Customer Reviews

Rufus Chronicles: Another Autumn

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4 star:		(1)
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I couldn't put this book down until I reached the end. It was funny, heart-warming, and heart-breaking. Rufus had uncompromising character (at least in the field; at home he was a bit of a terror); he loved his work and he was truly an inspiration. At first I thought the birding/hunting terminology would be a problem; I'm a vegetarian who knows nothing about the subject. But I assure you, being unfamiliar with the subject didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all. In fact, I felt guilty that my Brittany, Pointer and Weimaraner have never had such experiences. A dog, like a human, has certain gifts and talents, and Rufus was lucky enough to utilize his to the fullest. Mr. Gusewelle is very talented - he had a wonderful story to tell and he told it beautifully. I highly recommend this book!

This memoir by columnist Gusewelle of the life of his dog Rufus is rich, funny and gives a thorough explication of what it meant to live with the Brittany Rufus. I was not partial to the passages on hunting, as I am not a hunter, but I was still engrossed in the book, because these incidents told a lot about Rufus, and after all, HE loved the hunt. It's a pleasant read, with a not unexpected end that while sad completes the story satisfactorily. If you know someone who loves to read, hunt and loves his dogs, this book is definitely the perfect gift.

Rarely does a book come along that seems upon first reading like reacquainting oneself with an old friend. But, with The Rufus Chronicle: Another Autumn, author C.W. Gusewelle's writing is like taking a walk in the quail fields with hunters we have known.

The book is about Gusewelle's dog, Rufus, a Brittany Spaniel. Rather, it is a chronicle, a diary of the life of Rufus with Gusewelle from a pup until maturity at 13 seasons. It has plenty of dog lore, from puppyhood to middle age to advanced years, seemingly paralleling the stages of the author's own life. Along the way, we read pearls of wisdom, such as: ""I've seen people wear out, forget their purpose. But, an old bird dog, when autumn comes, always can smell tomorrow on the wind." And: "There's no surer way to friendship than to praise a stranger's dog." Or, "a morning hunt's missed is one you'll never have again." Chronicle is a time well spent, foraging in the fields of the heart.

I dislike books about dogs as a general rule, but The Rufus Chronicle was an unexpected treasure. Gusewelle speaks with a solid yet familiar voice about the joys and the learning curve of raising a dog from a pup with the intent for it to be a hunting dog. I haven't hunted or had a dog for many years, but with every turn of the page I was transported back to a time when my greatest pleasure was taking to the field with my canine companion. This book has the rare quality of speaking to the reader on a basic human level, causing you to not only remember scenes from your past, but also sounds, smells, and feelings. If you hunt, keep dogs, or are simply an animal lover with a big heart, then you must read this book.

This book catches your attention immediately. The author's style makes you want to curl up and read without putting this book down for even a second! I am a Brittany owner but dog owners of all breeds, especially gun dogs, will find themselves smiling, crying, laughing and more as they take an emotional journey with the author and his dog through the seasons of their collective lives! ....a wonderful, heartwarming experience, don't miss it!

This will warm the hearts of all dog lovers. Dog owners will reflect on their own experiences with dogs as they read about Rufus, his yard mate and his Master, Charles. Do not be surprised if you find yourself smiling, crying and even laughing out loud.

This collection of columns, written from 1983 to 1996, records the relationship of Mr. Gusewelle and his Brittany spaniel, Rufus, as well as the relationships Rufus has with Mrs. Gusewelle, their two daughters, their older female dog, Cinnamon (who lived, despite Rufus' teasing and gnawing on her legs and tail, to be 20 years old!), and four cats, all of whom shared the Gusewelle household. The essays are charming, very comical at times, and describe the lessons Rufus attempts to teach each of his family members over the thirteen years of his life. Anyone who has ever cared for, loved, and shared a home with a dog will appreciate this book, and smile, chuckle, and weep at the memories evoked with regard to having known his or her own pets, and from being acquainted with the wonderful creatures we know as dogs, in general. If I have a "criticism" of this book, it is that it left me longing to hear more about Rufus, his sometimes bumbling "master", a! nd the rest of his loving family (which eventually included two of his sons).

This is a tremendous book. Not a book just for Brittanylovers, but for all lovers of gun dogs. The book takes you to thejoys of friendship, hunting, birds, and dogs in the field. It reminds us of what is important, and what matters. It makes you laugh, and helps you see the world in better terms. It makes you pat your dog on the head and be thankful for him.

If you spouse doesn't understand the attraction of fleeing quail on a cold November morning give her this book. A read through and she'll understand why we always pursue "Another Autumn."

Don't miss this book. It's a keeper.

This book graps you from the first page as you can fell the love Mr. Gusewelle had for Rufus. His descriptions of the hunts and walks they go on allow you to feel and see their enviroment. But the descriptions of Rufus's gifts to him are the most heartwarming and fulfilling. A great Read!

A well-written real life of a Brittany and its owner in the field over the years. Very authentic, very moving.