Customer Reviews

I Have Heard You Calling in the Night

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4 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Perhaps when he chooses the Doberman puppy and takes him home, writer Thomas Healy knows a moment of hope, however brief, an impulse to care for other than himself in a downward spiraling life. It is many years before Healy is unburdened of his alcoholism and the diminishment of his soul, years of spiritual struggle and the insensible desire for drink. But the dog, Martin, injects another element into the lonely man's days, planting a seed that will take root over time and turmoil, finally releasing him from the bondage of his addiction.

Healy never considers himself a religious man, but Catholicism is in his bones, the DNA of this Scotsman and his family in Glasgow. Religion is part of the social fabric of their lives, in the home the author shares with his mother, the midnight masses they attend on Christmas Eve, in the prayers they say, the novenas he starts but never seems able to complete. Thomas is a drifter, unable to work at his former job, prone to wasting his days in alcoholic oblivion, sporadically sober, but never long enough to escape his demons or his sorrow. The years pass, leaving their mark on Healy's shredded psyche, faithful Martin ever at his side, best and only friend.

When Healy's elderly mother finally succumbs to a stroke, he is distraught; soon after she is sent to the hospital, he notices how badly the faithful Martin is failing as well. The loss of both is almost more than the bereaved man can bear. As Thomas unravels, the drink taking him nearer and nearer the precipice of no return, it is the memory of Martin and thoughts of his mother that buoy him through the darkest of nights. After years of degradation and loss of hope, Healy finds his way home, rediscovering his spiritual connections. In blunt, honest prose, Healy describes his horrendous journey, embracing every aspect of his life, his affections and his flaws, coming to terms finally with the brittle hubris that every alcoholic must face. Luan Gaines/2006.

A great story of how a dog can be a positive force in one's life. I was a little disappointed that the book focused more on the result of the positive force, than on the dog himself. But that's because I like dog books...

I finished this book last night and was sorry to have it end. I had really enjoyed looking forward to picking up where I had left off the previous reading. This story was well written because it was from the heart. An honest look at oneself by a man who was redeemed and given a second chance by his love for a dog. His deepening faith over a long period of time, as a Roman Catholic, was beautifully depicted, as was his love for his mother and his wonderfully supportive sister, Mary. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves dogs; has an addiction; or wants to read an inspiring story of increased faith by a very beautiful author. Hope you keep writing more for us!

This is a very interesting autobiographical book about the author at a crucial decade in his life journey. It's a period of life that he shares with a dog, which why I bought the book and read it. It was very enjoyable to read and I'm always happy to see it on the shelf at the bookstore because I know others will buy and read it as well. This self-taught author is a remarkable person.

As an animal lover and dog owner, I was drawn to this book. As a mental health professional who regularly works with people struggling with substance abuse issues, the book also appealed to me from that aspect. I completed my Master's Thesis on Pet Therapy, so I already know the powerful benefits one could get from pets. This book confirmed it all for me. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I thouroughly enjoyed the book!

I am a big fan of autobiographies and Thomas tells his story like no other. Thomas shares his intimate feelings and how he overcame his downward descent with the help of a puppy. Anyone who has been down and out knows that sometimes you need something to grab as your life preserver, for Thomas it was his puppy Martin. Anyone who deals with alcoholism, wether in their own family or within themselves, will benefit from reading this story of triumph and overcoming the clutches of alcohol and how it effects us and everyone around us. An inspiring read you will not soon forget.

I can't remember the last time I was this moved by a book. This is a great book for anyone who has ever loved and lost someone, whether human or dog. I would like to thank the author for sharing his story and inspiring others.

Thomas Healy is a hard drinking, hard fighting man - not much different from other hard drinkers, I suppose. On a whim, he buys a Doberman puppy, Martin. The responsibility of caring for Martin seems to awaken a sense of responsibility in Mr Healy. As Mr Healy takes care of Martin and Martin takes care of Mr Healy, the relationship blossoms into a best friend relationship. So what if one of the friends has 4 legs instead of two?
This is mostly about Mr Healy's transformation to a drunken fighter to a more gentle soul but it is an amazing transformation. If you ever have doubts that animals can heal, you should definitely read this book. I recommend it highly and I'm not even a "dog person".

The author of this book tells about a man's search for meaning. I read this many years back and still can not forget the simple way this man tells of his struggles. This is one of the best books about spirituality I have ever read. The author falls many times and gets back up many times as well. The dog Martin is part of his story but no, it is not a dog story.I have to admit that is why I checked it out of the library. I got it thinking I would read another heartwarming dog story and found a heartbreaking memoir on one man's search for true meaning to his life. In short, this book is a heartfelt confession.

It's true that most of this book is about the author and his family, his problems and his youth.
However, it's not true that this book is not enough about his dog. Dogs are not to be made into 'people'. They don't need to be: their personalities are powerful enough that they can affect a person's life as much as people affect his life.
That is the dog in this story - a force in this man's life that makes him re-examine how he lives and what he means to the people around him.
This is a wonderful, moving story about a man and his dog. I never knew the writing of the author before this book; he has great talent. Truth: I couldn't stop reading the book, once I started.