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Dog Diaries #10
Rolf
A dachshund loses a leg and finds his life's calling—as a therapy dog!
Scrappy dachshund Rolf von Noodle may be missing a hind leg, but he's got attitude and can-do spirit to spare! If anything, his tripod status gives him something real empathy for people overcoming physical challenges. And as his owner Mindy discovers, it makes him an ideal choice to become a therapy dog. With realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix that includes photographs and information about the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program, therapy dog training, tripod dogs, and more, this is the kind of fact-based fiction reluctant middle grade readers sit up and beg for!
Scrappy dachshund Rolf von Noodle may be missing a hind leg, but he's got attitude and can-do spirit to spare! If anything, his tripod status gives him something real empathy for people overcoming physical challenges. And as his owner Mindy discovers, it makes him an ideal choice to become a therapy dog. With realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix that includes photographs and information about the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program, therapy dog training, tripod dogs, and more, this is the kind of fact-based fiction reluctant middle grade readers sit up and beg for!
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2017
21 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Kate Klimo
55 books139 followersKate Klimo spent her early years amidst the cornfields of Iowa where the winters were prodigious. Often, when the snows flash-thawed in the spring, she would find her backyard filled with the flapping, resurrected bodies of fish her ice-fishing father had stored in the snowdrifts. Thus sprang into her young head the unshakable notion that, all winter long, fish escaped from the rivers and magically swum through the snow banks of Mount Vernon, Iowa.
When she moved to the little town of Sea Cliff, on Long Island Sound, she met her best friend Justine in the Stenson Memorial Library at the main desk, where they often checked out the same fantasy writers. Together, they read C.S. Lewis, E. Nesbit, Edward Eager, and George MacDonald and embarked on a tireless search for portals to magical worlds, extending from abandoned Victorian mansions to the decrepit local five-and-dime to the sandy cliffs sweeping down to the Sound.
With her propensity for magical thinking and long-standing love of fantasy, does it come as any surprise that Kate grew up to be in the book business? But after over 25 years of heading up Random House Children’s Books, with the publication of The Dragon in the Sock Drawer in March 2008, Kate began to ease over to the author’s side of the desk.
Now a full-time author, in addition to numerous one-off titles, she has written the middle-grade series The Dragon Keepers series and the Dog Diaries as well the Centauriad for young adults. Under the pen name Bonnie Worth, she has penned over a dozen books in the best-selling Cat in the Hat Learning Library. She lives in New Paltz, New York with her husband and two horses.
When she moved to the little town of Sea Cliff, on Long Island Sound, she met her best friend Justine in the Stenson Memorial Library at the main desk, where they often checked out the same fantasy writers. Together, they read C.S. Lewis, E. Nesbit, Edward Eager, and George MacDonald and embarked on a tireless search for portals to magical worlds, extending from abandoned Victorian mansions to the decrepit local five-and-dime to the sandy cliffs sweeping down to the Sound.
With her propensity for magical thinking and long-standing love of fantasy, does it come as any surprise that Kate grew up to be in the book business? But after over 25 years of heading up Random House Children’s Books, with the publication of The Dragon in the Sock Drawer in March 2008, Kate began to ease over to the author’s side of the desk.
Now a full-time author, in addition to numerous one-off titles, she has written the middle-grade series The Dragon Keepers series and the Dog Diaries as well the Centauriad for young adults. Under the pen name Bonnie Worth, she has penned over a dozen books in the best-selling Cat in the Hat Learning Library. She lives in New Paltz, New York with her husband and two horses.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 12, 2021
I love this book so much I think everyone should read it. It's so sweet and so amazing.
February 27, 2018
Rolf (Dog Diaries #10) by Kate Klimo tells the tale of a charming Dachshund name Rolf. He loves living the spoiled life with Mama Agatha. One day, Mama takes a terrible tumble and must go to the hospital.
Rolf's world is turned upside down when he must stay with Mama's nephew, Young Ricky. The worst part? Ricky has a cat named Smokey. The frigid feline wants nothing to do with Rolf and cannot wait until he leaves.
Through a series of unfortunate events, Rolf finds himself missing a leg causing him to potentially be homeless. Will Rolf be able to find a forever home? Can he adjust to life as a tripawd?
I could not put this book down! I fell in love with Rolf from page one. Having adopted a differently-abled Dachshund, I can definitely relate to Rolf's strong doxie spirit and endless energy. I also love that the story is laced with facts about Dachshunds that are presented from Rolf's point of view. It is wonderful to see a book not only showcase the Dachshund breed but also teach proper holding techniques while addressing issues that doxies often face with their long spines.
Additionally, I love that Rolf becomes a spokes dog for tripawd pooches. Several years ago, I adopted a tripawd Chiweenie that was born with a deformed front paw. The paw is much shorter than her other legs, which forces her to hop like a bunny. Klimo's depiction of tripawd dogs is spot on. Nothing holds them back or slows them down.
Finally, I love that this story introduces young readers to therapy dogs and their various functions. My Chihuahua, Adriel, has been a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International (mentioned in the book) for seven years. Providing touch therapy to students, hospice patients, nursing home residents, etc. is truly a rewarding experience for both dog and handler. Many people often confuse therapy dogs with service dogs. Klimo does an outstanding job of explaining the difference between the two while showcasing the importance of each.
Tim Jessell's illustrations are simply captivating. Rolf's character practically leaps of off the page. His facial expressions are very similar to my own doxie's. While done in black and white, the illustrations will still capture the hearts of young and old readers alike.
This is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages. The book would also make a great gift to anyone who has recently adopted a tripawd dog or has had a dog become a tripawd due to medical issues. Rolf's resilience and plucky spirit are sure to leave readers wanting more.
Rolf's world is turned upside down when he must stay with Mama's nephew, Young Ricky. The worst part? Ricky has a cat named Smokey. The frigid feline wants nothing to do with Rolf and cannot wait until he leaves.
Through a series of unfortunate events, Rolf finds himself missing a leg causing him to potentially be homeless. Will Rolf be able to find a forever home? Can he adjust to life as a tripawd?
I could not put this book down! I fell in love with Rolf from page one. Having adopted a differently-abled Dachshund, I can definitely relate to Rolf's strong doxie spirit and endless energy. I also love that the story is laced with facts about Dachshunds that are presented from Rolf's point of view. It is wonderful to see a book not only showcase the Dachshund breed but also teach proper holding techniques while addressing issues that doxies often face with their long spines.
Additionally, I love that Rolf becomes a spokes dog for tripawd pooches. Several years ago, I adopted a tripawd Chiweenie that was born with a deformed front paw. The paw is much shorter than her other legs, which forces her to hop like a bunny. Klimo's depiction of tripawd dogs is spot on. Nothing holds them back or slows them down.
Finally, I love that this story introduces young readers to therapy dogs and their various functions. My Chihuahua, Adriel, has been a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International (mentioned in the book) for seven years. Providing touch therapy to students, hospice patients, nursing home residents, etc. is truly a rewarding experience for both dog and handler. Many people often confuse therapy dogs with service dogs. Klimo does an outstanding job of explaining the difference between the two while showcasing the importance of each.
Tim Jessell's illustrations are simply captivating. Rolf's character practically leaps of off the page. His facial expressions are very similar to my own doxie's. While done in black and white, the illustrations will still capture the hearts of young and old readers alike.
This is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages. The book would also make a great gift to anyone who has recently adopted a tripawd dog or has had a dog become a tripawd due to medical issues. Rolf's resilience and plucky spirit are sure to leave readers wanting more.
May 29, 2017
I only picked this up because of the dachshund as the subject, it's my favorite breed with two in my past personal history. Once you've been owned by a dachshund, it's impossible to be owned by anything else.
This is the 10th in a series of Dog Diaries where kids learn dogs are more than just pets. They take on jobs that help and even rescue people.
We meet Rolf as a puppy owned by an elderly lady who dotes on him. Sadly, she has a fall and doesn't recover leaving a nephew to take Rolf in as he promised. He tries but isn't up to the task especially after Rolf gets caught in a car door and loses a leg.
