What do you think?
Rate this book
Canine Chronicles #1
Fully Staffed: A Tale Of Two Staffies
Fully Staffed begins in 1980 with the story of Spike, aka Mr. Wigs, a beautiful Golden Labrador who melts the hearts of everyone he meets, and breaks the hearts of the ones he leaves behind.
As a puppy, he surprises all the vets by surviving a life-threatening disease, and goes on to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.
Several years later we meet Spike, then Jake - both Staffordshire Bull Terriers, but totally different in every way. Spike is the bruiser, while Jake is the social butterfly.
This story is about how they came to live with us, their little quirks and the canine capers they got up to along the way. These two wonderful little guys filled our hearts, and our home, with joy and happiness, and completely changed our views about Staffies.
Fully Staffed is a heartwarming story filled with tears of laughter and sadness, and sure to be enjoyed by dog lovers everywhere.
As a puppy, he surprises all the vets by surviving a life-threatening disease, and goes on to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.
Several years later we meet Spike, then Jake - both Staffordshire Bull Terriers, but totally different in every way. Spike is the bruiser, while Jake is the social butterfly.
This story is about how they came to live with us, their little quirks and the canine capers they got up to along the way. These two wonderful little guys filled our hearts, and our home, with joy and happiness, and completely changed our views about Staffies.
Fully Staffed is a heartwarming story filled with tears of laughter and sadness, and sure to be enjoyed by dog lovers everywhere.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2018
171 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 13, 2018
Wonderful book
This was a sad but very funny book. I'm sure Jake loved his life with you, your family and your friend. And he had a wonderful life with you all. You certainly put to shame the prevailing opinions about Staffies.
This was a sad but very funny book. I'm sure Jake loved his life with you, your family and your friend. And he had a wonderful life with you all. You certainly put to shame the prevailing opinions about Staffies.
August 27, 2020
Purchase Verified Format: Kindle Version
This splendid story of a family of Golden Labradors by Linda Meredith is a must for every dog lover - and for those who are not, they don’t know what they’ve missed.
You can’t help falling in love with Spike the first one that came into their lives who made them cry and laugh at the same time with his antics. When he left to take that last walk over the rainbow bridge it caused the apple tree in the garden to blossom in August, an unknown event. He was followed by another Spike then Jake with two decidedly different characters, brought to life so vividly by the author.
As a dog lover myself, I can still remember the way one of our dogs was so frightened of the wind in the chimney it used to scramble up on my knee for safety. I shall also treasure the kindness of our local vet who insisted on helping our Collie on its last voyage by coming out to our car to administer the last rites where it felt secure and comfortable.
Fully Staffed is a beautiful story and I thoroughly recommend it.
This splendid story of a family of Golden Labradors by Linda Meredith is a must for every dog lover - and for those who are not, they don’t know what they’ve missed.
You can’t help falling in love with Spike the first one that came into their lives who made them cry and laugh at the same time with his antics. When he left to take that last walk over the rainbow bridge it caused the apple tree in the garden to blossom in August, an unknown event. He was followed by another Spike then Jake with two decidedly different characters, brought to life so vividly by the author.
As a dog lover myself, I can still remember the way one of our dogs was so frightened of the wind in the chimney it used to scramble up on my knee for safety. I shall also treasure the kindness of our local vet who insisted on helping our Collie on its last voyage by coming out to our car to administer the last rites where it felt secure and comfortable.
Fully Staffed is a beautiful story and I thoroughly recommend it.
February 6, 2022
Gorgeous book, well written and it so reminded me of two of my [now over the Rainbow Bridge] dogs, who were partners like Spike and Jake. Chelsea suffered from seizures for 11 years of her 13 year life, and the red coated Zac, the Staffy cross we rescued, whose grin never failed to give love, until he had the stroke that took him. Their picture is my profile picture for Goodreads.
This is a story that has to be read. It is full of love, joy and some sadness, no sorry I must be truthful, lots of sadness, but you will get through it with a box of tissues at hand, and you will be pleased that you did.
My only grumble albeit small, was the fact that a more conscientious proof reader or typist would have made for a smoother read, but for content you did a great job Linda.
I'm off to start reading the sequel now. Now where did I put those tissues!
This is a story that has to be read. It is full of love, joy and some sadness, no sorry I must be truthful, lots of sadness, but you will get through it with a box of tissues at hand, and you will be pleased that you did.
My only grumble albeit small, was the fact that a more conscientious proof reader or typist would have made for a smoother read, but for content you did a great job Linda.
I'm off to start reading the sequel now. Now where did I put those tissues!
October 22, 2023
Fully Staffed
Linda A. Meredith
One of those doggy memoirs to warm the hearts of pet lovers everywhere. Having grown up on a farm where the vet was called for productive farm animals but pets, particularly barn cats kept to keep down the rodent population, either lived or died, the vast sums urban dwellers spend on shots, prescription foods, medication, surgery, vet bills for their animals is staggering.
As this couple prove, you don’t own the dog, it owns you. And be prepared to keep the Vet Clinic well financed. Since 12 years is the basic life expectancy of the breed the end is a foregone conclusion. There is nothing gentle or subtle about his breed.
Alas the dogs may not be bothered by bad editing, but I AM.
Linda A. Meredith
One of those doggy memoirs to warm the hearts of pet lovers everywhere. Having grown up on a farm where the vet was called for productive farm animals but pets, particularly barn cats kept to keep down the rodent population, either lived or died, the vast sums urban dwellers spend on shots, prescription foods, medication, surgery, vet bills for their animals is staggering.
As this couple prove, you don’t own the dog, it owns you. And be prepared to keep the Vet Clinic well financed. Since 12 years is the basic life expectancy of the breed the end is a foregone conclusion. There is nothing gentle or subtle about his breed.
Alas the dogs may not be bothered by bad editing, but I AM.
March 3, 2019
Heartfelt book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Being an animal lover, dogs my number one, I felt all the emotion the author put into this book. I connected with every aspect of her life with her fur babies. The misunderstanding of bully breeds is exactly where I also was many years ago until my first pittie was thrust into my world. I have since been blessed with a couple more and feel privileged enough to have had these wonderful dogs grace my life. The author did a fantastic job bringing the love, humor, and overall joy of having these dogs own her! I definitely recommend this book to all considering it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Being an animal lover, dogs my number one, I felt all the emotion the author put into this book. I connected with every aspect of her life with her fur babies. The misunderstanding of bully breeds is exactly where I also was many years ago until my first pittie was thrust into my world. I have since been blessed with a couple more and feel privileged enough to have had these wonderful dogs grace my life. The author did a fantastic job bringing the love, humor, and overall joy of having these dogs own her! I definitely recommend this book to all considering it.
June 16, 2019
Loved this book
Thank you so much for wrightng this book.. After 10yrs. I still cry myself to sleep now and then I miss my girls so much (both staffies) it was also nice to know I'm not crazy or alone in loving them as much as I did, they held me up when I thought I could no longer keep going. they always had my back and me theirs... Sophia & Annie your always in my heart.
Linda I feel as if I know you, again thank you! If anyone is on the fence about buying this book do it! you'll laugh and you'll CRY ALLOT!! But you'll be glad you read it.
Thank you so much for wrightng this book.. After 10yrs. I still cry myself to sleep now and then I miss my girls so much (both staffies) it was also nice to know I'm not crazy or alone in loving them as much as I did, they held me up when I thought I could no longer keep going. they always had my back and me theirs... Sophia & Annie your always in my heart.
Linda I feel as if I know you, again thank you! If anyone is on the fence about buying this book do it! you'll laugh and you'll CRY ALLOT!! But you'll be glad you read it.
September 1, 2019
You'll laugh and cry
I've just finished reading this book and felt duty bound to write a review. It's been a long time since I'd read such an enjoyable book, Linda made the characters come to life, I could really picture Spike and Jake as they went through their shenanigans,especially as a Staffy owner myself ,so I know what they're like! I literally laughed out loud at some parts,and shed some fears at others,but I won't spoil it for you,read it for yourself,you won't regret it.
I've just finished reading this book and felt duty bound to write a review. It's been a long time since I'd read such an enjoyable book, Linda made the characters come to life, I could really picture Spike and Jake as they went through their shenanigans,especially as a Staffy owner myself ,so I know what they're like! I literally laughed out loud at some parts,and shed some fears at others,but I won't spoil it for you,read it for yourself,you won't regret it.
November 23, 2019
Hello Linda and your furnaces and family. I read your book and laughed and cried too. Such a lovely family tale. I recognised all your tales and love of the beautiful,funny and always loving Staffords. I too have two staff'ys and all have been rescued and given all my love and care as yourself. Your book was absolutely beautiful and well written. I fully recommend anyone to read. a
I loved your well written story. I have had staffies for a long time so could picture everything you wrote. Happy and sad and I cried when you had to let your furbaby go over Rainbow Bridge. I am going to read your next book.
I loved your well written story. I have had staffies for a long time so could picture everything you wrote. Happy and sad and I cried when you had to let your furbaby go over Rainbow Bridge. I am going to read your next book.
May 10, 2020
Too maudlin for me even though I love dogs as much as the next person. And she would have spent a fortune on Vet bills on the two dogs if what she wrote really happened. My dog went to the vet just once for one night and it cost $1,619 without any surgery. how did they afford all the vet bills that must have cost, even with insurance? It's not realistic. 3
It would make anyone stay away from wanting a Stafordshire. No matter how you love a dog, if you think that they are suffering, you should let it go
It would make anyone stay away from wanting a Stafordshire. No matter how you love a dog, if you think that they are suffering, you should let it go
April 17, 2020
If you love staffers this is the book for you!,
This book reflects the true nature and individual character of this fantastic breed. With every page I recognised similarities with my own wonderful dogs. The book is also great for the uninitiated who are yet to fall under the "staffie spell". The author dispels many of the myths associated with the breed and gives a more rounded and accurate view of this much maligned breed. Beautifully written a must for any animal lover.
This book reflects the true nature and individual character of this fantastic breed. With every page I recognised similarities with my own wonderful dogs. The book is also great for the uninitiated who are yet to fall under the "staffie spell". The author dispels many of the myths associated with the breed and gives a more rounded and accurate view of this much maligned breed. Beautifully written a must for any animal lover.
October 20, 2023
What a dear book about two staffers
Having loved a staffy for several years, reading this book was sometimes difficult (especially the last chapters). The love of Ms. Meredith for her dogs made this an ultimately enjoyable read. Only someone who has dearly loved their dogs would understand this book completely. As difficult as it must have been for Ms. Meredith to write this love story to Jake & Spike, I am very glad she did, and I take pride in being brave enough to read it.
Having loved a staffy for several years, reading this book was sometimes difficult (especially the last chapters). The love of Ms. Meredith for her dogs made this an ultimately enjoyable read. Only someone who has dearly loved their dogs would understand this book completely. As difficult as it must have been for Ms. Meredith to write this love story to Jake & Spike, I am very glad she did, and I take pride in being brave enough to read it.
October 30, 2018
Happy loving dog,s story
I love dogs the story was happy and sad. I thought it was well written in the English way of speaking. We had a Beagle for 13 yrs we had to have her put to rest I know how they felt about Jake. Anyone who likes dog stories will like it I,m sure you will laugh and cry but it,s very heart warming.
I love dogs the story was happy and sad. I thought it was well written in the English way of speaking. We had a Beagle for 13 yrs we had to have her put to rest I know how they felt about Jake. Anyone who likes dog stories will like it I,m sure you will laugh and cry but it,s very heart warming.
February 3, 2020
Very good book! In some situations I could actually see what has, or is, being experienced in my home! From seizures (fits) to strokes and blindness! To my current fur baby, 70 lbs of Lab, Bassett, and Staffy! Just like Linda, I could NOT give up any of it! She writes with ease and presents the subject perfrctly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book. My dream is to one day have a Pit. They are wonderful dogs who have been vilified by man. I loved reading about the antics of these two dogs. I related to many things she wrote about. I too know the heartbreak of losing pets. But they bring us so much joy when we have them.
I really enjoyed this book. My dream is to one day have a Pit. They are wonderful dogs who have been vilified by man. I loved reading about the antics of these two dogs. I related to many things she wrote about. I too know the heartbreak of losing pets. But they bring us so much joy when we have them.
September 11, 2018
I absolutely love dog books. This was an amazing story of Jake and Spike. The author is so talented, the antics she describes makes you laugh.
What a heartfelt story of this amazing family and their Furkids. There are not enough stars for this book. I highly recommend this book.
What a heartfelt story of this amazing family and their Furkids. There are not enough stars for this book. I highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2018
amazing
As a fellow lab Mummy, who has now had staffie for 15 years, I really related to the laughs, exploits and heartbreak in this book.
Am glad Linda is a much of a crazy Woofmum as me 😁
As a fellow lab Mummy, who has now had staffie for 15 years, I really related to the laughs, exploits and heartbreak in this book.
Am glad Linda is a much of a crazy Woofmum as me 😁
February 19, 2019
Fur Baby Love
Only a mom who truly loved her four legged babies could have written this beautiful story.
This is a book I will never forget, as I can relate to her feelings so very vividly.
Thank you.
Only a mom who truly loved her four legged babies could have written this beautiful story.
This is a book I will never forget, as I can relate to her feelings so very vividly.
Thank you.
March 8, 2019
They never leave us
A heartwrenching story of love and loss. From those of us who ever had the joy and heartache of sharing the always too short time with a wonderful "beastie" , we understand.
A heartwrenching story of love and loss. From those of us who ever had the joy and heartache of sharing the always too short time with a wonderful "beastie" , we understand.
February 12, 2019
Excellent Dog Biography
Author excellent writer and definite dog lover. Hard to put down. Funny dogs, funny adventures. Laugh and cry through romps and trials of life.
Author excellent writer and definite dog lover. Hard to put down. Funny dogs, funny adventures. Laugh and cry through romps and trials of life.
January 24, 2020
Wonderful
I loved this book,but had me in tears at the end,so cuddled up with my staffy Willow and got sloppy kisses
I loved this book,but had me in tears at the end,so cuddled up with my staffy Willow and got sloppy kisses
July 18, 2020
Love it
What a brilliant book. I was laughing and crying reading it
Highly recommended
Love it
Look forward to reading more
What a brilliant book. I was laughing and crying reading it
Highly recommended
Love it
Look forward to reading more
January 16, 2023
Sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews