Dog Days: A Year with Olive and Mabel

by Andrew Cotter

In Dog Days: A Year with Olive & Mabel, join Andrew Cotter as he takes you behind the scenes and into the pages of his diary to reveal just how extraordinary the year has been, and what really happened after his lockdown superstar Labradors chewed up the internet and found it was quite tasty.

For Olive, Mabel and Andrew, the last year has been like no other. With normal work cancelled or scaled back for so long, it has been a time to take stock and share experiences – both the everyday and the decidedly odd. Here Andrew takes a sharply observed and often hilarious walk through the strangest of days for all of us, reflecting on how precious our time really is, especially the time we have with our dogs.

Beautiful, comical, endlessly optimistic and eternally hungry Olive, Mabel (and Andrew) have padded around from the Cheltenham Literary Festival to 60 Minutes Australia, from their living room studio with ABC News Breakfast to an appearance on Good Morning America, and from obscurity to excited whispers of “Is that really Olive & Mabel?” wherever they go. Not to mention the lucrative merchandise and advertising deals that were turned down by the dozen, and the odd phone call from Hollywood.

Through it all, Olive and Mabel have always done exactly what they do best, being themselves and being there for Andrew – and for all of us who have loved watching their brilliant videos and following their progress online. If you’re a fan of Olive, Mabel and Andrew, this funny, touching and extraordinary account of a year like no other is an unmissable treat.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Dogs, Animals, Humor

259 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2021

About the author

Andrew Cotter is one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting. Cotter is one of the leading commentators on the BBC’s golf, rugby, tennis and athletics coverage.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the pandemic hit broadly in 2020, the average person stopped going to movie theatres and stores and pubs because of ordered closures. They turned to the internet which resulted in certain social influencers building large viewing audiences. One account which became popular, even though it wasn’t from a social media darling, was the Twitter and YouTube accounts of Andrew Cotter, a British broadcaster better known for his sports commentary on rugby and tennis. With his job on hold, he started to record his two Labrador dogs, Olive and Mabel, thinking it would be a chance to have something for posterity. Instead, the antics of the two doggies became better known for their Game of Bones, Cotter’s play-by-play broadcast of their dinner run, and my favorite, a dog perfume video (“dead seagull”). This book is Cotter’s diary of the year where mankind adjusted to lack of overall leadership and to two very good dogs.

Floods and earthquakes might come, war could rage around us, and a Labrador will still be fully focused on a person who once gifted them half an ounce of cured meat.

Olive is the older black Lab, while Mabel is the younger tan Lab. Olive lives for food, Mabel lives for play. Together, they are a comedy act and could probably have their sitcom. Owner Cotter is a dry wit, never far from using such basics as a morning walk to enforce lessons (yes, I know the walk is being cut short but maybe you’ll think twice before dancing with cows again). Instead of a boring diary, his days are full of thoughts about the world and whether he is being a good enough dog guardian. He has three rules for ensuring a family pet is being taken care of properly:

1. Are the pets warm and comfortable?
2. Are the pets properly fed?
3. Are the pets safe?

I think that’s a good structure to follow. He also admits to being tempted by corporations trying to get him to promote their products, which is what ruins most social media accounts. But Cotter decides it’s not worth losing one’s integrity, knowing that when the virus outbreak is done, he and the dogs will no longer be front and center for the stay-at-homes.

We are so frequently told we can live the ideal life and have anything and everything we want, that when things fall far short of this ideal we struggle to accept it.

Turning the pages of this book was so much fun, I really didn’t want to end the great read. If I wasn’t flat-out laughing at not only the dogs but also at the author’s own misadventures, I was sitting back and thinking about I could be a better guardian of my own pets, scoundrels though they are. One doesn’t need to love animals or to even have a dog to enjoy this little gem. I still follow the two dogs, though Olive is probably nearing her end soon. But they’ll always be there for the future to admire.

Book Season = Year Round (tiptoe gently on brittle ground)

[Rosy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I am the sad person waiting for a minute past midnight for the kindle version of this to be released but I did have some trepidation as surely after such a brilliant first book, this second one wouldn’t live up to my ultra-high hopes.

Thankfully the writing style, dry humour and canine observations are just as brilliant as the first better. Bring on book 3 please Mr Cotter.

[Laura Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting, warm, lighthearted...just what the doctor ordered!

[Tina Culbertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second book about the adorable labs Olive and Mabel in a diary type accounting told by Andrew Cotter.  I will admit to loving his first book Olive, Mabel and Me more but if you like following this trio, you'll be amused by this accounting of post Covid activities and appearances. Amazing how popular these canines are and the following they have on social media. 

The first book had lots of background on the dogs, Cotter's experiences with mountain climbing and the lockdown from Covid.  Also photos which were great.   This second book does not compare. If you can get Dog Days from the library or on a good sale it would be worth it.  If you have an interest in Olive and Mabel then grab this one pictured below. Rounded up to 3 stars.

This is a nonfiction I could place under the memoirs category but I will add it to my Grazing Category.  I've some other books in mind for memoirs for the 2026 Nonfiction Reading Challenge.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another helping of Olive and Mabel with (as the man himself puts it) their assistant, sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter. This one is written in diary form between October 2020 and September 2021. In it, Andrew talks a lot about the stars of the book, his beloved Labradors (or Labradogs, as my daughter used to call them when she was small!) whilst he reflects on this period of the Coronavirus disease that swept across the world and kept people shut indoors, or at arm's length outside! Told with his usual quiet humour I enjoyed it, but it didn't perhaps quite have the same charm as Olive, Mabel and Me. I
adore their antics on video, and I hope they continue for as long as Andrew and, more importantly the girls, enjoy doing them. Thanks for the laughs so far.

[Maisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

light easy read sprinkled with quiet humour.

As a Labrador lover and owner, I enjoyed reading about Mabel and Olive and I liked the diary format. Unfortunately (or fortunately), this book definitely made me wanna get a second lab.

Will most likely read his earlier book too for more Olive and Mabel content.

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lived up to expectations after the first book, Olive, Mabel and Me. Another warm and funny book, which I would highly recommend getting in the audiobook format to hear it read in the author's voice, and get the full benefit of his dry humour and writing/commentating style.

This is in the style of a diary, and is focused less on the dogs and more on the owner's experience of the year. It treads a balanced line between the different interests of people who follow Andrew Cotter - sports broadcasting and dogs.

[Kathy I · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Olive and Mabel. It wasn't a literary masterpiece. It was just enjoyable. So I was expecting something similar with this book. It wasn't that. Andrew Cotter is a very deep thinker. An introvert and it really comes through in this diary. I guess it was less about Olive and Mabel and more about Andrew's experience through lockdown (with Olive and Mabel). After living through the last 2 years, I didn't really need to read about someone else's experience of lockdown too.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a year in the life of Andrew Cotter, a sports writer who's life changed with the Covid epidemic. His two dog, Mabel and Olive became stars on the internet while the three of them were stuck at home. Beautiful, comical, endlessly optimistic and eternally hungry Olive, Mabel (and Andrew) have padded around from the Cheltenham Literary Festival to 60 Minutes Australia, from their living room studio with ABC News Breakfast to an appearance on Good Morning America, and from obscurity to excited whispers of “Is that really Olive & Mabel?” wherever they go. Not to mention the lucrative merchandise and advertising deals that were turned down by the dozen, and the odd phone call from Hollywood.
Through it all, Olive and Mabel have always done exactly what they do best, being themselves and being there for Andrew – and for all of us who have loved watching their brilliant videos and following their progress online. If you’re a fan of Olive, Mabel and Andrew, this funny, touching and extraordinary account of a year like no other is an unmissable treat. Any one who loves dog will enjoy this book. Each chapter is a stand alone story.

[Vicki Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to dip in and out of; Andrew's style of writing is great - quick witted & from the heart. It's a diary from 2020-2021 detailing the adventures of his beloved labs Olive & Mabel when the world was still very topsy-turvy & although it isn't that long ago, it feels like it especially now we seem to be out of the pandemic & back to real life! I found it humorous that Olive and Mabel were the main topic of conversation when Andrew encountered people & I could relate to some of the days when travel was restricted & it felt that there was no light at the end of the Covid tunnel

I've always loved dogs & my husband got me this book for Christmas - 2 months after our family dog had to be put to sleep. Andrew's love for his dogs & the brilliant videos on social media demonstrated to us as a family that having a dog completed us and in April this year, we welcomed Daisy, our fantastic Cairn Terrier who is just as mischievous & fun loving as our previous companion. So thank you Andrew for making us realise that dogs really do make a family! 😀

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that Andrew Cotter has written about his life with Olive and Mabel and it is just as entertaining as the first. I enjoyed the diary style of it as the year progresses and how things swing back and forth regarding covid and how we all deal with that. He also gives some idea of the amount of work that goes into the videos that he has done of Olive and Mabel, and just to give strangers a bit of joy in challenging times. In this book he somehow manages to fit that in along with his “other job” of doing sports commentary for the BBC. However, in this book there is also much reflection on our lives and how we need to reassess what we are doing. Again, Andrew Cotter has provided some well-chosen trivia to highlight and lighten his book, without getting too sidetracked. The epilogue where he hints at slowing down the videos is a reflection of his genuine love for Olive and Mabel, as is his reluctance to commodify or commercialise Olive and Mabel. You won’t find any Olive and Mabel merchandise on the internet.

[Reggie Billingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five stars is from a thankful reader who enjoyed the insights and doggie tales. Cotter succeeds in his initial goal to "SamPepys" his own Covid months while still clearly demonstrating how our canine companions entirely live in the now and so should we perhaps: a wise strategy that sidesteps the too-much-angst in our lives overall.
And why not? I was re-reading this on a plane trip...sadly left it behind on said plane...but was able to order a fresh copy via a friend's Amazon account and remain calm. I adopted a 'let them as finds it, enjoy it' attitude over the misplaced one and was glad I had purchased it originally from an independent bookstore.
While uncomfortable with the Amz. purchase, it at least meant another sale for Cotter in some form or other. And so it should be. A comforting book with lots of quiet wisdom.

[Nickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as in the charmingly droll videos of Olive and Mabel, Andrew Cotter once again diverts and entertains us whilst philosophizing about dogs. He uses his experiences over a year's time with his two, during the second year of the Pandemic.

The book is done in diary style and details his further adventures with his two dogs, as they have continued to delight their audience and now are quite famous worldwide. Throughout, he shows his love and concern that his two beloved dogs should ultimately remain just as they are. Dogs being dogs, despite their celebrity and dogs' principal purpose in our lives with them, to quietly remind us of what is truly important in life, comfort, stability and love. And of course, food.

[Zoe Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treasured signed copy after an in person reading event with Andrew Cotter and of course Ilive and Mabel. Light hearted and reflective I enjoyed AC’s humour and his reflections on his year with dogs. Strange times and sport and all.
He comes across as a decent bloke and whilst admitting he isn’t so social I’d go on a dog walk with him and those dogs for sure. I’d go for his wit.
His dedication in my book when I asked for it to be to my friends Spaniel - off the cuff he wrote “To Ted - calm down”!! Love it!!!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Cotter does it again. This sequel to his fist book Olive, Mabel, and Me takes us through a year of a pandemic with Cotter and his two Labrador retrievers as they inadvertently take the internet by storm. Cotter’s gifted writing style is clever and engaging, making it a most enjoyable place to spend time in the pages of the book. I would read again and again.

I recommend the audiobook which is read by the author. His Scottish brogue and adept storytelling abilities shine in this format.

[Alex Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive, Mabel and Andrew, like for many others, were high points during the pandemic days. As dog lovers we immediately twigged with their world. Andrew is much more than the simple commentator to the dog's videos - he artfully articulates many a dog owner's thoughts on living with dogs, their simplicity and depth of thought, their needs and desires, their generosity of spirit. Yes it certainly helps if you know or have seen the youtube videos, but this diary will speak to anyone who has loved dogs and Cotter is 100% my spokesman for my thoughts.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year when I read the first Olive and Mabel, I did so with my beautiful labrador at my feet. This year when I read dog days it was bitter sweet as we lost her to cancer during the year. BUT reading this next installment was a pure delight.. Had me constantly laughing and just a few tears at the end when reflecting on how much our little doggo friends add to our life..Looking forward to getting our new furry mate this year and creating similar crazy dog adventures

[Julie Doel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Cotter has such a lovely style of writing and this book is a joy to read. I have been rather unwell this year and his books and videos have really lifted my spirits. He invites us to see the world as his dogs do: “Simply to be kind and happy and to look upon others in a positive light. To not care what your status or relevance might be and to enjoy the smaller things and the simple pleasures of life.” (p269). Very sound advice in my opinion. We can learn a lot from dogs.

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book! It's not line by line about Olive and Mabel but about Andrew's life during the pandemic, going back to work etc which we can all relate to. Although the parts of the book that included Olive and Mabel had me smiling or outright laughing. One thing for sure, Andrew loves his dogs and they love him.

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!
If you need a feel good book (and who doesn't?) Then treat yourself. It is glorious, funny (hilarious in points) and very true/real and relatable. I just loved it, and I love the way he loves these wonderfully normal, shit munching, delightfully dim but always enthusiastic canines. It's so British, so ordinary, but so clever in its observations.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! Andrew Cotter carefully crafts his stories to showcase his understanding of dogs and humans, and injects it all with his wonderful sense of humor. Well done (as he might say to his canine companions).

It should go without saying, but listening to Cotter read the book is preferred.

[JLS10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a knack for turning the ordinary into a comical story time and time again. He created videos of his two labs during the pandemic and they went viral. This book talk a lot about that year of the pandemic and what he, Olive and Mabel were up to during lockdown.
Having dogs myself, I laughed out loud at a few points as I could sooo relate to his story.

[E-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and gentle, with wry humour and occasional moments of insight. Not a World-shaker, but it gives you a warm glow, gets you to think a bit, and acknowledges really weird times and the different ways (positive and negative) that they affected people everywhere. A good match to the cheering, nonsensical, lockdown-time videos that took Andrew, Olive and Mabel to fame in the first place.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy holiday read: a record of Andrew’s year with his dogs, Olive and Mabel, as England finds its way out of covid restrictions and moves towards normality. Go for the dogs; stay for the writing style and warm feels.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book, especially for a refreshing reset in the age of COVID. A modern Journal of The Plague Year, with two completely grounded and lovable dogs. Many laugh out loud moments and gentle insights into the way we live now.

Just read it and you’ll know why you had to.

[Sam Kimura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this book to end. I listened on audiobook and Andrew Cotter is not only a lovely narrator, he is witty and has great comedic timing, even as he reads. I love watching Olive and Mabel on his Instagram page, and this book didn't disappoint.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I love those dogs. But Andrew Cotter has earned a place in my heart for his witty observations and humble, loving appreciation for what dogs mean to humans. “To not care what your status or relevance might be and to enjoy the smaller things and the simple pleasures of life.”

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes. This was incredibly boring. I could barely get through the first 20 pages.
I love Andrew's live video commentary, but his writing emulates his gentle way of speaking, and it just doesn't make for good reading.

[Siobhan Moriarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. A light easy read. At times it was a little boring but there was lots of humour in it also. I love Olive and Mabel! I didn't enjoy reliving the horrors of the pandemic and the Lockdowns so much...