Customer Reviews

A Famous Dog's Life: The Story of Gidget, America's Most Beloved Chihuahua

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
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When I took my copy of A Famous Dog's Life into the exam room at my doctor's in New Mexico, her nurse looked at the cover and asked: Is that the Taco Bell dog? Chihuahuas are everywhere in my neighborhood and I can't tell one from the other.

I'm a little more in tune now, thanks to this book, by Sue Chipperton and Rennie Dyball, which was a good read and an education for me. Chipperton trains dogs--and other animals--for television commercials and movies and the Taco Bell dog, whose real name was Gidget, lived with Chipperton so the story is not only about Gidget's role in commercials and movies, but their life together. Thus, we learn how and where they traveled, how they lived on the road and how Gidget--and other animals trained by Chipperton and friends--met a long list of movie stars, including my favorite Clint Eastwood.

As a freelance photographer, I learned a couple of things that might come in handy should someone ever ask me to shoot a portrait of their dog or cat. It all comes down to associating a desired behavior with a desired sound--and then a treat. That works on me, too.

Chipperton thanks Dyball for "suffering through my edits," and I must commend Dyball, a former student of mine, for maintaining Chipperton's voice throughout. It's the mark of a good editor to let the right voice through, and in this book, the voice is true and consistent.

It was so much fun to learn what goes on behind the scenes of working dogs. I loved hearing about Gidget's real life and all of the stories that went along with it!!! Anyone who loves dogs, the entertainment industry or the "Taco Bell Dog" will really appreciate this book.

Sometimes people think that working dogs don't have a good life but this book proves just the opposite.

Sue details her life as an animal trainer telling the wonderful story of Gidget, the Taco Bell dog, as well as many other animals she has trained for movies, tv and commercials. She has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Clint Eastwood, to name a few. Sue is respected for her work and talent and the ability to bring out the best in the animals she is training. Filled with amusing anecdotes, as well as training advise, it is a must read!

This book is a must read for any dog lovers out there. It is an engaging story of the FAMOUS Taco Bell Dog, Gidget. Beyond that, it is filled with funny behind the scenes stories of being on a Hollywood set, training tips for you and your pooch, and the wonderful bond between dog and owner. You will not be able to put it down. Gidget's story (and Sue's) will win your heart.

Great book. I dont own a dog but after reading this book, I want to own one. So cute and so neat to learn how they train the cute animals. Good book for a summer read and animal lovers!

I'll preface this by saying I'm not a "dog person" and I'm not big into celebrity stories. However, to this day I think that the Taco Bell commercials with Gidget are hysterical, so I gave "A Famous Dog's Life" a shot. I sat down to read it after work and did not put it down until I finished it that same night. It is a tremendously well-written, engaging, heart-warming, and genuinely fun story. I was completely drawn into Sue's dog-training methods and how much these small stars truly love to work. This book provides an incredible look into how Hollywood's animal stars do what they do. You are going to love this book!

This was an AMAZING book for anyone who loves dogs or is interested in how they train animals for movies! The personal stories of Sue and her dogs are masterfully interwoven with interesting information about dog training. I couldn't put it down! I feel like I've suddenly become very aware of every animal I see in movies or on TV and how they do what they do. It was such a cool story and I absolutely loved it!

From the first page, the whimsical tale of Sue and Gidget drew me in! The book really kept me entertained, and it was incredible to learn the behind the scenes animal secrets! A must read for all animal lovers

Bought this for daughter in law for Christmas because she has two chihuahuas so I knew she'd like it and she did. I found out my grand daughter was already reading it and had one herself but they were fighting over it so now they each have their own.

Absolutely LOVED this book! Definitely an enjoyable and fun -- yet intelligent -- read with so much insight/education into what it takes to train the furry stars we fall in love with on tv/movies. Have recommended the book to family/friends and am looking forward to reading it again and again!