The true life story of a dog who changed everything for one woman. For the first time in my life, I didn't need to pretend, I didn't need to be tough: I only needed to be honest. "I have cerebral palsy. I walk funny and my balance is bad. I fall a lot. My hands shake, too. That means I'm not so good at carrying things. And if I drop stuff, sometimes it's hard to just bend down and get it." I waited anxiously for the interviewer's response. She smiled. "It sounds like a service dog could be great for you." So began Leigh Brill's journey toward independence and confidence, all thanks to a trained companion dog named Slugger. The struggling college student and the Labrador with a "a coat like sunshine" and a tail that never stopped wagging became an instant team. Together, they transformed a challenge into a triumph. Together, they inspired and educated everyone they met. Now, Leigh honors her friend with the story of their life, together.
A Dog Named Slugger
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Brill’s memoir concerns her life near the end of her college years, a time when her cerebral palsy worsened and she began to struggle with everyday tasks. Learning about helper dogs trained to aid people with CP, Leigh applies and is matched with a big, lovable yellow Lab named Slugger. For nearly 10 years, he accompanies Leigh everywhere, helping her walk, picking up dropped pens, even turning on lights and opening heavy doors. With Slugger’s aid, Leigh gradually comes to accept and be able to talk about her disease and eventually finds love and a career. This touching memoir will warm the hearts of dog lovers everywhere; Slugger is the heart and soul of the book, and his dedication, devotion, and love make him an unforgettable character. While the writing is sometimes clunky and Leigh’s family is inexplicably absent, what remains is still irresistible: a sweet story about a woman and her dog. This canine version of Homer’s Odyssey (2009) will appeal equally to readers interested in coping or helping others cope with disabilities. --Jessica Moyer
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
63 of 69 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a child living with cerebral palsy, Leigh Brill ached with the physical pain of her medical condition and the emotional hurt of not fitting in. She has written her story, A Dog Named Slugger, an easy read for young adults and adults alike.
I hope Brill's story will change people's attitudes towards service dogs and will educate the public about the important role they play. Twenty years after the American with Disabilities Act gave legal rights to people in need of service dogs, it is still necessary to invoke that right to bring a working dog to some workplaces. The author takes on an ignorant employer who failed to recognize her legal rights to have an accommodation for a disability--an accomodation that included fur and four paws. The reader feels her frustration and anger that was triggered by the experience.
Aside from the political and educational element of the story, the story is a touching one of a young woman finding confidence and happiness with a Labrador retriever by her side. Since I first saw the movie of Old Yeller, I have cried when I read about dogs and their relationships with humans. This book is no exception for me. I experienced triumphant moments with the author and also some very sad moments. It is a wonderful treat to read about the training of her dog and the team that results from labor and love. The reader will learn about charitable organizations that help these transformations occur in the lives of people by providing trained dogs for free.
The only shortcoming of this book was that it felt over-edited to me. Perhaps this is necessary because the target audience is young adult and teen readers, but I would have preferred that the author's strong voice resounded more, rather than being muffled in the writing process.... Read more ›
I hope Brill's story will change people's attitudes towards service dogs and will educate the public about the important role they play. Twenty years after the American with Disabilities Act gave legal rights to people in need of service dogs, it is still necessary to invoke that right to bring a working dog to some workplaces. The author takes on an ignorant employer who failed to recognize her legal rights to have an accommodation for a disability--an accomodation that included fur and four paws. The reader feels her frustration and anger that was triggered by the experience.
Aside from the political and educational element of the story, the story is a touching one of a young woman finding confidence and happiness with a Labrador retriever by her side. Since I first saw the movie of Old Yeller, I have cried when I read about dogs and their relationships with humans. This book is no exception for me. I experienced triumphant moments with the author and also some very sad moments. It is a wonderful treat to read about the training of her dog and the team that results from labor and love. The reader will learn about charitable organizations that help these transformations occur in the lives of people by providing trained dogs for free.
The only shortcoming of this book was that it felt over-edited to me. Perhaps this is necessary because the target audience is young adult and teen readers, but I would have preferred that the author's strong voice resounded more, rather than being muffled in the writing process.... Read more ›
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A wonderful story. A must read for anyone who loves animals and works with them. This is a wonderful story about a woman with CP and how a service dog named Slugger changed her life for the better. I hope you take the time to read her story, I'm glad I did.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Steph
Format:Kindle Edition
I like nonfiction stories that deal with real life experiences. I have worked with the disabled and with animal rescue for the past 10 years. I was looking for a quick read to get from the amazon owner lenders library and I decided to pick this book. I have always been interested in how animals can help people, and was looking forward to learning more about using dogs for assistance. It was a quick read that was written in everyday language. There were a few errors in this book such as a couple of blank pages in this book that was slightly distracting. I also don't like reading books with lots of foul language, and this book has quite a bit which seemed unnecessary. The story was well written, and I felt the emotion of attachment of her and slugger throughout the book. I learned a lot of how service dogs can assist through her account of the book. As a middle school language arts teacher I am always looking for good books to encourage my students to read, but even though it is their reading level I can't recommend for them to read it. It would have a wider audience if it was not for the language in the book.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Samira H.
Format:Kindle Edition
This was a heart-warming and beautiful story. Leigh does a wonderful job of conveying her and Sluggers mutual love and devotion to one another. This was inspiring, touching and not only a definite read but a definite re-read! It also opened my eyes to the wonderful services animals can provide to ALL people, not just those with physical disabilities.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By avidreader
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Pros:
-heartfelt and authentic, not pretentious
-great read if you love dogs or if you also struggle with some type of disability
Cons:
-elementary writing style (though it does improve somewhat through the book)
-many times felt like a PSA rather than a book to be read for enjoyment
-I got it for free on Kindle, but I would not recommend shelling out $$ to buy this book
-heartfelt and authentic, not pretentious
-great read if you love dogs or if you also struggle with some type of disability
Cons:
-elementary writing style (though it does improve somewhat through the book)
-many times felt like a PSA rather than a book to be read for enjoyment
-I got it for free on Kindle, but I would not recommend shelling out $$ to buy this book
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mrs. K
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
In this book Leigh Brill shows us how her 'working dog' Slugger made a real difference in her life- not just picking up pens and pushing elevator buttons for her, but also giving her courage and self-esteem. Slugger is her guardian and her best friend, and Leigh's writing makes it easy to love Sluggie, too.
Part of this book offers a wonderful example of the right reasons for legal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (correcting the wrongs and preventing them from happening again to others, rather than the motivation of monetary gain.) Way to go, Leigh!
I downloaded this free to my Kindle but would gladly have paid for the privilege of reading this story. Of course, you know what happens at the end of EVERY animal story, right? This one's no exception. Have kleenex handy.
Part of this book offers a wonderful example of the right reasons for legal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (correcting the wrongs and preventing them from happening again to others, rather than the motivation of monetary gain.) Way to go, Leigh!
I downloaded this free to my Kindle but would gladly have paid for the privilege of reading this story. Of course, you know what happens at the end of EVERY animal story, right? This one's no exception. Have kleenex handy.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Eviltwin1976
Format:Kindle Edition
What a great book to read! Was my first book read on my Kindle! Loved it and couldn't put it down!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A. Zittel
Format:Paperback
This is a great book about Leigh & her wonderful dog named Slugger.
Leigh has CP, though as a child/teen she denied her illness. Through Slugger, she learns how to better deal with her disease, learns she is more than her disease, and learns how to love not only herself & Slugger, but others as well(OK, I realize this sentence sounds way too corny, but it's all true). Slugger not only improves her own life, but the others that Leigh works with in her career.
The book is written for young adults, so I admit I did not "learn" anything from the book. It was definitely interesting learning about how dogs are trained to become "work dogs" and how humans learn to work equally with the dogs, but nothing new was presented to me. This was not enough to really detract from the book at all.
The ending of course, is a tear jerker, and is the reason why I don't normally review books like this.
Leigh has CP, though as a child/teen she denied her illness. Through Slugger, she learns how to better deal with her disease, learns she is more than her disease, and learns how to love not only herself & Slugger, but others as well(OK, I realize this sentence sounds way too corny, but it's all true). Slugger not only improves her own life, but the others that Leigh works with in her career.
The book is written for young adults, so I admit I did not "learn" anything from the book. It was definitely interesting learning about how dogs are trained to become "work dogs" and how humans learn to work equally with the dogs, but nothing new was presented to me. This was not enough to really detract from the book at all.
The ending of course, is a tear jerker, and is the reason why I don't normally review books like this.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fur-legged Love is always unconditional.
Slugger opened doors and was someone to lean on ...literally. A service dog for a young woman who had Cerebral Palsy, Slugger empowered the author to love herself for who she was,... Read more
Published 1 day ago by LVA
5.0 out of 5 stars
such a touching story
Great read about a service dog, how they are trained from a pup to being sent to service a person. A personnel story of how the service dogs helped the author with Cerebral... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Harringbone
5.0 out of 5 stars
A dog named Slugger review
I'm a doggie person and I found this story very touching-even a few tears at the end.I have been in the same position with my guide dog Bodie. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Dorothy Myers
5.0 out of 5 stars
N never received the book on my Kindle. Nor did I receive the...
I would be glad to review this book but never received it. I never received the preceding 3 books either. I need help!
Published 8 days ago by Carol A. Pavone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Paw-iful
Fabulous heart warming story, well written.
Brought tears and smiles page after page.
A great investment in money, time and emotion
Brought tears and smiles page after page.
A great investment in money, time and emotion
Published 8 days ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful book
I loved this book. Wonderful story about not giving up. Leigh overcame her disability and was able to live a good life
Published 12 days ago by DAWN MEUSHAW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
An amazing story, educational and inspiring. Anyone who is an animal lover will love this book, and fall in love.
Published 13 days ago by Ashley Elliott
4.0 out of 5 stars
very insightful
Very special glimpse into the mind and emotion of a physically challenged young lady and the devoted service of her dogs. Thank you for sharing your story and your vulnerability. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Ann
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
A kind of book that touch's heart and soul. You will laugh and cry. Read it you won't be sorry.
Published 14 days ago by cindy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving tale
I recently lost a sweet poodle that saw me through tough times. I cried & laughed recalling her antics. I know she I is romping with all the Sluggers somewhere peaceful &pain free.
Published 14 days ago by Orkby
