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James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories
This enchanting program collects some of the Yorkshire vet's favorite stories about one of his favorite animals, each tale as memorable and heartwarming as the last. Christopher Timothy, the star of television's All Creatures Great and Small, and acknowledged "voice" of Dr. Herriot, lovingly narrates this new collection of the good doctor's canine encounters.
Here are tales of golden retrievers and sheepdogs, beagles and dachshunds, purebreds and crossbreeds, and just plain mutts - and, of course, Tricki Woo, Mrs. Pumphrey's memorable Pekinese. Each tale is suffused with the humor, wisdom and humanity of one of the greatest storytellers of our time: James Herriot.
3 hours 1 minute
Narrated
Here are tales of golden retrievers and sheepdogs, beagles and dachshunds, purebreds and crossbreeds, and just plain mutts - and, of course, Tricki Woo, Mrs. Pumphrey's memorable Pekinese. Each tale is suffused with the humor, wisdom and humanity of one of the greatest storytellers of our time: James Herriot.
3 hours 1 minute
Narrated
Audiobook
First published January 1, 1986
36 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
269 books3,407 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
January 26, 2025
4 stars
shortish review for busy readers: England's most famous and beloved vet relates tales of his most noteworthy canine patients in 1950-60s rural Yorkshire.
Some are general reminiscences of remarkable dogs -- and their often eccentric owners. Others are dramatic tales of accident, illness and neglect, some even with full traditional plot structure.
But every story, no matter how harrowing, has a happy ending and is uplifting with a reassuring, simple charm to it that doesn't go into saccharine or sentimentality.
Herriot himself was not perfect and admits to many of his own personal and medicinal shortcomings, as well as behaviour we might not approve of today (re: taking knowing advantage of the generosity of clients...generally in the form of expensive food and drink.)
If you need something soothing as relaxing as a cup of tea in front of a warming hearth featuring some real canine charmers, this is the book for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
shortish review for busy readers: England's most famous and beloved vet relates tales of his most noteworthy canine patients in 1950-60s rural Yorkshire.
Some are general reminiscences of remarkable dogs -- and their often eccentric owners. Others are dramatic tales of accident, illness and neglect, some even with full traditional plot structure.
But every story, no matter how harrowing, has a happy ending and is uplifting with a reassuring, simple charm to it that doesn't go into saccharine or sentimentality.
Herriot himself was not perfect and admits to many of his own personal and medicinal shortcomings, as well as behaviour we might not approve of today (re: taking knowing advantage of the generosity of clients...generally in the form of expensive food and drink.)
If you need something soothing as relaxing as a cup of tea in front of a warming hearth featuring some real canine charmers, this is the book for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 19, 2024
I am a big animal lover, especially love dogs !!! Some of these stories were heartbreaking but one of my most memorable books. I have read James Herriot books since I was about 15, moving onto audiobook because I adore Christopher Timothy as narrator. Don’t miss out if you love dogs and read all his beautiful books.
I laugh out loud many times like when he has to eat a meal with a farmer’s family and the wife is gazing admiringly at her plate of disgusting fatty meat and he loathes fat, and Tristán, his boss’s brother and all the troubles he gets into. Also the night he took Helen out on a first date and his out-of-date suit getting wet and looking so ridiculous, the little Pekingese Trickie Woo and his owner who over feeds him, so many funny stories.
I also have cried tears over so many stories like when the little boy who would torment James got himself a puppy and the little pup developed a sickness that could not be cured, the old man that had to have his beloved dog put to sleep, the horse who was so sick he was crying in pain from a twisted bowel, those stories broke my heart.
Wonderful wonderful book.
This review is a little misleading because of my memory these days! James Herriot had written many books and I can’t remember which stories are in each book. Just know that this one Dog Stories is one of his best. I adore dogs and don’t think I could live without one now and for the rest of my life. They love unconditionally and are such wonderful companions to us all. I have had many dogs in my life and most have been rescue dogs because all dogs deserve another chance. My westie is so special to me, he came from an Amish puppy mill and needed time to realize he could be happy and safe for the rest of his life. Now he is my loving friend.
I laugh out loud many times like when he has to eat a meal with a farmer’s family and the wife is gazing admiringly at her plate of disgusting fatty meat and he loathes fat, and Tristán, his boss’s brother and all the troubles he gets into. Also the night he took Helen out on a first date and his out-of-date suit getting wet and looking so ridiculous, the little Pekingese Trickie Woo and his owner who over feeds him, so many funny stories.
