The Dogs Who Saved Me

by S. Kay Murphy

The Dogs Who Saved Me is a memoir which recounts how the author's life was enriched and protected by six beloved and extraordinary dogs. Net proceeds from this book are donated to animal rescue.

Genres: Memoir, Dogs

280 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2012

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is “The Dogs Who Saved Me” a memoir of S. Kay Murphy's life, or is it the story of the various dogs who have come into (and, unfortunately, out of) her life? The answer is “Yes”.

Murphy made the connection that the major events in her life occurred in parallel with having a dog in the family whose personality was such that he or she was a most appropriate companion. Some were empathic (and/or physical) protector types, while others were better at finding joy in situations where it might not be obvious.

I can't tell you that Ms. Murphy has had a more interesting life than the reader has experienced. I can tell you that Ms. Murphy has a gift for identifying exactly WHAT in her life would be considered of interest to others and how to tell the story in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner.

And I'm glad I took the time to read this book.

[Diane Howland · Rating 4 out of 5]

heartfelt and heart breaking. I cried many times through this book.

[Anne Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the love of dogs

I grew up with a cocker spaniel sharing my bed and my life and so this story instantly hooked me. This girl grows to maturity with the ever present love and understanding of a variety of canines …each of which is loved and gives love in return. The story of a young girl growing into a self confident fully developed human being is the thread that binds all the canine stories into a polished narrative you will enjoy following.

[Libby Grandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Kay Murphy's book, Dogs Who Saved Me, is everything a good memoir should be--honest, bravely self-revealing and eloquently written. Murphy begins her story as a vulnerable child caught in the drama of an adult world. After her father dies when she is eight years old, her mother must raise four children alone and enters a volatile relationship that negatively impacts her daughter. Murphy's teenage years are filled with not only the usual angst but more serious situations. Sapo, the family dog, is by her side during many of the painful, traumatic events.

Each dog after that plays an important part in Murphy's life. A marriage at an early age brings more stress, resulting in a biological daughter and three adopted children. After her divorce, Murphy must struggle to raise the children by herself, with the loving support of other faithful dogs.

Murphy's story will resonate with all readers who love animals. There will be tears, because the author skillfully draws you into her story and touches your heart with her gratitude for the dogs in her life. She highlights all the ways that our pets sustain us through difficult times. This is a memoir you will want to read and savor. And then go give your dog a hug.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Kay Murphy's memoir is a lovely and poignant reflection of the various dogs that have come and gone in her life. While I've been around dogs and like them just fine, I've never really had a dog, not one who greeted me at the door when I got home, one who I took on walks every day, one who growled at ominous figures as they lurked in the shadows. And, more importantly, it never occurred to me that I might be missing out on something, not until I read Murphy's The Dogs Who Saved Me. Each dog Murphy writes about becomes a sympathetic figure, a flesh and blood protagonist that sits up on the page, tail wagging. More than just dogs, however, Murphy opens up a vein in this memoir, allowing herself to bleed on the page, revealing some painful and personal memories; and, every step along the way, there is beautiful, loving dog to help see her through it.

[Tim Chizmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, revealing- honest

[J.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"the dogs who saved me" made me feel a little guilty, and uncomfortable. Halfway through, I the book down, and took my doggies out for a walk. I am tenderhearted when it comes to scenes of cruelty or abandonment with animals and I prefer to avoid dog stories. This was not Old Yellow - thank goodness. It was a different kind of a memoir, an intimate story deftly told, with wry humor.

I especially enjoyed it because it allows the reader to explore imaginings of what life could be like - if only you had the perfect dog at your side. My dogs would have appreciated more information so I'd become the perfect alpha leader of our doggie pack. Maybe next book?

[Kathleen Shaputis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dog lover, I started this book with the clearest of hearts. How quickly I forgot that part of loving these incredible four-legged beings is the broken heart when we have to say goodbye. More than once I had tears in my eyes after a scene in this book. It made me think back to some of the champions in my life as well. Thank you for sharing your stories and emotions on the page and allowing us a great read and a chance to remember our own pasts.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this delightful book in a Goodreads giveaway. As a dog momma myself, I didn't need any convincing about the special relationship we have with our dogs. But Murphy did an especially good job of exploring her own struggles, and how the unwavering assurance of the dogs in her life helped her work through them.

[Kay Winder]

Interesting

I normally wouldn't have read this but needed an author with a first of last name as me. I'm so glad I grabbed it to read, it's amazing how animals can touch you're heart. They truly know how to help by just being there. Kay shared her highs and lows and at times had me crying with her.

[John Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and you need to read this great book. Kay gives us a great view of the loves in her life and the dogs in her life. A great memoir by a great writer