Living a Dog's Life, Jazzy, Juicy, and Me

by Cindy Adams

The swell of dog love that met Cindy Adams everywhere she went after the publication of her bestseller The Gift of Jazzy made it clear that Jazzy's fans were primed for the next installment. And since, in Cindy's own words, "Yorkies are like peanuts―you can't stop at just one," her decision to bring Juicy into the family gave her ample ammo to do just that. But it wasn't long before her beloved Jazzy―who had become her closest family member and helped her cope with her husband's death―passed away unexpectedly. Cindy was devastated. Jazzy's paw prints had been indelibly imprinted on her heart and nothing and nobody would ever replace him. But as her relationship with Juicy grew, and the loving, single-minded pooch claimed her rightful place in the center of Cindy's lap, she realized that yet again a wise four-legged companion had shown her that "Life is good. Life goes on." With her signature wit, smarts, and taste for celebrity dish, Cindy Adams shares the life lessons she learned from both her saviors―Jazzy and Juicy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually finished this book and i don't know why. I love dogs and I love books about dogs. I do not like books that make you think will be about dogs and all they are, are a bunch of name dropping and whining. I got the feeling she wrote the book just to let us know how important she is with all her name dropping. When she did talk about her dogs, she is exactly the kind of dog owner I hate. Her dogs aren't housebroken, poor mannered, neurotic. Just because they're small that's no excuse for poor ownership. The book should have been titled, Me Me and oh, yes, dogs.

[Kelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Being a dog lover, and I love to read, I actually gave up on this book. I found it pathetic that her dogs had so many issues because of her poor dog ownership, they do not need babysitters, and medication, I just couldn't get through it, and I have maybe given up on 4 books ever.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't grab me or interest me much (thought it would since I have little dogs, but not the same life style etc)

[Christine Rocca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh! I feel sorry for the author losing s pet but I just couldn't get into it. Got to 100 pages and had to call uncle

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Gift of Jazzy years ago. This one was good but I didn't enjoy it as much.
Still, as a dog lover, it was a good easy read.

[Zia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a significant difference in reading this book than other canine memoirs in that most, if not all, of the other books I've read were written by ordinary or slightly famous authors, like John Grogan of 'Marley and Me' before that book became a bestseller. 'Living a Dog's Life' however, is by socialite Cindy Adams, not someone I'm familiar with, but she make sure to emphasize her dogs' lives of luxury at every opportunity. That said, I didn't find the book too pompous or haughty for my tastes, because what it boils down to is a lonely older lady who finds comfort in her canine companions after her husband's death, and it just so happens that comfort comes in the form of an NYC penthouse, silk sheets, and gourmet hand-fed meals.
Actually, I fibbed a bit, in that Adams actually wrote an earlier book about her Yorkshire terrier, Jazzy, and how he helped her continue living after she became a widow. Here, she continues on about Jazzy, perhaps due to the popularity of her first book, until Jazzy's untimely passing. Adams had already brought Juicy, who might be considered a 'teacup' Yorkie, into the family (though she sent her back to the breeder a couple times before deciding to keep her), but it takes a while for her to adjust to losing her Jazzy, who helped her remain in the public eye, which I have a feeling was very important to her. After adopting another male Yorkie, whose parents were each one half of the breeding pairs that brought Jazzy and Juicy into the world, Adams admits that she likes this new dog, deemed Jazzy Jr. or JJ for his similar coloring to his half-brother, better than Juicy, but that together, the two dogs make her happier than any man could at this stage in her life.
Yes, this is a very aristocratic book, with lots of name dropping and rule-breaking on Adams' part, which she can get away with because of who she is. However, she still deals with many of the same themes brought up in the other dog books; the dogs mess on the rug, chew things they aren't supposed to, invade their owner's personal space in the bed, make their opinions well known and force the owner to acquiesce, etc. So I'd consider it just as good as any other dog book, with some extra money thrown in to distinguish it.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super light read, but that's to be expected considering this was written by a famous NY Post gossip columnist. Most of the book was charming. I love Cindy's love of her doggies; to me, my dog is the most amazing friend I will ever have so I totally relate to her quirky over-the-top love of her furry friends. It took me the first 20 pages or so to get into this true story, which quickly became very sad. I was happy to see the sadness was short-lived; it was overall a happy, fun book. My only qualm was that there was one slow part where Adams travels abroad that I had to push through while reading. Three and a half stars.

[Oceana2602 · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter how hard I try to teach my mom that I do not read book with twirly, gold-covered letters and cute drawing on the cover, she keeps on giving them to me. "Women-books". Shopping-literature. Cutsy stories of midlfe crisis women on the way to find true love and a new hand bag.

*sigh*

At least this one had dogs and was rather entertaining and, well, even a bit cynical. Or maybe that was just me.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love yorkies (I have two of them, so this was a must read for me. Also, the paragraphs about Teresa Heinz Kerry added to my affection of this book.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, funny, quick 'beach reading.' It had a nice positive message and is a cute read for dog lovers. Don't expect anything earthshaking, the author is a New York Post gossip columnist ;)

[Nichole Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cool book!!I wish there was or will be more!!!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

entertaining light read.

[Sharmini]

Amazing book ... if you're a dog lover a must read ... but even if you aren't just read it!!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very cute - totally funny and if you're a dog lover you'll totally relate :)

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and funny read, I enjoyed it has much as her first book about Jazzy.

[Danny Housley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, hilarious, sad and lovely. I really enjoy the writing style of Cindy Adams, it's like she's dishing with you.

[Debra · Rating 1 out of 5]

loved the stories involving the dogs...but too much name dropping for me...

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

fluffy. not really worth the time even though it is short.