I also have cried tears over so many stories like when the little boy who would torment James got himself a puppy and the little pup developed a sickness that could not be cured, the old man that had to have his beloved dog put to sleep, the horse who was so sick he was crying in pain from a twisted bowel, those stories broke my heart.
Wonderful wonderful book.
This review is a little misleading because of my memory these days! James Herriot had written many books and I can’t remember which stories are in each book. Just know that this one Dog Stories is one of his best. I adore dogs and don’t think I could live without one now and for the rest of my life. They love unconditionally and are such wonderful companions to us all. I have had many dogs in my life and most have been rescue dogs because all dogs deserve another chance. My westie is so special to me, he came from an Amish puppy mill and needed time to realize he could be happy and safe for the rest of his life. Now he is my loving friend.
December 8, 2017
I have a stack of very long books to read. They seem a bit overwhelming for me to start at this time of year. Therefore, I turned to some of my favorite short stories that have always helped me unwind and they leave me feeling good.
This book is a collection of stories about dogs. The dogs range from Border Collie farm dogs to spoiled Pekingese. This is a memoir so we have Herriot’s personal viewpoint of this large animal veterinary practice that has small animal care. Herriot states he enjoys the small animals the most but in his day the large farm animals were what his training emphasized and was his main income. I always enjoy Herriot’s delightful stories.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is three hours. Christopher Timothy does a good job narrating the book. Timothy is a Welsh actor and played Herriot in the BBC production of “All Things Great and Small”. He is an award-winning audiobook narrator
This book is a collection of stories about dogs. The dogs range from Border Collie farm dogs to spoiled Pekingese. This is a memoir so we have Herriot’s personal viewpoint of this large animal veterinary practice that has small animal care. Herriot states he enjoys the small animals the most but in his day the large farm animals were what his training emphasized and was his main income. I always enjoy Herriot’s delightful stories.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is three hours. Christopher Timothy does a good job narrating the book. Timothy is a Welsh actor and played Herriot in the BBC production of “All Things Great and Small”. He is an award-winning audiobook narrator
May 10, 2020
I needed a good cozy read during this pandemic, and what could be better than James Herriot? If you’ve read his other books, you’ll notice that these stories are not new. They’re a collection of his ten favorite dog stories from his other books. It was enjoyable to read them again. The watercolor illustrations are delightful. This is a lovely little book. I will forever have a soft spot in my heart for all things Herriot.
My favorite quote, about dealing with the death of a dog:
“I have always advised people to get a replacement as soon as possible after their dog has died: a new and endearing pup helps enormously to fill the gaping void one always experiences after a much-loved dog has gone.”
My favorite quote, about dealing with the death of a dog:
“I have always advised people to get a replacement as soon as possible after their dog has died: a new and endearing pup helps enormously to fill the gaping void one always experiences after a much-loved dog has gone.”
May 5, 2020
Some people, not all, but some find their shelf in life, that place where they can use their interests, passion for work, and actually like what they do. I think James Herriot really found that place. In fact he found two shelves where he was very good. He was a vet, and he wrote about animals with such compassion, and affection that it is clear that he liked them and what he did.
It is the same thing with his writing. He was able to convey this passion for animals, and dogs in particular, in such an entertaining way that I always like reading him. I mean, it is one thing to have knowledge, and it is quite another to be able to convey it to a reader in a good way. He has both.
This book is a lovely collection of stories that are about his dogs, and dogs he had some dealings with in his job. And of course the people that owned them. Some of them are eccentric, others not so much, but he has the same compassion for the owners as he does for the animals, and doesn't laugh at people, but with them.
I liked this book. Perhaps it is sometimes a little sentimental, but okay, that is alright, at least from my perspective. I just enjoyed reading this.
It is the same thing with his writing. He was able to convey this passion for animals, and dogs in particular, in such an entertaining way that I always like reading him. I mean, it is one thing to have knowledge, and it is quite another to be able to convey it to a reader in a good way. He has both.
This book is a lovely collection of stories that are about his dogs, and dogs he had some dealings with in his job. And of course the people that owned them. Some of them are eccentric, others not so much, but he has the same compassion for the owners as he does for the animals, and doesn't laugh at people, but with them.
I liked this book. Perhaps it is sometimes a little sentimental, but okay, that is alright, at least from my perspective. I just enjoyed reading this.
October 15, 2017
Šī gan bija grāmatas pārlasīšana: Heirots ir tik labs stāstnieks, ka ik pa laikam gribās atgriezties viņa atmiņās. Stāsti, kas silda sirdi, sasmīdina un - ko tur liegtie - arī var saraudināt (jo ir kā atgādinājums, kāpēc es nekad nevarētu būt vetārsts: es tiktu galā ar asinīm, ar dažādiem ķermeņa šķidrumiem, ar iekšām utt., bet es varētu ārstēt tikai tad, ja galā suņi dzīvotu tikpat ilgi kā viņu saimnieki).
March 13, 2025
I've Read some of Herriot's books of his life as a vet in the Yorkshire sales many times. They still make me laugh out loud. Can't recommend this author enough.
July 28, 2020
I had read his books years ago, but this was a great feel good audio from Hoopla, narrated by Christopher Timothy, who was in the TV series.
April 15, 2019
This is a beautiful collection of dog tales by James Herriot. I have read other stories written by James Herriot and they have all been enjoyable as was this book. As a vet, James comes across varies dog breeds all of whom have different troubles that need attending to. And who better to attend to them is James Herriot a man whose passion is to care for all creatures great and small.
A very enjoyable and quick read. Recommended.
A very enjoyable and quick read. Recommended.
November 24, 2023
4.5 สนุกดี เล่มนี้เป็น non-fic นะ แต่อ่านเพลินมาก ๆ คุณหมอเขียนเก่ง คนรักสัตว์โดยเฉพาะ dog lover ไม่ควรพลาดเลย รวมเรื่องหมา ๆ เรียกรอยยิ้ม เสียงหัวเราะ และน้ำตา ครบรสจบในเล่มเดียวจ้า 🐕💖
December 4, 2018
Hay historias para todos los gustos: tristes y divertidas. Un libro entrañable.
May 31, 2021
This is honorary Mortshire: it's set in Yorkshire in a timeless sort of era. There are virtually no clues to tell 1939 from 1979, or hell, 1919 probably.
Way back in March I was grabbing books off the library shelves, looking for a broad variety, because others at home were possibly going to look at them too. Dogs seemed like a good idea. When I got it home the Spouse said he had a copy, but I still haven't seen it.
It was a good choice. If I could find more Herriot's in the house, I would happily read them all right now. As it is I'm thinking about re-reading the essays of Robert Fulghum, which fall into that same region of faintly cheering, inoffensive and appropriate to any age, not sappy essays.
And of course I remember reading all of these before, but that's never a problem with pleasure-reading.
Library copy
Way back in March I was grabbing books off the library shelves, looking for a broad variety, because others at home were possibly going to look at them too. Dogs seemed like a good idea. When I got it home the Spouse said he had a copy, but I still haven't seen it.
It was a good choice. If I could find more Herriot's in the house, I would happily read them all right now. As it is I'm thinking about re-reading the essays of Robert Fulghum, which fall into that same region of faintly cheering, inoffensive and appropriate to any age, not sappy essays.
And of course I remember reading all of these before, but that's never a problem with pleasure-reading.
Library copy
June 5, 2022
อ่านรอบที่ร้อย
เจมส์มีพรสวรรค์ในการถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวต่างๆเป็นภาษาง่ายๆได้อย่างอารมณ์ดี
คนเขียนเป็นคนที่มองโลกในแง่ดีอย่างแท้จริง… ทุกครั้งที่อ่านจะความรู้สึกเหมือนได้นั่งฟังคนแก่ใจดีเล่าเรื่องราวสนุกๆตลกๆให้ฟัง
เรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับหมาและความใสซื่อของคนสมัยก่อนทำให้เราอ่านไปอมยิ้มไปตลอดเล่มเลยจริงๆ
เจมส์มีพรสวรรค์ในการถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวต่างๆเป็นภาษาง่ายๆได้อย่างอารมณ์ดี
คนเขียนเป็นคนที่มองโลกในแง่ดีอย่างแท้จริง… ทุกครั้งที่อ่านจะความรู้สึกเหมือนได้นั่งฟังคนแก่ใจดีเล่าเรื่องราวสนุกๆตลกๆให้ฟัง
เรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับหมาและความใสซื่อของคนสมัยก่อนทำให้เราอ่านไปอมยิ้มไปตลอดเล่มเลยจริงๆ
April 7, 2023
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a James Herriot book and it was good to revisit him! I loved all the stories in this book about the animals and the people as well as the illustrations.
May 9, 2019
Owen: I LOVE IT! My favorite dog was Tricky Woo. I just liked the story—the storIES—of Tricky Woo. I think it would be weird to be a vet. I don’t want to remove body parts!
Mom: Owen was gifted this book from one of his great-grandmas. It’s a compilation of dog stories from the Yorkshire veterinary practice of James Herriot. The stories are all heartwarming, making this book a nice, cozy read for an animal lover.
Mom: Owen was gifted this book from one of his great-grandmas. It’s a compilation of dog stories from the Yorkshire veterinary practice of James Herriot. The stories are all heartwarming, making this book a nice, cozy read for an animal lover.
December 6, 2014
Back in the 70s my mom and I read All Creatures Great and Small together, the first book in James Herriot's warm and funny series about the life of a country vet in Yorkshire. We loved that one so much that we continued on with the next three books All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, and The Lord God Made Them All in the series also. We both got such a kick out of them. Some of the stories were funny, some were sad, others completely entertaining. The one thing they all had in common was that they were written by a masterful storyteller. Reading this small book of the author's favorite dog stories brought back many happy memories of time spent with my mom reading those stories and sharing something together that we loved. I wish she could have been here with me to read these stories again. She would have loved that, and I would have too.
August 15, 2011
Teniendo dos perros y una creciente afición de leer a James Herriot, no pude más que hacer de "Historias de Perros" mi segundo libro de este autor.
Simplemente me encantó.
Agustín se reía de mí, cuando de repente a sus espaldas yo gritaba la raza de un perro del que no había escuchado y le decía "¡Mira! Este es un XXXX". Google fue la delicia para mí. Yo quería ver cada uno de los perros de los que me hablaba.
Habían razas conocidas, otras no tanto... y una que google no me supo encontrar. Sin embargo yo a todos los imaginaba hermosos. Me encantaron todas las historias, desde los grandes y sordos logros los cuales sólo presencia el dueño del perro, hasta los dolorosos fracasos.
En cada caminata le iba contando a Agustín la historia del perro en la que me había quedado y todas ellas fueron fantásticas.
Voy por otro libro de James Herriot.
Simplemente me encantó.
Agustín se reía de mí, cuando de repente a sus espaldas yo gritaba la raza de un perro del que no había escuchado y le decía "¡Mira! Este es un XXXX". Google fue la delicia para mí. Yo quería ver cada uno de los perros de los que me hablaba.
Habían razas conocidas, otras no tanto... y una que google no me supo encontrar. Sin embargo yo a todos los imaginaba hermosos. Me encantaron todas las historias, desde los grandes y sordos logros los cuales sólo presencia el dueño del perro, hasta los dolorosos fracasos.
En cada caminata le iba contando a Agustín la historia del perro en la que me había quedado y todas ellas fueron fantásticas.
Voy por otro libro de James Herriot.
September 12, 2019
Perfect for sleepless nights when your mind is troubled, perfect for cozying up by a fire with a cup of tea, this collection of James Herriot's stories of his favorite canine patients is a wonderful read! His introduction sharing recollections of the dogs he loved in the past and his present companion brought a slight tear to my eye remembering my beloved companion of years past. He tells the story of how he longed to become a dog doctor but at the time (1930s) and in that place (rural Yorkshire) animals were classified by importance and that put farm animals ahead of pets. Luckily for Mr. Herriot, his boss/business partner loved horses more than anything and let Mr. Herriot handle the dog patients. It's a great thing that happened because then Mr. Herriot could tell us about it in his gentle way.
The 10 stories in this collection are varied. The dogs range from pampered pets to working dogs. Some of the stories are more about the people associated with the dogs and less about the dogs themselves. The "character" I like best is Tricki Woo, a spoiled Pekingese with a wealthy, widowed Mama who loves him like a child. Tricki Woo does everything from fetching rings, writing letters betting on races and popularizing Chinese food! He seems to have been one of Mr. Herriot's favorites or at least Mr. Herriot enjoyed Tricki Woo's eccentric "mother's" stories about him. I laughed a lot and think Tricki Woo would be a social media star today. His mother would like that. She wouldn't be quite so eccentric today but still looked at as a bit crazy. MY terrier had e-mail pen-pals and a cyber sweetheart but she never got involved in sports betting. I better not tell my dad or he'll want to reincarnate Tricki Woo!
Prince and the Card Above the Bed is more about the human. This is a sad story. I didn't like reading about elderly, sick animals and their bedridden humor. There IS a happy ending though so stick with it before you move in. Gyp about a sheep dog that can't do his job is actually a cute story. I loved reading about the two littermates frolicking together. Like Mr. Herriot, I was surprised at the farmer's reaction and found is charming. Roy is another story tinged with sadness and warning! animal abuse alert. Hermann made me a bit nervous because the dog's condition might be more treatable today, Mr. Herriot even mentions treatment that was available at the time of writing that hadn't been available back in the day. Brandy is basically the same thing with a backstory that makes Brandy one of the most lovable dogs in the collection.
Not all the stories are memorable and I really don't like seeing animals sick and hurt but this collection is less gory than the stories about farm animals. The watercolor illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and show a love of the dogs and of Yorkshire. I HIGHLY recommend this edition if you can get it.
I am looking forward to seeing the new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small when it airs on TV next year. I hope Tricki Woo is included. I strongly believe he will appeal the most to a modern audience used to treating our dogs like family.
The 10 stories in this collection are varied. The dogs range from pampered pets to working dogs. Some of the stories are more about the people associated with the dogs and less about the dogs themselves. The "character" I like best is Tricki Woo, a spoiled Pekingese with a wealthy, widowed Mama who loves him like a child. Tricki Woo does everything from fetching rings, writing letters betting on races and popularizing Chinese food! He seems to have been one of Mr. Herriot's favorites or at least Mr. Herriot enjoyed Tricki Woo's eccentric "mother's" stories about him. I laughed a lot and think Tricki Woo would be a social media star today. His mother would like that. She wouldn't be quite so eccentric today but still looked at as a bit crazy. MY terrier had e-mail pen-pals and a cyber sweetheart but she never got involved in sports betting. I better not tell my dad or he'll want to reincarnate Tricki Woo!
Prince and the Card Above the Bed is more about the human. This is a sad story. I didn't like reading about elderly, sick animals and their bedridden humor. There IS a happy ending though so stick with it before you move in. Gyp about a sheep dog that can't do his job is actually a cute story. I loved reading about the two littermates frolicking together. Like Mr. Herriot, I was surprised at the farmer's reaction and found is charming. Roy is another story tinged with sadness and warning! animal abuse alert. Hermann made me a bit nervous because the dog's condition might be more treatable today, Mr. Herriot even mentions treatment that was available at the time of writing that hadn't been available back in the day. Brandy is basically the same thing with a backstory that makes Brandy one of the most lovable dogs in the collection.
Not all the stories are memorable and I really don't like seeing animals sick and hurt but this collection is less gory than the stories about farm animals. The watercolor illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and show a love of the dogs and of Yorkshire. I HIGHLY recommend this edition if you can get it.
I am looking forward to seeing the new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small when it airs on TV next year. I hope Tricki Woo is included. I strongly believe he will appeal the most to a modern audience used to treating our dogs like family.
January 4, 2019
Wonderful! Will re-read many times!
October 7, 2011
It was cute and I recommend it to all animal lovers. This books has been sitting on my bookcase since I was 7 years old when it got given to me as a Christmas present from my uncle and it took me 14 years to read it and I read it mostly in one shot. Definately a 5 star read for me. It would be a good book to read to kids as well.
This book was my introduction to James Herriot and usually I don't enjoy books that are broken up into different stories but I found this one to be most enjoyable.
James Herriot, a Yorkshire country veterinarian offers up some rather funny, and cute heartwarming stories that are based loosely based on his animal patients and their comical owners. Each story was beautifully illustrated and made the book that much more special.
Maybe I liked this book because I'm an animal lover at heart and others may not think that this book deserves a 5 star rating but the ratings are up to the person doing the rating.
I will definately be reading more by this author. This is one book that I shall always be keeping with me and I plan on reading it to my children one day.
This book was my introduction to James Herriot and usually I don't enjoy books that are broken up into different stories but I found this one to be most enjoyable.
James Herriot, a Yorkshire country veterinarian offers up some rather funny, and cute heartwarming stories that are based loosely based on his animal patients and their comical owners. Each story was beautifully illustrated and made the book that much more special.
Maybe I liked this book because I'm an animal lover at heart and others may not think that this book deserves a 5 star rating but the ratings are up to the person doing the rating.
I will definately be reading more by this author. This is one book that I shall always be keeping with me and I plan on reading it to my children one day.
November 24, 2014
A nice mix of happy and sad stories, supposedly Herriot's favorites, from his work with dogs. I read it aloud to my kids, and had to pick and choose a bit, as the sad stories were too upsetting for them (they still grieve over the loss of our little Maltese, and so do I). But this slim little edition is beautifully illustrated with watercolors, and would be a lovely gift for a dog loving friend!
January 7, 2019
Lovely drawings!
July 2, 2020
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December 21, 2018
I love James Herriot. His writing puts you right there with him. You can picture the animals he's working with and the scenes in which he's working.
All of the stories are good, but I think, in this particular collection, my favorite was a golden retriever named Roy, spending the first year of his life in a dark shed with barely any food and dirty water. James Herriot manages to get him into the hands of another woman in town, who needed a new purpose in life herself, and in doing so, Roy was given a new lease on life. Then there are the three stories about Tricki Woo. I've read about this dog before, and he had the type of owner you wanted to slap silly. Owners like her coined the phrase "killing with kindness," because that's exactly what she was doing, overfeeding and spoiling him to the point that he was barely able to function, no matter what Herriot told her.
These are the stories every vet faces every day, and James Herriot brings them alive so you can share in his trials and triumphs.
All of the stories are good, but I think, in this particular collection, my favorite was a golden retriever named Roy, spending the first year of his life in a dark shed with barely any food and dirty water. James Herriot manages to get him into the hands of another woman in town, who needed a new purpose in life herself, and in doing so, Roy was given a new lease on life. Then there are the three stories about Tricki Woo. I've read about this dog before, and he had the type of owner you wanted to slap silly. Owners like her coined the phrase "killing with kindness," because that's exactly what she was doing, overfeeding and spoiling him to the point that he was barely able to function, no matter what Herriot told her.
These are the stories every vet faces every day, and James Herriot brings them alive so you can share in his trials and triumphs.
November 21, 2021
When James Herriot became a Vet he preferred working on Dogs. He worked on large animals as well.
The days spent on getting dogs well was very rewarding. He would make house calls, and the dogs were really glad to see him.
There was Tricki Woo a Pekingese, who owner always set out large glass of Sherry for the Vet.
Brandy, a large dog that always rut around in the garbage bins and got his muzzel stuck in the empty can.
There was Jock, his own dog who would accompany him every where he went in the car. A real companion.
It was a joy to real this book and see all the beautiful water color illustrations.
The days spent on getting dogs well was very rewarding. He would make house calls, and the dogs were really glad to see him.
There was Tricki Woo a Pekingese, who owner always set out large glass of Sherry for the Vet.
Brandy, a large dog that always rut around in the garbage bins and got his muzzel stuck in the empty can.
There was Jock, his own dog who would accompany him every where he went in the car. A real companion.
It was a joy to real this book and see all the beautiful water color illustrations.
January 9, 2025
I am a little ashamed to admit that I have never been able to complete a book by Mr. Herriot before. 🫣 But I loved this book, so I will now be hunting down his other titles!
He writes in such a lovely way. You can see and breathe and know exactly what he's writing about. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories!
He writes in such a lovely way. You can see and breathe and know exactly what he's writing about. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories!
June 15, 2017
I enjoyed the 10 stories that Mr. Herriot put together in this collection. It was interesting to read about the different personalities of the dogs and their owners as the vet made his rounds to help them out. This is a nice book to share with the family.
March 23, 2021
I adored James Herriot's books when I was a child, so this volume was a nice bit of nostalgia. Special connection to the Happy Ending for Herman story about a dachshund's battle with IVDD that reminded me so much of our experience with LuLu.
March 21, 2021
A cute little book about dogs that James Herriot cared for in his Yorkshire, England practice. He boasts little about his veterinary skill but often has a story about a dog recovering spontaneously over time from an illness. Nice light non-fiction.
July 1, 2024
Like a warm hug! Heartwarming, wholesome stories about beloved pet dogs that will bring a smile to anyone who understands the special bond between person and pet.
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