What do you think?
Rate this book
Max the Miracle Dog
’Are you ready, Max? If anyone’s going to help me do this, it’s you.’
The heart-warming tale of a life-saving friendship.
In 2006, a traumatic car accident changed Kerry Irving’s life forever.
Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home.
With hope all but lost, Kerry’s wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. As the Spaniel peered up through the railings, Kerry found comfort and encouragement in his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives.
In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation and in Kerry, Max found someone to care for him. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.
The heart-warming tale of a life-saving friendship.
In 2006, a traumatic car accident changed Kerry Irving’s life forever.
Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home.
With hope all but lost, Kerry’s wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. As the Spaniel peered up through the railings, Kerry found comfort and encouragement in his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives.
In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation and in Kerry, Max found someone to care for him. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.
262 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2020
344 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
February 6, 2022
A book that should be read, a book filled with powerful, emotional, touching, funny, heart warming and true honesty.
Kerry, I admire you, a story from your heart, a story of recovery, comfort, love and true heart.
Is this a dog book, YES?
But also a autobiography of Kerry Irving, wow what a book, I smiled and I cried, I felt every moment with Kerry.
As a animal lover and a dog walker for Jersey Animal Shelter and volunteer at our local Durrell Wildlife (Jersey Zoo), I feel every moment of Kerry's worst moments and best moments his pure love of his dogs.
His wife has to be admired so much for her support to Kerry and her toughness to get Kerry back where he needed to be, I admire you so much.
The Sunday Times bestseller ’Are you ready, Max? If anyone’s going to help me do this, it’s you.’
The heart-warming tale of a life-saving friendship. In 2006, a traumatic car accident changed Kerry Irving’s life forever. Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home. With hope all but lost, Kerry’s wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. As the Spaniel peered up through the railings, Kerry found comfort and encouragement in his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives.
In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation and in Kerry, Max found someone to care for him. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.
It touched my heart, I am lucky to take out a friends dog, a springer spaniel called Sam, I love my time with him so much.
Kerry and Max, Paddy and Harry thanks for all your charity work, and all the people you have helped worldwide with your FB page
PS Latest story note.
A spaniel that was lost for two days has been found by the owner of Max the Miracle Dog and his other pets.
Monty the English springer spaniel fled from Fitz Park in Keswick, Cumbria, after being spooked by a noise, his owner Alison Hurley said.
A public appeal was launched and the dog was found two days later by Harry, one of three dogs owned by Max the Miracle Dog author Kerry Irving!!
Ms Hurley said she was "absolutely elated" at Monty's safe return.
Kerry, I admire you, a story from your heart, a story of recovery, comfort, love and true heart.
Is this a dog book, YES?
But also a autobiography of Kerry Irving, wow what a book, I smiled and I cried, I felt every moment with Kerry.
As a animal lover and a dog walker for Jersey Animal Shelter and volunteer at our local Durrell Wildlife (Jersey Zoo), I feel every moment of Kerry's worst moments and best moments his pure love of his dogs.
His wife has to be admired so much for her support to Kerry and her toughness to get Kerry back where he needed to be, I admire you so much.
The Sunday Times bestseller ’Are you ready, Max? If anyone’s going to help me do this, it’s you.’
The heart-warming tale of a life-saving friendship. In 2006, a traumatic car accident changed Kerry Irving’s life forever. Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home. With hope all but lost, Kerry’s wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. As the Spaniel peered up through the railings, Kerry found comfort and encouragement in his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives.
In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation and in Kerry, Max found someone to care for him. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.
It touched my heart, I am lucky to take out a friends dog, a springer spaniel called Sam, I love my time with him so much.
Kerry and Max, Paddy and Harry thanks for all your charity work, and all the people you have helped worldwide with your FB page
PS Latest story note.
A spaniel that was lost for two days has been found by the owner of Max the Miracle Dog and his other pets.
Monty the English springer spaniel fled from Fitz Park in Keswick, Cumbria, after being spooked by a noise, his owner Alison Hurley said.
A public appeal was launched and the dog was found two days later by Harry, one of three dogs owned by Max the Miracle Dog author Kerry Irving!!
Ms Hurley said she was "absolutely elated" at Monty's safe return.
