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Dog Crazy
The USA Today bestselling author of How to Eat a Cupcake and All the Summer Girls returns with an unforgettably poignant and funny tale of love and loss, confronting our fears, and moving on . . . with the help of a poodle, a mutt, and a Basset retriever named Seymour
As a pet bereavement counselor, Maggie Brennan uses a combination of empathy, insight, and humor to help patients cope with the anguish of losing their beloved four-legged friends. Though she has a gift for guiding others through difficult situations, Maggie has major troubles of her own that threaten the success of her counseling practice and her volunteer work with a dog rescue organization.
Everything changes when a distraught woman shows up at Maggie’s office and claims that her dog has been stolen. Searching the streets of San Francisco for the missing pooch, Maggie finds herself entangled in a mystery that forces her to finally face her biggest fear-and to open her heart to new love.
Packed with deep emotion and charming surprises, Dog Crazy is a bighearted and entertaining story that skillfully captures the bonds of love, the pain of separation, and the power of our dogs to heal us.
As a pet bereavement counselor, Maggie Brennan uses a combination of empathy, insight, and humor to help patients cope with the anguish of losing their beloved four-legged friends. Though she has a gift for guiding others through difficult situations, Maggie has major troubles of her own that threaten the success of her counseling practice and her volunteer work with a dog rescue organization.
Everything changes when a distraught woman shows up at Maggie’s office and claims that her dog has been stolen. Searching the streets of San Francisco for the missing pooch, Maggie finds herself entangled in a mystery that forces her to finally face her biggest fear-and to open her heart to new love.
Packed with deep emotion and charming surprises, Dog Crazy is a bighearted and entertaining story that skillfully captures the bonds of love, the pain of separation, and the power of our dogs to heal us.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2015
174 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
About the author
Meg Donohue
8 books695 followersMeg Donohue is the USA Today bestselling author of The Memory Gardener (11/25/25), You, Me, and the Sea, Every Wild Heart, Dog Crazy, All the Summer Girls, and How to Eat a Cupcake. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she lives San Francisco with her husband, three daughters, and dog. She is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 413 reviews
January 12, 2016
This book features a heroine who is a grief counselor for pet owners but who also suffers from debilitating panic attacks. Don't ask me why I decided to read this next when all I wanted was a happy book. I am easily seduced by cute puppies and didn't bother to read the synopsis. Cute puppies? How could it possibly be sad? So it’s my own damn fault, as usual, and I only have myself to blame.If you’ve ever loved and lost a dog this one has the ability to bleed you out by a million small cuts. Heed my warning and go in prepared. Also, those adorable lab puppies on the cover? Well, they aren’t in the book.
Yeah. I was taken in by trickery. Don't be like me.
Despite all of that, I could not stop listening for the life of me.
In the end, it wasn’t as sad as I first anticipated. It lightens up and turns into one of those decent reads that aren't too meaty nor too fluffy and, though hard to put down, may not be remembered come tomorrow (if you’re anything like me, anyway).
It’s mostly about a lost pup and two lost souls, recovery and building relationships. There’s lots of doggie goodness and there is a smidge of romance tossed in but it never takes over the story. This author really knows her dogs and grief and anxiety disorders and I truly enjoyed reading it even if it did ruin my mascara a time or two.
The narrator though? Nope, she wasn’t my favorite. At times, far too many times actually, her narration came across as someone being overly cautious to enunciate each word correctly. It felt unnatural and instead of falling into the story, I was more focused on her diction. Once she gets into a rhythm she does a fine job with the characters but time and again the stilted reading came back to haunt me. I hate when that happens.
Yeah. I was taken in by trickery. Don't be like me.
Despite all of that, I could not stop listening for the life of me.
In the end, it wasn’t as sad as I first anticipated. It lightens up and turns into one of those decent reads that aren't too meaty nor too fluffy and, though hard to put down, may not be remembered come tomorrow (if you’re anything like me, anyway).
It’s mostly about a lost pup and two lost souls, recovery and building relationships. There’s lots of doggie goodness and there is a smidge of romance tossed in but it never takes over the story. This author really knows her dogs and grief and anxiety disorders and I truly enjoyed reading it even if it did ruin my mascara a time or two.
The narrator though? Nope, she wasn’t my favorite. At times, far too many times actually, her narration came across as someone being overly cautious to enunciate each word correctly. It felt unnatural and instead of falling into the story, I was more focused on her diction. Once she gets into a rhythm she does a fine job with the characters but time and again the stilted reading came back to haunt me. I hate when that happens.
September 10, 2016
There is a theory among books that I think applies to other things too, this was brought to my attention regarding the former by a good friend of mine and I think it fits so I will paraphrase: Certain things (people, dogs, books. music) come to you at the time when you need and for a reason.
This book snagged me almost right away... Maggie's profession is pet bereavement therapist and she's a dog lover to boot. Those two things endeared me to her quick.
The things she said about grieving and relationships with our furry family struck home for me and occasionally brought tears to my eyes.
Maggie's relationship with Toby, reminded me of the special bond I had with my soul-mutt Tasha, she was my babygirl, mom's dog Gynger, and also of my first dog Pincky (I was 5 and my brother Michael was three).
That special bond of Love, the companionship... there's nothing else quite like it really. It enriches your life in so many wonderful ways... they become a part of you and take a part of you with them when they leave that another furry baby can't quite heal. Whether you need time to heal or adopt a dog right away as your method of healing, it'll never be the same but you'll still love with the same ferocity. (My personal theory is our dear departed puppies guide us toward the right dog when it is time)
Tasha, Pincky, Lilly.... my baby-girl and furry sisters. I do like cats but at my heart I am dog person and a PetMom. I count myself lucky to have had the time I had with them and the memories will always be there :).
~~~~~
This story was what I needed right at the moment... a poignant and at times light read with people that grow on you and that you are rooting for to be alright in the end. I could see how it would end in some respects but that didn't bother me, I still enjoyed the journey and getting to know them all better.
Maggie and Anya's friendship was wonderful to watch, they helped each other more than they realized at first. Neither was being a guardian angel.
Seeing Maggie being brave and making progress bit by bit had me smiling and wanting to give her a big hug. Lourdes (sp?) was such a great and supportive friend through it all, not everyone would be.
One part I didn't expect and wanted to shake a certain someone while also simultaneously feeling sorry for them.
There is some light romance in here but it doesn't overshadow the main story. At first I thought the story could have done without it but it became very sweet by the end.
Would recommend, an earnest read with its own charms :)
This book snagged me almost right away... Maggie's profession is pet bereavement therapist and she's a dog lover to boot. Those two things endeared me to her quick.
The things she said about grieving and relationships with our furry family struck home for me and occasionally brought tears to my eyes.
Maggie's relationship with Toby, reminded me of the special bond I had with my soul-mutt Tasha, she was my babygirl, mom's dog Gynger, and also of my first dog Pincky (I was 5 and my brother Michael was three).
That special bond of Love, the companionship... there's nothing else quite like it really. It enriches your life in so many wonderful ways... they become a part of you and take a part of you with them when they leave that another furry baby can't quite heal. Whether you need time to heal or adopt a dog right away as your method of healing, it'll never be the same but you'll still love with the same ferocity. (My personal theory is our dear departed puppies guide us toward the right dog when it is time)
Tasha, Pincky, Lilly.... my baby-girl and furry sisters. I do like cats but at my heart I am dog person and a PetMom. I count myself lucky to have had the time I had with them and the memories will always be there :).
~~~~~
This story was what I needed right at the moment... a poignant and at times light read with people that grow on you and that you are rooting for to be alright in the end. I could see how it would end in some respects but that didn't bother me, I still enjoyed the journey and getting to know them all better.
Maggie and Anya's friendship was wonderful to watch, they helped each other more than they realized at first. Neither was being a guardian angel.
Seeing Maggie being brave and making progress bit by bit had me smiling and wanting to give her a big hug. Lourdes (sp?) was such a great and supportive friend through it all, not everyone would be.
One part I didn't expect and wanted to shake a certain someone while also simultaneously feeling sorry for them.
There is some light romance in here but it doesn't overshadow the main story. At first I thought the story could have done without it but it became very sweet by the end.
Would recommend, an earnest read with its own charms :)
March 4, 2015
When Maggie moves across the country it's for a fresh start and to open her own practice as a grief counselor specialising in the grief of losing a beloved pet. Then her dog suddenly dies and her fresh start comes to a shuddering halt and she is crushed with anxiety. Agoraphobia, mysophobia, fear of heights and social anxiety have all worked together to make her a prisoner within her home.
Then Anya, a surly young woman meets her at the insistence of her older brother. Anya insists that her dog didn't run away but was stolen and she is searching the streets of San Francisco for him. Maggie knows she can help Anya and that Anya desperately needs her help, but she won't accept it unless Maggie helps her look for her dog.
Together they search, Maggie battling her anxiety every step and Anya finding the friendship she needs.
I have so much love for this book. And it's not just that I love dogs and anyone who knows and loves dogs will see their dog in this book. It really is a book with a big heart. It's simple. Cute. Quirky. And had me from the very beginning.
Then Anya, a surly young woman meets her at the insistence of her older brother. Anya insists that her dog didn't run away but was stolen and she is searching the streets of San Francisco for him. Maggie knows she can help Anya and that Anya desperately needs her help, but she won't accept it unless Maggie helps her look for her dog.
Together they search, Maggie battling her anxiety every step and Anya finding the friendship she needs.
I have so much love for this book. And it's not just that I love dogs and anyone who knows and loves dogs will see their dog in this book. It really is a book with a big heart. It's simple. Cute. Quirky. And had me from the very beginning.
March 31, 2015
I love dogs. I love books about dogs and the people who love them. With that said, I had a hard time getting through this one. The writing itself is good. I loved the setting. The characters were interesting. And the story itself was decent, but just not for me. It is more of a story of the main character getting over her own issues with the help of dogs (of course.)
I've said this more than once and I'll continue to say it again, drives. me. bonkers. when book covers feature images of dogs that have NOTHING to do with the story. Nowhere in this book do chocolate labs come into play. There is maybe a small paragraph mention of seeing a black lab puppy, but it has nothing to do with the tale (tail?) I realize that publishers need to sell books and you do that by putting adorable faces on the cover. But why not make that adorable face somewhat match what you find inside?
I've said this more than once and I'll continue to say it again, drives. me. bonkers. when book covers feature images of dogs that have NOTHING to do with the story. Nowhere in this book do chocolate labs come into play. There is maybe a small paragraph mention of seeing a black lab puppy, but it has nothing to do with the tale (tail?) I realize that publishers need to sell books and you do that by putting adorable faces on the cover. But why not make that adorable face somewhat match what you find inside?
July 30, 2015
"Dog Crazy" is an enjoyable easy read about love, loss, hope, a touch of suspense and romance, and of course, dogs.
There's a cast of vulnerable and likeable characters. Don't be put off that some of those characters are dogs. You do not have to be a dog person to enjoy this book.
Maggie Brennan who is a dog bereavement counselor and recently moved to San Francisco to live in her best friend, Lourdes's refurnished duplex. Shortly have getting there her beloved dog, Toby dies> Maggie suffers from agoraphobia and won't leave the house after Toby dies. Eventually, she meets a new patient, a young woman who is sure her "lost" dog isn't dead but stolen. With the help of Lourdes's dog, Maggie finds the courage to venture out and help look for the lost dog.
A sweet, easy read about love and loyalty. My one quibble, the resolution of the lost dog felt like a stretch.
There's a cast of vulnerable and likeable characters. Don't be put off that some of those characters are dogs. You do not have to be a dog person to enjoy this book.
Maggie Brennan who is a dog bereavement counselor and recently moved to San Francisco to live in her best friend, Lourdes's refurnished duplex. Shortly have getting there her beloved dog, Toby dies> Maggie suffers from agoraphobia and won't leave the house after Toby dies. Eventually, she meets a new patient, a young woman who is sure her "lost" dog isn't dead but stolen. With the help of Lourdes's dog, Maggie finds the courage to venture out and help look for the lost dog.
A sweet, easy read about love and loyalty. My one quibble, the resolution of the lost dog felt like a stretch.
May 18, 2019
Maggie is great at helping grieving people cope with the loss of their pets. People seek her out as their counselor frequently, which gives her hope that this career move will be successful. Only problem is, Maggie could use some therapy of her own. She’s mourning the loss of her own beloved dog, and her agoraphobia has gone out of control because of it.
A beautiful story about how much absolute joy pets can add to our lives, and also about the emptiness that comes when they leave us.
A beautiful story about how much absolute joy pets can add to our lives, and also about the emptiness that comes when they leave us.
March 3, 2019
The USA Today bestselling author of How to Eat a Cupcake and All the Summer Girls returns with an unforgettably poignant and funny tale of love and loss, confronting our fears, and moving on . . . with the help of a poodle, a mutt, and a Basset retriever named Seymour
As a pet bereavement counselor, Maggie Brennan uses a combination of empathy, insight, and humor to help patients cope with the anguish of losing their beloved four-legged friends. Though she has a gift for guiding others through difficult situations, Maggie has major troubles of her own that threaten the success of her counseling practice and her volunteer work with a dog rescue organization.
Everything changes when a distraught woman shows up at Maggie’s office and claims that her dog has been stolen. Searching the streets of San Francisco for the missing pooch, Maggie finds herself entangled in a mystery that forces her to finally face her biggest fear-and to open her heart to new love.
Packed with deep emotion and charming surprises, Dog Crazy is a bighearted and entertaining story that skillfully captures the bonds of love, the pain of separation, and the power of our dogs to heal us.
--My thoughts. What a fantastic read! Full of laughs, a few tears, cheering Maggie on all the while. All the dog descriptions are wonderful too, dogs are mans best friend that is for sure! I loved the sidekick Anya. Who really is getting the help, Anya or Maggie? I don't think it matters, I think we all help each other! I loved Anya's family as well. So quirky.
This read went so fast because it was so heartwarming and I couldn't wait to see everything unfold. You can't put this book down just in case the missing dog is spotted right?!?!? That is a delight as well, I mean was the dog indeed kidnapped or did he just wander off never to return?
Donohue has a new book, You, Me and the Sea coming out May 7th 2019. Do not miss out!!!
As a pet bereavement counselor, Maggie Brennan uses a combination of empathy, insight, and humor to help patients cope with the anguish of losing their beloved four-legged friends. Though she has a gift for guiding others through difficult situations, Maggie has major troubles of her own that threaten the success of her counseling practice and her volunteer work with a dog rescue organization.
Everything changes when a distraught woman shows up at Maggie’s office and claims that her dog has been stolen. Searching the streets of San Francisco for the missing pooch, Maggie finds herself entangled in a mystery that forces her to finally face her biggest fear-and to open her heart to new love.
Packed with deep emotion and charming surprises, Dog Crazy is a bighearted and entertaining story that skillfully captures the bonds of love, the pain of separation, and the power of our dogs to heal us.
--My thoughts. What a fantastic read! Full of laughs, a few tears, cheering Maggie on all the while. All the dog descriptions are wonderful too, dogs are mans best friend that is for sure! I loved the sidekick Anya. Who really is getting the help, Anya or Maggie? I don't think it matters, I think we all help each other! I loved Anya's family as well. So quirky.
This read went so fast because it was so heartwarming and I couldn't wait to see everything unfold. You can't put this book down just in case the missing dog is spotted right?!?!? That is a delight as well, I mean was the dog indeed kidnapped or did he just wander off never to return?
Donohue has a new book, You, Me and the Sea coming out May 7th 2019. Do not miss out!!!
March 13, 2015
I don't know what I was expecting when it came to Dog Crazy, but it sure wasn't what I got. Before you get scared and step away, what I got was a wonderful read that really made me laugh and cry and generally feel wonderful while turning the pages.
This is definitely a novel for dog lovers or animal lovers. Anyone that doesn't know the love a dog/cat etc definitely would not "get" this book.
Maggie is a pet bereavement counselor who could stand some counseling. Anya lost her dog, Billy who either ran away or was stolen. The cast of characters in this novel can best be described as quirky.
I loved Maggie's bff, Lourdes and her unique way of dealing with her friend's neurosis. I loved her play on Les Miz's "Master Of The House." I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I read that.
But there are more than people that are characters here and they are just as important as the humans. I loved Gissele and Seymour. Oh how I loved Seymour. I would have adopted that neurotic doggie in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
This book played on your emotions, but in a good way. It tugged at the heartstrings but it made you feel good at the same time.
Its a novel about pet ownership, but it also about friendship and fears. Some may say the ending tied everything up too neatly, but I was happy for a HEA for everyone involvled.
If you love animals, this is a must read. And when you finish reading, go hug a puppy!
This is definitely a novel for dog lovers or animal lovers. Anyone that doesn't know the love a dog/cat etc definitely would not "get" this book.
Maggie is a pet bereavement counselor who could stand some counseling. Anya lost her dog, Billy who either ran away or was stolen. The cast of characters in this novel can best be described as quirky.
I loved Maggie's bff, Lourdes and her unique way of dealing with her friend's neurosis. I loved her play on Les Miz's "Master Of The House." I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I read that.
But there are more than people that are characters here and they are just as important as the humans. I loved Gissele and Seymour. Oh how I loved Seymour. I would have adopted that neurotic doggie in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
This book played on your emotions, but in a good way. It tugged at the heartstrings but it made you feel good at the same time.
Its a novel about pet ownership, but it also about friendship and fears. Some may say the ending tied everything up too neatly, but I was happy for a HEA for everyone involvled.
If you love animals, this is a must read. And when you finish reading, go hug a puppy!
December 22, 2023
A book for dog lovers. And if you're not into dogs, you're not going to "get it." Maggie is a pet bereavement counselor in San Francisco, who has also lost her dog. So she has her own issues to deal with. Then, 19-year old Anya walks into her life, telling her that her dog was stolen. Maggie gets involved in helping the teen search for the dog.
Actually, the book was lighter than it sounds, and with some humorous moments. I enjoyed this book, especially as a reminder of how much dogs mean to us!
Actually, the book was lighter than it sounds, and with some humorous moments. I enjoyed this book, especially as a reminder of how much dogs mean to us!
February 18, 2019
This was an easy, light read for me, though having recently lost a dog, it had me teary-eyed in places. The main character is likable, quirky, and has a deep love for helping dogs and people. Set in San Francisco, the story has beautiful, scenic images of the cityscape and its landmarks, and the author includes some insightful takeaways that are worth highlighting. The best writing is where the author describes the dogs of the story to make it feel as if they are in the room with the reader!
April 30, 2019
This is the second book I have read lately where one of the main characters is afflicted with (Is this the way to phrase the condition?) Agoraphobia. I liked this one better than the other because the character was actively trying to deal with her problem instead of resorting to medication or believing it was someone's else's job to help her. The dog connection was well done.
May 15, 2016
..dogs make us bettet (18).
GRIEF is a shapeshifter. Sometimes the shape it takes is fog so thick and gray that you find yourself forgetting the places where you once saw color (137). Sometimes GRIEF cuts us off from people and activities we love for the simple reason that we don't want to feel happy, which feels too much like moving on (144).
.. one of the hardest things about losing someone you love is that you have to allow yourself to seek and accept comfort in other areas of your life (169). ...GRIEF is cumulative (175).
This is our responsibility. This is our burden of loving and caring for a dog. We have to know when it is time to say good-bye (254).
We carry our loves and our losses with us, and even though we can't know what is ahead...we learn how to keep moving (291). That's one of the things that makes losing a dog so difficult. Some people don't understand what an important relationship it is. It's hard to feel like it's okay to mourn the way you need to mourn when you're afraid people might judge you (295).
..falling in love again is difficult -it's nearly impossible not to think of how it will end.. there's so much to lose that it's hard to remember how much there is to gain (348). -when you're too concerned with protecting yourself..you risk missing the beauty of every day (354).
GRIEF is a shapeshifter. Sometimes the shape it takes is fog so thick and gray that you find yourself forgetting the places where you once saw color (137). Sometimes GRIEF cuts us off from people and activities we love for the simple reason that we don't want to feel happy, which feels too much like moving on (144).
.. one of the hardest things about losing someone you love is that you have to allow yourself to seek and accept comfort in other areas of your life (169). ...GRIEF is cumulative (175).
This is our responsibility. This is our burden of loving and caring for a dog. We have to know when it is time to say good-bye (254).
We carry our loves and our losses with us, and even though we can't know what is ahead...we learn how to keep moving (291). That's one of the things that makes losing a dog so difficult. Some people don't understand what an important relationship it is. It's hard to feel like it's okay to mourn the way you need to mourn when you're afraid people might judge you (295).
..falling in love again is difficult -it's nearly impossible not to think of how it will end.. there's so much to lose that it's hard to remember how much there is to gain (348). -when you're too concerned with protecting yourself..you risk missing the beauty of every day (354).
April 30, 2019
A good read for dog-lovers everywhere. Maggie moves to San Francisco and starts a dog bereavement counseling business out of her apartment. Only Maggie suffers from agoraphobia and hasn't been outside her apartment gate since her dog died 100 days before. Yet she puts on a brave face for her clients. That is until she meets Anya who has been searching for her own lost dog. In order to make headway with Anya, Maggie has to accompany her on her daily quests searching for her dog. How can she do that when she has panic attacks just thinking about leaving the comfort of her home. Best you read this to find out.
A couple of things didn't make sense to me. Maggie and Anya run willy nilly throughout the hills of San Francisco calling for "Billy." There's plenty on the Internet about how to find a lost dog and that's not how you do it. To me, it made the characters look ignorant.
The other problem I had was when they walked a dog who was very skittish and prone to slip out of collar when scared. He did just that, but they never made any adjustments for the next time they took him out. They could have used a harness that he couldn't get out of. But no, they kept on doing the same thing.
Other than the two main characters not being very bright, this read fast and smoothly. I think anyone looking for a distraction without any swearing or fighting will find Dog Crazy a delight.
A couple of things didn't make sense to me. Maggie and Anya run willy nilly throughout the hills of San Francisco calling for "Billy." There's plenty on the Internet about how to find a lost dog and that's not how you do it. To me, it made the characters look ignorant.
The other problem I had was when they walked a dog who was very skittish and prone to slip out of collar when scared. He did just that, but they never made any adjustments for the next time they took him out. They could have used a harness that he couldn't get out of. But no, they kept on doing the same thing.
Other than the two main characters not being very bright, this read fast and smoothly. I think anyone looking for a distraction without any swearing or fighting will find Dog Crazy a delight.
December 17, 2015
I did really enjoy this book. The main character moves to San Francisco and starts her new life as a pet bereavement therapist. Through sad circumstances she begins to suffer from agoraphobia. Then a whole set of circumstances happen and miraculously and beautifully she begins to live a normal life again.
There are so many lines in here that are so wonderfully said, that apply to all of life.
There are so many lines in here that are so wonderfully said, that apply to all of life.
August 5, 2017
This proved to be a much more interesting read than I was expecting! I really like Donohue's writing! Will definitely be reading more of her books!!
November 19, 2015
Ho adorato questo romanzo. Sapevo che mi sarebbe piaciuto, dato l'argomento trattato, ma pensavo di imbattermi in qualcosa di più simile a "Cleo" o a "Io & Marley". Invece Dog Crazy mi ha piacevolmente stupito, con una storia davvero unica ed originale, a tratti commovente, e molto profonda.
Inizialmente lo temevo, perché purtroppo so per esperienza che leggendo questi romanzi qualche lacrimuccia è inevitabile... e infatti le lacrime ci sono state e purtroppo un po' di magone mi ha accompagnato per alcune pagine.
Ma poi è stato sostituito dall'amore, dalla speranza e dalla voglia di ricominciare. Perché è senz'altro vero che i nostri amici pelosi lasciano un enorme vuoto dentro di noi, quando se ne vanno; ma d'altra parte questo fa parte della vita, e dobbiamo ringraziare per i momenti che ci vengono concessi in loro compagnia. Dobbiamo farne tesoro e portarli per sempre con noi, nonostante sia molto difficile, perché i nostri compagni di viaggio ci mancheranno tanto. Li riterremo insostituibili, aprire il nostro cuore ad altri ci sembrerà un torto nei loro confronti, ci sentiremo soli, vuoti, tristi. Sarà difficile andare avanti ed affrontare la vita di tutti i giorni senza di loro. A volte addirittura ci sembrerà impossibile.
Dog Crazy è una sorta di presa di coscienza per tutti noi, un viaggio che ci fa riflettere sulle nostre esperienze personali, che ci fa rivivere alcuni momenti dolorosi e ci conferma che per le persone come noi è IMPOSSIBILE vivere senza qualcosa a quattro zampe che ci gironzola intorno. Anche se sappiamo benissimo che, prima o poi, soffriremo esattamente come tutte le altre volte.
Ma nonostante questo, noi quei pelosetti li cerchiamo. Li vogliamo. Vogliamo il loro amore, siamo disposti a pagarne il prezzo. Il desiderio dell'amore è molto più forte della paura della sofferenza. Così è, così è sempre stato e così sempre sarà per gli amanti degli animali.
Il legame che si instaura tra noi e i nostri animali è qualcosa di totalmente inspiegabile. Ad alcuni sembra un legame folle. Per me non lo è. E per voi? Io penso sia amore, vero amore. L'amore sincero, autentico, perchè ad un cane (o a un gatto) non devi dare spiegazioni. Lui ti accetta come sei, conosce ogni tuo difetto e non ti critica, non ti giudica, non ti chiede di essere diversa. Ti ama, così come sei. E farebbe qualsiasi cosa per te.
La Donohue ha la capacità di farci capire tutto questo, con uno stile piacevole e molto scorrevole. Meg ci racconta una storia di amore, di amicizia e di rinascita in cui i cani svolgono un ruolo assolutamente fondamentale. Il cane come terapia, il cane come confidente, il cane come compagno di vita.
Un romanzo consigliato a chi, come me, ama i suoi animali come se fossero esseri umani e che, nel corso della sua vita, ne ha purtroppo persi alcuni. 300 pagine di puro amore a quattro zampe che vi resteranno nel cuore ♥
Inizialmente lo temevo, perché purtroppo so per esperienza che leggendo questi romanzi qualche lacrimuccia è inevitabile... e infatti le lacrime ci sono state e purtroppo un po' di magone mi ha accompagnato per alcune pagine.
Ma poi è stato sostituito dall'amore, dalla speranza e dalla voglia di ricominciare. Perché è senz'altro vero che i nostri amici pelosi lasciano un enorme vuoto dentro di noi, quando se ne vanno; ma d'altra parte questo fa parte della vita, e dobbiamo ringraziare per i momenti che ci vengono concessi in loro compagnia. Dobbiamo farne tesoro e portarli per sempre con noi, nonostante sia molto difficile, perché i nostri compagni di viaggio ci mancheranno tanto. Li riterremo insostituibili, aprire il nostro cuore ad altri ci sembrerà un torto nei loro confronti, ci sentiremo soli, vuoti, tristi. Sarà difficile andare avanti ed affrontare la vita di tutti i giorni senza di loro. A volte addirittura ci sembrerà impossibile.
Dog Crazy è una sorta di presa di coscienza per tutti noi, un viaggio che ci fa riflettere sulle nostre esperienze personali, che ci fa rivivere alcuni momenti dolorosi e ci conferma che per le persone come noi è IMPOSSIBILE vivere senza qualcosa a quattro zampe che ci gironzola intorno. Anche se sappiamo benissimo che, prima o poi, soffriremo esattamente come tutte le altre volte.
Ma nonostante questo, noi quei pelosetti li cerchiamo. Li vogliamo. Vogliamo il loro amore, siamo disposti a pagarne il prezzo. Il desiderio dell'amore è molto più forte della paura della sofferenza. Così è, così è sempre stato e così sempre sarà per gli amanti degli animali.
Il legame che si instaura tra noi e i nostri animali è qualcosa di totalmente inspiegabile. Ad alcuni sembra un legame folle. Per me non lo è. E per voi? Io penso sia amore, vero amore. L'amore sincero, autentico, perchè ad un cane (o a un gatto) non devi dare spiegazioni. Lui ti accetta come sei, conosce ogni tuo difetto e non ti critica, non ti giudica, non ti chiede di essere diversa. Ti ama, così come sei. E farebbe qualsiasi cosa per te.
La Donohue ha la capacità di farci capire tutto questo, con uno stile piacevole e molto scorrevole. Meg ci racconta una storia di amore, di amicizia e di rinascita in cui i cani svolgono un ruolo assolutamente fondamentale. Il cane come terapia, il cane come confidente, il cane come compagno di vita.
Un romanzo consigliato a chi, come me, ama i suoi animali come se fossero esseri umani e che, nel corso della sua vita, ne ha purtroppo persi alcuni. 300 pagine di puro amore a quattro zampe che vi resteranno nel cuore ♥
April 15, 2015
Ok, I have to say this is by far one of my favorite books I have read in a long time. I adored the backdrop of the dogs. The unparalleled and incredible bond between human and their furry companionsst incredible. But the book is so much more than dogs...it is about fear, illnesses, friendship and love. It is about how interactions, even those that seem small and uneventful at the time, can be amazing life changing interactions. The book is about how certain people are brought into your life for a reason and these unsuspecting people just may be the ones that change your life for the better! I adored the way people (through friendship and love) and animals (with cuteness and slobbery cuddles) can help those struggling with various issues. I really would love a sequel to this book...what happens after the ending. How do they all fair? What is next for my new friends? I want to continue with these characters. I want to know if they continued to be happy. I felt so connected to these characters that I was sad when the book ended. I want to know more...actually I NEED to know more!!!. 5 stars with hopes for a follow up novel!!! Do you hear me Ms. Meg Donohue????
July 24, 2015
I preface this by saying I own a rescue dog, I will always have a dog and love all dogs.
Anya walks into Maggie office, a pet bereavement counselor, after her brother pushed her when her dog was lost/stolen. Maggie has her own struggles but decides to help Anya search for her dog. She uses the help of her best friends dog, as her own personal therapy dog. Anya is stubborn and convinced her dog was stolen even though her family doesn't believe her. So many emotions in this story, so many great characters, and through it all you see the power of the love of a dog. The hope that all dogs brings, the joy they can cause and how they can bring people together.
Anya walks into Maggie office, a pet bereavement counselor, after her brother pushed her when her dog was lost/stolen. Maggie has her own struggles but decides to help Anya search for her dog. She uses the help of her best friends dog, as her own personal therapy dog. Anya is stubborn and convinced her dog was stolen even though her family doesn't believe her. So many emotions in this story, so many great characters, and through it all you see the power of the love of a dog. The hope that all dogs brings, the joy they can cause and how they can bring people together.
June 29, 2017
"Sometimes grief cuts us off from the people and activities we love for the simple reason that we don't want to feel happy, which feels too much like moving on" (Donahue 101).
December 28, 2018
The bad man took the dog from her hooman, the Anya.
The Maggie is helping the Anya find the dog.
The Maggie is helping the Anya find the dog.
October 19, 2021
Mix a pet bereavement counselor, Maggie Brennan (who has recently moved, immediately lost her dog to cancer, and is so upset she can't even phone her parents about it) with a mystery of a disturbed young woman, Anya, and her missing dog, and you have an intriguing story. Add the fact that when Maggie's dog died, she became agoraphobic and hasn't left her home for 99 days, and that the only way Anya can get better is if Maggie helps her look for her dog all over the hills of San Francisco. With this engaging story with its many twists and turns, the message rings true: People and dogs need each other to heal from traumatic situations. I loved it!
January 3, 2023
3.5-4⭐️
July 31, 2023
When pet bereavement counselor Maggie agrees to help client Anya search for her lost dog, she heals herself as well.
First of all, there's nothing quite like reading a book set in a location WHILE visiting said location. Content sigh. Per my 2023 Reading Challenge for July, I already had this book in my stack of Animal-themed books so as soon as I spotted the Golden Gate Bridge on the cover, I just knew it would be my book of choice while traveling to San Francisco. Serendipitous!
I very much enjoyed this author's writing style and the story which touched on grief (loss of a pet), agoraphobia, a cross country move, romance, and more. There was even a lost pet mystery to solve! I found this story touching and heartwarming and teared up a couple times while reading. The SF setting was fun and since the Sutro Tower plays a huge role in the story, I couldn't help but giggle to myself every time I spotted it. Lastly, this was my first time reading a book by this author, and I look forward to more!
Location: San Francisco, California
First of all, there's nothing quite like reading a book set in a location WHILE visiting said location. Content sigh. Per my 2023 Reading Challenge for July, I already had this book in my stack of Animal-themed books so as soon as I spotted the Golden Gate Bridge on the cover, I just knew it would be my book of choice while traveling to San Francisco. Serendipitous!
I very much enjoyed this author's writing style and the story which touched on grief (loss of a pet), agoraphobia, a cross country move, romance, and more. There was even a lost pet mystery to solve! I found this story touching and heartwarming and teared up a couple times while reading. The SF setting was fun and since the Sutro Tower plays a huge role in the story, I couldn't help but giggle to myself every time I spotted it. Lastly, this was my first time reading a book by this author, and I look forward to more!
Location: San Francisco, California
April 12, 2020
I nostri cani ci vedono al nostro meglio e al nostro peggio, e in tutto questo ci vogliono bene con ineguagliabile devozione. Condividiamo la nostra vita con loro. Conoscono i nostri segreti più profondi e oscuri, cose che talvolta non sanno neanche i nostri confidenti umani più stretti. Nessuno dovrebbe vergognarsi di voler bene a un altro essere, di avere il cuore spezzato quando un amico se ne va.
Cosa c'è di più normale dell'amore?
Maggie Brennan è una consulente per l'elaborazione del lutto per animali domestici e si è appena trasferita a San Francisco sotto casa della sua migliore amica.
Nonostante tutto ciò che insegna ai suoi pazienti, Maggie stessa ha subìto un duro colpo quando il suo cane, Toby, è morto. A seguito di questa perdita le ansie che ha sempre nascosto si sono impadronite di lei e ora è da novantotto giorni che non esce dal tranquillo giardino di casa sua.
Un giorno riceve la visita di una strana ragazza: Anya è sporca, trascurata e chiaramente disperata. La giovane è convinta che qualcuno le abbia rubato il cane Billy, si ostina a sostenere che non è scappato e non è morto ma nessuno nella sua famiglia le crede, anzi le hanno preso questo appuntamento con Maggie proprio per aiutarla a superare la perdita dell'amato cane.
Anya però non ci sta, non si vuole arrendere: lei SA che Billy è vivo e, trascurando lavoro e università, si dedica instancabilmente alla sua ricerca per tutta la città.
Non posso permettermi di perdere pazienti ma, cosa più importante, tutto ciò che riguarda Anya (la sua rabbia, il suo sguardo vuoto e tormentato, la tristezza sotterranea che serpeggia dentro di lei, per non parlare del suo smaccato disprezzo per l'igiene più elementare) mi preoccupa. Voglio aiutarla. Devo aiutarla. Non posso lasciarla andare via.
Maggie non può aiutare Anya nella sua ricerca, non riesce a uscire di casa senza che un attacco di panico la immobilizzi ma rendendosi conto di quanto Anya abbia bisogno di un alleato si fa forza e trova una soluzione che la aiuta.. uscire con la compagnia e la "protezione" di Giselle, il cane della sua amica.
Grazie alla presenza calmante di Giselle, Maggie riesce a concentrarsi sui suoi respiri, a sentirsi più sicura, ad allontanare le sue ansie e raggiungere la casa di Anya, dove la loro avventura avrà inizio!
"L'amore è amore" le dissi, come dico a tutti i miei pazienti che si vergognano di ritrovarsi straziati dalla morte di un cane. "La perdita è perdita."
Con uno stile fresco e una voce narrante diretta, simpatica e particolare come Maggie, questo romanzo è stata una bellissima lettura.
La protagonista è il personaggio più caratterizzato, seppur non manchino dei personaggi secondari che girano attorno a lei e rendono tutto più completo!
Maggie è figlia di una madre affetta da agorafobia - la paura degli spazi aperti - che, per paura di farla cadere nei propri errori e fobie, ha costretto la figlia a frequentare tanti corsi e trovare sempre nuovi hobby, per tenerla sempre impegnata. Sin da giovane, però, Maggie soffre di ansie che tenta di scacciare in ogni modo, nascondendole nei reconditi della sua mente per non far preoccupare i genitori; la perdita di Toby fa riafforare tutto a galla.
Nonostante ciò, Maggie è una donna simpatica, disponibile, coraggiosa e amorevole.
Avete presente quelli che non riescono a passare accanto a un bambino senza fermarsi a fare le coccole al suo faccino cicciotto? Io sono così con i cani.
E vogliamo parlare dei cuccioli? Lasciamo perdere. Sono convinta che fare le coccole a un cucciolo porti fortuna: c'è persino chi accarezza la pancia alle statue di Buddha, io invece faccio le coccole ai cuccioli. Sono nota per seguire un cucciolo per diversi isolati solo per poterlo raggiungere e accarezzare. Secondo me credere che i cuccioli portino fortuna è molto più sensato di credere, che ne so, ai numeri fortunati: un numero può forse ricordarti la forza dell'amore puro e incondizionato? Un numero può forse incarnare la lealtà o la joie de vivre o la bontà o l'amicizia o.. Insomma, l'avete capito. Amo i cani.
"Dog Crazy" è un romanzo frizzante, tanto allegro quanto commovente per certi versi.. E' una lettura di svago che consiglio a tutti, amanti dei cani e non!
Veramente bello: come al solito, Harlequin Mondadori non mi delude!
Ci portiamo dietro i nostri amori e le nostre perdite, ma anche se non sappiamo cosa c'è in serbo per noi, impariamo lungo il cammino - non importa da chi, cane o essere umano - ad andare avanti.
Cosa c'è di più normale dell'amore?
Maggie Brennan è una consulente per l'elaborazione del lutto per animali domestici e si è appena trasferita a San Francisco sotto casa della sua migliore amica.
Nonostante tutto ciò che insegna ai suoi pazienti, Maggie stessa ha subìto un duro colpo quando il suo cane, Toby, è morto. A seguito di questa perdita le ansie che ha sempre nascosto si sono impadronite di lei e ora è da novantotto giorni che non esce dal tranquillo giardino di casa sua.
Un giorno riceve la visita di una strana ragazza: Anya è sporca, trascurata e chiaramente disperata. La giovane è convinta che qualcuno le abbia rubato il cane Billy, si ostina a sostenere che non è scappato e non è morto ma nessuno nella sua famiglia le crede, anzi le hanno preso questo appuntamento con Maggie proprio per aiutarla a superare la perdita dell'amato cane.
Anya però non ci sta, non si vuole arrendere: lei SA che Billy è vivo e, trascurando lavoro e università, si dedica instancabilmente alla sua ricerca per tutta la città.
Non posso permettermi di perdere pazienti ma, cosa più importante, tutto ciò che riguarda Anya (la sua rabbia, il suo sguardo vuoto e tormentato, la tristezza sotterranea che serpeggia dentro di lei, per non parlare del suo smaccato disprezzo per l'igiene più elementare) mi preoccupa. Voglio aiutarla. Devo aiutarla. Non posso lasciarla andare via.
Maggie non può aiutare Anya nella sua ricerca, non riesce a uscire di casa senza che un attacco di panico la immobilizzi ma rendendosi conto di quanto Anya abbia bisogno di un alleato si fa forza e trova una soluzione che la aiuta.. uscire con la compagnia e la "protezione" di Giselle, il cane della sua amica.
Grazie alla presenza calmante di Giselle, Maggie riesce a concentrarsi sui suoi respiri, a sentirsi più sicura, ad allontanare le sue ansie e raggiungere la casa di Anya, dove la loro avventura avrà inizio!
"L'amore è amore" le dissi, come dico a tutti i miei pazienti che si vergognano di ritrovarsi straziati dalla morte di un cane. "La perdita è perdita."
Con uno stile fresco e una voce narrante diretta, simpatica e particolare come Maggie, questo romanzo è stata una bellissima lettura.
La protagonista è il personaggio più caratterizzato, seppur non manchino dei personaggi secondari che girano attorno a lei e rendono tutto più completo!
Maggie è figlia di una madre affetta da agorafobia - la paura degli spazi aperti - che, per paura di farla cadere nei propri errori e fobie, ha costretto la figlia a frequentare tanti corsi e trovare sempre nuovi hobby, per tenerla sempre impegnata. Sin da giovane, però, Maggie soffre di ansie che tenta di scacciare in ogni modo, nascondendole nei reconditi della sua mente per non far preoccupare i genitori; la perdita di Toby fa riafforare tutto a galla.
Nonostante ciò, Maggie è una donna simpatica, disponibile, coraggiosa e amorevole.
Avete presente quelli che non riescono a passare accanto a un bambino senza fermarsi a fare le coccole al suo faccino cicciotto? Io sono così con i cani.
E vogliamo parlare dei cuccioli? Lasciamo perdere. Sono convinta che fare le coccole a un cucciolo porti fortuna: c'è persino chi accarezza la pancia alle statue di Buddha, io invece faccio le coccole ai cuccioli. Sono nota per seguire un cucciolo per diversi isolati solo per poterlo raggiungere e accarezzare. Secondo me credere che i cuccioli portino fortuna è molto più sensato di credere, che ne so, ai numeri fortunati: un numero può forse ricordarti la forza dell'amore puro e incondizionato? Un numero può forse incarnare la lealtà o la joie de vivre o la bontà o l'amicizia o.. Insomma, l'avete capito. Amo i cani.
"Dog Crazy" è un romanzo frizzante, tanto allegro quanto commovente per certi versi.. E' una lettura di svago che consiglio a tutti, amanti dei cani e non!
Veramente bello: come al solito, Harlequin Mondadori non mi delude!
Ci portiamo dietro i nostri amori e le nostre perdite, ma anche se non sappiamo cosa c'è in serbo per noi, impariamo lungo il cammino - non importa da chi, cane o essere umano - ad andare avanti.
July 30, 2015
Dog Crazy
L'amore di un cucciolo è incondizionato, è puro, è gratificante, emozionante, avvolgente e può aiutare a far pace con se stesse o essere il tramite per un nuovo amore. Chi ama gli animali, ed in particolare i cani, non può non ritrovarsi tra le pagine del romanzo di Meg Donohue, dove di cuccioli e di coccole ce ne sono tantissime.
Come si reagisce al dolore per la perdita di un cane? Esattamente come accade con le persone. Si va letteralmente in crisi e si cerca di affrontare quel che resta della vita un passo alla volta.
La protagonista di DOG CRAZY è Maggie Brennan, una terapista specializzata nell'assistenza a chi deve affrontare la perdita di un amico a quattro zampe. La sua terapia è una miscela di empatia, intuizione e humour, ma funziona nell'affrontare l'angoscia della perdita.
Quello che nessuno sa di Maggie è che lei stessa è in crisi per la perdita di Toby. È lei la prima da dover aiutare, ma nonostante tutto non può fare a meno di aiutare gli altri. È così che la sua vita trova la direzione giusta verso la guarigione, la felicità, l'amicizia e un nuovo amore.
È una storia dolce, piena d'amore, empatica, coinvolgente, che tocca il cuore, poiché non è sempre facile affrontare un perdita. Anche un cane è una figura importante nella vita di chi lo ama. Meg Donohue analizza profondamente le dinamiche psichiche del personaggio e il percorso verso la guarigione sua e di chi la circonda. Non mancano i momenti struggenti ed anche le sorprese finali.
Se non si ha un cane, alla fine del libro, si ha voglia di procurarsene uno e riempirlo d'amore e farsi coccolare o semplicemente accompagnare in ogni momento della propria giornata. La compagnia di un cane la si comprende solo quando lo si perde. Anche i cani hanno un'anima e donano tutto di loro a chi li sa amare.
February 6, 2017
I am a dog lover and I loved this book, nothing can describe the emotions like Meg Donohue has captured, they are so true for anyone whose heart has belonged to a dog. Maggie is a grief counselor and helps those who are dealing with the loss or death of a dog. Not only must she help Anya who has lost her dog Billy, but she also has found that in doing so she needs to leave her house and go outside....there is a poignant loss of her own dog Toby she can not get over, without having panic attacks, which she has hidden from everyone, and this becomes a problem. Anya is not believing her dog has run away, and is a rather feisty teenager who doesn't trust, yet wait, she will surprise you with her resourcefulness and knowledge. How will Maggie accomplish helping Anya? Written with depth of character and sharp witty humor you will fall in love with this story. I laughed at the names and antics of all the rescue dogs, so true to life. Tears came easily as I could also relate to how it feels to love a dog so dearly you never really let go, yet that love will someday be ready to find another dog to love with a new personality to charm you.
December 31, 2015
3.5 stelline.
Ho avuto questo libro in libreria per un paio di mesi, prima di leggerlo. Peccato non averlo fatto prima.
Sono un'amante dei cani, credo che il loro amore non sia paragonabile a nulla.
Questo romanzo me l'ha confermato.
Il modo di narrare dell'autrice è fresco, schietto, comprensibile. Meggie ha dei seri problemi ad uscire di casa e ciò che la aiuta giorno dopo giorno a superare quel terrore sono Anya, una ragazza che è convinta le abbiano rapito il cane, e Giselle, il cane della sua migliore amica.
Da qui, la Donohue ordisce un racconto d'amore, di perdita, di accettazione. Un racconto che parla di cani, del modo di rapportarsi a loro, del saper vivere, del saper stare al mondo.
Mi è piaciuto molto, nonostante sul finale la risoluzione del mistero sul cane scomparso mi abbia fatta un pò innervosire. Ma d'altronde, alcune decisioni umane fanno innervosire all'inverosimile e di gente come quella che la Donohue ha rappresentato se ne trova davvero tanta.
Ho avuto questo libro in libreria per un paio di mesi, prima di leggerlo. Peccato non averlo fatto prima.
Sono un'amante dei cani, credo che il loro amore non sia paragonabile a nulla.
Questo romanzo me l'ha confermato.
Il modo di narrare dell'autrice è fresco, schietto, comprensibile. Meggie ha dei seri problemi ad uscire di casa e ciò che la aiuta giorno dopo giorno a superare quel terrore sono Anya, una ragazza che è convinta le abbiano rapito il cane, e Giselle, il cane della sua migliore amica.
Da qui, la Donohue ordisce un racconto d'amore, di perdita, di accettazione. Un racconto che parla di cani, del modo di rapportarsi a loro, del saper vivere, del saper stare al mondo.
Mi è piaciuto molto, nonostante sul finale la risoluzione del mistero sul cane scomparso mi abbia fatta un pò innervosire. Ma d'altronde, alcune decisioni umane fanno innervosire all'inverosimile e di gente come quella che la Donohue ha rappresentato se ne trova davvero tanta.
September 3, 2016
Not sappy, surprising gem
I am a voracious but picky reader and wondered if downloading a book about a dog grief counselor would be a corny mistake. But it wasn't. Decent writing, great descriptions of San Francisco that make me want to revisit locations, interesting info about anxiety issues, and some surprisingly comforting and thoughtful words about grief added up to a dang good read. Coincidentally I downloaded the book a week before my own beloved dog died, and when I could stand to read it (it took a week to be willing to start it), it was more than lovely.
I am a voracious but picky reader and wondered if downloading a book about a dog grief counselor would be a corny mistake. But it wasn't. Decent writing, great descriptions of San Francisco that make me want to revisit locations, interesting info about anxiety issues, and some surprisingly comforting and thoughtful words about grief added up to a dang good read. Coincidentally I downloaded the book a week before my own beloved dog died, and when I could stand to read it (it took a week to be willing to start it), it was more than lovely.
May 20, 2024
I am a huge dog lover, and I am a big fan of dog books. After reading a lot of nonfiction books, I was looking for a quick, cute read that didn't require too much thinking. This fit the bill. I loved all the dog descriptions and the friendship elements of this book.
I am now obsessed with dogs like Seymour who are half bassethound and golden retrievers. I Googled images, and they're so cute. I would say the only downside for me is that the name of Maggie's dog who passed away is Toby, which is the name of one of my dogs. It hit way to close to home!
I am now obsessed with dogs like Seymour who are half bassethound and golden retrievers. I Googled images, and they're so cute. I would say the only downside for me is that the name of Maggie's dog who passed away is Toby, which is the name of one of my dogs. It hit way to close to home!
April 12, 2018
Wow this book got me right in the feels. I’m giving it 5 stars for deeply personal reasons. I could relate so much to the emotions out heroine experiences with the loss of her dog, and the emotions so many of her patients feel as the grieve. It’s a love letter to anyone who has suffered from the loss of a dog they loved so much, and a love letter to San Francisco. It’s a tear jerker for sure but so worth the HEA. Plus it shines a light on dog rescue and how important and special it is.
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