Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life [Hardcover]

Bruce Goldstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2008

To Bruce Goldstein-an edgy, twenty-something New Yorker trying to make his mark in advertising-just waking up in the morning was an ordeal. Underemployed and recently dumped, he was well into the downward spiral of bipolar disorder. Even with therapy, lithium, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Prozac, he could not shake his rapid mood swings, his fear of dying, or the voice of Satan, who first visited him one sunny day in Central Park. Then came Ozzy, a black Labrador pup (named after metal’s “Prince of Darkness”) who leads Bruce toward recovery through complete, canine dependence. From the depths of his despair to a life remade, Bruce shows how learning to care for, train, and love the hilariously loyal Ozzy provided him with the structure and focus he needed to heal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this man-boy-meets-dog memoir, first time author Goldstein hits a number of satisfying, if familiar, notes relating his story of heartbreak, mental illness and redemption in the big city. Suffering with bipolar disorder, crohns disease, a lousy job at a "possessed advertising agency" and a devastating breakup, New York-based twenty-something Goldstein decides owning a dog might help him to better cope with life. Though the narrative takes time to get going, the story gains momentum once Ozzy the black lab enters the picture. Despite looking like one of the "pricey stuffed animals from FAO Schwartz," Ozzy was "more than alive." Soon, the dog's boundless vitality and complete dependence are leading Goldstein from the brink, challenging him to take responsibility for himself as well as his furry charge and teaching him the joy of selflessness. Goldstein's chronicle is funny and absorbing, and should have dog lovers nodding along in happy recognition.
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Review

LibraryJournal.com
"From the opening sentence...to the last...readers will appreciate how one seemingly insignificant four-legged creature made a life-altering difference to a young, suicidally depressed man. Four paws up...Joining the recent wave of memoirs about dogs and their owners, Goldstein's book differs in that it focuses on the ability of canines to touch our souls and provide unconditional love and support during times of extreme psychological stress. In that respect, it is similar to Mark Doty's Dog Years."

"My Pet World with Steve Dale," nationally syndicated column
"The book is filled with stuff any dog owner can identify with...Quite funny and always honest."

Zink
"An uplifting romance that will inspire anyone who's suffered from depression and remind women everywhere why they started loving men in the first place—because deep down, they're pussycats."

PublishersWeekly.com
"In this man-boy-meets-dog memoir, first time author Goldstein hits a number of satisfying notes relating his story of heartbreak, mental illness and redemption in the big city Goldstein s chronicle is funny and absorbing, and should have dog lovers nodding along in happy recognition."

Colorado Springs Independent
The pace of Goldstein's words alone will suck you in to his story. His descriptions are so vivid you'll feel as if you've taken up residence in his brain, riding the raging storm within him. Your heart will race with his, and your breathing will slow when he is calm. Perhaps most importantly, you'll come to love Ozzy (his "furry antidepressant") as much as Goldstein does.

Dog Fancy
“It’s more than just a story about mental illness. The book chronicles the way that raising a dog changes your life for the better.”

Bookreviews.com May “Pick of the Month”
“It is a chronicle of falling in love and experiencing all the joys of man’s best friend…A wonderful true story.”

Paw Print
“Takes us into the world of author Bruce Goldstein’s manic depression, just as Sylvia Nasar’s A Beautiful Mind explored the horrors of schizophrenia…Pet owners will certainly relate to Goldstein’s having to rearrange his life around Ozzy…Goldstein’s prose flows effortlessly…The book’s message is life-affirming and life-altering.”

OK! 6/2/08
“An inspirational true story on the therapeutic benefits a pet can provide.”

Shape July Issue
“For the grown-up Lassie lover…Warning: Get this only if you’re ready to adopt—you may head to the shelter after the last page.”

Modern Dog, Fall 2008
“Surprisingly uplifting…A tale most dog owners can relate to.”

Augusta Metro Spirit, 4/15/09
“A humorous account of pet ownership…A lovely story…Despite the simple story line, the work will have readers enjoying a heartfelt chuckle, and dog lovers smiling…A fun book for those in favor of some light reading and a funny pet.”

Findlay Courier (OH), 4/23/09
“A compelling look at what it's like to suffer from mental illness, and anyone who's loved a pet can relate to how Ozzy changes Goldstein's life.”

Las Vegas Examiner.com, 5/5/09
“[Goldstein] shares his story with honesty and tremendous humor and lets us inside the mind of someone losing his mind.”

 

Gettysburg Times, 3/2/11

“Offers a good look at the struggles and successes a person with a mental illness experiences and insight to additional recovery options.”

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1st Da Capo Press Ed edition (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568583842
• ISBN-13: 978-1568583846
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,022,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bruce Goldstein is a stay-at-home daddy, a screenwriter and a first-time author of PUPPY CHOW IS BETTER THAN PROZAC. A Staten Island graffiti artist turned New York City commercial artist, Goldstein has worked at several of the most respected, creative advertising agencies, including Chiat/Day, Deutsch and Hill Holliday. Goldstein received a B.F.A. in Advertising Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in 1992. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and daughter.

PUPPY CHOW IS BETTER THAN PROZAC was published in MARCH 08. And it was a Bestseller on Amazon in one day!
Press included: Parade, NY Post, The Morning Show, Publisher's Weekly, NY Daily News, City Tails, BARK, Shape, Library Journal, WebMD, Zink, OK, The Boston Globe, Martha Stewart Sirius Satellite, etc...

"This very funny, sad book is better than the cover, and it's a helluva cover!"
-- JAMES PATTERSON, #1 New York Times, Bestselling Author


"I'm the author of "Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac" and I've worked as a writer at many NY ad agencies. But nothing is as challenging and rewarding then taking care of my daughter." -- bruce

Check out Bruce's stay-at-home dad blog: http://www.dontdropthebabyonherhead.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A touching memoir about a life saved by a puppy, March 16, 2008

By 

B. McDonald - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life (Hardcover)

I was very excited to finally receive my copy of this book. I have been hearing about it for a month on the web. I found this story compelling a very readable. The authors descriptions of his symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of manic depression are vivid and thought provoking. He really hits a low point before deciding that a dog might be his last chance. The story that follows is hilarious and touching. As Bruce's trial and error education in puppy rearing commences we laugh and cry with him as Ozzy, his adorable black lab puppy, drags Bruce back into life. I think anyone who lives with a pet can tell you that they can lift your sprits with a warm nuzzle, but this dog truly saved this mans life. A great read for pet lovers, but also a thoughtful memoir about coping with mental illness and a wonderful tale about falling in love.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm loving this book!!, March 16, 2008

By 

Marty212 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life (Hardcover)

This book is inspriational and I can't put it down. I'm on chapter 17.
Bruce's writing is so honest....I can really relate to his isolation and pain.
I greatly appreciate Bruce's ability to keep fighting through everything he's going through.
I recommend this book to everyone. I'm gonna try and finish it tonight!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OZZY ROCKS!, February 24, 2008

By 

K. Gross - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life (Hardcover)

we all know about the theraputic effect of pets. and this just proves one more time how the love of an animal can help save human lives.
ozzy, you are too cute!