March 19, 2020
amazing book. couldn't put it down
off work with the dreaded covid 19.
having two Springers and aware of the Facebook page decided read this. which I did in one sitting.
I cried tears of happiness sadness and joy
off work with the dreaded covid 19.
having two Springers and aware of the Facebook page decided read this. which I did in one sitting.
I cried tears of happiness sadness and joy
December 10, 2020
Such a heartwarming book!
I have to admit that Max the Miracle Dog didn't start out heartwarming, though. The author had a wretched childhood. That was followed by his being rear-ended at a high rate of speed when he was stopped and waiting for the traffic to allow him to make a turn. In the blink of an eye, Kerry started dealing with constant, horrific pain. Sometimes cervical injections helped for a short time and other times they did nothing at all. For a couple of years, he was in too much pain to leave the house, other than to see his doctor.
Where is the heartwarming part, you ask? Ahhh ... that started the day Kerry's wife insisted he pick up some milk at the small market a short distance from their home. As he hobbled to the store he passed a springer spaniel yard dog that peered up at him with soulful eyes. In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation. In Kerry, Max found someone to give him the love and care he deserved. It is such a beautiful story that I found myself getting teary once in a while. I didn't want to put the book down!
I have to admit that Max the Miracle Dog didn't start out heartwarming, though. The author had a wretched childhood. That was followed by his being rear-ended at a high rate of speed when he was stopped and waiting for the traffic to allow him to make a turn. In the blink of an eye, Kerry started dealing with constant, horrific pain. Sometimes cervical injections helped for a short time and other times they did nothing at all. For a couple of years, he was in too much pain to leave the house, other than to see his doctor.
Where is the heartwarming part, you ask? Ahhh ... that started the day Kerry's wife insisted he pick up some milk at the small market a short distance from their home. As he hobbled to the store he passed a springer spaniel yard dog that peered up at him with soulful eyes. In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation. In Kerry, Max found someone to give him the love and care he deserved. It is such a beautiful story that I found myself getting teary once in a while. I didn't want to put the book down!
March 18, 2025
Really enjoyed the book so I will give it 5 stars but had some small quibbles which I will mention. Sometimes I feel like I should give a book 4 stars but then going over the quotes I saved reminds me of all the good stuff in this book to bump it back up. Short summary is he likes Springer Spaniels, gets in a car accident which leaves him in severe pain, providence brings him a dog, and their friendship and him taking pictures and posting them on Facebook goes viral so he can do some good from the popularity.
Kerry’s life starts with an abusive father and an abusive stepfather. You would have thought he might have gotten lucky with one of those. This part was unpleasant but it becomes part of Kerry’s story. After moving out he rents a flat in the countryside with someone who raises and trains Labrador Retrievers as gun dogs. The labs were nice but:
‘| liked the Labs, but sometimes people would show up for the shoot with Springer Spaniels to work alongside them. Come lunchtime, when the Labs would often be flagging, it was the Springers who watched everyone drift back towards the lodge with an expression that said, ‘Why are we stopping?’ Their energy was boundless, and I admired them for it.
I would be interested in having people who has had experience with Labs and Springer’s tell me if they agree with that. Seems like Labs can keep going pretty long, so if Springers can in fact go longer, that is impressive. I was interested in getting a Springer before my wife decided we would be getting a cockapoo.
Zack gets a Springer Spaniel and starts to train him. I like it when books impart some new aspects of dog training, and I liked this bit after Kerry gets his Sprinter Zak. Tomatoes, quite a trick:
‘Once Zak and I had mastered the basics, I decided to have a go at gun dog training myself. Robin grew tomatoes in his garden. Using the ripest I could find that were nicely soft and squishy, I placed three on the ground behind the dog. Then, using hand gestures, I indicated to Zak which tomato I wanted him to fetch for me. Zak had to learn which way to turn, and then be gentle to avoid puncturing the tomatoes. Finally, after a lot of hard work, everything clicked. All of a sudden, I had a dog that retrieved, and we quickly moved on to picking up feathers so that he could get used to the tickly feeling between his jaws and not instinctively spit them out.’
Zak sounded like a great dog but unfortunately wasn’t around too long. Like many of us he had the same thought, ‘Dogs, I decided, were no longer for me – I just couldn’t handle the heartbreak.’
Then he has the accident. Constant pain, especially with the wrong move. I will sum it up with this bit:
‘LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN is exhausting. From the moment you wake up, it dominates your day and even keeps you from sleep.’
Loved the little bit that started to turn things around.
‘Kerry, we’re out of milk. Would you pop out and get some?’
‘What?
I was sitting in the kitchen at the time, feeling sorry for myself. Sometimes I could stew in silence for hours on end, as I had been that morning. Angela was at the fridge, having made us both cups of tea. She held a carton in one hand, which she shook to show me it was pretty much empty.
I can’t go out, I blustered, still surprised that she had even asked me. It was as if she had just suggested I fly to the moon. The fact was I hadn’t left the house in ages. ‘Angela, look at me!’
The store isn’t far, and he decides to go, feeling sorry about himself on the way. Then a thought. Reminds me of the time my car was about to have the engine blow up. I left it in the parking place behind my house. In the morning, my wife asked me to go check on the car for some reason. I went out there and someone had stolen the car. When recovered the insurance paid to fix the car except for a small betterment charge. Maybe that isn’t the same, other than God can put things in your path to help:
‘What I needed, I told myself wistfully as I turned up the next street, was some kind of guardian angel.
And that’s when I met Max.
I was so lost in thought as I walked along, at first I didn’t even notice the dog watching me from a yard. It was only when I heard a whimper that I paused and glanced over my shoulder.
‘Hello there, I said, taking a step back so I could see what had just snagged my attention. In response the dog popped its muzzle through the railings to greet me. “What's your name,eh?"
The Spaniel, a liver and white Springer, peered up at me. I found myself looking into two soulful brown eyes.’
I don’t think it spoils anything to say having the dog helps him get better. That is a story in most dog books, but I think most of us never get tired of it:
‘The fact was that Spaniel had helped to put me in a positive frame of mind. I had come back down from that bench overlooking the fells thinking despite everything, I still had something to offer. It had felt like the world had left me behind since the accident and it had taken a friendly dog to remind me that I could still catch up. At the heart of it, Max reminded me how it felt to be at peace.’
(And for us Yanks, ‘In the context of the Lake District in northern England, "fells" refers to the region's hills and mountains, often described as rocky, steep, and barren, with some fells reaching the highest ground in England.’)
Then Kerry starts posting pictures on Facebook. I believe this is before everyone was trying to be a content provider and he didn’t do it like people do now to scream ‘look at me!’ So many of us just enjoy seeing and hearing about dogs and people find it calming and inspirational. Here is an example of what someone said to him when he and Max were recognized:
‘We should be thanking you,’ she replied and tickled Max behind the ears. ‘Seeing your photographs every day made me realise how much I needed to get outdoors’
And then he posted a video with the dogs ears flapping in the wind:
It was only a short clip, but it made me laugh. Back home, I uploaded it to Facebook and jokingly suggested Max could rank the wind strength by his ‘flap-o-meters’.
That evening, activity on my dog’s page went berserk. Every time I looked, the clip had received thousands of new hits.
‘This is unbelievable, I said to Angela when I showed her. ‘Who’d have thought a pair of Spaniel ears would have this effect?’
I enjoyed the book. Glad the dog could help. So much help that any pain he felt isn’t mentioned for the remainder of the book as the story of the dog and his online fame grows. He does some good stuff with his fame, but this part was less interesting to me partially because social media phenomena is a common theme now. I also wonder if he was completely healed or how much pain was he left with? His journey through the pain with the dog (including a couple of more dogs added later) is what I enjoyed most.
Kerry’s life starts with an abusive father and an abusive stepfather. You would have thought he might have gotten lucky with one of those. This part was unpleasant but it becomes part of Kerry’s story. After moving out he rents a flat in the countryside with someone who raises and trains Labrador Retrievers as gun dogs. The labs were nice but:
‘| liked the Labs, but sometimes people would show up for the shoot with Springer Spaniels to work alongside them. Come lunchtime, when the Labs would often be flagging, it was the Springers who watched everyone drift back towards the lodge with an expression that said, ‘Why are we stopping?’ Their energy was boundless, and I admired them for it.
I would be interested in having people who has had experience with Labs and Springer’s tell me if they agree with that. Seems like Labs can keep going pretty long, so if Springers can in fact go longer, that is impressive. I was interested in getting a Springer before my wife decided we would be getting a cockapoo.
Zack gets a Springer Spaniel and starts to train him. I like it when books impart some new aspects of dog training, and I liked this bit after Kerry gets his Sprinter Zak. Tomatoes, quite a trick:
‘Once Zak and I had mastered the basics, I decided to have a go at gun dog training myself. Robin grew tomatoes in his garden. Using the ripest I could find that were nicely soft and squishy, I placed three on the ground behind the dog. Then, using hand gestures, I indicated to Zak which tomato I wanted him to fetch for me. Zak had to learn which way to turn, and then be gentle to avoid puncturing the tomatoes. Finally, after a lot of hard work, everything clicked. All of a sudden, I had a dog that retrieved, and we quickly moved on to picking up feathers so that he could get used to the tickly feeling between his jaws and not instinctively spit them out.’
Zak sounded like a great dog but unfortunately wasn’t around too long. Like many of us he had the same thought, ‘Dogs, I decided, were no longer for me – I just couldn’t handle the heartbreak.’
Then he has the accident. Constant pain, especially with the wrong move. I will sum it up with this bit:
‘LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN is exhausting. From the moment you wake up, it dominates your day and even keeps you from sleep.’
Loved the little bit that started to turn things around.
‘Kerry, we’re out of milk. Would you pop out and get some?’
‘What?
I was sitting in the kitchen at the time, feeling sorry for myself. Sometimes I could stew in silence for hours on end, as I had been that morning. Angela was at the fridge, having made us both cups of tea. She held a carton in one hand, which she shook to show me it was pretty much empty.
I can’t go out, I blustered, still surprised that she had even asked me. It was as if she had just suggested I fly to the moon. The fact was I hadn’t left the house in ages. ‘Angela, look at me!’
The store isn’t far, and he decides to go, feeling sorry about himself on the way. Then a thought. Reminds me of the time my car was about to have the engine blow up. I left it in the parking place behind my house. In the morning, my wife asked me to go check on the car for some reason. I went out there and someone had stolen the car. When recovered the insurance paid to fix the car except for a small betterment charge. Maybe that isn’t the same, other than God can put things in your path to help:
‘What I needed, I told myself wistfully as I turned up the next street, was some kind of guardian angel.
And that’s when I met Max.
I was so lost in thought as I walked along, at first I didn’t even notice the dog watching me from a yard. It was only when I heard a whimper that I paused and glanced over my shoulder.
‘Hello there, I said, taking a step back so I could see what had just snagged my attention. In response the dog popped its muzzle through the railings to greet me. “What's your name,eh?"
The Spaniel, a liver and white Springer, peered up at me. I found myself looking into two soulful brown eyes.’
I don’t think it spoils anything to say having the dog helps him get better. That is a story in most dog books, but I think most of us never get tired of it:
‘The fact was that Spaniel had helped to put me in a positive frame of mind. I had come back down from that bench overlooking the fells thinking despite everything, I still had something to offer. It had felt like the world had left me behind since the accident and it had taken a friendly dog to remind me that I could still catch up. At the heart of it, Max reminded me how it felt to be at peace.’
(And for us Yanks, ‘In the context of the Lake District in northern England, "fells" refers to the region's hills and mountains, often described as rocky, steep, and barren, with some fells reaching the highest ground in England.’)
Then Kerry starts posting pictures on Facebook. I believe this is before everyone was trying to be a content provider and he didn’t do it like people do now to scream ‘look at me!’ So many of us just enjoy seeing and hearing about dogs and people find it calming and inspirational. Here is an example of what someone said to him when he and Max were recognized:
‘We should be thanking you,’ she replied and tickled Max behind the ears. ‘Seeing your photographs every day made me realise how much I needed to get outdoors’
And then he posted a video with the dogs ears flapping in the wind:
It was only a short clip, but it made me laugh. Back home, I uploaded it to Facebook and jokingly suggested Max could rank the wind strength by his ‘flap-o-meters’.
That evening, activity on my dog’s page went berserk. Every time I looked, the clip had received thousands of new hits.
‘This is unbelievable, I said to Angela when I showed her. ‘Who’d have thought a pair of Spaniel ears would have this effect?’
I enjoyed the book. Glad the dog could help. So much help that any pain he felt isn’t mentioned for the remainder of the book as the story of the dog and his online fame grows. He does some good stuff with his fame, but this part was less interesting to me partially because social media phenomena is a common theme now. I also wonder if he was completely healed or how much pain was he left with? His journey through the pain with the dog (including a couple of more dogs added later) is what I enjoyed most.
December 18, 2020
As a fellow Springer Spaniel therapy dog owner and lover, and an avid follower of Kerry and his boys on various social media platforms, I found his story wonderfully inspirational. It made me laugh, cry and rejoice at life ❤️
March 6, 2020
Amazing uplifting book
This book filled me with complete joy! The emotional connection between Max and Kerry is truly inspirational. It gives hope to the reader and as a dog lover it made me smile. A wonderful book! One of the best I have read. Thank you Kerry for sharing your story.
This book filled me with complete joy! The emotional connection between Max and Kerry is truly inspirational. It gives hope to the reader and as a dog lover it made me smile. A wonderful book! One of the best I have read. Thank you Kerry for sharing your story.
March 8, 2020
Amazing story very emotional
I read this in one day could not put it down. I have been following Max, Paddy and Harry for a few years on Facebook and as a fellow Springer owner (our Molly Moo) I love to see the pictures of the boys. Kerry you should be very proud of yourself you have brought so much joy to so many.
I read this in one day could not put it down. I have been following Max, Paddy and Harry for a few years on Facebook and as a fellow Springer owner (our Molly Moo) I love to see the pictures of the boys. Kerry you should be very proud of yourself you have brought so much joy to so many.
July 24, 2021
It is amazing what a difference a dog can make to a person’s life, I enjoyed reading Kerry’s story.
October 30, 2023
Audiobook. Incredible book.
January 23, 2021
If you like dogs or uplifting feel good accounts, you’ll enjoy this one. The author finds a way to cope with chronic pain through a new way of living when he befriends a dog, and also finds ways to enrich the lives of others who are battling their own misfortunes. It really is a lovely tale. My only gripe is the poor editing by the professional publisher. The word “just” appears on virtually every other line in several parts of the book and is quite off putting when reading the narrative.
July 28, 2021
I have just read this book in one sitting . What a lovely inspirational and heart-warming story of life with Max . Kerry Irving has been so open about his time with depression due to chronic pain ( and this I understand totally). To see the difference max made in his life and also other peoples just by a Facebook presence in the beginning has been joyous and lovely to read about .
May 6, 2022
Emotional tale.
I loved reading this story about, Max, a dog, and the lives that he changed. Kerry and Max shared a love and respect, which showed the bond that can exist between man and dog. I found it inspiring and believable, especially when Kerry, had so much respect for his friend Max.
I loved reading this story about, Max, a dog, and the lives that he changed. Kerry and Max shared a love and respect, which showed the bond that can exist between man and dog. I found it inspiring and believable, especially when Kerry, had so much respect for his friend Max.
June 26, 2020
My mum introduced me to Max's facebook page a couple of years ago. She loved seeing Max's photos and walks in the lakes. My mum has a cocker spaniel and understands the bond with dogs massively. She organised for us to join Max's birthday party in 2019, both Max and our dog are the same age.
I picked up the book wanting to support the wonderful Max household. I hadn't expected the story with in. It truly is a heart warming story. And really expresses the true magic a dog can bring into your life. Kerry and his dogs have been through so much and made the best out of everything they can.
I picked up the book wanting to support the wonderful Max household. I hadn't expected the story with in. It truly is a heart warming story. And really expresses the true magic a dog can bring into your life. Kerry and his dogs have been through so much and made the best out of everything they can.
September 16, 2025
Any review that I write couldn’t possibly do justice to how important and special this book became to me during my time with it, but let’s try.
I knew nothing about the author beforehand, so wasn’t entirely sure that starting things off by reading about his childhood would be for me. After all, I’d only come for the dog! Instead, I quickly found that I related to so much of what he said about experiencing low self-confidence, even though our circumstances are wildly different. Outside of his relationship with dogs, I was suddenly rooting for him individually to find every happiness, and I cared deeply about his various successes. Even just on its own, the different paths and decisions that led to his life opening up were fascinating.
Then came the accident, which left him in constant pain and often unable to move. I really appreciated how frank and honest he was in recounting these years, particularly in the moments when he felt suicidal. It’s not always easy to live in a body that doesn’t necessarily feel like your own, which was very relatable and reminded me that I’m not alone. More than anything, it was also a true reflection of what it can sometimes be like, especially during those “sitting down and pretending to watch telly while everyone else keeps moving forward” moments. I am forever trying to learn that there is no shame in it.
Of course, when he meets Max and his entire life changes, it is nothing short of a joy to read. I want to start it again now that I have finished, because my heart feels so full. If that doesn’t convince you to pick up a copy for yourself, I don’t know what will.
Oh! Just one last little note: I bought this secondhand and that is such a big deal for my mental health, it felt worthwhile celebrating here.
I knew nothing about the author beforehand, so wasn’t entirely sure that starting things off by reading about his childhood would be for me. After all, I’d only come for the dog! Instead, I quickly found that I related to so much of what he said about experiencing low self-confidence, even though our circumstances are wildly different. Outside of his relationship with dogs, I was suddenly rooting for him individually to find every happiness, and I cared deeply about his various successes. Even just on its own, the different paths and decisions that led to his life opening up were fascinating.
Then came the accident, which left him in constant pain and often unable to move. I really appreciated how frank and honest he was in recounting these years, particularly in the moments when he felt suicidal. It’s not always easy to live in a body that doesn’t necessarily feel like your own, which was very relatable and reminded me that I’m not alone. More than anything, it was also a true reflection of what it can sometimes be like, especially during those “sitting down and pretending to watch telly while everyone else keeps moving forward” moments. I am forever trying to learn that there is no shame in it.
Of course, when he meets Max and his entire life changes, it is nothing short of a joy to read. I want to start it again now that I have finished, because my heart feels so full. If that doesn’t convince you to pick up a copy for yourself, I don’t know what will.
Oh! Just one last little note: I bought this secondhand and that is such a big deal for my mental health, it felt worthwhile celebrating here.
August 22, 2020
Kerry Irving begon zijn leven in moeilijke situaties, maar niets kon hem voorbereiden op het trauma van een auto-ongeluk en verwondingen die hem levenslang chronische rug- en nekpijn bezorgden. Zonder baan, zonder verlangen om uit te gaan en met intense pijn en depressie, liep zijn leven nergens toe totdat zijn vrouw hem overhaalde om een korte wandeling te maken. Die kleine stappen werden groter toen hij Max de springerspaniël ontmoette en zijn leven ten goede veranderde.
Dit boek met heel veel plezier gelezen! Het verhaal van Kerry is er eentje van diepe dalen , totdat Max in zijn leven komt. Er is een sterk persoon voor nodig om je verhaal met andere mensen te delen. De band tussen Kerry en zijn honden is geweldig. Hartverwarmend verhaal dat mensen de moed geeft om nooit op te geven. Je kunt de strijd zien die Kerry had om zich volledig open te stellen over zijn depressie.
De emotionele band tussen Max en Kerry is echt inspirerend. Het geeft hoop aan de lezer en als dierenliefhebber deed het me glimlachen. Opmerkelijk verhaal over hoe de liefde van een hond iemands leven totaal kan veranderen. Van intense pijn en diepe depressie tot een leven vol vreugde, een verhaal dat je hart zal raken.Een prachtig boek! Een van de beste die ik heb gelezen. Je hoeft geen hondenbezitter te zijn om van dit boek te genieten.
Dit boek met heel veel plezier gelezen! Het verhaal van Kerry is er eentje van diepe dalen , totdat Max in zijn leven komt. Er is een sterk persoon voor nodig om je verhaal met andere mensen te delen. De band tussen Kerry en zijn honden is geweldig. Hartverwarmend verhaal dat mensen de moed geeft om nooit op te geven. Je kunt de strijd zien die Kerry had om zich volledig open te stellen over zijn depressie.
De emotionele band tussen Max en Kerry is echt inspirerend. Het geeft hoop aan de lezer en als dierenliefhebber deed het me glimlachen. Opmerkelijk verhaal over hoe de liefde van een hond iemands leven totaal kan veranderen. Van intense pijn en diepe depressie tot een leven vol vreugde, een verhaal dat je hart zal raken.Een prachtig boek! Een van de beste die ik heb gelezen. Je hoeft geen hondenbezitter te zijn om van dit boek te genieten.
April 10, 2022
This book didn't start out heartwarming straight away. First, we got to read about the author's childhood and how his youth has been. Then we got to read about the car accident and how he coped with chronic pain. His wife Angela stayed by his side all the way.
One day while Kerry was walking around he got to meet a dog named Max and fell in love straight away with the animal. Sometimes animals can mean so much to us that we don't even realize it. Max helpt Kerry get back on his feet again and help him live with chronic pain. Max made him feel alive again and made his life have a purpose.
In this book, we also learn how important friendships could be and how kindness helps people. An animal that you keep as a pet isn't just a pet it's so much more than that. Being a dog owner myself I know what a dog's support could do.
This is a book that you could read in one sitting and it would make you appreciate your loved ones.
Dogs can learn from us but we can learn a lot more from them.
One day while Kerry was walking around he got to meet a dog named Max and fell in love straight away with the animal. Sometimes animals can mean so much to us that we don't even realize it. Max helpt Kerry get back on his feet again and help him live with chronic pain. Max made him feel alive again and made his life have a purpose.
In this book, we also learn how important friendships could be and how kindness helps people. An animal that you keep as a pet isn't just a pet it's so much more than that. Being a dog owner myself I know what a dog's support could do.
This is a book that you could read in one sitting and it would make you appreciate your loved ones.
Dogs can learn from us but we can learn a lot more from them.
August 26, 2022
Beautiful ❤
The book begins with Kerry's upbringing which isn't very nice, then how he starts his life in the lake district meeting his wife and discovering a love for riding the trails when he suddenly has an accident which changes his life for a while. When he could have given up he sees a spaniel, Max who changes his life "fur" ever.
Beautiful story of meeting Max, becoming the man in the van with his dog and their adventures together. As soon as I finished I started following Max's FB page.
The book begins with Kerry's upbringing which isn't very nice, then how he starts his life in the lake district meeting his wife and discovering a love for riding the trails when he suddenly has an accident which changes his life for a while. When he could have given up he sees a spaniel, Max who changes his life "fur" ever.
Beautiful story of meeting Max, becoming the man in the van with his dog and their adventures together. As soon as I finished I started following Max's FB page.
May 18, 2020
Loved this book. Perfect description of a Springer and the joy they bring. Truly abs inspirational story
September 12, 2020
A wonderful book about a man's incredible relationship with his dogs. Truly heart warming.
January 25, 2024
Unbelievable story about a man and his dog - and the bond that they share
March 27, 2024
Being a Springer owner myself, I absolutely loved this book…there’s something truly special about this breed!
October 2, 2024
Easy read that shows the connection between and dog
January 15, 2025
Have been following on Facebook for several years now and just lovely to read how it
all started.
all started.
March 16, 2025
Beautiful read
April 21, 2025
Lovely little book about a dog called Max & a man who befriends him at a really difficult time in his life. They eventually become inseparable and form such a great bond together. It is sad to begin with, but becomes a really heartwarming story.
October 2, 2025
This is a book about the happiness and joy spaniels bring. It was never going to not be 5*.
September 19, 2021
Beautiful real life story. well worth a read
August 8, 2023
Having followed max out in the lake district for a long time (since before we got our boy) now I have finally read the book that describes the journey there. It is indeed heartwarming.
January 9, 2025
Such a lovely, heartwarming book about how dogs can make such a positive impact on a persons mental wellbeing. It was a great read and I would recommend to those who love reading true stories about animals :)
December 10, 2025
A quick read for me
A friend encouraged me to read it and I'm glad I did..... A lovely bond between one man and his dogs
A friend encouraged me to read it and I'm glad I did..... A lovely bond between one man and his dogs
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews