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Living With My Sin: The Story of a Dog's Life
When Val Poore first agreed to take on an abused rescue puppy, nothing prepared her and her partner, Koos, for the challenges they were going to meet in the coming years. This short memoir is a story of the love and loyalty they developed for Sindy (Sin) against considerable odds and frequent pessimism. It is Sindy's story, but at the same time it is that of many other damaged dogs.
The ebook book is illustrated with a few photos to mark the different stages of her life, but there is also a link to a file with further photos at the end.
Val would also like to thank the hugely respected dog psychologist, Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, for reading the first draft of this book and giving it her support. Lisa, whose knowledge of dog behaviour is simply incredible, is the founder and principal of the International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour whose website can be found at http://www.theiscp.com
The ebook book is illustrated with a few photos to mark the different stages of her life, but there is also a link to a file with further photos at the end.
Val would also like to thank the hugely respected dog psychologist, Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, for reading the first draft of this book and giving it her support. Lisa, whose knowledge of dog behaviour is simply incredible, is the founder and principal of the International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour whose website can be found at http://www.theiscp.com
- GenresMemoir
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2020
7 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 28, 2020
I admit to being a huge fan of Valerie Poore’s memoirs but this one is truly wonderful. It’s a love story. It’s a story of challenges and setbacks, of compromise and acceptance. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It’s a poignant and lovely tribute to Val’s rescue dog Sindy. Poor Sindy had been abused as a very young pup and although Val took her in while she was still a pup the emotional damage had been done. Several times Val was advised to have Sindy put to sleep but she just couldn’t bring herself to give up on her. Luckily, her partner Koos also accepted Sindy the way she was although they did have to adapt their lifestyle to suit Sindy’s ‘eccentricities’ which included chewing the interior of Val’s car to shreds. (I’m afraid I laughed at this!) Essentially, they ‘just loved her’ and gained her trust and in return she loved them. Love conquered all. Anyone who has ever cherished and lost a beloved pet will absolutely love this book.
February 22, 2020
Very emotional and moving.
Val takes in a dog which had suffered abuse from its previous owner. Her love for Sindy comes through on every page. Although Sindy has lots of anxieties, Val and her partner persevere with their attempts at training this nervous "woofer", and their lifestyle is changed to adapt to her needs.
When a lot of other people may have given up, they never did, and for this, I have so much admiration for them.
As a lover of these beautiful animals, I found this read compelling , yet very heartwrenching at times.
I always enjoy Val Poore's writing, and this one did not disappoint.
Val takes in a dog which had suffered abuse from its previous owner. Her love for Sindy comes through on every page. Although Sindy has lots of anxieties, Val and her partner persevere with their attempts at training this nervous "woofer", and their lifestyle is changed to adapt to her needs.
When a lot of other people may have given up, they never did, and for this, I have so much admiration for them.
As a lover of these beautiful animals, I found this read compelling , yet very heartwrenching at times.
I always enjoy Val Poore's writing, and this one did not disappoint.
March 25, 2020
I am a dedicated fan of Val Poore’s books, so when this memoir was published, I didn’t hesitate to buy a copy. Thank goodness I did.
The plot is simple. This story tells how the author and her partner adopt and bring a psychologically damaged rescue dog into their lives. What turns out to be far from simple is dealing with the complex set of traumas that ravage the maltreated animal.
In a heart-rending account, Val Poore describes the difficulties she encounters as her troubled rescue puppy, Sindy, grows into an adult. The extent to which the author shapes her life around their dog is extraordinary. The ordeals, their mistakes, their successes, her honesty is remarkable. There’s fun too, lots of that as a bond gradually develops, but it’s tainted by fragility.
Often strained to the max, on several occasions the author is advised by experts to have her dog destroyed. Does she go ahead? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Beautifully told, I laughed with Val, I felt proud of her and Koos, her partner. I also shed many tears of compassion and sadness. The book is honest, and it will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it for lovers of excellent memoirs and especially dog lovers.
The plot is simple. This story tells how the author and her partner adopt and bring a psychologically damaged rescue dog into their lives. What turns out to be far from simple is dealing with the complex set of traumas that ravage the maltreated animal.
