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A Dog Named Slugger
The true life story of a dog who changed everything for one woman.
For the first time in my life, I didn't need to pretend, I didn't need to be tough: I only needed to be honest. "I have cerebral palsy. I walk funny and my balance is bad. I fall a lot. My hands shake, too. That means I'm not so good at carrying things. And if I drop stuff, sometimes it's hard to just bend down and get it." I waited anxiously for the interviewer's response. She smiled. "It sounds like a service dog could be great for you."
So began Leigh Brill's journey toward independence and confidence, all thanks to a trained companion dog named Slugger.
The struggling college student and the Labrador with a "a coat like sunshine" and a tail that never stopped wagging became an instant team. Together, they transformed a challenge into a triumph. Together, they inspired and educated everyone they met. Now, Leigh honors her friend with the story of their life, together.
For the first time in my life, I didn't need to pretend, I didn't need to be tough: I only needed to be honest. "I have cerebral palsy. I walk funny and my balance is bad. I fall a lot. My hands shake, too. That means I'm not so good at carrying things. And if I drop stuff, sometimes it's hard to just bend down and get it." I waited anxiously for the interviewer's response. She smiled. "It sounds like a service dog could be great for you."
So began Leigh Brill's journey toward independence and confidence, all thanks to a trained companion dog named Slugger.
The struggling college student and the Labrador with a "a coat like sunshine" and a tail that never stopped wagging became an instant team. Together, they transformed a challenge into a triumph. Together, they inspired and educated everyone they met. Now, Leigh honors her friend with the story of their life, together.
250 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
September 14, 2010
This short, easy read is a great book for anyone who has ever loved an animal or anyone who has ever gone out into the world feeling different than other people. Doesn't than encompass about all of us?
The author of this memoir/dog book has congenital cerebral palsy. As a child she learned to hide her disability the best that she could but still suffered not only the pain of her disease but also the cruelty of children. Even worse, the cruelty of adults. The way she was treated by people who should have known better during one of her physical therapy sessions really raised my hackles (sorry, couldn't resist).
While in college, the author opens her home and heart to Slugger, a yellow Labrador retriever being trained as a service dog. This book is the story of Slugger, and the differences he made, both to Leigh's life and beyond.
I've read a lot of dogs books and enjoyed many of them. Some try a little too hard to be cute, and some are just maudlin. For me, the writing in this one struck just the right chord. Although there are funny moments, it doesn't set out to be comic. Leigh Brill was very matter-of-fact about what she could and could not do, not a hint of “oh, woe is me.” And while Slugger was a beautifully trained, very remarkable, and loving dog, Leigh never forgot that he was a dog and loved to do doggie things. Including rolling in piles of manure.
Yuuummm, good cheese. Cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese.
I especially enjoyed learning about how some of Leigh's mentally ill clients were able to relate to a dog, someone who didn't judge, who just listened. And how children, open little sponges that they can be, can learn about acceptance and tolerance just as easily as they can be taught meanness.
The book included some wonderful photographs as well as a readers' guide. A couple of my favorite quotes:
...my first service dog team picture would feature me, my gorgeous partner, and a slimy trail of dog spit on my leg.
When the author was working at a Ronald MacDonald House:
Slugger's heart-to-heart message was clear: You are more than pain, more than worry, more than cancer. You are you. And you are good.
Thank you to Tara for telling me about this book.
I was given an e-book copy of this book through netgalley.com, for which I am grateful.
The author of this memoir/dog book has congenital cerebral palsy. As a child she learned to hide her disability the best that she could but still suffered not only the pain of her disease but also the cruelty of children. Even worse, the cruelty of adults. The way she was treated by people who should have known better during one of her physical therapy sessions really raised my hackles (sorry, couldn't resist).
While in college, the author opens her home and heart to Slugger, a yellow Labrador retriever being trained as a service dog. This book is the story of Slugger, and the differences he made, both to Leigh's life and beyond.
I've read a lot of dogs books and enjoyed many of them. Some try a little too hard to be cute, and some are just maudlin. For me, the writing in this one struck just the right chord. Although there are funny moments, it doesn't set out to be comic. Leigh Brill was very matter-of-fact about what she could and could not do, not a hint of “oh, woe is me.” And while Slugger was a beautifully trained, very remarkable, and loving dog, Leigh never forgot that he was a dog and loved to do doggie things. Including rolling in piles of manure.
Yuuummm, good cheese. Cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese.
I especially enjoyed learning about how some of Leigh's mentally ill clients were able to relate to a dog, someone who didn't judge, who just listened. And how children, open little sponges that they can be, can learn about acceptance and tolerance just as easily as they can be taught meanness.
The book included some wonderful photographs as well as a readers' guide. A couple of my favorite quotes:
...my first service dog team picture would feature me, my gorgeous partner, and a slimy trail of dog spit on my leg.
When the author was working at a Ronald MacDonald House:
Slugger's heart-to-heart message was clear: You are more than pain, more than worry, more than cancer. You are you. And you are good.
Thank you to Tara for telling me about this book.
I was given an e-book copy of this book through netgalley.com, for which I am grateful.
January 13, 2011
This was a free kindle download so I thought I'd give it a try. It's a sweet story about a service dog and his owner, a young lady with cerebal palsy. It talked quite a bit about service animals; many of their tasks I was already aware of, but it did make me anxious to get my dog started in volunteer therapy. Slugger really was a shoulder to lean on for the author and many others that crossed her path.
The 3 star rating is two-fold and could probably be argued by some, but it's where I stand.
1. I wish she elaborated more on having CP. I think a little more detail would make the book touching. In particular, specific examples of how Slugger helped with her daily obstacles instead of just "carrying stuff and helping with my balance". I think a reader will come out with more appreciation service animals but I think she also could have given some more information (and therefore, more understanding) on CP.
2. The writing drove me nuts. It seemed very juvenile. When she mentioned that she quit her job to become a writer, I was flabbergasted. Granted, I'm not a writer so I shouldn't critique, but I also am well aware that I'd never be a writer. Well flash-forward 85% through the book, I finally read Amazon reviews then and found out that this is a young adult novel, so that made me feel relieved.
The 3 star rating is two-fold and could probably be argued by some, but it's where I stand.
1. I wish she elaborated more on having CP. I think a little more detail would make the book touching. In particular, specific examples of how Slugger helped with her daily obstacles instead of just "carrying stuff and helping with my balance". I think a reader will come out with more appreciation service animals but I think she also could have given some more information (and therefore, more understanding) on CP.
2. The writing drove me nuts. It seemed very juvenile. When she mentioned that she quit her job to become a writer, I was flabbergasted. Granted, I'm not a writer so I shouldn't critique, but I also am well aware that I'd never be a writer. Well flash-forward 85% through the book, I finally read Amazon reviews then and found out that this is a young adult novel, so that made me feel relieved.
January 20, 2011
Leigh Brill was born with cerebral palsy, and until she was in her twenties, she struggled every day to hide her handicaps as much as possible, to project an image of complete normalcy, and to be “twice as good” in order to be treated like everyone else. Then one day she has a chance meeting with a new classmate—a woman with a service dog trained to provide mobility assistance. After some exposure to what the boxer Caesar can do for Anne, Leigh accepts a brochure for Caring Canine Companions from her, and eventually talks herself into making that first phone call. Sylvia helps her to open up about the difficulties her cerebral palsy causes her and what she needs help with, and she fills out an application. After a wait of nine months, she is introduced to a yellow Lab named Slugger, and his trainer, Vickie Polk.
We follow Leigh and Slugger through their training and adjustment to each other, Leigh’s newly freed life with Slugger to assist her, and her first meeting with her future husband, Pranav. The new family comes together, and we follow their personal and professional progress. Slugger is dedicated and totally professional when his harness is on—and a typical goofball Lab when his harness is off. Slugger and Pranav develop their own relationship, parallel to and separate from the relationships they each have with Leigh.
We get flashbacks to Leigh’s childhood, which are sometimes enlightening and sometimes distracting, but the story of her life with Slugger and Pranav, her encounter with employment discrimination, and her own growth in turn into an advocate and tireless worker for service dogs and the freedom they bring to those who need them remains engaging and keeps moving forward. There’s a marvelous account of a presentation Leigh and Slugger give at a grade school, introducing children to service dogs, what they can do, and why you shouldn’t just run up and pet them. It is painfully clear that many of the children have never met a really well-trained dog of any kind, and they are astounded by how smart and how helpful a dog can be.
Since this is real life, and Slugger is a service dog, the time comes when he has to retire, and Leigh, Slugger, and Pranav all have to adjust to the introduction of a new service dog into their lives and home, a female yellow Lab named Kenda. One of the most touching sections of the book concerns Slugger’s aging, and the growth of the friendship between the two dogs, as Kenda starts to assist Slugger, too, such as when he wants to play fetch but has difficulty seeing where the toy was tossed.
This is a wonderful autobiography and an insight into the world of service dogs and those who rely on them.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NegGalley.
We follow Leigh and Slugger through their training and adjustment to each other, Leigh’s newly freed life with Slugger to assist her, and her first meeting with her future husband, Pranav. The new family comes together, and we follow their personal and professional progress. Slugger is dedicated and totally professional when his harness is on—and a typical goofball Lab when his harness is off. Slugger and Pranav develop their own relationship, parallel to and separate from the relationships they each have with Leigh.
We get flashbacks to Leigh’s childhood, which are sometimes enlightening and sometimes distracting, but the story of her life with Slugger and Pranav, her encounter with employment discrimination, and her own growth in turn into an advocate and tireless worker for service dogs and the freedom they bring to those who need them remains engaging and keeps moving forward. There’s a marvelous account of a presentation Leigh and Slugger give at a grade school, introducing children to service dogs, what they can do, and why you shouldn’t just run up and pet them. It is painfully clear that many of the children have never met a really well-trained dog of any kind, and they are astounded by how smart and how helpful a dog can be.
Since this is real life, and Slugger is a service dog, the time comes when he has to retire, and Leigh, Slugger, and Pranav all have to adjust to the introduction of a new service dog into their lives and home, a female yellow Lab named Kenda. One of the most touching sections of the book concerns Slugger’s aging, and the growth of the friendship between the two dogs, as Kenda starts to assist Slugger, too, such as when he wants to play fetch but has difficulty seeing where the toy was tossed.
This is a wonderful autobiography and an insight into the world of service dogs and those who rely on them.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NegGalley.
January 20, 2013
I pick up and read a lot of books about strong bonds between people and dogs. Sometimes the relationship is that of a service dog and a person whose abilities are different than the norm. Sometimes the circumstances of the close relationship is some other shared experience. I found this book to be more interesting and the story line better constructed than most.
As a former Lab owner [for more than 30 years], I could really relate to the painful experiences of watching Slugger age and slow down.
I was surprised to read that so many reviewers described the writing style as "juvenile" and that the book was apparently classified as a young adult title at some point. I completely missed that aspect, I just found it an easy-to-read, down to earth account of a woman whose life was enriched by a relationship with a service dog. Having read the reviews, I am aware that I don't have any particular impressions of the writing style - favorable or otherwise. Perhaps the lack of impression is validation that is was sub-standard.
The author really did gloss over or omit almost any details about the physical effects of her cerebral palsy. She was apparently encouraged to hide the condition as a child, and I had the impression that to this day, she does not own the diagnosis. Her descriptions of the physical challenges she faces are very superficial.
If you're a dog lover, if the subject of service dogs interests you - then you will likely enjoy this book. If your interest is persons dealing with the effects of cerebral palsy, I think you would be very disappointed with this one.
As a former Lab owner [for more than 30 years], I could really relate to the painful experiences of watching Slugger age and slow down.
I was surprised to read that so many reviewers described the writing style as "juvenile" and that the book was apparently classified as a young adult title at some point. I completely missed that aspect, I just found it an easy-to-read, down to earth account of a woman whose life was enriched by a relationship with a service dog. Having read the reviews, I am aware that I don't have any particular impressions of the writing style - favorable or otherwise. Perhaps the lack of impression is validation that is was sub-standard.
The author really did gloss over or omit almost any details about the physical effects of her cerebral palsy. She was apparently encouraged to hide the condition as a child, and I had the impression that to this day, she does not own the diagnosis. Her descriptions of the physical challenges she faces are very superficial.
If you're a dog lover, if the subject of service dogs interests you - then you will likely enjoy this book. If your interest is persons dealing with the effects of cerebral palsy, I think you would be very disappointed with this one.
March 29, 2012
I downloaded this book a while ago when it was either listed as free or Kindle's daily deal. Either way I paid pennies for it and this book was well worth more then I paid.
This is a story of a woman and her service dog, Slugger. Not only is it educational and inspirational - it is a moving tale of how Slugger helped Leigh become a confident and independent woman despite her disability. I laughed and cried with this book. I was left angry at the shock of how people can treat those with disabilities with blatant disregard and discrimination, but through it all Slugger remained a loyal friend. The author wove childhood stories into the story as memories, which I thought was useful to show the reader just how much Slugger had positively changed her life and to give the reader insight into her disability and the challenges she faced.
I believe in the therapeutic side of having access to/owning a pet. I believe the author did an excellent job portraying this side of pets via the story of Slugger. He touched so many people and so many different ways in his life. I would have loved to have meet Slugger.
As I dog owner myself I am sure I was moved more because I couldn't help but think of my dog and the special bond I have with him, which made the story of Slugger so much more realistic for me.
This is an extraordinary love and survival story for Leigh aided by Slugger.
This is a story of a woman and her service dog, Slugger. Not only is it educational and inspirational - it is a moving tale of how Slugger helped Leigh become a confident and independent woman despite her disability. I laughed and cried with this book. I was left angry at the shock of how people can treat those with disabilities with blatant disregard and discrimination, but through it all Slugger remained a loyal friend. The author wove childhood stories into the story as memories, which I thought was useful to show the reader just how much Slugger had positively changed her life and to give the reader insight into her disability and the challenges she faced.
I believe in the therapeutic side of having access to/owning a pet. I believe the author did an excellent job portraying this side of pets via the story of Slugger. He touched so many people and so many different ways in his life. I would have loved to have meet Slugger.
As I dog owner myself I am sure I was moved more because I couldn't help but think of my dog and the special bond I have with him, which made the story of Slugger so much more realistic for me.
This is an extraordinary love and survival story for Leigh aided by Slugger.
January 14, 2011
As a dog lover, I really liked this book. The book follows the author's journey with, as the title suggests, a dog named slugger. The author has cerebral palsy, and she gets slugger as a working dog to assist her. We learn how the author decides to get the dog, and how the bond with Slugger grows and grows throughout the relationship. The book not only serves as a reaffirmation to me of the great companionship one can receive from a dog, but also highlights how that companionship can make one into a better person. In addition, the story also amazes at how intelligent working dogs can be, and how worthy of a purpose they serve and how much good they create in our world. There are stories that will definitely make the dog owner laugh, strengthen their own bond with their own dog, as well as cry. A great read for any one who loves dogs.
June 11, 2024
Leigh Brill grew up with Cerebral Palsy. This book is how with the help of a Lab named Slugger, Ms Brill was able to have a normal life. I love to read books about people meeting and overcoming problems in their lives and the animals that have helped them. Animals can do so much for us and they are really smarter than people believe. It is books like these that show this. Be prepared to laugh and cry along with Ms Brill and her friend Slugger while reading this book.
Read
November 4, 2010Leigh Brill was a young woman in her early twenties struggling to lead a normal life. For as long as she could remember Leigh had been told to try and hide the fact she suffered from cerebral palsy. When things started to get difficult she turned to her doctor for advice – and what appalling advice she received. Either find a man to take care of you or get a wheelchair! I was seething for the author at this point.
Leigh’s life turned around when she was introduced to Anne and her service dog. This set Leigh off in a direction that would change her life forever. The author infuses you with enthusiasm and impatience as she waits to discover if she’s eligible for a service dog and then you can feel the joy when she is accepted. From this moment on Slugger becomes part of Leigh’s life.
We’re introduced to some extremely dedicated people who take on puppies and train them, knowing full well that they will have to give the dogs away. The hard work and effort needed for the training is unbelievable.
This is a delightful story with some great playful moments, even though the cheesy dialogue is a bit much at times. Not only is this about the physical things that Slugger, the service dog, helps with but also about the personal growth of the author. The acceptance of her disability and the way she grows in confidence.
A quick and easy read, recommended for anyone who enjoys animal stories – and yes, there’s the obligatory sad ending.
October 26, 2010
This is one of those heart-warming stories that reaffirms the intelligence and loving capacity of our furry friends. I'm a sucker for 'dog stories' and A Dog Named Slugger details one woman's experience of living with a disability and the difference a labrador service dog makes to her life. Leigh Brill has congenital Cerebal Palsy and Slugger is the service dog that not only makes Leigh's physical limitations less challenging but more importantly brings unconditional love, friendship and acceptance to her life.
The physical independence Leigh experiences with Slugger is just the beginning. The door opens on a whole lot of personal growth and her new found confidence and growing sense of self are a tribute to Slugger's devotion. A Dog Named Slugger reminded me of my own family's recent experience; the life-changing difference a puppy can make bringing much needed joy to a home full of heartache.
The writing isn't as refined as other memoirs I've read but it's an enjoyable, informative read that I'm sure dog lovers will warm to. It's also an inspirational account for anyone with a disability or those caring for or working with people with disabilities. I loved the included photos and the interesting readers guide would make this a great book club read.
The physical independence Leigh experiences with Slugger is just the beginning. The door opens on a whole lot of personal growth and her new found confidence and growing sense of self are a tribute to Slugger's devotion. A Dog Named Slugger reminded me of my own family's recent experience; the life-changing difference a puppy can make bringing much needed joy to a home full of heartache.
The writing isn't as refined as other memoirs I've read but it's an enjoyable, informative read that I'm sure dog lovers will warm to. It's also an inspirational account for anyone with a disability or those caring for or working with people with disabilities. I loved the included photos and the interesting readers guide would make this a great book club read.
August 7, 2011
With the dog's name on the cover and his name in the title, I was expecting learn more about Slugger. The author has celebral palsy and Slugger was her service dog. I wanted to know about what made Slugger such a great service dog and what set him apart from the other labrador retrievers in this occupation. This makes me think that this book could have been improved if the author had worked with a co-author. That co-author could have asked her questions about Slugger that would have added depth to this story.
The author went through a lot growing up. She experienced discrimation as a person with celebral palsy,racial discrimation when she married her Indian boyfriend and heartbreak when Slugger came to the end of his career.
I am glad that author wrote this story is just that I wanted to know more. I was a little surprised and the plain to the point writing that seemed to be written by a younger person. So there was something that could have be improved by re-writing and going more in depth for her experiences. She is donating a portion of the proceeds to Saint Francais Service Dogs. It is a good story, it is just that I wanted more. I didn't realize that it was a young adult story before I read it.
I think I would recommend this book to younger readers.
The author went through a lot growing up. She experienced discrimation as a person with celebral palsy,racial discrimation when she married her Indian boyfriend and heartbreak when Slugger came to the end of his career.
I am glad that author wrote this story is just that I wanted to know more. I was a little surprised and the plain to the point writing that seemed to be written by a younger person. So there was something that could have be improved by re-writing and going more in depth for her experiences. She is donating a portion of the proceeds to Saint Francais Service Dogs. It is a good story, it is just that I wanted more. I didn't realize that it was a young adult story before I read it.
I think I would recommend this book to younger readers.
May 7, 2011
Leigh Brill has Cerebral palsy. This means that Leigh does not have function of her legs as someone who did not have CP. Though this did not control Leigh and stop her from attending college. While in college, Leigh is introduced to Anne and Caesar. Anne also has CP. Leigh was familiar with serve dogs for the blind but she did not know there were also dogs for people with other disabilities. Anne gives Leigh information on Caring Canine Companion. After being asked a bunch of questions, filling out an application and waiting patiently, Leigh is introduced to Slugger, a yellow Labrador.
Leigh and Slugger became the best of friends. They were together for about ten years. Prior to Slugger going to doggie heaven, Leigh got another yellow Labrador named, Kenda. Though, Leigh now has Kenda, she will never forget Slugger.
I liked this book. It was great getting to meet Leigh and Slugger. I raised a dog for the blind for a year, so I was familiar with what Leigh was explaining and the training she and Slugger had to go through. Also, I have a friend who has CP but she uses crutches. I think that dogs that can help people like this are great. For someone, who wants to get a little feel for what a dog like Slugger can do for a person, than you should check this book out.
Leigh and Slugger became the best of friends. They were together for about ten years. Prior to Slugger going to doggie heaven, Leigh got another yellow Labrador named, Kenda. Though, Leigh now has Kenda, she will never forget Slugger.
I liked this book. It was great getting to meet Leigh and Slugger. I raised a dog for the blind for a year, so I was familiar with what Leigh was explaining and the training she and Slugger had to go through. Also, I have a friend who has CP but she uses crutches. I think that dogs that can help people like this are great. For someone, who wants to get a little feel for what a dog like Slugger can do for a person, than you should check this book out.
August 20, 2011
This is a touching, sweet story of a woman facing many personal and physical challenges. She gets help from an unexpected source...a service dog. A very special service dog named Slugger.
"A Dog Named Slugger" is written at a fast-paced rate letting readers share Brill's difficult journey from college to adulthood as well as dealing with cerebral palsy. Slugger sounds like a sweetheart. Whether you are an animal lover or not (or a cat lover like me), I think readers will be touched by this book. This story will grab everyone's heart, just make sure to have a box of tissues handy.
"A Dog Named Slugger" is written at a fast-paced rate letting readers share Brill's difficult journey from college to adulthood as well as dealing with cerebral palsy. Slugger sounds like a sweetheart. Whether you are an animal lover or not (or a cat lover like me), I think readers will be touched by this book. This story will grab everyone's heart, just make sure to have a box of tissues handy.
January 1, 2011
Good story---true account---of a a young lady with cerebral palsy who gets a service dog named Slugger to help her get through her daily activities. She does a very nice job describing the effect that that dog had on her and the bond the two of them shared. It's a bit of a tear-jerker as one would expect from an account like this. But well worth the few hours it takes to read. If your'e a dog fan I'd highly recommend it.
September 11, 2010
This was an incredible book. I have always known that dogs are an amazing species and are much smarter than most human beings give them credit for and this story just drives that point home.
For full review and pictures, please click the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
For full review and pictures, please click the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
December 27, 2010
i feel in love with this book the moment i opened it. Anybody who has a special bond with there dog should read this book, anybody who has anykind of bond with any animal should read this book. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you grab your dog & hug him tight. I recommend this book to anybody.
January 3, 2011
I picked up this book because there was a dog on the cover, and I'm a sucker for anything that involves dogs. What I found was a truly lovely story about a woman with Cerebral Palsy and the service dog that changed her life. I recommend this book to anyone that loves dogs and one heck of an inspiring true story.
January 25, 2011
I started out thinking this book was ok...not bad but not great. As I ended the book, I felt like "Sluggie" was one of my own beloved dogs. Somewhere along the lines in this book "Sluggie" grabbed a piece of my heart. This made me laugh & shed a few tears. This book was a free book on my Kindle and I am sooo glad I took the time to read it.
June 4, 2013
This book was amazing. I could relate as I have CP & understand a lot of the problems this girl had. Like being so young & needing a wheelchair & having trouble doing things so easy for other people. This is a great read. Very good way to learn about service dogs...made me look into them but They're expensive & a long wait list.
January 5, 2011
Entertaining as well as educational. The author introduces you to both the good and bad side of people. It shows just how prejudice people can be to the handicapped. I love reading stories about dogs and how they interact with people. Well worth the read, it goes fast.
January 12, 2011
This was a fabulous book about a girl struggling with Cerebral Palsy and the dog who helped her get through it all. A great book for others to see what service dogs can do, not only for those who are blind. A quick and easy read, loved every minute of it!
January 18, 2011
a free Kindle- not sure I would have uncovered otherwise. An enjoyable story about service dogs - the training etc. Reminded me of a favorite book from my childhood about a seeing eye dog. For dog lovers it is an emotional roller coaster of course.
December 31, 2010
I fell that this was one of the best books that I have read in a very long time,as I read it in a single day.
January 6, 2011
Loved reading about the devotion of this stout-hearted dog...wonderful story of how our canine companions are able to enrich our lives, touching us very deeply in the process!
January 12, 2011
I love dogs and the relationship Leigh has with her service dog is amazing. You can feel the love between the two of them. I cried through the last 1/3 of the book.
February 8, 2011
A beautiful story about a a person with a disability and her assistance dog, Slugger.They grow together as partners and the trust between them is remarkable. Worth reading.
August 8, 2019
I liked this story a lot.
May 16, 2017
Many of the hospital personnel Leigh who attended her during her childhood days seemed to be so lacking in compassion and consideration. I'd like to think this was and anomaly no, sadly, I doubt if many things of changed. It all depends on the personnel. But anybody working in a medical setting could learn a lot about how they should behave from this book. If you don't have the "heart" for the job, please look for work elsewhere.
Many years ago, I had a ,collie, beautiful very large collie named Satin.
Always friendly with everything. I want to came home from work to find he and a large mature cat drinking out of his water bowl at the same time. When my boyfriend at the time used to play that he was going "to get" me, my collie would back his big hairy butt up against my legs and fend him off from every direction. And if the play went on too long the playfull bites got not so payfull. One time a friend attempted to play a joke and scare us. He jumped out from behind a tree and, before you could blink, Satin had his paws high on the jokester's chest and could've gone for his throat. Of course my Satin realized who he was and backed down instantly. I've never felt safer.
I have always said, "Forget getting a gun that could actually make you a target. I've advocated a can of pepper spray, Louisville slugger and a great dog. These things cannot be turned against you or accidentally kill a loved one, maybe a child.
"So much for privacy, huh buddy?" My two dogs do not need to be in the bathroom with me, but quite often they are. I guess it's the pack has to stay together!
So very many wonderful quotes in this book and I'm only on page 51.
The goal here isn't perfection, it's teamwork.
"...there was no race to be won; there was only a path to be traveled together."
If I live long enough, I will have a funky hustle.
Why Slugger? Why not Sunny or Henry or Thor or any other name but Sue… er… Slugger?
Many years ago, I had a ,collie, beautiful very large collie named Satin.
Always friendly with everything. I want to came home from work to find he and a large mature cat drinking out of his water bowl at the same time. When my boyfriend at the time used to play that he was going "to get" me, my collie would back his big hairy butt up against my legs and fend him off from every direction. And if the play went on too long the playfull bites got not so payfull. One time a friend attempted to play a joke and scare us. He jumped out from behind a tree and, before you could blink, Satin had his paws high on the jokester's chest and could've gone for his throat. Of course my Satin realized who he was and backed down instantly. I've never felt safer.
I have always said, "Forget getting a gun that could actually make you a target. I've advocated a can of pepper spray, Louisville slugger and a great dog. These things cannot be turned against you or accidentally kill a loved one, maybe a child.
"So much for privacy, huh buddy?" My two dogs do not need to be in the bathroom with me, but quite often they are. I guess it's the pack has to stay together!
So very many wonderful quotes in this book and I'm only on page 51.
The goal here isn't perfection, it's teamwork.
"...there was no race to be won; there was only a path to be traveled together."
If I live long enough, I will have a funky hustle.
Why Slugger? Why not Sunny or Henry or Thor or any other name but Sue… er… Slugger?
October 14, 2021
I bought this book on Kindle in 2012, and like a lot of my kindle books, I don't read them until the fancy takes me. I have just read this lovely, heart-warming true story by the author Leigh Brill. I apologise to Leigh for leaving it so long and I really wish that I had read it when I first had it. Page after page of facts of how a dog like Slugger was trained for a person like Leigh who has Cerebral Palsy. I laughed, sighed, smiled, frowned, agreed, was astonished and cried, yes I cried a lot nearing the end, but between all my emotions, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have since tried to find more by the same author, but I think writing a book like 'A Dog Named Slugger' made it hard for Leigh tohave to go through some of the joy and pains again.
Please read it if you haven't, it will certainly give the reader insight to a person struggling with CP
and how by the aid of a dog, life can become easier and fuller.
Please read it if you haven't, it will certainly give the reader insight to a person struggling with CP
and how by the aid of a dog, life can become easier and fuller.
May 18, 2013
a *3.5* I read this on my e-reader. a nice read by Leigh Brill. she devoted this memoir- animal themed book to her dog Slugger. Leigh Brill has cerebral palsy in her early twenties when she is close to going out on her own she gets Slugger a yellow lab who has been trained to be a helper dog for Leigh right along the lines of a guide dog. Slugger was trained to help her with every day tasks. such as opening doors, picking up small objects and many other task. Leigh and slugger form a very close attachment to each other for about ten year Slugger is at her side. a nice devotional book to a special dog. nothing all that stand out about this book. there are plenty of books similar to this one. but I did like reading about slugger and how amazing dogs they are.
June 21, 2011
I was very interested in this story - a woman learns to work with her service dog. It sounded great. But what took away from it was the writing - it's written in a juvenile, overdone manner, like it was an English composition for grade school. The peppy adjectives, exclamation points, and overdone metaphors got really annoying after a while. Plus, the author had this weird habit of dropping the first letter of a word (instead of around she'd say 'round). Over and over again. The writing took away from the story and I just couldn't enjoy it.
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