Customer Reviews

James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you have any passion for animals at all, you will devour this book. It's so sweet and wonderful -- a masterpiece of 20th century literature.

Mr. Herriot was truly a gifted writer. His heart could be felt in every word -- he deeply cared for the animals he doctored over the years. Aside from the endearing tails (pardon the pun), he masterfully described the European countryside, the people who belonged to the pets, the pubs he frequented and his everyday astonishing feats of medical marvelry. Yet he was so humble and down-to-earth. His stories are either tear-jerkers or pant-wetters. More than once I found myself nearly crying during study period at college because I was laughing so hard.

Some of my favorite shorts were "The Card Over the Bed", "Tricki Woo", "Granville Bennett", "Have a Cigar" and "Mrs. Donovan" -- the latter being my favorite. (Mrs. Donovan was a crone who patrolled the streets of Darrowby trying to cure people's animals quite often causing strife for Mr. Herriot.)

The very best thing about this book, aside from it being a quick and easy read, is that the stories are broken up so that you can put it down at any time and come back to it without fear of having lost your place.

James Herriot was the master of animal literature. Never have I encountered a more tasteful writer who so accurately depicted the behavior of dogs. I am a huge animal lover having two cats and a dog of my own. I found amazing similarities between the antics of the dogs showcased in this book and my own golden lab, and reading it made me want to cuddle him closer.

James Herriot's Dog Stories is written by a man who loves both people and animals. The descriptions of people, dogs, and his humble view of himself are an irresistable combination. The accuracy and wit with which he presents people's relationships with their dogs is priceless. When I read this book, I laugh at the eternal goofiness of dogs and also dog people! The sadder stories are written with a balanced view. This book is an amazing collection of short stories. Highly recommended.

Do you have a passion for animals? If so, you'll inhale this book. The authors heartfelt emotions can be felt on every page. He clearly adored the animals he cared for over the decades. He described the colorful European countryside, the diverse pets, and the people who owned them in fine detail. Each story is accompanied by an ink sketch that added some warm visuals. My favorite stories were of "Tricki Woo", "Judy The Nurse Dog", "Granville Bennett", and "Cigar." What was nice is that since the stories were broken up, you could not lose your place when you took a break. Yet, I only took one because this was a fast page turner. I have had several dogs in my life and these are the most honest depictions of dog behavior I have read thus far. All animal lovers will enjoy this. Time to hug my dog and adopt another.

In has been roughly two decades since I read James Herriot's salubrious "All Creatures..." series, yet when I picked up this "best of" concoction, many of the dulcet vignettes were as fresh in my mind as if I had lived them last week. Although trained as a vet, James Herriot had a true gift with the written word. These tales about pets and their two-legged counterparts shine a light deep into the mechanisms of human nature.

While he succeeded admirably as an honorable animal doctor and found worldwide fame as a late-in-life author, perhaps he missed his true calling as a psychologist. The humor, heartbreak, and humanity that he so eloquently captures in these stories shows a sagacious mind. It's no wonder that his time on earth brought many smiles and caused many a tail to wag.

This TV vet has put down in words stories of some of his most famous dogs. The characters, both human and canine, are unique and entertaining. His style of writing is concise, and descriptive and passionate.

Loved the story of 'Judy The Nurse Dog' who nursed all the other animals in the barnyard, including licking of a newborn calf to nursing a chicken back to health. This sheepdog was true Florence Nightingale of Canine World.

Great heroes and such to be found in this great read. All dog lovers will enjoy this one.

I was looking to buy a book for a friend who was getting a new puppy. I thought that "Favorite Dog Stories" would be a good start for both puppy and his owner. But then, I saw the beutiful illustrations inside the book and I could not resist. I read it in a day. And it brought all sort of emotions, because stories were so beautiful. This is an excellent book for both children and adults. I would recommend it to anyone. And you know what - I am a two cats owner. Not even a "real" dog person. Enjoy this wonderful book. Thank you Mr. Herriot for sharing these wonderful stories...

If you love dogs, you'll love this book. It is so interesting to get to read about his life with so many dogs that entered his life. He can be very comical through the book and he can make you cry too. His writing makes you feel that you were there with him when the stories happened. It is unfortunate that James is no longer with us here on Earth. God rest his soul.

Herriot writes about his favorite patients - dogs! Fifty beautifully written stories take you to his world of loving caretaker for dogs of all social status in Yorkshire. Here is a masterpiece of love and devotion. Stories range from the achingly sad to humorous but never fail to reach the heart.

James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories is a short but delightful book written by the world famous veterinarian. It is beautifully illustrated by Lesley Holmes.

This book consists of ten stories from Herriot's previous books that feature dogs that he has treated over the years. It's difficult to pick a favorite as they all have amazing personalities. There is Brandy, who is such a scrounger that he gets his tongue stuck in tin cans that he digs out of the trash can. TrickiWoo, a Pekingese, picks winning horses at the races. And Gyp, an epileptic sheepdog, only barked once in his entire life. Although all the dogs have special characteristics, it is obvious that it would take a veterinarian with compassion and humor to see that these animals are more than just pets.

I truly enjoyed Favorite Dogs Stories. However, if you've already read Herriot's other books (which I haven't), you will find that they're repeats.

Part of my 7yr old daughters homework every night is to read 15-20 minutes of a chapter book. I picked James Herriots stories because she loves animals and the stories are heart warming and I enjoy reading along with her.