there are ways to make the best of it. He also sets straight the fact that dogs only eat homework that was never done—reminding William that it is important to take responsibility for his actions.

At once poignant, profound, and laugh-out-loud funny, Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It is a celebration of the joys of parenting pets and children alike, and further testament to the enduring wisdom of man's best friend. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Reprint edition (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452289815
• ISBN-13: 978-0452289819
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,726,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just as charming as his first book., November 9, 2007

By 

gotta_hava_dog (Colorado United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to DoIt: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy (Hardcover)

The visual image of Mr. O'Hurley's sweet little dog writing notes and placing them under the foot of the Big Blue Elephant is priceless. The notes themselves are clear and direct, as dogs are wont to be. They form the basis for the chapters which are filled with wisdom, laughter and tears. This is a beautiful love letter from a devoted father to his beloved son. Whether you love a dog or another person, I feel certain you'll be deeply touched by this delightful book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly delightful and satsfying read, December 4, 2007

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to DoIt: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy (Hardcover)

John O'Hurley's sophomore novel is a breath of fresh air! Okay, he claims it was written by his dog, Scoshi, with only a bit of commentary added by him for clarification. Regardless, this is a wonderful book filled with laughter, tears, and solid advice to a little man from a little dog and his loving father.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This parent's insights and advice is purposeful, directed and easy to absorb., January 8, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to DoIt: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy (Hardcover)

Before Your Dog can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons From a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy discusses many lessons the author's learned from dogs, which carried him from the New England woods of childhood to his successful life in Hollywood. It was his dog who pointed the way to wisdom - and who, he says, wrote on small scraps of paper some words of wisdom - Scoshi's life lessons for father and son, from a wise old dog. This parent's insights and advice is purposeful, directed and easy to absorb.