Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog [Paperback]

Ellen Palestrant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2007

Although the long life of a confused, anxiety-ridden pet is the focus of Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog, this book is also a human story. Ellen Palestrant calls this memoir an autobiodography, that is, her dog Pretzel's biography told in tandem with fragments from her own life.

With humor, pathos, and great originality, Palestrant offers a moving tale about her maladjusted, routine-bound dog and his many dilemmas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Elusive Press (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587368412
• ISBN-13: 978-1587368417
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,876,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for pet lovers, February 20, 2008

By 

S V SWAMY "swamy-reviews" (Hyderabad, India) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog (Paperback)

Pretzel is a pet dog of the author and when she immigrates to USA from South Africa, it also goes along. Unlike her other pet dog Bailey, Pretzel doesn't adopt well to the journey and the changed environs. Later when the author's house is being remodeled, all the noises made by men and machines add to Pretzel's problems and it develops depression, anxiety etc. The vet puts Pretzel on Prozac, an antidepressant and the title of the book is derived thus. Pretzel becomes normal and after a few years, continues to be normal even after Prozac is withdrawn. Pretzel lives to a ripe 20 years of age.

The book is well written and is at places humorous and poignant. It would appeal to all pet lovers. It brings out well, the problems of adjusting to a new society and environment and shows how other animals are similar to humans if having difficulties of adjusting.

The book is edited and printed well. Check it out for yourself.

5.0 out of 5 stars well written often amusing "dogography", March 30, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog (Paperback)

Ellen Palestrant accompanied by her two dogs Pretzel and Bailey moved from South Africa to the United States. Whereas Bailey adapts to the long trek and shows no neuroses upon moving into his new home, Pretzel struggles with the journey and turns psychotic once he is in the United States. Everything disturbs Pretzel from noise to nearby people. He becomes depressed not wanting to do anything or eat and is anxious as every change in routine upsets him. Ms. Palestrant, worried about her beloved pet, turns to the vet for help. Thus PRETZEL'S ON PROZAC to help him psychologically with his mental issues. This helps normalize the canine and he remains normal even when he finally is withdrawn from Prozac.

This is well written often amusing "dogography" that canine lovers will fully appreciate. Although overall jocular, it is the deep look into a pet struggling with adjusting to new environs that makes PRETZEL ON PROZAC: THE STORY OF AN IMMIGRANT DOG worth reading, as animals have their neurosis too.