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The Ordinary Life of an (Extra) Ordinary Dog - A Memoir
In this touching tribute to "the best friend a girl could ever ask for", author Colette Makray opens the pages of her heart to share a glimpse into the ordinary life of her extraordinary dog, Tucker.
Told though deeply personal stories and heartwarming family photographs, Makray takes readers on an emotional journey from Tucker's uncomfortable rescue and subsequent life-saving surgery, to his heart wrenching final battle with epilepsy.
This short but powerful memoir proves that even the most ordinary dog can be truly extraordinary to those who love him most.
Told though deeply personal stories and heartwarming family photographs, Makray takes readers on an emotional journey from Tucker's uncomfortable rescue and subsequent life-saving surgery, to his heart wrenching final battle with epilepsy.
This short but powerful memoir proves that even the most ordinary dog can be truly extraordinary to those who love him most.
- GenresAnimalsNonfiction
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
About the author
Colette Makray
9 books17 followersI'm a small town gal living deep in the Canadian wilderness where 6 feet of snow is completely normal, black bears visit regularly and the view from the back porch is breathtaking.
I have always been a dog person and when I'm not tapping away at my laptop, I love hanging out with my favorite pal Tucker, an Australian Shepherd, who is as smart as a whip, stubborn as a mule and as loyal as, well.....a dog. Tucker has taught me some very important lessons in life and all he asks in return is to share my home and my heart. I am very grateful for the love of my dog.
I enjoy hearing from my readers so drop me a line sometime and say "Hello". You can email me at colette.loves.dogs@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter at twitter.com/colettemakray.
I have always been a dog person and when I'm not tapping away at my laptop, I love hanging out with my favorite pal Tucker, an Australian Shepherd, who is as smart as a whip, stubborn as a mule and as loyal as, well.....a dog. Tucker has taught me some very important lessons in life and all he asks in return is to share my home and my heart. I am very grateful for the love of my dog.
I enjoy hearing from my readers so drop me a line sometime and say "Hello". You can email me at colette.loves.dogs@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter at twitter.com/colettemakray.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 23, 2017
Tucker and his family
I enjoyed reading about Tucker, the dog, and his life with his family! I have had several dogs and there are ones that are very special! I had one dog who loved to play hide-and-seek, too!
I enjoyed reading about Tucker, the dog, and his life with his family! I have had several dogs and there are ones that are very special! I had one dog who loved to play hide-and-seek, too!
October 12, 2021
A Bittersweet Look At One Dog's Life
This is hard to rate, because I'm a big ol' softie when it comes to anything about the impact a dog's love can have on someone's life. I feel guilty only giving three stars, but I can't pretend this is the easiest book to get through or the best writing I've read.
Told like a series of incredibly brief blog posts, this memoir of sorts follows the author's journey with a sweet dog named Tucker. Rescued from neglect, raised with doting love, and cherished until the very end, Tucker's long life brought much joy to Colette Makray's life. And in this book, she shares a few bits and pieces of the life journey they had together.
It's sweet then bittersweet, and heartwarming then sad. You can tell when the grief starts to hit again during the writing process, and sadly that also has an impact on the quality of sentence structure. Like I said: it's very blog-style: informal, swift, with timeskips that aren't always clearly announced.
I enjoyed seeing pictures of Tucker and some of the tales of his adventures. My heart ached with empathy, but not as much as I'd anticipated - perhaps because everything breezes by so quickly.
I'm glad I got a glimpse of Tucker, and I'm glad I read this, but I don't think it quite lives up to what it could have been. I'm also confused by the choice of cover, because the dog on it doesn't seem to look much like the photos within.
Don't read this if you don't want to handle stories in which real life dogs die at the end. Well, one real dog. And it's the entire point of the memoir, so you probably know what's coming just as I did. But just in case, yeah?
This is hard to rate, because I'm a big ol' softie when it comes to anything about the impact a dog's love can have on someone's life. I feel guilty only giving three stars, but I can't pretend this is the easiest book to get through or the best writing I've read.
Told like a series of incredibly brief blog posts, this memoir of sorts follows the author's journey with a sweet dog named Tucker. Rescued from neglect, raised with doting love, and cherished until the very end, Tucker's long life brought much joy to Colette Makray's life. And in this book, she shares a few bits and pieces of the life journey they had together.
It's sweet then bittersweet, and heartwarming then sad. You can tell when the grief starts to hit again during the writing process, and sadly that also has an impact on the quality of sentence structure. Like I said: it's very blog-style: informal, swift, with timeskips that aren't always clearly announced.
I enjoyed seeing pictures of Tucker and some of the tales of his adventures. My heart ached with empathy, but not as much as I'd anticipated - perhaps because everything breezes by so quickly.
I'm glad I got a glimpse of Tucker, and I'm glad I read this, but I don't think it quite lives up to what it could have been. I'm also confused by the choice of cover, because the dog on it doesn't seem to look much like the photos within.