In a heart-rending account, Val Poore describes the difficulties she encounters as her troubled rescue puppy, Sindy, grows into an adult. The extent to which the author shapes her life around their dog is extraordinary. The ordeals, their mistakes, their successes, her honesty is remarkable. There’s fun too, lots of that as a bond gradually develops, but it’s tainted by fragility.
Often strained to the max, on several occasions the author is advised by experts to have her dog destroyed. Does she go ahead? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Beautifully told, I laughed with Val, I felt proud of her and Koos, her partner. I also shed many tears of compassion and sadness. The book is honest, and it will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it for lovers of excellent memoirs and especially dog lovers.
April 11, 2020
Canine lovers everywhere will relate to this touching story.
Val and Koos rescued the abused Sindy to save her life, an impulsive gesture only a fellow dog lover can understand. Val has been around dogs all her life and has had several of her own, but Sindy was to test Val to her limits. Val and Koos went to extreme lengths to help their beloved Sin try to adjust to life around her. They never gave up, even when three different vets suggested ‘putting her down’. There were multiple challenges with medical problems and behavioral issues but the happy successes compensated and Sin rewarded the couple with absolute loyalty and unconditional love. Val’s wonderful daughter Jodie deserves a special mention here, she adored Sindy and Sindy adored her. Jodie was always there when needed, right up to the end.
Reading Sin’s moving story I am acutely aware that a dog is much more than ‘a furry kid’ as Val puts it, and as she relates the ups and downs of life with her adorable Sindy I heard myself saying ‘Oh yes, I know exactly what you mean Val, been there, done that and definitely got the T-Shirt!’
Beautiful written this is an honest, emotional roller-coaster of a read that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It had me laughing out loud (does your dog ‘bury’ bones in the toilet bowl?) and reduced me to tears as the final chapter unfolded.
A lovely read with some great pictures of Sindy. A wonderful tribute to a very special furry best friend.
February 17, 2020
Hardest review I've ever written
I write this review several days after reading Val Poore's latest memoir. Please do not misunderstand why. This is a book of pure, unconditional love. But, it hit home for me so when I finished it, I needed time to recover. It's really A love story. A love every pet should have from their adoptive parent. Oh, this is hard and yet, it fills my heart with joy at the same time. Confused? Val and her partner Koos take on an abused puppy. I give them hugs for this alone. As a former animal rescuer, I have seen the horrors of what people have done to their innocent victims. I have nursed and attempted rehabilitation on these victims so that maybe, just maybe, someone like Val and Koos would come along and give these pets 100% of their heart. Many people are kind and willing. But, many end up finding out just how hard it is to give love to an animal who may never understand how to trust again. I had a clause in my adoption papers that stated that they must return their pet if it got to be too much. Sad!y, many were brought back even more broken due to the confusion of losing another home. Val and Koos never gave up on their puppy. Yes, they heard the typical line, "just put her down", over and over. It's easy to love a pet who is easy to love. But, one that has mental disorders or physical problems because of what a human did to them deserves patience, love, and time to heal It's hard and often thankless. But, Val and Koos never gave up on Sindy. And, eventually that love was rewarded. Sindy still suffered inwardly her entire 13+ years, but she was given a life every single dog or cat deserves. Val may think she wrote this book about Sindy. No. What she wrote is a lesson to us all. Love them no matter what because time
doesn't always heal all wounds. But, it does heal the soul. Our fur friends do not want for much and they certainly don't deserve being mistreated. Oh, I've heard the "just put them down" statement, too. Unless they are truly dangerous in a vicious manner and not just scared, then no. They deserve parents like Val and Koos. The evermore parents who won't give up on them. They don't know if yet, but they just want someone to love them and help them live a full life. This book was hard to read. But, it was a joy to read as well. I'd love to believe that all the pets I placed ended up with parents like Val and Koos. Sindy may have started her life betrayed by humans, but she was blessed when she found her forever home.
I write this review several days after reading Val Poore's latest memoir. Please do not misunderstand why. This is a book of pure, unconditional love. But, it hit home for me so when I finished it, I needed time to recover. It's really A love story. A love every pet should have from their adoptive parent. Oh, this is hard and yet, it fills my heart with joy at the same time. Confused? Val and her partner Koos take on an abused puppy. I give them hugs for this alone. As a former animal rescuer, I have seen the horrors of what people have done to their innocent victims. I have nursed and attempted rehabilitation on these victims so that maybe, just maybe, someone like Val and Koos would come along and give these pets 100% of their heart. Many people are kind and willing. But, many end up finding out just how hard it is to give love to an animal who may never understand how to trust again. I had a clause in my adoption papers that stated that they must return their pet if it got to be too much. Sad!y, many were brought back even more broken due to the confusion of losing another home. Val and Koos never gave up on their puppy. Yes, they heard the typical line, "just put her down", over and over. It's easy to love a pet who is easy to love. But, one that has mental disorders or physical problems because of what a human did to them deserves patience, love, and time to heal It's hard and often thankless. But, Val and Koos never gave up on Sindy. And, eventually that love was rewarded. Sindy still suffered inwardly her entire 13+ years, but she was given a life every single dog or cat deserves. Val may think she wrote this book about Sindy. No. What she wrote is a lesson to us all. Love them no matter what because time
doesn't always heal all wounds. But, it does heal the soul. Our fur friends do not want for much and they certainly don't deserve being mistreated. Oh, I've heard the "just put them down" statement, too. Unless they are truly dangerous in a vicious manner and not just scared, then no. They deserve parents like Val and Koos. The evermore parents who won't give up on them. They don't know if yet, but they just want someone to love them and help them live a full life. This book was hard to read. But, it was a joy to read as well. I'd love to believe that all the pets I placed ended up with parents like Val and Koos. Sindy may have started her life betrayed by humans, but she was blessed when she found her forever home.
January 7, 2023
It’s difficult to find the right words to describe this deeply moving account of the author’s life-changing experience when she adopted a cross-breed Doberman pup, the victim of physical and mental abuse that led to severe behavioural problems, the extent of the damage far worse than Val and her partner, Koos, had anticipated. I cannot help but marvel at Val Poore’s selfless devotion, a measure of her kindness and compassion in the face of such seemingly insurmountable problems. I think it’s fair to say that even the most ardent animal lovers would have given up, but not so, Val, who became Sindy’s saviour.
After Sindy’s disturbing behaviour escalated, three different vets advised Val to have her put down. It was never going to be an option for such a dyed-in-the-wool dog lover and only deepened her resolve to persevere. All it required to help heal the wounds was to give Sin (her nickname) a strong sense of security, unconditional love, combined with oodles of patience. If only life were that simple! Unprepared for a worsening situation, there were times when Val was almost driven to distraction, yet still she soldiered on, until she and Koos were forced to make some life-changing decisions. From hereon, we are given an insight into the struggles they encountered, the catastrophes, disappointments, frustrations as well as the high-notes in the ensuing years. Amidst all the mayhem there is humour. But, above all, the deep bond that was forged between the three of them was rewarding in ways that the author could never have imagined and, in spite of the heart-ache, her canine friend enriched her life.
The memories of her beloved dog are so deeply ingrained that, by her own admission, to revisit them evoked such powerful emotions it was a challenge committing them to paper. On a lighter note, her stoicism shines through when she describes the state of her car. Visualising its destruction made the hair stand up on the back of my neck and, at the same time, brought a smile to my face. The word ‘saint’ sprang to mind!
I urge all animal lovers to buy this book, if only to gain a better understanding of the deep-rooted effects of abuse and how it can lead to long-term behavioural issues. It’s sobering, but well worth the read.
After Sindy’s disturbing behaviour escalated, three different vets advised Val to have her put down. It was never going to be an option for such a dyed-in-the-wool dog lover and only deepened her resolve to persevere. All it required to help heal the wounds was to give Sin (her nickname) a strong sense of security, unconditional love, combined with oodles of patience. If only life were that simple! Unprepared for a worsening situation, there were times when Val was almost driven to distraction, yet still she soldiered on, until she and Koos were forced to make some life-changing decisions. From hereon, we are given an insight into the struggles they encountered, the catastrophes, disappointments, frustrations as well as the high-notes in the ensuing years. Amidst all the mayhem there is humour. But, above all, the deep bond that was forged between the three of them was rewarding in ways that the author could never have imagined and, in spite of the heart-ache, her canine friend enriched her life.
The memories of her beloved dog are so deeply ingrained that, by her own admission, to revisit them evoked such powerful emotions it was a challenge committing them to paper. On a lighter note, her stoicism shines through when she describes the state of her car. Visualising its destruction made the hair stand up on the back of my neck and, at the same time, brought a smile to my face. The word ‘saint’ sprang to mind!
I urge all animal lovers to buy this book, if only to gain a better understanding of the deep-rooted effects of abuse and how it can lead to long-term behavioural issues. It’s sobering, but well worth the read.
October 11, 2020
A wonderful and heart-rending story
Having devoured all of Val’s books about her life in South Africa and on a barge in Rotterdam, I had already been introduced to the mad puppy that was Sindy. Adopted and adapting to life on the water, this was one rascal of a hound that loved to eat abandoned food on the street. Sadly abused as a very young puppy, Sindy would never be easy to train or look after. I cheered as Val refused to have her put down and smiled through the book as she describes her life with this mischievous but adorable friend. And I admit to crying tears of sadness at the end. Such is the ability of this writer to draw you in, paint wonderful pictures, and take you on a journey with her. Highly recommended, especially if you love animals as I do.
Having devoured all of Val’s books about her life in South Africa and on a barge in Rotterdam, I had already been introduced to the mad puppy that was Sindy. Adopted and adapting to life on the water, this was one rascal of a hound that loved to eat abandoned food on the street. Sadly abused as a very young puppy, Sindy would never be easy to train or look after. I cheered as Val refused to have her put down and smiled through the book as she describes her life with this mischievous but adorable friend. And I admit to crying tears of sadness at the end. Such is the ability of this writer to draw you in, paint wonderful pictures, and take you on a journey with her. Highly recommended, especially if you love animals as I do.
February 25, 2020
Ok, so I love dogs and Val Poore's books but even if I started reading this book already biased towards loving it that doesn't mean that the magic would automatically happen. It did! I fell in love with Sindy and suffered with Val and her partner Koos as they struggled to create a good life for a puppy who had suffered too much abuse to ever forget completely. Sindy lived a great life. She was loved and she gave so much in return that years later Val still found it very difficult to write about their time together. I'm very grateful that she did. I cried buckets but laughed too. Beautiful!
June 8, 2023
I loved all of Val’s memoirs so I was very keen to read all about Sindy, Val’s rescue dog. It was such a departure from her boating stories. I fell in love with Sin and marvelled at the patience that Val and Koos had for Sin but when you love a dog as much as they did you will always have patience. Sin was a unique girl with unique issues and she knew just how far to push. I laughed and I cried, I felt as though I knew her. You will love her too when you read Sins story. Thank you Val.
September 1, 2020
An Endearing and Emotional Story
I have loved all of Val´s books and when this was offered as a gift I jumped at the change to read it.
Whilst at work one day a young student comes into class all of a dither. Val hears the story of a poor pup who has been neglected and abused by her previous owner. The students all agree that Val is the best candidate for taking on the pup and she agrees to discuss it with her partner after work. Later that day she receives an email with pictures of the pup, Sandy, and they agree to take her on.
This is the endearing tale of a psychologically damaged dog and the unconditional love shared between Val, Koos and Sindy (she was renamed by them). The story highlights the trials and tribulations of loving a damaged dog, not only for them but also for the dog.
Sin was boisterous and noisy, did not like being in a moving vehicle, whether it be a car or a boat and suffered from separation anxiety. Who knows what she went through before she found her forever home with Val and Koos.
There went through all kinds of traumas over the years and on more than one occasion were told it maybe best to have her put to sleep, I could almost hear Val screaming NO!! She loved her Sin and would do all she could to help her. They had multiple challenges in life with her behavioural issues and medical problems but this was rewarded with unconditional love and loyalty from Sindy and they had gained her trust.
I laughed at some of Sin´s antics. Her love of the simple life, just wanting to be loved and fed, walked where she wanted to go and see her small chosen group of doggie friends. Her terror at moving objects like the car and the boat. Her fear of the large dogs, even though she was no small fry. She loved her Sinbin in the van and would happily spend hours in there, that is a long as the key didn´t start the engine and they moved.
At the end I was in floods of tears and I felt every bit of Val´s sorry and loss. Knowing how frightened she was of the surgery the vet agreed to come to the boat to end poor Sin´s days and she knew she was loved to the end. Val, Koos and Jodie (Val´s daughter who loved her so much) were all there at the end for her, Sin´s family all around her x
Val writes in a very distinctive way and has the ability to draw you in to the story. This must have been so hard to write and I was with you every step of the way Val and I loved Sin´s story. Thank you x
I have loved all of Val´s books and when this was offered as a gift I jumped at the change to read it.
Whilst at work one day a young student comes into class all of a dither. Val hears the story of a poor pup who has been neglected and abused by her previous owner. The students all agree that Val is the best candidate for taking on the pup and she agrees to discuss it with her partner after work. Later that day she receives an email with pictures of the pup, Sandy, and they agree to take her on.
This is the endearing tale of a psychologically damaged dog and the unconditional love shared between Val, Koos and Sindy (she was renamed by them). The story highlights the trials and tribulations of loving a damaged dog, not only for them but also for the dog.
Sin was boisterous and noisy, did not like being in a moving vehicle, whether it be a car or a boat and suffered from separation anxiety. Who knows what she went through before she found her forever home with Val and Koos.
There went through all kinds of traumas over the years and on more than one occasion were told it maybe best to have her put to sleep, I could almost hear Val screaming NO!! She loved her Sin and would do all she could to help her. They had multiple challenges in life with her behavioural issues and medical problems but this was rewarded with unconditional love and loyalty from Sindy and they had gained her trust.
I laughed at some of Sin´s antics. Her love of the simple life, just wanting to be loved and fed, walked where she wanted to go and see her small chosen group of doggie friends. Her terror at moving objects like the car and the boat. Her fear of the large dogs, even though she was no small fry. She loved her Sinbin in the van and would happily spend hours in there, that is a long as the key didn´t start the engine and they moved.
At the end I was in floods of tears and I felt every bit of Val´s sorry and loss. Knowing how frightened she was of the surgery the vet agreed to come to the boat to end poor Sin´s days and she knew she was loved to the end. Val, Koos and Jodie (Val´s daughter who loved her so much) were all there at the end for her, Sin´s family all around her x
Val writes in a very distinctive way and has the ability to draw you in to the story. This must have been so hard to write and I was with you every step of the way Val and I loved Sin´s story. Thank you x
August 17, 2023
Another beautifully told, emotionally involving tale by a superb writer. Val Poore reveals herself, her kindness, understanding, willingness to learn, and eventual wisdom in this touching book about her favourite pet dog, Sindy. I assure you, you will need a box of paper tissues by the end of this truly lovely story.
I felt as if I had got to know the author by the end of the book and, as much as I (as with her other books) didn’t want the story to end, of course it had to, and that’s when my tissues mainly came into play. Yet, I confess that the memoir also brought me to tears from the beginning, as I read about the horrors the tiny pup was put through before being rescued and becoming the author’s canine soulmate.
Lines leapt out at me. “She was always one step ahead of me in the game, and I was the one that needed teaching.” “...prancing on her spindly legs and regarding me with a wicked gleam and a goofy grin.” I smiled with appreciation each time Ms. Poore had me see every detail of her dog, “At the turn of the key that started the motor, [Sin] flicked her internal switch and became like a jellyfish on amphetamines with her teeth clattering more than a tap dancer’s heels.” Isn’t that so spot-on? I was right there in the car, watching Sin fall apart, hearing her, especially when she’d yell out her high-pitched barks, deafening everyone sitting in the car with her.
Sin was a total pain in so many ways, but, as Ms. Poore quotes her friend’s sage advice, “You just have to love them and everything will come right,” the writer then herself added, “Your love for them has to be as unconditional as theirs is for you. It’s not always a smooth path to follow, but in the end, it’s more than worth it.”
This book is well worth reading. It’s heart-breaking, it’s heart-warming, it’s another of Ms. Poore’s lessons in how to write an absolutely exquisite memoir about a dog.
I felt as if I had got to know the author by the end of the book and, as much as I (as with her other books) didn’t want the story to end, of course it had to, and that’s when my tissues mainly came into play. Yet, I confess that the memoir also brought me to tears from the beginning, as I read about the horrors the tiny pup was put through before being rescued and becoming the author’s canine soulmate.
Lines leapt out at me. “She was always one step ahead of me in the game, and I was the one that needed teaching.” “...prancing on her spindly legs and regarding me with a wicked gleam and a goofy grin.” I smiled with appreciation each time Ms. Poore had me see every detail of her dog, “At the turn of the key that started the motor, [Sin] flicked her internal switch and became like a jellyfish on amphetamines with her teeth clattering more than a tap dancer’s heels.” Isn’t that so spot-on? I was right there in the car, watching Sin fall apart, hearing her, especially when she’d yell out her high-pitched barks, deafening everyone sitting in the car with her.
Sin was a total pain in so many ways, but, as Ms. Poore quotes her friend’s sage advice, “You just have to love them and everything will come right,” the writer then herself added, “Your love for them has to be as unconditional as theirs is for you. It’s not always a smooth path to follow, but in the end, it’s more than worth it.”
This book is well worth reading. It’s heart-breaking, it’s heart-warming, it’s another of Ms. Poore’s lessons in how to write an absolutely exquisite memoir about a dog.
February 17, 2024
A Love Story. Well, I don't know where to start with my review. Reading about Sindy and her life with Val and Koos affected me deeply as a reader. I'd find myself thinking about her as I went to sleep, and she was the first thing I thought about when I woke up, and I'd be thinking about her during the day. Reading about Sindy's issues was quite a journey, and I was right alongside Val and Koos as they navigated their relationship with a delinquent puppy (due to the puppy's neglect and abuse by the previous owner) through the years as Sindy matured and aged. The impact Sindy had on their lives was phenomenal, affecting their lives in many ways as they struggled to manage Sindy's behaviour (sometimes unpredictable) and yet their dedication and pure love for this needy dog shines through every page - they never give up on her. Owning Sindy was life-changing for Val and her long-suffering partner Koos, who adapted their lives both to the physical and psychological damage that affected Sindy's personality and behaviour. Beyond that, all the while the reader is endeared to this vulnerable dog despite her issues and naughtiness, and the beauty of a loyal and loving dog who is highly intelligent shines right through the memoir. I just wanted to give Sindy a big hug and stroke those lovely ears, and take Val and Koos by the hand and say "Thank you for loving her". I loved all the photos and will be visiting the author's blog to see more. Sindy has certainly got under my skin. What a testament to Val and Koos that Sindy had such a long and happy life, they are absolute heroes.
January 9, 2021
This book called to me to read it. Having read this author’s work before, finding her books both well written, interesting, and humorous, the dedicated dog parent in me couldn’t resist this one.
The author’s story of her beloved dog, Sindy, resonated with me in so many ways. First, after being reluctant to adopt this dog, she realized in no time that this was one very special canine pup with, what some might say, exceptional needs and neuroses. Adopting a dog is a different experience for everyone, but when you get a dog who has been abused in her formative first four months of life, one can expect the unexpected.
Valerie Poore beautifully expresses her frustrations, victories and defeats, and the lengths that she went to for this very spirited dog, who never allowed a day to be dull. While the dog owner in me sighed at all of the crazy things Sindy did, I also knew that if Sindy had been my dog, I would have fallen every bit in love with her. No question. As a matter of fact, I kind of fell in love just reading this book.
Writing this review, as I reflect back on what I read, isn’t easy. There’s so much that I can relate to with my own animals, and while there are experiences that I don’t share, I can still picture myself in the author’s place and feel what is in her heart as she tells this beautiful story.
I can't recommend this book enough … especially to dog lovers!
The author’s story of her beloved dog, Sindy, resonated with me in so many ways. First, after being reluctant to adopt this dog, she realized in no time that this was one very special canine pup with, what some might say, exceptional needs and neuroses. Adopting a dog is a different experience for everyone, but when you get a dog who has been abused in her formative first four months of life, one can expect the unexpected.