A woman volunteer with the Vet ends up becoming Rolf's new person. Together they take on the job of turning Rolf into a therapy job. That leads to another life changing encounter for Rolf and his owner, Mindy.
I'll admit I got a little teary with Rolf's tragedies and triumphs. This also spends time at the end explaining the breed, its behavior, therapy dogs and tripods--the term for dogs missing a limb. Worthwhile words that can be used to transition into the same events happening to people.
This is the 10th in a series of Dog Diaries where kids learn dogs are more than just pets. They take on jobs that help and even rescue people.
We meet Rolf as a puppy owned by an elderly lady who dotes on him. Sadly, she has a fall and doesn't recover leaving a nephew to take Rolf in as he promised. He tries but isn't up to the task especially after Rolf gets caught in a car door and loses a leg.
A woman volunteer with the Vet ends up becoming Rolf's new person. Together they take on the job of turning Rolf into a therapy job. That leads to another life changing encounter for Rolf and his owner, Mindy.
I'll admit I got a little teary with Rolf's tragedies and triumphs. This also spends time at the end explaining the breed, its behavior, therapy dogs and tripods--the term for dogs missing a limb. Worthwhile words that can be used to transition into the same events happening to people.
November 10, 2023
I happened to come across this book at the library. I thought the cover looked cute, so I checked it out. Although, it's a book for little kids, it is quite informative about therapy dog work. And it's emotional. **SPOILER ALERT** When Ricky gave up Rolf simply because he lost a back leg, I cried. **END SPOILER ALERT**
June 6, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! I could be biased because I also have a sweet little red doxie, but Rolf von Noodle is just so lovable....if slightly unbelievably well-trained and pliant, lol
The writing is good and the story is enjoyable for both children and adults.
The writing is good and the story is enjoyable for both children and adults.
July 8, 2021
Such a great book it made me cry when Rolf got his leg was in the door and got turned into a tripod it was so sad how Rolf got given away to Mindy because he was to sad to keep him! I really liked the twist at the end!!
May 9, 2017
Sad book about an abused dachshund :(
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October 1, 2019Such a good book love the connections between the dog and his owners.
September 20, 2020
What a delightful, quick read about a brave little hound and his adventures that eventually turn in to missions of mercy! Dogs are the best!
September 25, 2020
I used this book for a book talk for a third grade class. Great book! The book kept me engaged and I learned a lot about different dog breeds.
September 5, 2021
I love these books. It's official. 🤗
January 12, 2022
I enjoyed hearing Rolf's story of how he became a tripod therapy dog. I am looking forward to reading a few other books in this series.
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December 6, 2022Dog Diaries, Rolf, is watched going though owners with romantic, and all about therapy dogs and their job, a happy ending. God Bless!
January 15, 2023
Super cute
October 13, 2023
My daughter LOVED this book. She was super engaged with the story of this pup whose life involved one moment of tumult after another.
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July 30, 2024Sooo good! I love this book about a little tripod therapy dog; so cute!
November 19, 2025
An amazing book about therapy dogs and the love for dogs and compassion for humans who love them and help them do better
December 13, 2023
A great and happy ending and good for children and good information about therapy dogs and dachshunds
March 5, 2017
(3.5) Not my favorite Dog Diaries entry, but still a great book to read with my animal-crazy kid. She said she would give it a 4.5.
April 19, 2017
I love big dogs but this little dog pulled my heartstrings--super sweet.
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December 4, 2018A dachshund loses a leg and "finds" his life's calling as a therapy dog!
Scrappy dachshund Rolf von Noodle may be missing a hind leg, but he's got an attitude and can-do spirit to spare! If anything, his tripod status gives him something special: real empathy for people overcoming physical challenges.
love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scrappy dachshund Rolf von Noodle may be missing a hind leg, but he's got an attitude and can-do spirit to spare! If anything, his tripod status gives him something special: real empathy for people overcoming physical challenges.
love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews