Book Review: OOGY by Larry Levin

I just finished this book and I'm not even lying, I still have tears in my eyes. This was one of the most touching stories I've ever read.


“In the bestselling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.
In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen–one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue–ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy’s charms, and decided to take him home.
Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him “Oogy” (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own."

I knew that this story would be close to my heart, since Oogy is a Dogo Argentino, which is a cousin of sorts to the Pit Bull. Oogy was a victim of dogfighting, a crime that cuts me to the core each and every time I hear about it. His resilience, and courage, are just so inspirational to me. I also really related to the author and his experiences with Oogy being misunderstood just by the way he looks and his breed, which is something we deal with on a daily basis with Tucker. My heart aches for him, but it shouldn't. He sounds like one of the happiest, most joyful dogs ever! I would love to meet Oogy someday, he really has touched my heart!

I recommend this book to all animal lovers, not just dog lovers or Pit Bull lovers like myself. It is a great story of courage, determination, and above all else, love. You can find a copy of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by clicking the link. :)

Disclosure: We received a copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given, and all opinions are my own.