Valerie Poore beautifully expresses her frustrations, victories and defeats, and the lengths that she went to for this very spirited dog, who never allowed a day to be dull. While the dog owner in me sighed at all of the crazy things Sindy did, I also knew that if Sindy had been my dog, I would have fallen every bit in love with her. No question. As a matter of fact, I kind of fell in love just reading this book.
Writing this review, as I reflect back on what I read, isn’t easy. There’s so much that I can relate to with my own animals, and while there are experiences that I don’t share, I can still picture myself in the author’s place and feel what is in her heart as she tells this beautiful story.
I can't recommend this book enough … especially to dog lovers!
June 7, 2025
Love comes in many forms and a book that successfully celebrates love is a gift to the world. Valerie Poore is an author who has turned her hand to a number of subjects, from life on a farm in South Africa to faring on the waterways of northern Europe. In this book she chronicles the story of living with a very difficult, very damaged dog whom she took as a rescue puppy. Sin (Sindy) wrecks the back of her vehicle during car journeys and often turns her life upside down. But Poore and her partner Koos persevere and a very deep bond develops. In memoirs, what can work powerfully is an author’s insight into herself. At the end of the book, reflecting on the time she spent with Sin, Poore writes that it is now clear to her that she is 100 percent a dog person. “When I walk the streets of the city or the paths along the rivers and canals, I see the dogs, not their people.” Readers of her books know that she does deeply care about people, but she has a capacity for loving dogs that is not given to everyone.
June 15, 2025
Deeply moving, unforgettable.
I read this book in just two days, pulled into the fierce and tender love story between Valerie and Sin. It is more than a rescue memoir; it’s a profound testimony to the fierce, flawed, and breathtaking love that can exist between a human and a dog who’s been through too much.
It reminded me so much of my journey with my own dog, Lenny—the quirks, the trust slowly built, the raw, unwavering care through aging and decline.
Valerie writes with such honesty and rawness-the love and affection as well as the challenges- that you don’t just read the story—you feel it. This is more than a book. It’s about presence, dedication, transformation, and the sacred bond between souls.
A book that lingers long after the last page. And a quiet gift to anyone who has ever loved and lost an animal who was so much more than a pet.
I read this book in just two days, pulled into the fierce and tender love story between Valerie and Sin. It is more than a rescue memoir; it’s a profound testimony to the fierce, flawed, and breathtaking love that can exist between a human and a dog who’s been through too much.
It reminded me so much of my journey with my own dog, Lenny—the quirks, the trust slowly built, the raw, unwavering care through aging and decline.
Valerie writes with such honesty and rawness-the love and affection as well as the challenges- that you don’t just read the story—you feel it. This is more than a book. It’s about presence, dedication, transformation, and the sacred bond between souls.
A book that lingers long after the last page. And a quiet gift to anyone who has ever loved and lost an animal who was so much more than a pet.
April 26, 2020
Val Poore's ability to recall details of days gone by never cease to amaze me. This gifted storyteller does a masterful job as she connects our hearts to her lovable rescue dog, Sindy. Much like a beloved, yet mischievous child, this pet's quirks both challenged and further endeared her to her owners.
As she relives those precious thirteen years, Val manages to sprinkle in colorful scenes of the Dutch countryside to enhance our journey. She entertains us with both tears and laughter while she finds her own personal closure on times spent with her dear Sindy.
As she relives those precious thirteen years, Val manages to sprinkle in colorful scenes of the Dutch countryside to enhance our journey. She entertains us with both tears and laughter while she finds her own personal closure on times spent with her dear Sindy.
March 7, 2024
From the engaging title to the very last page Val’s stirring portrayal of her enigmatic, challenging, and complicated hound will keep you on the edge of your seat. Find out how to tell for sure whether you are a dog person. Discover the secret of living with an anxious, obdurate, and high-maintenance canine. What was transmogrified (had to look that one up, Val) and who was responsible? What absolutely comical and gratifying greeting by this pup never failed to delight? Prepare to laugh, cry and be inspired. A lovely tribute to a best friend.
February 23, 2020
Good book
It's hard to tell who was the real boss was I think Sin won . This book proves how much work and effort it takes to help a abused dog live through that abuse, and since each troubled challenged dog is different ,then each story is also different . I hope the first owner never had another dog .
Through the years Valerie never gave up and it's a touching book.
It's hard to tell who was the real boss was I think Sin won . This book proves how much work and effort it takes to help a abused dog live through that abuse, and since each troubled challenged dog is different ,then each story is also different . I hope the first owner never had another dog .
Through the years Valerie never gave up and it's a touching book.
March 12, 2020
I read this book in just two sittings. The author's love for her rescued pooch shines through and she is rewarded in spades by the love and loyalty that only a dog can give. Sindy's story is woven into a moving and spellbinding account of the bonds that grow between dogs and their people. "You just have to love them." Wonderful read. So glad I found it.
May 20, 2025
I wasn’t sure that a book about caring for a rescue dog would hold my attention, but I fell into this story from the very first page. I became so invested in Sin’s welfare that I felt each setback deeply, and cheered the author on as she persevered through challenging circumstances to forge a beautiful relationship with this damaged, charismatic, loving animal.
April 24, 2021
Love makes a dog go round.
This book is about true unconditional love, loyalty, and compassion between a woman and her dog.It shows many ways that a dog teaches us to be human. I have read many books about dogs but this one teaches you things as it tugs at your heart.
The authors dog Sindy has tremendous anxieties and what the author and her partner do to help Sindy Cope is,beyond measure. I loved this story.
This book is about true unconditional love, loyalty, and compassion between a woman and her dog.It shows many ways that a dog teaches us to be human. I have read many books about dogs but this one teaches you things as it tugs at your heart.
The authors dog Sindy has tremendous anxieties and what the author and her partner do to help Sindy Cope is,beyond measure. I loved this story.
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September 10, 2023Touching read
This was a very interesting story. A dog that many would have just taken to the pound or put to sleep, became a
This was a very interesting story. A dog that many would have just taken to the pound or put to sleep, became a
February 13, 2020
As Much a Story of Human Heroes as of a Dog
Author Val Poore calls her book “The Story of a Dog’s Life,” and yet—it is really a heart-tugging story of humans exercising unconditional, conquering love. As much a story of human heroes as it is of a dog.
The small puppy had been horrifically abused and when Val and her partner Koos rescued Sindy, they expected some behavioral problems as a result. Sindy’s behavioral and health problems exceeded the human capacity to endure—yet they endured. They endured even after advice from three different veterinarians to “put Sindy down.”
The saga of a starving, anxious, aggressive pup growing into a big, beautiful dog powerful enough to pull her humans off their feet—a dog that trains her humans to love her and keep her in spite of her atypical personality lends itself to self-examination. Have we ever loved so much and sacrificed so much?
“Living With My Sin” is a lively, engaging story. The author’s sense of place created by the setting on barges, in crumbling cottages, in cities, and in the country allows the inclusion of a plethora of characters and circumstances that weave this book into a lasting tapestry of unforgettable.
Author Val Poore calls her book “The Story of a Dog’s Life,” and yet—it is really a heart-tugging story of humans exercising unconditional, conquering love. As much a story of human heroes as it is of a dog.
The small puppy had been horrifically abused and when Val and her partner Koos rescued Sindy, they expected some behavioral problems as a result. Sindy’s behavioral and health problems exceeded the human capacity to endure—yet they endured. They endured even after advice from three different veterinarians to “put Sindy down.”
The saga of a starving, anxious, aggressive pup growing into a big, beautiful dog powerful enough to pull her humans off their feet—a dog that trains her humans to love her and keep her in spite of her atypical personality lends itself to self-examination. Have we ever loved so much and sacrificed so much?
“Living With My Sin” is a lively, engaging story. The author’s sense of place created by the setting on barges, in crumbling cottages, in cities, and in the country allows the inclusion of a plethora of characters and circumstances that weave this book into a lasting tapestry of unforgettable.
February 23, 2020
I read this book in just two sittings. The author's love for her rescued pooch shines through and she is rewarded in spades by the love and loyalty that only a dog can give. Sindy's story is woven into a moving and spellbinding account of the bonds that grow between dogs and their people. "You just have to love them." Wonderful read. So glad I found it.
April 8, 2020
Honest, heart-wrenching, glorious tale about a couple and their beloved pet, Sin. Really loved it.
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