Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story

by Sally Cronin

The true story of Sam, a rough collie, written from his perspective. A tribute to a true friend and a genuine family member.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2013

About the author

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to weight loss and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin is a talented author whose short stories, novellas, and collections of poetry have brought me tons of entertainment and emotions. Earlier this year, she released parts of her non-fiction account, Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story on her blog. I read a few clips and then purchased the book, as it was definitely another one I needed to explore. It reached the top of my TBR queue this week, and on a train ride to visit family, it became my focus... keeping me smiling and touched the entire time.

The POV is Sam, a newborn collie who is understanding how to compete with his sibling for his mother's attention. Soon, he's adopted by a family, and our wonderful author, Sally, is his new foster mom. Not only do we learn about Sam's journey in this heartfelt tale, but we experience pieces of Sally's life with her husband and their various moves from Ireland to Spain and other places. If you love pets, and you can't help but dive into stories that explore their relationships with their human families, you will love this tale.

Sam's voice is fun and authentic. Sally's beautiful and caring personality shines through in this book, even when she's upset with Sam for doing things he shouldn't be doing. From his friendships with cats to evil vet visits, we glimpse parts of Sam's life... not always the best ones either. He's been sick and missing, snipped and educated, but through it all, he's amazing life brought me all the wonderful sentiments that come through bonding with your pet family.

I always treasure the way Sally infuses life in a character... and with this one, who traditionally doesn't speak, it's all the more brilliant. Sam actually has learned to speak a few words like hello and food. If you have an hour and want to view a slice of Sally's life, this is a great intro to her world. Her writing is reachable in every manner, and I always know I will walk away with a touch of sadness and humility, recognizing the pure kindness and generosity in an exemplary woman. Kudos for another hit!

[Mae Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, heart-warming book that tells the story of Sam—the author’s collie—from the time he is a puppy through adult life. What makes the tale especially unique is the delivery. The book is told entirely from Sam’s POV. We learn about his early life after adoption, including his friendship with Henri, a feral cat who becomes a precious friend ultimately responsible for teaching Sam to speak “cat.” Sam also has two young kittens who become special friends during their short life span (that part broke my heart).

Sam shares how he learns to “speak” a few human words, about his favorite treats, trips to the vet, adventures on walks and even relocating to a different country. For anyone who loves animals, this is an enchanting story that leaves the reader with a feel-good glow. The author clearly loves her canine companion, an attachment that shines through in each page of this winning story. Photographs of Sam from puppy to adult collie are sprinkled throughout. He is such a beautiful dog!

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading Barca's Rufus and Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain (click to see the reviews)--both told through a dog's voice--I am always on the hunt for stories told from the dog's perspective. I’ve read many and found most without the empathy and confidence that makes we humans so love our dogs as companions, not as mastered creatures. Sally Cronin's Sam: A Shaggy Dog Story (Moyhill Publishing 2013) is one of those books. Sam is a collie, considered one of the smartest of the dog breeds, and Sam doesn't let us down. I'm honored that through Sally, Sam shares his life with me, takes the time to tell me his dreams, his mistakes and victories. Sam is wise, loving, understanding, and most important, as good a friend as any human could ever have. In this book, readers see how Sam separates from his pack and adapts to his two-legged replacements. We see how he trains his humans and models a life filled with companionship, respect, trust, and loyalty. In the end, all I wanted (besides a sequel) was to be more like Sam.

Enjoy the pictures the author included. Sam is gorgeous!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from a collie’s perspective, Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story is a completely captivating tale (tail?) of a puppy’s journey through life with his two-legged family.

It doesn’t take long to realize Sam has his new family firmly under a furry paw. When he won’t eat because of the food’s location, Sally sets him up in the household fireplace- fire-free, of course- which bites him in the butt, or should I say face, as he comes out covered in soot!

There are many ‘learning’ moments throughout the story and a ton of affection that’s sure to warm the staunchest heart. The author embedded candid photos highlighting the love she has for this beautiful animal.

This is a must-read for any animal lover. Sam is a sweetheart, and his foster family aren’t bad either 🙂

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story" by Sally Cronin is the wonderful story of a dog and his life with the author's family, told from the dog's perspective. It doesn't get cuter than that, and as triple dog owner I enjoyed every minute of it.
Cronin does a great job at getting into 'character' and creating this original and lovely take at what that dog's life might have been perceived in a humanised dog-brain.
Illustrated with pictures and full of lovely anecdotes this is a beautiful piece of art that will have dog owners in stitches and tears alike. It may be difficult to get it wrong with dog books, but this one is brilliant. Enjoy!

[K.D. Dowdall · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Entertaining humans for cheese is a bit daft really, but cheese is cheese!” Wise words from Sam, a smart, talented, handsome, and very entertaining Collie, who, in my opinion, is the spitting image of Lassie.
Sam is very literate, he did narrate this book, after all. Sam’s memoir: Sam: A Shaggy Dog Story, is a truly incredible life story of his life as a Collie. He writes poignantly about his first memories of being a puppy, his incredible curiosity of the world around him, as well as his travels, mishaps, and friendships, and as his great of love of cheese and sausages.
However, most importantly is his great love for Sally and David, his adopted family. Sam also had a fan club of sorts; he was friendly with cats, such as Henry, an Irish feral ginger and white cat, a Spanish marmalade cat, named Mollie, and let me not forget his very favorite toy, when he was a mere tadpole, a stuffed toy lamb, named Larry.
Sam, the intellectual that he was, studied human behavior extensively. He learned to speak Cat, English, and even a little Spanish. Sam was also quite good at humming a tune or two with Sally and David, on many of their family travels. Quite an accomplishment! However, there was a certain rationale behind his thinking…Cheese and Sausages.
As a reader of Sam’s story, I laughed, I sometimes cried, and fell totally in love with Sam, who was loved, beyond measure, by Sally and David, his adoptive parents. This is a wonderful memoir that will make you smile, laugh, and even shed a tear, but mostly you will feel a sense of great joy for a life well lived. 5 Stars.

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin fell in love at first sight with Sam, a collie puppy. I must admit I too fell in love with Sam from the moment I saw his photograph on the cover of Sally's book!
"Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story" is a delight from start to finish. Sam recounts meeting Sally and her husband David for the first time, finding his forever home with them, and settling into life as an "only child".
He meets Henry a feral cat, who fathers three fine kittens with his lovely partner, and Sam tells us many tales of their friendship in his own doggy style. He enjoys long beach walks where he befriends Abby a white terrier, plays in deep snow on his second winter " like young puppies getting soaked and exhausted in the process," and enjoys road trips with Sally in her sporty car.
Sam eventually moves to Spain, where he enjoys chasing water hoses and amusing guests with his party piece of asking for more or "mawgh." One day Sally is busy with work and tells Sam "You are beginning to sound like Oliver Twist, and if you don't stop pestering me I will call you Oliver in future." Sam replies! "Oh, Ee, Va" which becomes more emphasised as "ORH,EE,VA." He earns a favourite food reward.
Sally's writing style is gentle, warm and full of humour. Sam's photographs will delight you, and his words will leave you feeling blessed that you bought Sally's book.

[Carol Balawyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Sam and you’ll know why a dog is man’s best friend. Being the owner of a dog for the first time in my life I greatly appreciated Sam’s viewpoint on different aspects of a dog’s life ranging from dog language, going to the vet, car trips, walks, friends, love at first sight, scents, food and, most importantly, being head of security.
The book reads like a personal memoir with photos of the author, her homes in Ireland and Spain, the beaches and, of course, beautiful Sam . It is a pleasant, gentle read that warmed my heart. As far as the type of books where dogs are the protagonist, Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story is a delightful read.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows how much I love rough collies.
It’s about Sam – a rough collie from Ireland who got to live in sunny Spain with his pack – Sally and David.
I’ve had six roughs over the years, two of which are still with me, and right from the first page I fell in love with Sam. He’s my literary heart dog now!
The best part of this well-written book is that it was from Sam’s point of view and I saw so many traits in him that are common to collies and brought back memories of my own dogs.
This is an excellent book for any dog lover and especially for anyone who shares, or has shared, a part of their life with a Rough Collie.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, a handsome and very smart Collie, tells his own story from his early days and "milk on tap" meeting new humans and furry friends. When he met the bedraggled and toothless feral cat Henry, Sam commented that he had a "lifetime of smells on him, and grooming had not been his main focus recently, if ever." Sam's favorite musician? Shania Twain. You'll love this this story of a shaggy dog with his very loving humans.

[Pat Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin is a heartwarming tribute to Woman’s Best Friend, her dog. Sam, the internationally traveled dog, is perceptive, kind, and fun. He is loving and loveable. Although he admits to a great love of sausages, stinky cheese, and ice cream, I believe it is Sally he loves best.

I especially enjoyed Sam’s perspective on cats and the ability to be friends with a creature so different than oneself. His accounting of learning to speak the human language was both humorous and touching to read.

I highly recommend Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story for animal lovers of all ages. This beautiful story makes a wonderful Christmas, birthday, or get-well, feel-better gift. — Pat Spencer, author of Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years and Golden Boxty in the Frypan.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is a little more than an hour, but it’s an hour of cuteness and laughs. I’ve lived with dogs for most of my life, and the attitudes and antics of Sam, a Collie, were delightfully familiar. This tribute to a dog’s life is narrated by Sam himself, starting when he was a newborn and stretching into his old age. I rarely laugh out loud while reading, and this book was an exception.

Sam has a very funny (as well as adorable) perspective on life with accounts of his cat friend Henry, his love of chicken and sausages, his dislike of veterinarians, his job as a paper shredder, and his occasional encounters with “that Bloody Danny,” a little canine with poor manners. He relays his experiences with “cat speak” as well as his acquisition of several human words which are strategically employed to earn pieces of cheese.

The book is organized into short chapters by topic. This is a lighthearted and endearing read for anyone who loves dogs.

[Jessica Bakkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Sally) Cronin is a huge animal lover, something I share with her, so when I saw she'd written a story about her dog, I was all over it. Actually, no, sorry, Cronin didn't write it, Sam himself wrote the story - Cronin just helped with the transcribing! I'm only half-joking now; "Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story" is written so convincingly from a dog's perspective, I often found myself totally believing I was listening to Sam's voice, not Cronin's! She really got into Sam's head and demonstrates she has an acute understanding of doggie behaviour, from how important smells are (along with cheese and sausages), to explaining the intricacies of the language of dogs (along with the guttural dialect spoken by street cats!). All this from Sam's sweet-natured, cheese obsessed point of view. 

The story follows Sam's life from his three-week-old puppy days, through his exuberant teenage years in Ireland, and into his mature senior days in Spain. Along the way, he muses about the many friends who have passed in and out of his life - both two-legged and four - and shares his thoughts and insights, and a few hilarious anecdotes, that left me heart-warmed and grinning (enamoured French border patrol, anyone?). There were a few sad moments in the story of Sam's life - his friendship with grizzled ex-street cat, Henry, was chief among them. I don't mind saying, I shed a tear at a couple of points in Sam's story. 

My chief takeaway from "Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story", is that Sam must have been a very, very special Collie to inspire his 'mum' to write such a touching book about him. I also takeaway how much of a wonderful human being Sally Cronin is. The love she bestows on Sam is one thing, but her incredibly generous spirit is displayed in the care and love she expends on stray cats, birds, geese...you name it! It's a refreshing, heart-warming turn in today's selfish world.

"Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story" is simply a beautiful book. I can't recommend it highly enough. 

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story to my younger son, Michael, aged eleven. My older son, Gregory, enjoyed the story and started coming into Mike’s room every night to hear me read. The story is told through the eyes of Sam and explores his relationships with his two-legs, Sally and David, and also with the other animals that make up his world. My boys were very interested in Henry, an older cat that had gone feral when his owner, a farmer, died and the livestock and buildings were sold. The new owners knocked down the outbuildings and barn and Henry was left homeless. The boys became very invested in the story of Henry and his remaining an outdoors cat was a topic of hot debate. Mike thought that Henry should be allowed to come into the house and Greg thought that Henry was happy outdoors and free and that it was good that he was allowed to come and go as he pleased. The boys discussed Sam’s journey from a very young dog and enjoyed his progress through his “teenage” years and into adulthood. They enjoyed the scrapes Sam got into and seemed to really relate to him. Sam’s trying to learn how to talk “human” had them both rolling on the floor with laughter.

The boys also enjoyed reading about Sam’s journey to Spain and the intricacies of crossing borders with an animal in tow. It was fun for them to discover Spain, a country we have not visited, through the eyes of Sam.

A lovely read that appeals to all ages and enchants the reader with its touching relationships between animals and their owners.

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read a book, I prepare for my review of it by highlighting the parts that I will want to quote in my review, ie. the sentences that are the touchpoints, or witty dialogue, the memorable moments, and lines that are the heart of the book. As I prepared to review Sam, I realized that I had highlighted the entire book. So many wonderful moments, funny stories, heartwarming scenes, and plenty of love are contained in this dog’s memoir.

Sam relates how he came as a young pup to live with Sally and David, in a lovely place near a beach in Ireland. Sam describes the large garden where he romps, his own splashing pool, his sun lounger, his rambles on the beach with his owners. Sam appreciates all this, but most of all he loves his pack and does his best to be a positive and helpful member of the pack. His only complaint is that he is never given enough cheese and sausages! (We hear you, Sam!)

Sam has many human and cat and dog friends. Sam and Sally’s adventures with Henry the cat, and his babies is quite amazing and touching. His Sally can speak Cat and Sam learns this language, too, along with a useful repertoire of words that he understands and words that he can say! He is also a very good listener.

Sam seems to be the typical smart, mature, only child. He is well-traveled (over 50,000 miles and several countries!) and interested and engaged in his world. As Sam writes, “There is no doubt that my pack could not do without me.” Adults, children, and worldly dogs and cats like Sam, will enjoy reading or hearing this lovely story. Highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story this, that of Sam, a rough collie, told from his perspective and covering his life from the age of three weeks old, when he was adopted from a litter by Sally and David Cronin. Despite them wanting a collie from the outset of their married life, it’d taken eighteen years for them to be in the right place at the right time to find one, as Sally notes at the end of the book; and of course she fell in love with Sam immediately.
 
The were good humans, loving and responsible, as Sam notes whilst charting his journey through life in both Ireland and Spain and the experiences through which he passes. These include his favourite foods—with cheese, sausages and ice-cream to the fore—plus his learning of language—both human and cat—along with an enviable party trick through which he can imitate human words to the extent that people can understand him. The houses within which he lives, the differing uses he has for the different parts of those houses, bone-sharing with David and ‘the love’ with both him and Sally—obviously the male-bonding differs from that with a female—the walks and car journeys they take, plus Sam’s reaction to snow: all form part of his interesting and informative narrative.
 
Then there are the others, both human and animal, who form a part of Sam’s life, whether for the short or the long term. There’s Henry the feral cat, along with his wife and children, the two kittens to whom Sam acts in loco parentis, Danny the bad-influence-dog next door plus the dog down the road who’d been brain-damaged in an accident with a car and whose unpredictable behaviour was the cause of a frightening confrontation one day. On the human side are the dog-sitters who looked after Sam when David was working in Spain and Sally made regular trips to visit him; Kay and Katie in Ireland plus Sinead in Spain, along with Antonio the gardener.
 
It's a wonderful story, only spoiled by Sam’s encroaching health issues, which can’t be avoided, and author/owner Sally Cronin makes it clear in her endnotes that Sam is no longer with them. Nevertheless he finishes his narrative enjoying the sunset at his last home in Spain, happy with the long and happy life he’s enjoyed.
 
If you love dogs of any description, but particularly if rough collies are your favourite, Sam’s story will both touch and amuse you. Recommended.
 

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially attracted to this book by the picture on the cover. We had rough collies and they were much loved family members. Sam is also much loved and Sally Cronin lets him tell the story of his life through his own eyes. It’s a remarkable account and brought me to both tears and laughter.
Sally Cronin has done an excellent job of speaking through Sam. Her intuitive understanding and empathy shine through and bring the narrative to life. Dog lovers will recognise the universal behaviours of a dog, even if they weren’t really fully aware of them at the time. The tale is so well written it’s easy to be lulled into thinking that you’re listening to a dog’s interpretation of events, but that’s because of Sally’s wonderful observation and compassion.
This is a true story (regardless of who’s telling it!) and the highs and lows are very real and moving. After the sudden death of two kittens, we hear ‘I wandered around the house with their small blanket in my mouth whining at Sally as she tried to comfort me.’ Sam comes to see himself as head of security and the accounts of him protecting the young and old, whether human or animal, paint a picture of an extraordinary dog. He’s also very intelligent and learns to copy several human words to great effect. However, Sally remains leader of the pack and Sam acknowledges that ‘one doesn’t want to push the alpha female too far.’
From his dislike of vets to his love of sausages, cheese and ice-cream, Sam comes across loud and clear. There are entertaining pictures scattered throughout the narrative and the end result is something quite magical.
An easy 5*.

[Marsha Ingrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story
By Sally Cronin

Sam, a Shaggy Dog, tells his story in his own words. Like most good memoirs, it skips around from childhood, which he remembered from the age of three weeks, through the great joys and losses he felt along his life’s journey. Born in Ireland in May, he was adopted by a couple we know as Sally and David Cronin.

His vocabulary grows almost as fast as he does. He describes his first ride in the car to visit the vet.

“We were placed on a seat inside a bigger box that made a very loud noise and had too many smells to identify. I smelt my mother, and also the man and child but there were also harsh scents that hurt my nose. …The movement as he carried us (into the vet’s office) made us feel quite sick and we were pleased when we found ourselves on a floor looking out of the grating at several pairs of feet … I looked straight into the eyes of a large furry bundle in a cage opposite me. To my surprise it arched its back and hissed at me. … I shot backwards landing on top of my smallest sister who nipped me on the ear.”

By the end of the book, Sam calls everyone by name, talks about coming and going in a car, moving to Spain, going to the dog sitter’s house, and loving every moment of life. He teaches the reader a lot about caring for and training a big dog. We learn a lot about the author's family life through his adoring eyes. So his memoir is partly their memoir as well.

As I write this, I’m thinking about a fun movie we watched this weekend called Unleashed, in which two adored pets, a dog and a cat turn into human males with dog and cat-like characteristics. Sally’s book has that same loving, playful, fun ambiance and mood as the movie. Sam felt just as intuitive as the man-dog named Sam did in the movie.

I recommend Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story, to anyone who can read chapter books, from third-graders to 95-year-olds. The only person who might not like it is someone who hates dogs, and that person might need to see a special kind of doctor.

I give this book five stars. It’s a quick read because you don’t want to put it down.

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story is a fun read that any pet owner can appreciate. When Sally and David decide to get a dog after eighteen years of marriage, little do they know how big a part of the family that Sam, a beautiful collie, will become. Sam is only three weeks old when he first meets Sally, and it is truly love at first sight.

This delightful story is narrated by Sam, who retells his life story with Sally and David. His adventures begin in America and move to Ireland and Spain. Along the way, there are numerous funny and touching moments. One of the early highlights for me was when David spent most of an afternoon climbing into a doghouse, trying to convince Sam that this was a wonderful place to live. While Sam was eager to please his owners, he also had an independent streak and occasionally walked that fine line between toeing the line and experiencing life on his own terms.

Sam got along with just about anyone, including a special friendship that he developed with Henry, a feral cat who lived on the property. At some points, Sam seemed almost human. While he normally ate dog food, he also developed a love for chicken, cheese, and even ice cream.

Part of developing a close relationship with any animal is the ability to communicate. Sam learned an extensive vocabulary and even attempted English despite not having a voice box.

As a lifelong dog owner, I appreciated and loved the close bond Sally and David had with Sam. There were more than ten years of adventures, including scary, funny, and downright miraculous moments. I read the book twice because I enjoyed it so much the first time.

[Paul Andruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I am not a pet person. I think the only pet most people should be allowed is a tapeworm. It goes where you go, eats when you eat, and never bothers the neighbours.

It’s not I don’t like animals. I love animals. On the whole I prefer them to people. To me animals are children who never grow up. To some extent they always rely on you, which is why I don’t want one. They are a responsibility to be taken seriously and I’m not sure I could do that responsibility justice.

Sam a Shaggy Dog Story is the autobiography of Sally Cronin’s beloved collie, told entirely in the first person, and accompanied by selection of family photos that puts right in the heart of this delightful yarn. The voice Sally gives Sam is that of a likeable enthusiastic youngster. It endears him in much the same way, and appears ideally suited to the character of a rambunctious puppy. As Sam grows older his voices changes becoming more reflective, exactly the way it does in real life.

Her skill in giving an animal such an apt voice is not surprising when you consider Sally is a life coach, knowledgeable about psychological motivation and an acute observer of behaviour. She is also a storyteller of great talent and charm, who writes deceptively simple tales peppered with endearing characters, lashings of happiness and gentle humour: easy to read, and moreish as a box of chocolates.

The writing makes the book accessible to all ages from 7 to 70. Actually this is a great book to be read aloud to kids at bedtime. The only problem is… they would never want to go to sleep!

Sally’s readers have already met Sam in her enchanting and amusing ‘Tales from the Garden’. Part of Sam’s story deals with the move to Spain; for this is the tale of all Sam’s family, Sally and David, Henry the Cat, Henry’s kittens - who Sam adopts, and even Danny, the dog next door. The sequel to Tales from the Garden’, ‘Tales from the Irish Garden’ is out soon. Look out for it. I know I will.

Sam a Shaggy Dog Story begins with Sam’s birth and transfer to his new home with Sally and David (his pack-leaders as Sam calls them). These early chapters give you a real sense of a developing child trying to understand the world. And like any child, Sam quickly begins to develop a sense of identity, belonging and his own personality.

Sam comes to understand his place in the world; his relationship with Sally and David and his friendships with other animals, such as the half feral Henry the Cat. He experiences joy and wonder at seeing snow for the first time and his first lick of ice cream and develops a passion for car rides and cheese. I mean, who doesn’t love car rides and cheese? He has his dislikes too, mainly vets and his kennel!

One of the many funny parts of the book is Sam learning to talk human. He managed cat, partly because Henry speaks pretty good dog. Human he finds difficult and needs to concentrate, but does manage a few accurate approximations… much to Sally and David’s delight. At which point Sam comments the vet once said he might be able to understand around 20 words, adding: how wrong can someone be!

The beauty of Sally’s writing is Sam does not consider himself a dog, or Henry a cat, or his owner’s people. He realises they are different but essentially the same, all part of… well, the circle of life I suppose.

Although hard to believe, for anyone watching ‘Pets do the Funniest Things’, many scientists once considered animals no more than automatons. Religion taught man was given dominion over beasts because only he had a soul. Thankfully these days some of us are wiser, and realise while we think ourselves ‘top-dog’ other animals have the same feelings and share the same emotional range.

I believe this book should be compulsory reading for anyone wanting a pet, especially youngsters. Once read, when you look into those big brown eyes, you never forget what you are really looking at is another human, who should be treated in the same way you want others to treat you. That not only cruelty hurts, but also neglect, as with poor Henry the cat before he found Sally. We need to be raised to know animals are not toys but fellow beings that give love unreservedly, and deserve the same love back, without reservation.

Paul Andruss

[Mary McCoy-Dressel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you’ve never wondered what your furry family member might think, you’ll enjoy this refreshing story written from Sam’s perspective. From having his temperature taken to watching movies with his human pack members, Sam tells it like it is. Truly enjoyable.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an animal lover, I was charmed by this story of the author's beloved family pet. It's told in first person, from the point of view of Sam, a Collie. The tale begins when he was a puppy, figuring out life with his mother and sisters.
Then he is adopted by a kind couple, Sally and David (the author and her husband) who become his pack. He trains them to provide the treats he loves, and they teach him how to be a good dog (although he never really warmed up to going to the veterinarian). Over the years, he makes friends with cats, other dogs, and pet sitters. He documents changes in the family living situation, such as when David took a job in Madrid and Sally stayed behind in Ireland with Sam. And then later, he moves with the family from Ireland to Spain and enjoys holidays on the Costa del Sol.
The book is illustrated with adorable color photographs of Sam and many of his friends; the reader can't help but fall in love with him.

[Mary Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming read which would be enjoyed by young and old alike, whether you love dogs or not you will love Sam. His delightful tale is skillfully written by Sally Cronin and told in the first person, depicting the world from a doggy perspective.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in by Sam’s picture on the cover, having had a collie as a young girl, so this called me to read. The story’s told from Sam’s perspective, which was interesting, amusing, and sometimes sad. I loved his journey, meeting his loving family, and living in Ireland and Spain. Henry, the stray cat, who became part of his pack, quickly won my heart. We can only imagine what our pets are thinking, but I believe Ms. Cronin really captured Sam’s spirit in this book. I came out feeling like I’d been part of his pack. This was a feel-good read with some of life’s realities mixed in with just the right touch. When I finished, I was left thinking about all my pets over the years and wondered what they might have to say about their journey. This is a must-read for all pet lovers!

[Teresa Karlinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is written from the collie, Sam’s point of view. Are you a pet lover? You’ll know what I’m talking about. Even if you’re not, you will understand after reading his heartwarming version of life with his loving family. He warms your heart from his adoption as a pup, to his introduction to the outside world, to his first furry friend and his friendly and adventurous character. Sam’s personality grows and warms you as you turn the pages.
Our pets are as much a part of our family as any two legs living with them
I cannot imagine a reader not falling in love with Sam. He wormed his way into my heart without trying. I’ve no doubt he’ll do the same for you. And you. And you.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, a memoir from Sam, the Lassie-like Collie, will warm anyone's heart. Cronin tells the story through Sam's voice in this delightful read. If you're not already a dog lover, you will be after reading Sam's story.

If you want to know how a dog views his life, Sam shares his adventures as a dog, how he learned manners, how he learned to speak a few human words, and even he even shares his opinions on going to the vet.

Sam is truly a heart-warming read for everyone.

[Lauren Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin is told in the voice of a handsome Collie named Sam. I fell in love with Sam from the start. My dog, Copper, crossed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year, so ‘listening’ to Sam talk about his wonderful life with his mom and dad, Sally and David, was one way for me to get my dog fix.

I learned that Sam understood the English language, along with tones and emotions in voices. He was one smart canine! In the beginning, he tells of how his home came to be with his new dog parents, living in a gorgeous house in Ireland. Sam was intuitive, feisty, and entertaining. He met many friends in the form of foxes, feral cats, and rabbits. Henry was a ginger feral cat. We don’t think dogs can befriend cats, but Sam did, and Henry was one of his best friends. But when Sally found Henry, he was lying on death’s doorstep. It was heartwarming and emotional to read how she saved his life.

Aside from making friends, Sam loved to eat, and a few dining favorites were sausage, cheese, and ice cream. When he played in the snow, he thought he was playing in one huge bowl of the cold, delicious treat! During the holidays, he kept his dog parents on their toes by getting into Christmas gifts. But he was kind enough to share his bones with David and loved cuddling with Sally on the floor. The cuddling part reminded me of when Copper and I used to share those special moments. Sam loved long walks on the beautiful beaches, feeling “sand between his toes.” I loved how Sally used to sing during car drives, and Sam loved to listen to his mom’s singing voice. Shania Twain was their favorite country singer.

When I read through this heartwarming account of Sally and David’s best friend in Sam’s voice, I had moments with tears, laughter, and cuteness overload. The photos of Sam are beyond adorable, and the family photos are so beautiful. I could feel Sally’s love for her shaggy friend in each chapter. She knew what Sam needed, what any animal needed to feel loved. So, if you’re a dog lover, cat lover, or if you have a heart for animals in general, this book is for you!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do You Speak Dog?

Sam: A Shaggy Dog Story is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. Sally Cronin gives her Rough Collie a voice, allowing him to narrate his own tale.

A few of the things Sam tells us about are his friends (cat, dog, and human alike), his favorite things (sausages, cheese, ice cream, snow), his job as security consultant, car rides while singing along with Sally, and walks along the beach.

Sam is very observant and intelligent. He learns to understand both cat and human vocal sounds. He also learns to speak a few human words! Mawgh is more; heyoo is hello; and Orh, Ee, Va is Oliver. ‘More’ and ‘Oliver’ are interchangeable, as they both indicate he would like ‘mawgh’ of a delicious treat he had just enjoyed.

Sam’s introduction to cats is very positive. When he is still a puppy, Sally and her husband David – the alpha humans in Sam’s pack – adopt a feral cat whom they dub ‘Henry.’ Henry teaches Sam many worthy things about life, and they become great friends. Also, a feral mama cat has kittens on Sam’s property, and he dubs himself their guardian. These experiences prepare Sam for when Sally brings home two kittens. He readily steps up to the plate, nurturing and protecting them.

Sam’s story is heartwarming and humorous, sure to amuse and delight adults as well as children. I read this book in one sitting and was disappointed when it ended. I wanted more, and so will you.

What I appreciated most about Sam’s story is that it leaves the reader with a heightened respect for nonhuman animals. They think and feel as we do; and anyone who thinks otherwise will be hard-pressed to hold on to that opinion after meeting Sam. I would like to see this book offered for sale through animal rights and humane organizations around the world. And for me, that is the highest praise…

[Beem Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The happy face of Sam on the cover is a big reason why I grabbed a copy of this book. During the first twelve years of my life, my family had a collie. I’m partial to those wonderful dogs. The story itself is told from Sam the collie’s point of view. He tells of life living in Ireland and Spain. He introduces readers to his family—which includes a stray cat called Henry. Author Sally Cronin pulls readers into Sam’s world with the ease of a well-seasoned storyteller. Sam’s tale is warm-hearted and easily recognizable to anyone who has ever had a dog or cat in their family. There are a few bittersweet moments here, which only adds the touch of real life. But overall, this is a warm and wonderful story. I recommend this book to all dog and cat lovers.

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a darling read!
While reading Sam’s story—and he is the narrator—I am sure you’ll fall in love not only with this adorable collie but with Sally and David who, according to Sam, were a part of his pack and treated him as a partner, who engaged with him in a respectful, positive manner.
Written with humor and lots of love, this book shows how Sam loved his “family” and wanted to please them and sensed their needs and anticipated their actions.
I would highly recommend this book to all, not only to dog lovers. Read this lovely book to your children or let them read it. I think it will teach them how to be kinder and appreciative of their pets.