Don't read this if you don't want to handle stories in which real life dogs die at the end. Well, one real dog. And it's the entire point of the memoir, so you probably know what's coming just as I did. But just in case, yeah?
October 5, 2020
So Heartwarming (and a bit heartbreaking)
I truly enjoyed reading about Tucker. Having lost my beautiful baby-girl, Bella (aged 13) recently, I can relate to the pain of losing a beloved member of your family. As well, I can also relate to opening your heart to another dog, to at once honor your dog that has gone, as well as giving a loving home to a new one. Thank you for sharing Tucker's story.
I truly enjoyed reading about Tucker. Having lost my beautiful baby-girl, Bella (aged 13) recently, I can relate to the pain of losing a beloved member of your family. As well, I can also relate to opening your heart to another dog, to at once honor your dog that has gone, as well as giving a loving home to a new one. Thank you for sharing Tucker's story.
March 21, 2019
A living tribute to an extraordinary dog.
Get your tissues out for this loving take of an ordinary dog. If you love dogs this will capture your heart and make you want to play more with your own dog. I wish I could write a book like this about my wonderful dog who makes ever day better. This celebrates the life off all dogs so wonderfully.
Get your tissues out for this loving take of an ordinary dog. If you love dogs this will capture your heart and make you want to play more with your own dog. I wish I could write a book like this about my wonderful dog who makes ever day better. This celebrates the life off all dogs so wonderfully.
September 17, 2020
Lovely
I've now completed all of your books listed at the end of this one. I loved them all but this one made me cry...for Bella. My soul mate and best friend for 8 years. She saw me through one of the most horrendous times in my life. She died 7 years ago but I still miss her just as much as the day she left this world. Thank you for sharing your love of Tucker. ❤😢
I've now completed all of your books listed at the end of this one. I loved them all but this one made me cry...for Bella. My soul mate and best friend for 8 years. She saw me through one of the most horrendous times in my life. She died 7 years ago but I still miss her just as much as the day she left this world. Thank you for sharing your love of Tucker. ❤😢
May 27, 2021
A short history of puppy love
Liked the story as we have two dogs. Loving them as blessed companions is a rare pleasure. Alas, they don’t live as long as we do, but is a lesson in itself. Our 3 kids have dogs also ( no grandchildren yet) but it’s nice to one of my sons to dog sit. At least we have that extended family perk!
Liked the story as we have two dogs. Loving them as blessed companions is a rare pleasure. Alas, they don’t live as long as we do, but is a lesson in itself. Our 3 kids have dogs also ( no grandchildren yet) but it’s nice to one of my sons to dog sit. At least we have that extended family perk!
May 27, 2022
Heartwrenching
This was a beautiful story about an ordinary dog who made an extraordinary impact on his family. As a long time dog lover I have had many experiences in common. The heartache of losing a dog is truly terrible, but the joy and unconditional love they bring makes life without a dog unfathomable.
This was a beautiful story about an ordinary dog who made an extraordinary impact on his family. As a long time dog lover I have had many experiences in common. The heartache of losing a dog is truly terrible, but the joy and unconditional love they bring makes life without a dog unfathomable.
October 31, 2023
Tucker's Forever Home
Collette Makray’s “The Ordinary Life of an (extra) Ordinary Dog,” tells the story of Tucker, who the Makray's rescued from being disposed of by a farmer
It is a story about how Tucker bonded with his forever family, the surgeries he underwent, the miracles he performed, and more.
It's a great book for dog lovers.
Collette Makray’s “The Ordinary Life of an (extra) Ordinary Dog,” tells the story of Tucker, who the Makray's rescued from being disposed of by a farmer
It is a story about how Tucker bonded with his forever family, the surgeries he underwent, the miracles he performed, and more.
It's a great book for dog lovers.
November 22, 2018
GREAT DOG STORIES
GREAT STORIES
As a dog lover myself, I loved this book of short stories about the dog Tucker. Well written and very emotional in places.
I recommend this book for all dog lover's.
GREAT STORIES
As a dog lover myself, I loved this book of short stories about the dog Tucker. Well written and very emotional in places.
I recommend this book for all dog lover's.
May 8, 2019
Loved it!
I felt like I was there along with Collette experiencing the ups and downs of life with her dog, Tucker. It makes me relive all those times I had with my dogs. After reading this, you will know why a dog in your life isn't a want, it's a need.
I felt like I was there along with Collette experiencing the ups and downs of life with her dog, Tucker. It makes me relive all those times I had with my dogs. After reading this, you will know why a dog in your life isn't a want, it's a need.
October 7, 2019
It Made Me Cry—happy tears!
I am still crying after reading this book—- very special to this dog lover! Tucker was SPECIAL as all our dogs are special. We have been rescuing dogs for many years and I can not imagine our lives without a dog like Tucker.
I am still crying after reading this book—- very special to this dog lover! Tucker was SPECIAL as all our dogs are special. We have been rescuing dogs for many years and I can not imagine our lives without a dog like Tucker.
February 17, 2021
The ordinary life of an ordinary dog
This story made me think of one particular dog I have had. A pit bull, and the sweetest dog I have ever known.
The story made me cry because it brought back the memories of my dog.
I couldn’t part with her, I have her ashes.
This story made me think of one particular dog I have had. A pit bull, and the sweetest dog I have ever known.
The story made me cry because it brought back the memories of my dog.
I couldn’t part with her, I have her ashes.
February 17, 2022
Truly outstanding book
This was a very good tribute to their dog. He was a very special pet and friend. Also it is very hard to put a dog 🐕 to sleep but it is so much better than letting them suffer. Loved the photos and all the shared love ❤
This was a very good tribute to their dog. He was a very special pet and friend. Also it is very hard to put a dog 🐕 to sleep but it is so much better than letting them suffer. Loved the photos and all the shared love ❤
February 22, 2023
I wish I had a written memoir of my Old Girl Ginger
Thank you for the beautiful words about Tucker. As most everyone who has had a dog, that dog was one in a million. Tucker was to you as my Ginger was to me. I can't imagine life without a dog.
Thank you for the beautiful words about Tucker. As most everyone who has had a dog, that dog was one in a million. Tucker was to you as my Ginger was to me. I can't imagine life without a dog.
February 22, 2024
An Ordinary But Typical Life
The story tells of all the extraordinary things that Tucker accomplished. But this events are just typical of so many well loved dogs. A good read thar reminds me of all the wonderful dogs that have lightened my long life.
The story tells of all the extraordinary things that Tucker accomplished. But this events are just typical of so many well loved dogs. A good read thar reminds me of all the wonderful dogs that have lightened my long life.
May 28, 2024
great short, true story
So cute and inspiring to live life in the moment. A good reminder that not everything has to be or will be extraordinary. Life, even in the ordinary, is good.
So cute and inspiring to live life in the moment. A good reminder that not everything has to be or will be extraordinary. Life, even in the ordinary, is good.
September 9, 2017
IT was such a good book tears and cheers both.
April 13, 2018
Love this book.
I made notes of all the great quotes the author put at the beginning. Thanks! Sweet story that took me back to so many dogs I have rescued.
I made notes of all the great quotes the author put at the beginning. Thanks! Sweet story that took me back to so many dogs I have rescued.
October 15, 2018
Thank you!
Delightful. For all of us animal lovers. This made my day! I will read the rest of this author’s books. I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
Delightful. For all of us animal lovers. This made my day! I will read the rest of this author’s books. I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
June 30, 2019
Great short story.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, lovely verses , and photos dotted throughout. Dog lovers will especially relate to what Colette has so aptly recorded.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, lovely verses , and photos dotted throughout. Dog lovers will especially relate to what Colette has so aptly recorded.
October 17, 2019
I believe this is a true story and was so moving and emotional. Every single story has had me in tears.
July 25, 2021
Be still my heart!
A great story of Tucker s life. I could picture what he was doing. The “herding”made me giggle. Oh dogs. We need them so much! Run free Tucker
A great story of Tucker s life. I could picture what he was doing. The “herding”made me giggle. Oh dogs. We need them so much! Run free Tucker
December 24, 2021
Love this story ,I read it every year
December 16, 2022
Loved this book.
June 22, 2024
great short read
The book was short but sweet! I enjoyed it. It makes you feel sad yet happy at the end. Recommend!
The book was short but sweet! I enjoyed it. It makes you feel sad yet happy at the end. Recommend!
September 20, 2024
Way too short. Wanted more. Enjoyable though.
November 14, 2024
Great short story
Really enjoyed reading of how a dog can bring so much pleasure to a family. The author made you remember feelings you had for your own pets.
Really enjoyed reading of how a dog can bring so much pleasure to a family. The author made you remember feelings you had for your own pets.
March 5, 2025
Heartfelt
It made me not think about Cocoa and how much I miss her, however it’s good to keep the memories that I have of her in my mind.
It made me not think about Cocoa and how much I miss her, however it’s good to keep the memories that I have of her in my mind.
December 1, 2014
GREAT STORY!
This is a wonderful story of love and devotion for the Best Friend you'll ever have. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone whither a person has enjoined the love of a dog or not. The experience will teach you Volumes.
This is a wonderful story of love and devotion for the Best Friend you'll ever have. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone whither a person has enjoined the love of a dog or not. The experience will teach you Volumes.
December 20, 2014
Heartwarming book.
I had so many of the same emotions about my dogs that I had to let go! It is truly the hardest but most humane thing to do! Just remember each new family member has a special gift. They are brought home to love but not replace.
I had so many of the same emotions about my dogs that I had to let go! It is truly the hardest but most humane thing to do! Just remember each new family member has a special gift. They are brought home to love but not replace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews