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A Dog Called Dez: The True Story of How One Amazing Dog Changed His Owner's Life
When John Tovey lost his sight at the age of 42, he thought his life was over. He was wrong, it was just beginning.
John had followed a bad path drifting in and out of trouble. He was sent to improvement schools, a young offenders institute and eventually a prison. John was on self-destruct and thought nothing or no one could help him. Then he became the victim of a vicious attack by a notorious train 'steaming' gang. John knew he had to take the witness stand. He bravely gave evidence which helped put the men behind bars but just as he'd started to turn his life around for the better, fate dealt him another blow and John went blind overnight.
He lost everything, his sight, his job and his home. Scared and alone, John asked for help and, thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind, was introduced to a bouncy black labrador called Dez. Dez brought colour and light back into John's life and slowly he learned how to live again. It was a partnership made in heaven and, in 2012, Dez won the coveted 'Guide Dog of the Year' award. With his loyal dog by his side, John stepped out of the shadows and back into the light.
John had followed a bad path drifting in and out of trouble. He was sent to improvement schools, a young offenders institute and eventually a prison. John was on self-destruct and thought nothing or no one could help him. Then he became the victim of a vicious attack by a notorious train 'steaming' gang. John knew he had to take the witness stand. He bravely gave evidence which helped put the men behind bars but just as he'd started to turn his life around for the better, fate dealt him another blow and John went blind overnight.
He lost everything, his sight, his job and his home. Scared and alone, John asked for help and, thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind, was introduced to a bouncy black labrador called Dez. Dez brought colour and light back into John's life and slowly he learned how to live again. It was a partnership made in heaven and, in 2012, Dez won the coveted 'Guide Dog of the Year' award. With his loyal dog by his side, John stepped out of the shadows and back into the light.
332 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2013
13 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 1, 2015
This was a compelling and sometimes difficult book to read. John Tovey's upbringing was a tough one, poor and neglected by his parents, he was constantly in trouble and as he get's older he neglects his health which is when Dez comes into his life. Dez brings John back from the brink of despair and helps him to turn his life around.
I couldn't put this book down and all credit to John for putting his story out there, telling it warts and all to raise people's awareness of the fantastic work that Guide Dogs for the Blind do. I don't think that people are aware that this charity isn't funded by the Government but the work they do is truly amazing and this book is a testament to all the people and dogs that work tirelessy to help turn the lives of the blind and partially sighted. If you love dogs then this book is definitely worth the read.
I couldn't put this book down and all credit to John for putting his story out there, telling it warts and all to raise people's awareness of the fantastic work that Guide Dogs for the Blind do. I don't think that people are aware that this charity isn't funded by the Government but the work they do is truly amazing and this book is a testament to all the people and dogs that work tirelessy to help turn the lives of the blind and partially sighted. If you love dogs then this book is definitely worth the read.
January 1, 2015
Reminded me of A Street Cat Named Bob, however the dog version! It was quite emotional and depressing at times to live through the author's tough upbringing. I commend him for sharing it with readers. It was great to see his transformation and really reminded me just how much happiness an animal can bring to humans.
January 15, 2022
Went in worried about non-Brit narrator, but dang! the story just carried the day and made this magNIficent!
Aaaaalmost 5-stars, and tho narrator wound up being really good, 1-star deducted for the choice not to use a British narrator.
Still! A Fave!
My Full Review →
Aaaaalmost 5-stars, and tho narrator wound up being really good, 1-star deducted for the choice not to use a British narrator.
Still! A Fave!
My Full Review →
January 20, 2015
A delightful book, like most of it's genre. I love reading how animals improve and enrich our lives. But this book wasn't just about Dez, although I'm glad he had a part in it. For once I was moved by the human story instead of annoyed by it. You simply had to see John's life through in order to appreciate what he has with Dez now.
I liked the writing, because the ebb and flow was perfect. I was struck by the simple voice, and the easy way John described his crimes. It was so matter of fact, when in fact these things were very serious and ended up having serious consequences. There were many emotional parts to this story, and there was unfortunately a lot of death, especially towards the end. However, I know some people won't read books about animals that end up dying, especially in the last chapter, and Dez is fine at the end of this book!
A truly mesmerizing tale of survival and learning to love, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Four stars.
I liked the writing, because the ebb and flow was perfect. I was struck by the simple voice, and the easy way John described his crimes. It was so matter of fact, when in fact these things were very serious and ended up having serious consequences. There were many emotional parts to this story, and there was unfortunately a lot of death, especially towards the end. However, I know some people won't read books about animals that end up dying, especially in the last chapter, and Dez is fine at the end of this book!
A truly mesmerizing tale of survival and learning to love, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Four stars.
January 11, 2015
From rough beginnings in a loveless family, through a life of crime and drugs to rehabilitation from the love for and from a dog, this story had me gripped from cover to cover. A great story of how despite any adversity overcoming the odds is always a possibility.
August 25, 2025
This a true story of a very troubled man who turns his life around after going blind and then getting his own guide dog. It is a really inspiring story but also a very sad story. It made me grateful for my family and the upbringing and love that I had and the life that I have now. We don't realise how lucky we are compared to some.
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When John Tovey lost his sight at the age of 42, he thought his life was over. He was wrong, it was just beginning.
John had followed a bad path drifting in and out of trouble. He was sent to improvement schools, a young offenders institute and eventually a prison. John was on self-destruct and thought nothing or no one could help him. Then he became the victim of a vicious attack by a notorious train 'steaming' gang. John knew he had to take the witness stand. He bravely gave evidence which helped put the men behind bars but just as he'd started to turn his life around for the better, fate dealt him another blow and John went blind overnight.
He lost everything, his sight, his job and his home. Scared and alone, John asked for help and, thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind, was introduced to a bouncy black labrador called Dez. Dez brought colour and light back into John's life and slowly he learned how to live again. It was a partnership made in heaven and, in 2012, Dez won the coveted 'Guide Dog of the Year' award. With his loyal dog by his side, John stepped out of the shadows and back into the light.
**********************************
When John Tovey lost his sight at the age of 42, he thought his life was over. He was wrong, it was just beginning.
John had followed a bad path drifting in and out of trouble. He was sent to improvement schools, a young offenders institute and eventually a prison. John was on self-destruct and thought nothing or no one could help him. Then he became the victim of a vicious attack by a notorious train 'steaming' gang. John knew he had to take the witness stand. He bravely gave evidence which helped put the men behind bars but just as he'd started to turn his life around for the better, fate dealt him another blow and John went blind overnight.
He lost everything, his sight, his job and his home. Scared and alone, John asked for help and, thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind, was introduced to a bouncy black labrador called Dez. Dez brought colour and light back into John's life and slowly he learned how to live again. It was a partnership made in heaven and, in 2012, Dez won the coveted 'Guide Dog of the Year' award. With his loyal dog by his side, John stepped out of the shadows and back into the light.
June 6, 2017
It's a lovely story of how a dog changes a man's heart. And of course, Guide Dogs are wonderful. But I wasn't compelled by this book. Perhaps it's because I've grown up with a blind mum who also had her life changed by her first Guide Dog, so this is just second nature to me. There's no denying that John had a tough upbringing though, and losing his sight was just awful, so it's nice to see he turned his life around and now views his present and future with more optimism, thanks to Dez.
There was a lot of repetition too. I'd read something and then think, "hang on ... didn't I just read almost that exact sentence on the previous page? ..."
There was a lot of repetition too. I'd read something and then think, "hang on ... didn't I just read almost that exact sentence on the previous page? ..."
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November 23, 2020I have decided not to give this book a star rating as I think it would be unfair, the reasons being I thought the book was going to be all about Dez and how he had helped John turn his life around but apart from Dez being mentioned very briefly in the beginning it wasn’t until I had read 68% of the book that the story of Dez was told and it was a heartfelt story. Dez is a fantastic guide dog and he has even won guide dog awards, and as all Labradors are, loved by everyone.
Just to warn readers that John’s story involves, drugs, alcoholism and violence . I would recommend this book as a whole but just be mindful that it is not all about Dez
Just to warn readers that John’s story involves, drugs, alcoholism and violence . I would recommend this book as a whole but just be mindful that it is not all about Dez
June 27, 2020
I loved this true, inspiring story of a man who turned his life around & overcame all his demons. Wow! Amazing story, extraordinary life and as for the dog, Dez? What a star! Well done to John, Dez, Veronica Clark who helped him write this book and all the other good people - who wisely invested their time to help this man in every way they could: he was worth it and I for one, will never forget his story. Thank you!
July 17, 2024
This was an emotional, and perhaps at times difficult read. However, it is a beautifully written book with an incredibly inspiring story behind it. John's story was a large part of the book, however it was very much instrumental in playing a key part in telling the tale of how he came to meet his guide dog, Dez and how he changed his life. I really enjoyed reading this book, as it was one that I could not put down at all! Would reccomend.
June 1, 2020
The first 3/4 of the book is about John Tovey's past. I have to say, I already felt that GD is an amazing charity, but this book, makes you realise how it can transform your life in so many ways. We have rehomed 2 GD's , both black labs and I could totally see Dez's character in them.
I had many teary moments in the last few chapters.
I had many teary moments in the last few chapters.
December 10, 2025
A handsome man with a handsome dog
I would recommend this book to family and friends. The rating is because the book was excellent. A story told by an honest man. Wonderful book and the pictures were amazing.
In the picture of the two of them together shows they are made for each other.
I would recommend this book to family and friends. The rating is because the book was excellent. A story told by an honest man. Wonderful book and the pictures were amazing.
In the picture of the two of them together shows they are made for each other.
August 7, 2017
Really interesting reading about John's life and background, but strangely I found the last few chapters, the ones actually about Dez, quite repetitive and dull. Needless to say amazing dog... I may have to go and donate now.
April 17, 2020
I got through this book so quickly! It was such an inspiring story & difficult to hear what this man went through in his upbringing but amazing to see how he turned his life around in such hard circumstances.
April 17, 2018
3 sterren. Verhaal is mooi, uitwerking viel tegen.
December 20, 2020
I loved reading about Dez but found the book featured him too little
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August 17, 2021Jäi vähän kesken
October 12, 2023
Absolutely fantastic!
June 9, 2020
The balance between life before Dez and life after Dez was tipped the wrong way for me. This was John's story, not Dez's. I think I would prefer 'A puppy called Dez', where the emphasis is on the guide dog training.
July 22, 2014
Working in a special school this book was a bit like a busman's holiday. The story tells of a young man who, for reasons outside his control, is on a journey of self destruction. Along the way he becomes diabetic and then blind, and eventually is allocated a guide dog to help him get around.
The book is an honest autobiography and whilst not full of rainbows and feel-good emotions, the book is engaging and worth a read. I enjoyed this book and even discussed it with my students at school.
The book is an honest autobiography and whilst not full of rainbows and feel-good emotions, the book is engaging and worth a read. I enjoyed this book and even discussed it with my students at school.
October 2, 2014
An out of control youth grows up to be a thug then goes blind and bonds with people through his guide dog.
I found this book engaging but depressing, another wasted life that only seem to have meaning after the author became blind and was assigned a guide dog. The sections on the dysfunctional family life will ring true to many people.
I found this book engaging but depressing, another wasted life that only seem to have meaning after the author became blind and was assigned a guide dog. The sections on the dysfunctional family life will ring true to many people.
April 1, 2016
I wonder if anyone who is not an ardent dog-lover (like me) would be willing to wade through the bad writing and all the disturbing events in the life of the author to get to the good bits about Dez, the gorgeous Labrador - though the way John Tovey turned his life around is, of course, admirable.
January 9, 2018
An amazing Guide dog
I am an animal lover. But I love dogs the most. Have had a Black Lab named Noir. She even let me know when it was time for me to have her put down. I miss her still. Leave out the"nasty" words and it will be a better book. A pleasure to read.
I am an animal lover. But I love dogs the most. Have had a Black Lab named Noir. She even let me know when it was time for me to have her put down. I miss her still. Leave out the"nasty" words and it will be a better book. A pleasure to read.
January 4, 2015
A lovely testament to the healing powers of a Dog's unconditional love. It can heal even the most broken of hearts.
May 30, 2016
Brilliant story of a man who and finds peace in his own troubled heart after tragedy strikes... and how the dog called Dez helped him find that peace.
November 24, 2015
Absolutely amazing!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews