Old Dog

by Barney Bardsley

Muffin was a rescue dog, an ordinary mongrel who joined the Bardsley McGee family in Leeds in 1999. She was three years old, a 'little shipwreck' of a dog who had been badly neglected, undernourished and contained in a high-rise flat for whole of her young life. The family she came into was also under pressure, as the writer's husband Tim was in the middle of a long struggle with cancer and had been told earlier that year that his illness was terminal. Never having previously shown interest in animals, Tim bonded almost instantly with chaotic little Muffin, who became a steadfast companion during his final months. And during the dark days after Tim's death, and when the author's daughter left for university, Muffin became a loyal friend with an uncanny ability to display empathy around times of illness and loss. With Muffin reaching the end of her days, author Barney Bardsley looks back over the eventful years they have shared, to remember the joy and laughter that this loving, soulful creature brought to her family. Her story will strike a chord with anyone who has ever loved, and been loved, by a pet.

Genres: Dogs

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2013

Reviews

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must like the torture of a grief filled novel that leaves you a sobbing, snotty mess, because I do it to myself so often. I knew a book titled 'Old Dog' could have one possible ending, but such is my love for animals that I simply had to know this story. I had to be captured by the grey muzzled, brown eyed dog on the front.

I was actually at the bookstore after Warriors books, the current series absorbing all my reading time (I've even been dreaming of it) but I can never resist a quick check of the animal section. I've read every single dog, cat and horse book currently stocked at the store, so when they get something new I get grabby. I'd left my current Warriors book on the lounge at home, and saw no harm in sitting in my favorite cafe and starting this book. Wrong! The first chapter had me gasping at the profound sadness, somehow the grief of this book was leeching off the page and unless I wanted to weep into my turkey wrap I would have to wait until I was home alone. The opportunity came a day later, with my partner working late, so I can mop my eyes without getting accused of being soft.

I have told in other reviews of my own numerous animals; Ivan the eldest cat is my first born child. Following him is the aloof but strangely lovable ginger cat, Forde, and the bouncy three year old kelpie/border collie Danny. Finally at two and almost a year now are the youngsters, Austin the maltese and Robbie (Bobba) the same mix as Danny. Whenever I read these books I know inevitably the day will come where I lose them, and I only wish I had the strength to write about them, and to move on. Losing Ivan just might break me.

Told in a winding, roundabout fashion, here in this book we delight in the life of Muffin, and mourn her loss. Coincidentally, my major childhood pet was a Bichon Friese called Muffin. The author suffers some truly terrible losses, all before the age of forty, but Muffin is there to get her through. Somehow her strength shines through and the author is able to let Muffin go in the end.

An absolutely heart breaking book. I have always taken comfort in the idea of the Rainbow Bridge, and it is my sincere wish that Muffin and Tim play there now, waiting for that long to come day when the rest of the family and friends can come over to play. Five stars, how can a bookthat leaves me an emotional wreck be anything else?

[Kathryn Minn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love any book involving dogs and this one wasn't too bad. It was certainly written in a way that it had a certain flow to it and it wasn't difficult to emerge myself in it but i found that it didn't particularly go anywhere and i found that at some points i was left wanting deeper description of events or emotions being described and it just didn't quite manage to get there. However I would consider it an easy read you could curl up with if you fancy both smiling and crying through some of it.

[Kay Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant read which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anybody as a great read. Loved it.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but unfortunately the story didn’t go anywhere for me. Nearly DNF but powered on through. Quite dull.

[Misty Melsheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost every book aims to tell a unique story, but not Old Dog. The premise is that Muffin is just an ordinary dog. She’s not one of those bomb sniffing dogs, has never rescued anyone from a burning building, never saved her family from an intruder. She is just your everyday, run of the mill, average dog- and that is what makes her so special. Even the most ordinary dog makes for an extraordinary pet. When we bring dogs into our homes, we add an immeasurable quantity of love and joy. Their companionship, humor, loyalty, and devotion are something to be treasured. They’re with us for such a short time that we ought never to take them for granted. By reflecting on Muffin’s life, the author shows how precious and special our relationships with canines are. While the story is a bit disjointed at times and could benefit from a bit of editing to give it a smoother flow, I still loved this book. She makes such ordinary things like taking a walk or playing fetch sound like the most wonderful adventures. And I suppose, with Muffin at her side, they were.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know why I continue to do this to myself - I KNOW how these books are going to end, but when I saw Muffin's big, brown, soulful eyes on the front cover, I couldn't resist and had to read her story. She was a sweet, gentle soul with a big heart, but at times the story was a bit slow. After finishing the book a blubbering mess, I went and spent time with my two old dogs!