My Life as a Dog

by Brian Hargrove, Moose

What can you say about Moose? A lovable canine? A consummate professional? A bright star in the Hollywood universe? Yes, you could say all those things. Or you could just say that he was the little dog that could. The little dog that never took no for an answer. The little dog that never said, "I can't," but always, "why can't I?"

The story of Moose is a classic rags-to-riches story of how an average pound-bound puppy barked, jumped, and mugged his way up the ladder of success to become a major superstar. Not since Lassie has America cared so much about one of its four-legged creatures. At least, that's what Moose would say.

I would say that working with that dog has been a nightmare. I had to be at his beck and call, any time, day or night. You don't know what it's like to get a call at three o'clock in the morning because "someone" has something he wants to add to the Frasier chapter. Did he think I had no life of my own? Or that I slept by the telephone waiting for him to call? Yes, he did. Because, like most uber-stars, he thought the world revolved around him. From the moment I committed to working with him on this book, it's been nothing but Moose, Moose, Moose.

But I have to admit he's had a fascinating life. To be plucked out of obscurity and thrust into the limelight may be the dream of every actor in the world, but in reality it's more of a challenge than most people realize. It's hard not to get caught up in all the glitter and hype of Hollywood and completely lose sight of what's really important—family and friends. As egomaniacal as Moose is, he has never forgotten where he came from or taken for granted the fans that got him where he is today.

He's a complex guy—selfish and independent, demanding and feisty, impatient and intense, arrogant and stubborn, and strong-willed. But he is also loving, caring, thoughtful when he wants to be, charismatic, funny, charming, and above all loyal.

In short, Moose is a Jack Russell terrier with an attitude. Is there any other kind?

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Biography, Humor, Animals

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never watched the TV show 'Frasier' so my knowledge of it and thus the canine star Moose, who played the character 'Eddie' was limited. However, I like a good dog story, and 'My Life as a Dog' was a behind the scenes look at what went into getting Moose ready for his big break, told from the perspective of Moose himself. Readers learn a bit about Moose's upbringing and how his feisty nature got him kicked out of his early homes and sent to acting school as sort of a last ditch effort to make him obedient. I get the gist that Moose was not exactly the favorite costar among the humans on the show, but that he played the part that was written for him to perfection. Plus, there are also cute dog pictures in the center of the book, who doesn't love dog pictures?

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of "Eddie" or Moose - the dog from Frasier.
A quick read and funny anecdotes. Reading that and watching reruns of the Frasier show made it all the better. A dog with "attitude!"

[Carielyn Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book idea but not a great execution. a bit sexist and homophobic at times. at least now i know why his tongue sticks out all the time.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why but "auto"biographies of animal stars of the 90s was apparently a thing. This is the second one I've read. I picked this one up obviously because I'm a fan of Frasier and thought it'd be a laugh but it was just weird. Definitely an odd novelty thing of its time.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to end my reading of this book. It is just too stupid.
Not because the dog talks! But because I don’t like anyone’s character. Worst of all is the dog’s. It’s so “Hollywood narcissism.”

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked cute with a lot of pictures. Eddie was the best part about Frasier.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written from a dog's perspective and I couldn't get into it, but didn't read it all, and there seems to be some cute pictures and other stuff in the book

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a "Frasier" fan (on my 8th rewatch), this was a really fun read. It got a little repetitive at times, but I did love seeing life through Moose's eyes, and how, of course, he thinks he's all that. One thing I absolutely loved is the idea that Eddie feels a connection to Niles because he was the first to know Niles was in love with Daphne, even before he realized it himself. I think that's a really good idea, and gives Eddie a new dimension, and honestly, I agree with it!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. Pretentious.