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spatterson12's review
5.0
I love Bragg’s writing. Plain and simple. He can put you in a moment and have you feel all five senses through his storytelling. I have to say, it was heartbreaking to learn he was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, but he is in remission and still writing.
With this book, Bragg chronicles the journey of accepting the latest stray pup, Speck, into his life. One who loves a good fight, is a big baby at heart, has stuck by his side since the moment he was welcomed, and does NOT care for bath time.
There are a lot of funny moments, like a comedy of errors when raising a dog with a mind of his own. There are also emotional sections that explore family, health, and loneliness during these trying times. At least they had Speck, even if he was terrible, to support them through it all.
“The dog, he said, gave me something to care about.”
With this book, Bragg chronicles the journey of accepting the latest stray pup, Speck, into his life. One who loves a good fight, is a big baby at heart, has stuck by his side since the moment he was welcomed, and does NOT care for bath time.
There are a lot of funny moments, like a comedy of errors when raising a dog with a mind of his own. There are also emotional sections that explore family, health, and loneliness during these trying times. At least they had Speck, even if he was terrible, to support them through it all.
“The dog, he said, gave me something to care about.”
appalachiandiva's review
5.0
For anyone who has ever owned a pet with a touch of evil, you will treasure this book.
torisbookmarks's review against another edition
3.5
Listened to the audiobook narrated by the author. A wonderful story of two broken creatures being each other's solace. Dogs just have this innate ability to provide us with exactly what we need, even when we have no idea what that is.
arielamandah's review
3.0
Well, wanted to love this one, but it was a little flat. I love a good dog book, but this one never rose above “just OK” until the very, very end. I got the sense that Bragg’s great gift is writing about people (maybe even men in particular). The section about his brother was incandescent - so different than the rest of the book. Otherwise, this didn’t do much for me (maybe because I’ve had even naughtier dogs than Speck in my past…).
brb_reads's review
4.0
His books should really only be consumed by audio. This was a light and funny read. Another one that was perfect timing for me.
readlit247's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Sometimes the universe sends us the dog we need, not the one we envision. For Rick Bragg, the right dog comes in the form of a half-blind matted dog with a penchant for rolling in donkey dung, chasing the FedEx man, and upending the lives of the residents on the family farm, both two- and four-legged. In other words, he becomes the perfect companion for Bragg. A funny, heartwarming story.
Content Warnings
Minor spoiler alert: the dog does *not* die at the end.
bookshelvish's review against another edition
4.0
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is a love letter to adopting a rescue dog and I cried often. The author narrates and it’s WONDERFUL. It really is exactly what owning a dog is about - calling the stupid in your head, yelling at them to have some manners for once, complaining constantly about how much work they are, but then spending every second you’re not with them missing them and hoping they’re comfy and safe and warm and chomping on a tasty bone. Dogs really can heal you and I loved read Speck’s story.
Also, the dog doesn’t die in this story, which I know is a big plus!!
Also, the dog doesn’t die in this story, which I know is a big plus!!