James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories (1995)

I really need to read his full works now. ( )

Meet Tricki Woo, Mrs. Pumphrey's clever, laughing, yet majestic Pekinese dog - purportedly descended from those belonging to Chinese emperors. In veterinarian "James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories" we learn that Tricki Woo has a wide grin, a lolling tongue, enjoys Chinese food and does not like swearing! He is one of the eight fascinating dogs we are introduced to in this collection. There is a dramatic surgery on one patient named Jake - a lurcher, or cross-bred greyhound - who had the life threatening condition of a pebble caught in his larynx. The urgent procedure is brief and successful and Jake is quickly healed and capering about.

The author travels throughout the Yorkshire countryside caring for his furry patients. He describes in vivid detail the unique environment, lifestyle, and personality of each dog as well as the particularly deep connection between the pet and human owner. James Herriot cared for animals of all sizes in his lifetime, but in these stories it is clear that dogs are his favorite. Dog lovers of all ages will enjoy these lively and humorous tales.

~Reviewed by Kate H. (RSSAA parent and Library volunteer, Feb. 2016)

A collection of stories about dogs and their owners that James Herriot encountered as a vet. He recognizes and affirms the special relationship between each dog and owner in these warm fuzzy stories. It's a great read for dog-lovers. I have sometimes enjoyed reading them when I was feeling down. ( )

A collection of stories by James Herriot, centering around the dogs he came across in his work. The stories are cute and some are sweet or sad, but this was really more of just a quick read for fun and to pass the time than something I got anything out of. ( )

There is nothing like an animal, and particularly a dog, to inspire sentimentality. And many of the titles lining the shelves of the animal sections in libraries and bookstores are efforts by one or another author to tap into that unique emotion evoked in animal lovers. Just describe a dog or a cat or a horse in such a way as to shortcut to the reader's own experiences with animals, add a dignified, heart-wrenching death, and put a picture of the animal on the cover; it's sure to sell. James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories is not that book. Herriot, rather than relying on the typical sacchrine, uses his experiences as a veterinarian in Yorkshire as a study of animal and human companionship and dignity in life.

This is the last of Herriot's writing, published at the conclusion of his career. Always famous for his animal stories, Herriot is really tapping into human lives and interactions by studying the animals which accompany them. While each chapter focuses on a different dog Herriot was treating, the owner is also highlighted. Mrs. Pumphrey, owner of Tricki Woo, a Pekingnese spoiled to the point of near extinction, appears as both eccentric and freeh-minded patroness. Herriot sees hope and grit in the perservenrance of Hermann, a dachshund, and his owner, Mr. Cundall, who both fighting paralysis at the end of their lives. Roddy Travers, who rides his mutt, Jake, around in a wheelbarrow, is a bit of a tramp, never settling down, constantly on the move. But in his gentle and loving manner with Jake, Herriot sees a rare dignity and companionship. And Mrs. Donvan, a local quack dispensing "condintioning powders" in the town, becomes a savior, rescuing a dog that no one else would have given a second look. All of these unusual people are reflected in their dogs.

An added bonus is Herriot's obvious love for the Yorkshire countryside. I was able to visualize more of this country while reading this short book than in many previous novels set in the British countryside. Herriot paints a beautiful setting.

There are more happy endings in this book of stories than there are sad ones. But they are nonetheless moving.

Five bones!!!!! Highly recommended. ( )