What do you think?
Rate this book
All That Ails You: The Adventures of a Canine Caregiver
Every dog deserves a forever home, and after being mistreated and given up several times, Wrigley has finally found his. The good-natured, smart mutt now spends his days as the house dog at SunRidge Assisted Living, comforting and doting on forty-five seniors. Wrigley has free run of the place—going where he senses he’s needed—but his preferred spot is beside his favorite resident, Marjorie Thompson.
A big shift comes to SunRidge when a cranky curmudgeon named Walter Kepsen moves in across the hall from Marjorie. Having arrived reluctantly at the urging of his son, Walter can't stand Wrigley or anything else for that matter. But a dramatic event is about to occur that will shake SunRidge, and make the old man see the house dog in a very different light.
Told in Wrigley’s voice, All That Ails You is an endearing story about the power of a dog’s love, when we need it most.
A big shift comes to SunRidge when a cranky curmudgeon named Walter Kepsen moves in across the hall from Marjorie. Having arrived reluctantly at the urging of his son, Walter can't stand Wrigley or anything else for that matter. But a dramatic event is about to occur that will shake SunRidge, and make the old man see the house dog in a very different light.
Told in Wrigley’s voice, All That Ails You is an endearing story about the power of a dog’s love, when we need it most.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
287 people are currently reading
1406 people want to read
About the author
Mark J. Asher
27 books87 followersMark J. Asher is the author of several dog books, including: All That Ails You (over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews), Humphrey Was Here (pet loss memoir), and Canine Rhymes (dog poems).
PRAISE FOR MARK’S BOOKS:
“Beautifully told story about how important dogs are in helping, healing and brightening your day.”
—Reader review of All That Ails You
“The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain.”
—Best Friends Magazine on Humphrey Was Here
“These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul.”
—The Humane Society of the United States on Old Friends
PRAISE FOR MARK’S BOOKS:
“Beautifully told story about how important dogs are in helping, healing and brightening your day.”
—Reader review of All That Ails You
“The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain.”
—Best Friends Magazine on Humphrey Was Here
“These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul.”
—The Humane Society of the United States on Old Friends
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
July 9, 2015
Asher got it right
I volunteer at an animal rescue and sanctuary and have heard many stories and met a lot of dogs and prospective owners. Even before the first chapter was done I knew I needed to buy a copy of All That Ails You to pass around . I love that the story was written from the dogs point of view. It's not maudlin or silly but honestly conveys how dogs must feel as they are adopted and returned. We see dogs sitting by the fence waiting for their owners to come back, dogs who won't eat and dogs that refuse to come in the house at night. This is not anthropomorphism. These are observable behaviors.
This is also a story about how dogs can change lives. So many people don't know what it is like to share your life with an animal who will love you unconditionally. No matter how long I've been gone, I know my dogs will meet me at the door with their tails wagging wanting attention. So, back to the book: Wrigley was six years old when he was adopted by Jane Peterson and rather than being her personal dog, Wrigley became the Sunridge Seniors Home's house dog. I think you will enjoy his adventures there. The best thing is, the dog does not die at the end of the book.
I volunteer at an animal rescue and sanctuary and have heard many stories and met a lot of dogs and prospective owners. Even before the first chapter was done I knew I needed to buy a copy of All That Ails You to pass around . I love that the story was written from the dogs point of view. It's not maudlin or silly but honestly conveys how dogs must feel as they are adopted and returned. We see dogs sitting by the fence waiting for their owners to come back, dogs who won't eat and dogs that refuse to come in the house at night. This is not anthropomorphism. These are observable behaviors.
This is also a story about how dogs can change lives. So many people don't know what it is like to share your life with an animal who will love you unconditionally. No matter how long I've been gone, I know my dogs will meet me at the door with their tails wagging wanting attention. So, back to the book: Wrigley was six years old when he was adopted by Jane Peterson and rather than being her personal dog, Wrigley became the Sunridge Seniors Home's house dog. I think you will enjoy his adventures there. The best thing is, the dog does not die at the end of the book.
July 4, 2013
this was such a sweet book. Wrigley is a mixed breed dog who has spent the first six years trying to find his "forever" home. he had a few temporary homes that ended in disappointment and back to the humane society. Now he is in a home for the elderly. Wrigley is the "house dog" this book is narrated by Wrigley the dog. he is a friendly guy who makes friends with all the residents and staff. Except for on man named Walter. he wants nothing to do with Wrigley. then one day Walter is attacked and injured by someone at the home Wrigley helps him and rescues Walter. from then on in Walter and Wrigley are buddies. Wrigley has his own mishaps, such as getting bitten by a snake. injured another time. Walter gets very ill toward the end of the book and has some loose ends he needs to repair with relatives. Wrigley helps the family to mend the hurts and misunderstandings between Walter and his son. a very touching story. I like how a dog can be a part of making life better for the humans. I also liked how Wrigley was the narrator of the book and it was seen through his eyes.
July 5, 2013
A very well written book that doesn't end with the dog dying.
I loved how Mark Asher tried to steer clear of too much anthropomorphism and allowed Wrigley the dog to tell the story in a somewhat dog style.
It's a very sweet story of a house dog in a nursing home and as critical as I usually am with dog stories, I highly recommend this one. I almost NEVER give 5-stars. Well done!
I loved how Mark Asher tried to steer clear of too much anthropomorphism and allowed Wrigley the dog to tell the story in a somewhat dog style.
It's a very sweet story of a house dog in a nursing home and as critical as I usually am with dog stories, I highly recommend this one. I almost NEVER give 5-stars. Well done!
August 1, 2013
Reading this book, after my precious Maggie died 2 months ago, it brought me closer to her somehow. I loved the way Mark J. Asher spoke through Wrigley's point of view.
Having a house dog at a senior nursing home is such a great idea. Dogs bring so much enjoyment to us all and I love that this nursing home allowed Wrigley to live among the seniors, helping them when they were lonely, depressed and just needing some comfort. How Wrigley changed Walter from a grumpy, hard man, to a loving, caring man was so great.
It's a good read, if you just want to enjoy the humor of seeing the world through a dog's eyes.
Having a house dog at a senior nursing home is such a great idea. Dogs bring so much enjoyment to us all and I love that this nursing home allowed Wrigley to live among the seniors, helping them when they were lonely, depressed and just needing some comfort. How Wrigley changed Walter from a grumpy, hard man, to a loving, caring man was so great.
It's a good read, if you just want to enjoy the humor of seeing the world through a dog's eyes.
September 21, 2014
Much like The Art of Racing in the Rain, this is told from the dog’s point of view. It starts with a few rough patches with him going in and out of shelters. And then one day a lady comes in and says I want him. Wrigley becomes the house dog at an assisted living center. Unfortunately, being as it is an assisted living center, some of the people are going to die. So that makes this book both uplifting and sad at the same time.
Last night I couldn’t sleep so thought I’d read a little. I wound up reading the whole book. Lots of laughs and a few tears.
There were a few typos/grammatical errors which were noticeable but not so many that they totally detracted from the book.
Last night I couldn’t sleep so thought I’d read a little. I wound up reading the whole book. Lots of laughs and a few tears.
There were a few typos/grammatical errors which were noticeable but not so many that they totally detracted from the book.
December 14, 2017
Wrigley, a dog, who ends up in a shelter after his previous owners, and there were more than one, could no longer keep him, finds a home at last. His new owner takes him to her work in a retirement home and he finds adventures and many friends. This story is written with Wrigley telling you what happens. A charming book and this is one author I will be reading more in the future
November 29, 2015
A Very Worthwhile Book
This is a very sensitively written book. It is marvelously handled from the dog's point of view. The book is an easy and quick read (it took me one day to read). I could really relate to it, being both a dog owner and caregiver for my elderly mother.
This is a very sensitively written book. It is marvelously handled from the dog's point of view. The book is an easy and quick read (it took me one day to read). I could really relate to it, being both a dog owner and caregiver for my elderly mother.
August 10, 2016
2 1/2 stars?
This had potential to be a really nice story, as far as the sweet feel-good tales go. But it had some pervasive issues that kept me from loving it more. First and foremost: Wrigley does not sound like a dog. Sure, he's got a heightened interest in food and smells and squirrels. He wants on furniture, wants belly rubs, wants to roll in dead things. But that pales in the middle of his very human-like observations. He analyzes and reflects on the world like a person. He says dogs don't dwell on the past . . . and proceeds to describe his life history in detail. He talks about feeling guilty and doing things out of spite/revenge, which most canine behaviorists today will agree dogs don't do. A few other dogs come up briefly in the book, but Wrigley doesn't seem to be able to communicate with them any more than a human can, and seems pretty passive and disconnected from fellow members of his species. Now, the humans do treat him and relate to him as a dog, and his impact on their lives is a realistic portrayal of possible canine-human relationships. I just couldn't get a dog vibe from the narration, and that's a shame, because it could have been very entertaining.
The other bother was how often characters were preachy or over-dramatic or spilled their guts in ways that just did not sound realistic. It's all through the book. I know our elders have usually gained wisdom to share, and it's not uncommon to talk openly about anything under the moon when you're alone with a dog, but the dialogue delivery sounded too fake in my opinion.
And yet, it's still fairly enjoyable, more so if you want to read a story about people and aren't really desiring to read something from an animal's perspective. I have to admit my thought at the end of the book was "Yay! Only humans die, not the dog!" (Although a dog's death is mentioned, the dog was never present, just the grieving owner.) Wrigley is a nice character. I just can't believe he's a dog.
This had potential to be a really nice story, as far as the sweet feel-good tales go. But it had some pervasive issues that kept me from loving it more. First and foremost: Wrigley does not sound like a dog. Sure, he's got a heightened interest in food and smells and squirrels. He wants on furniture, wants belly rubs, wants to roll in dead things. But that pales in the middle of his very human-like observations. He analyzes and reflects on the world like a person. He says dogs don't dwell on the past . . . and proceeds to describe his life history in detail. He talks about feeling guilty and doing things out of spite/revenge, which most canine behaviorists today will agree dogs don't do. A few other dogs come up briefly in the book, but Wrigley doesn't seem to be able to communicate with them any more than a human can, and seems pretty passive and disconnected from fellow members of his species. Now, the humans do treat him and relate to him as a dog, and his impact on their lives is a realistic portrayal of possible canine-human relationships. I just couldn't get a dog vibe from the narration, and that's a shame, because it could have been very entertaining.
The other bother was how often characters were preachy or over-dramatic or spilled their guts in ways that just did not sound realistic. It's all through the book. I know our elders have usually gained wisdom to share, and it's not uncommon to talk openly about anything under the moon when you're alone with a dog, but the dialogue delivery sounded too fake in my opinion.
And yet, it's still fairly enjoyable, more so if you want to read a story about people and aren't really desiring to read something from an animal's perspective. I have to admit my thought at the end of the book was "Yay! Only humans die, not the dog!" (Although a dog's death is mentioned, the dog was never present, just the grieving owner.) Wrigley is a nice character. I just can't believe he's a dog.
November 25, 2013
Mark Asher's fine novel about Wrigley, a care dog in an assisted living facility, is one of the best dog stories I've read. Like Garth Stein's great novel about Enzo and his family in "The Art of Racing in the Rain," "All That Ails You" is told by Wrigley, a part Husky mix at an assisted living facility. Wrigley, who was shifted from pillar to post as a young dog, is a middle-aged rescue dog that the Petersons, owners of the assisted living facility, use as their care dog. From not being wanted to being wanted and loved by nearly everyone, it is a job that Wrigley loves and excels at.
Like Garth Stein's great novel about Enzo in "The Art of Racing in the Rain", "All That Ails You" is told by Wrigley, who does have a gift. One of the best and most enjoyable dog tales I've read. Great gift for the Christmas season.
Like Garth Stein's great novel about Enzo in "The Art of Racing in the Rain", "All That Ails You" is told by Wrigley, who does have a gift. One of the best and most enjoyable dog tales I've read. Great gift for the Christmas season.
October 29, 2014
More wonderful read than I ever expected this book to be!
Didn't know what to expect when I picked this book. Picked it honestly by it's cover. Got so much out of this book as it touched on very resent events that have played out in my life. Very emotional and wonderful eye opening book. I am careful as to not divulge the amazing topics this book touches on as I hope that it will help other people and their lives as unexpectedly as it did mine. Very good read & look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you for helping me heal wounds thru reading this book. Having my dog next to me most all my days, has given me wishing I could somehow let him know even more how much he is loved & all the love he brings. Please read as I guarantee you won't be disappointed! :)
Didn't know what to expect when I picked this book. Picked it honestly by it's cover. Got so much out of this book as it touched on very resent events that have played out in my life. Very emotional and wonderful eye opening book. I am careful as to not divulge the amazing topics this book touches on as I hope that it will help other people and their lives as unexpectedly as it did mine. Very good read & look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you for helping me heal wounds thru reading this book. Having my dog next to me most all my days, has given me wishing I could somehow let him know even more how much he is loved & all the love he brings. Please read as I guarantee you won't be disappointed! :)
August 20, 2013
If you love dogs, and if you care for or are at all close to someone in the senior-citizen-needing-assistance category, you'll love this book. There is progression of the overall story, but each chapter is satisfying in itself, so it was nice to read one at a time just for the enjoyment. The story is told from the dog's point-of-view, giving his impression of the seniors and their behavior as well as the caregivers and their treatment of the seniors. Very light reading, but a lot of depth in the way it makes you think about it afterward.
October 17, 2013
I only go this book two days ago from First Reads and couldn't put it down! The author *almost* got me running to the SPCA to get a dog of my own (one who's turds are smaller than mine, mind you) if I wasn't such a cat lover! I couldn't help but love how one dog could spread so much love and joy to so many. It's blatantly obvious that the author truly loves dogs as it seeps through the whole book. I can fully appreciate this feeling as this is how I've felt for all my cats (past and present). This book would make a fabulous (Christmas)gift for any dog lover.
February 11, 2015
Thank you!
Just like "Love For Freedom" (which I highly recommend) I have tears in my eyes. This story is beautiful, heartbreaking and warming at the same time. I commend you for your talent, Mr. Asher, and I'm planning to read "A Day In Dogtown."
(P.S.) This is in memory of Dallas, the chocolate lab my family got from a shelter when I was little. We had to give him away (moving) but we have him to good people. Wherever you are, Dallas, I hope you know that you were the best dog I could ever have.
:)
Just like "Love For Freedom" (which I highly recommend) I have tears in my eyes. This story is beautiful, heartbreaking and warming at the same time. I commend you for your talent, Mr. Asher, and I'm planning to read "A Day In Dogtown."
(P.S.) This is in memory of Dallas, the chocolate lab my family got from a shelter when I was little. We had to give him away (moving) but we have him to good people. Wherever you are, Dallas, I hope you know that you were the best dog I could ever have.
:)
March 3, 2016
Beautiful story/positive dog life
I originally picked this book to read to see if it would be appropriate for my who is living in a group home. The story unfolded with the truths of a service/therapy dog. My mother had to let her dog go but she misses the non-judgmentalness of a loving pet. Sadly my Mom is without a constant dog companion, but this book gave me great hope that these companionships can be accommodated regularly so that while moving to an unknown place can still be homey by having your dog friend remain with you until the end.
I originally picked this book to read to see if it would be appropriate for my who is living in a group home. The story unfolded with the truths of a service/therapy dog. My mother had to let her dog go but she misses the non-judgmentalness of a loving pet. Sadly my Mom is without a constant dog companion, but this book gave me great hope that these companionships can be accommodated regularly so that while moving to an unknown place can still be homey by having your dog friend remain with you until the end.
February 17, 2016
So much love to share . . .
This story was truly touching and so real to me, I almost wonder if the author switched lives with his dog to write this book! Anyone that has had a close four-legged friend and close companion would love this story. I know what dogs have meant to me over the last thirty years -- they really do bring more love, companionship and comfort to a life, Mr. Asher had it all correct. His beautiful story says it all. Not one more word needs to be said for anyone to love and understand Wrigley. Thanks for a great book!
This story was truly touching and so real to me, I almost wonder if the author switched lives with his dog to write this book! Anyone that has had a close four-legged friend and close companion would love this story. I know what dogs have meant to me over the last thirty years -- they really do bring more love, companionship and comfort to a life, Mr. Asher had it all correct. His beautiful story says it all. Not one more word needs to be said for anyone to love and understand Wrigley. Thanks for a great book!
November 23, 2013
What a beautifully written book, told with lots of emotion, love, fun and heart. I was afraid to read this book because I'm not usually a fan of books that make you cry but for some reason this book called to me and once I started I couldn't put it down. If you are a dog lover this is a book for you and it's told from the perspective of a dog. Dogs are truly angels from heaven here on earth. They love unconditionally, they are persistent and forgive quickly. They are patient and kind.
August 30, 2013
Loved this book and could easily appreciate how much Wrigley would be appreciated by most residents. So many people have owned pets in their past and perhaps not dared to take on another in their later years. Or perhaps had to give up that pleasure when their health would not allow them to look after a dog properly.
September 19, 2013
"Being old isn't easy. But at the end of our Journey there is still laughter, kindness, forgiveness, friendship, love, and if your lucky, a dog to help with all that ails you"
A great quote from the book that had me crying tears of joy and happiness. I highly recommend "All that ails you" as a great little book to read and make you feel good.
A great quote from the book that had me crying tears of joy and happiness. I highly recommend "All that ails you" as a great little book to read and make you feel good.
October 13, 2013
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and I'm very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters were very fun and relatable. It was an interesting perspective for a novel and I really liked how believable the behaviors of the nursing home residents were. Two thumbs (or paws) up! Well done and I'm definitely going to recommend this to others as a good, quick read!
November 10, 2013
Wonderful story of the healing ability of a rescued dog named Wrigley who works in an assisted living facility. Told from Wrigley's point of view the story is at times heartwarming, heartbreaking and funny. Animal lovers will enjoy this book because they know what joy animals bring to their lives. They pick us up when we're down and make the good times even better!
February 24, 2014
Anything about a dog, I will love! Wrigley's story...yes, he told it....was heartwarming. Looking at this story from the perspective of the dog. Interesting concept that really worked! So many emotions from this book. I cried, I laughed, I got angry, I smiled, ..... and in the end, I understood. It was an awesome book! Loved it!
March 24, 2014
This book was described as the story of a rescue dog who becomes the house dog at an assisted living facility, so I assumed it was a true story. Not so, however; it's a novel. At first I was disappointed, but not for long. Written from the dog's point of view, it's a sweet chronicle of human/dog interaction that also gives insights on end-of-life issues, all without being maudlin or depressing.
March 13, 2016
A story told by a dog name Wrigley - such a wonderful story about a dog who was the house dog in a senior care center. He tells of the different people he gets close to and loses. Of the struggles that the elderly sometimes have with their families and how he helps when he can by just being a lovable dog. Humor, tears and sentimental. Loved the book from beginning to end.
June 25, 2013
Excellent story. Author Mark J. Asher does a phenomenal job telling the story through the eyes of a lovable canine named Wrigley. I recommend this to any animal lover. A very heartfelt story and great read.
May 16, 2015
Yep, I'm a sucker for animal stories, especially dogs (and cats). I worked as a geriatric RN for over a decade and this book combined both interests. Wrigley is a very sweet dog who narrates this story--and he's still alive at the end of the book! I highly recommend this good read.
April 13, 2014
I loved this book! Wrigley is a dog who lives in an assisted living facility bringing happiness and comfort to the residents. The story is written by Wrigley. I loved hearing the story from his perspective.
September 9, 2018
Nice, uncomplicated
This book is narrated by a dog. It chronicles his adventures in life as a house dog in an assisted living. While it is very real, it is simple and not very exciting. It is a nice read, but not one that will keep you up at night.
This book is narrated by a dog. It chronicles his adventures in life as a house dog in an assisted living. While it is very real, it is simple and not very exciting. It is a nice read, but not one that will keep you up at night.
July 25, 2013
This is a quick read, a feel-good story. After not working out with a couple families, Wrigley, the canine narrator, is adopted by a family with a family run assisted living home, SunRidge. There Wrigley finds his place with the seniors, and we get to view it all through Wrigley's perspective.
One of the parts I enjoyed most is when Wrigley gets his companion, Walter, to finally accept him on the bed. "There's a reason it's called FURniture." Ask yourself, especially if you do not let your dog on the bed, when are the times when you have given in? I found it completely believable.
Because of the setting, you know ahead of time there will be family issues, crotchety old people, illness and eventually death. I've never enjoyed books where I felt manipulated into crying, but this never felt that way. Even with a few tears, I'd recommend the book, especially for the point of view. Enjoy!
One of the parts I enjoyed most is when Wrigley gets his companion, Walter, to finally accept him on the bed. "There's a reason it's called FURniture." Ask yourself, especially if you do not let your dog on the bed, when are the times when you have given in? I found it completely believable.
Because of the setting, you know ahead of time there will be family issues, crotchety old people, illness and eventually death. I've never enjoyed books where I felt manipulated into crying, but this never felt that way. Even with a few tears, I'd recommend the book, especially for the point of view. Enjoy!
March 3, 2016
Actually, I did not finish this book. I love dogs and I am a 10-year volunteer for a local dog rescue but I could not, as much as I tried, like this book. I don't know why writers feel that a book narrated by a dog must have dumbed-down dialogue.........maybe if you are writing for 6-year olds this might work but not for adults. Also, the punctuation was really annoying. It seems that the writer or editor thinks that a comma must follow every six words!
April 8, 2014
All That Ails You...
All That Ails You...
Great story! Easy, pleasant reading with a heart warming story of a shelter dog that ends up living in an assisted care facility. Wrigley tells his story & of his relationships with the residents and how special some of them were.
All That Ails You...
Great story! Easy, pleasant reading with a heart warming story of a shelter dog that ends up living in an assisted care facility. Wrigley tells his story & of his relationships with the residents and how special some of them were.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews