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Clara: The Early Years: The Story of the Pug Who Ruled My Life
Pugs were dogs. Cute dogs, willful dogs, lovable to be sure, but I was a Human. I was in charge.
Then along came Clara, and all bets were off.
Once a pug owner, always a pug owner--or so thought Margo Kaufman, having shared her home with the lovable snub-faced imps since her college days. But it was not until the 1992 arrival of Clara--petite, imperious, whip-smart, and seductive--that Margo found what it meant to be a pug that a pug could rule her life, and perhaps the world as well.
Clara, the Early Years is the hilarious story of how a glossy-black, twelve-pound package of canine energy took over Margo's heart and home while charming the pants off the rest of the world. From commandeering the dressing rooms at Saks (where a personal shopper offers Clara Evian in a cut-crystal bowl), to accompanying Margo on her first book tour, to an appearance on PrimeTime Live (where Margo plays a supporting role), the indomitable Clara establishes herself as a world-class personality, a star of the first order. But there is one event Clara cannot upstage, as Margo and her husband, Duke, travel to Russia to adopt an infant boy, and all of them learn new meanings for parent, family, and home.
Full of the kind of uproarious observations and brilliant insights that have won Margo Kaufman's books and commentary legions of loyal followers, Clara, the Early Years is a laugh-filled portrait of a singularly memorable pet.
Then along came Clara, and all bets were off.
Once a pug owner, always a pug owner--or so thought Margo Kaufman, having shared her home with the lovable snub-faced imps since her college days. But it was not until the 1992 arrival of Clara--petite, imperious, whip-smart, and seductive--that Margo found what it meant to be a pug that a pug could rule her life, and perhaps the world as well.
Clara, the Early Years is the hilarious story of how a glossy-black, twelve-pound package of canine energy took over Margo's heart and home while charming the pants off the rest of the world. From commandeering the dressing rooms at Saks (where a personal shopper offers Clara Evian in a cut-crystal bowl), to accompanying Margo on her first book tour, to an appearance on PrimeTime Live (where Margo plays a supporting role), the indomitable Clara establishes herself as a world-class personality, a star of the first order. But there is one event Clara cannot upstage, as Margo and her husband, Duke, travel to Russia to adopt an infant boy, and all of them learn new meanings for parent, family, and home.
Full of the kind of uproarious observations and brilliant insights that have won Margo Kaufman's books and commentary legions of loyal followers, Clara, the Early Years is a laugh-filled portrait of a singularly memorable pet.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 1998
11 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 26, 2009
And here we have another person trying to make a name for themselves or a quick buck by jumping on the pet memoir bandwagon. Jump off Kaufman- do the world a favor. While you're at it, give whatever animals you own to a good family and do them a favor too.
I didn't finish this. I got to the sentence about how she was looking for another Pug to replace one of the ones she had she both of her Pugs were dying. Nice. Absolutely outstanding. I couldn't have thought of a better way to phrase that one.
She jokes about a breeder "losing a few to a koi pond" in his yard as if this is something that's okay. Why are we breeding dogs if we can't keep them from drowning again? How is this better than the person who throws a bad of animals in a lake with a brick inside? It's not.
Who "replaces" (her word, not mine folks) their dog as soon as the dog starts having problems? I understand people who don't want to be without an animal in their lives- hell, I'm one of those people. But to "replace" Bessie. Damn.
I'm real tired of all these Marly & Me wannabes. That's exactly what this is. That's exactly what that Stephen Foster is. That's what most of them are.
There are all sorts of animal people out there. Some think of their pets as children, some think of them as close but hey, they still come second, some think of them just as a "pet", something taking up space. This author is the last one. It's as obvious as the day is long and I won't waste my time reading anything she wrote.
I love dog stories, I can read them all month long. If they are written well by a well meaning person. I can only wonder what else disgusting she had to say in here. I won't be finding out.
As a side-note- I just got The Art of Racing in the Rain and while I haven't read it- it looks awesome. If you're looking for a great dog story I can't send you there.....yet.....but I can direct you away from this one. Thank God above I mooched this and didn't spend a dime on it.
I didn't finish this. I got to the sentence about how she was looking for another Pug to replace one of the ones she had she both of her Pugs were dying. Nice. Absolutely outstanding. I couldn't have thought of a better way to phrase that one.
She jokes about a breeder "losing a few to a koi pond" in his yard as if this is something that's okay. Why are we breeding dogs if we can't keep them from drowning again? How is this better than the person who throws a bad of animals in a lake with a brick inside? It's not.
Who "replaces" (her word, not mine folks) their dog as soon as the dog starts having problems? I understand people who don't want to be without an animal in their lives- hell, I'm one of those people. But to "replace" Bessie. Damn.
I'm real tired of all these Marly & Me wannabes. That's exactly what this is. That's exactly what that Stephen Foster is. That's what most of them are.
There are all sorts of animal people out there. Some think of their pets as children, some think of them as close but hey, they still come second, some think of them just as a "pet", something taking up space. This author is the last one. It's as obvious as the day is long and I won't waste my time reading anything she wrote.
I love dog stories, I can read them all month long. If they are written well by a well meaning person. I can only wonder what else disgusting she had to say in here. I won't be finding out.
As a side-note- I just got The Art of Racing in the Rain and while I haven't read it- it looks awesome. If you're looking for a great dog story I can't send you there.....yet.....but I can direct you away from this one. Thank God above I mooched this and didn't spend a dime on it.
March 11, 2025
I’ve tried reading this book multiple times over the years and cannot get beyond the first 50 pages. I am a “pug person” so was hopeful this book would be something I’d enjoy. It’s not. She’s trying…a little too hard. It’s a bit snobby - wailing because a dog has a white stripe on the tail & upset that it never double curled… Letting her puppy lay on a $1,000 dress at Saks… it’s just too much… a pug farm… only liking expensive Fiji apples. You have money. Fantastic.
I imagine we eventually get to the unconditional, loving relationship between pug & person, but not soon enough.
I imagine we eventually get to the unconditional, loving relationship between pug & person, but not soon enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2015
Sorry, I can't read a memoir about a person who gets new dogs to "replace" her old ones. Nor can I read a book about someone who talks about a breeder who "lost a few pugs" to a koi pond on his property. People like this are the reason we have so many issues with purebred dogs.
October 7, 2017
As I first started reading this book, it was soooo cute/funny/accurate that I put it down immediately and ran to purchase the book on Amazon for my husband (and the father of my pug) for Christmas. I just couldn’t believe what I was reading: it was exactly as though the author was describing OUR pug! (Please see above: the gorgeous beauty in my profile picture!)
Perhaps it was the line “snorting, wheezing, sneezing muffinheads"!?
Sadly, the book took a turn for the worst about half-way in, when for some inexplicable reason the author decides that babying her dogs wasn't enough, and now she wanted a “real child.” Poor Clara and her poor sister Sophie (who also sounded pretty cute even though she was totally nuts) were barely mentioned during this overly-detailed and frustrating portion of the book. Truly, I could not imagine someone voluntarily putting themselves through such a huge hassle of international adoption. (And the incompetence and disrespect that the adoption agency showed her was maddening).
At the end of the writing, the author should have considered changing the title of the book from “Clara: The story of the pug who ruled my life” to “Clara: The story of the pug who was relegated to the backseat of my life as I went through a tedious adoption process.”
Although, truthfully, she never really seemed enchanted with the pugs in the first place: pugs are not pets, they are your baby.
Perhaps it was the line “snorting, wheezing, sneezing muffinheads"!?
Sadly, the book took a turn for the worst about half-way in, when for some inexplicable reason the author decides that babying her dogs wasn't enough, and now she wanted a “real child.” Poor Clara and her poor sister Sophie (who also sounded pretty cute even though she was totally nuts) were barely mentioned during this overly-detailed and frustrating portion of the book. Truly, I could not imagine someone voluntarily putting themselves through such a huge hassle of international adoption. (And the incompetence and disrespect that the adoption agency showed her was maddening).
At the end of the writing, the author should have considered changing the title of the book from “Clara: The story of the pug who ruled my life” to “Clara: The story of the pug who was relegated to the backseat of my life as I went through a tedious adoption process.”
Although, truthfully, she never really seemed enchanted with the pugs in the first place: pugs are not pets, they are your baby.
September 14, 2011
Wow. Someone read about 5 pages of the book, took it way too personally and disregarded it, having no idea what the book is even really about, and then rated it one star and wrote a scathing review. Honey, why don't you start a blog about how offended you are by people with different opinions/who live their lives differently than you instead of using Goodreads as a platform for your uneducated opinions? By which I mean: read at least 50 pages before you throw a fit and review a book based on assumptions.
People may not like this book. The author was a pet mother, seemingly incredibly wealthy, and admittedly incredibly superficial. But that doesn't mean that her story about her dogs--specifically, her dog Clara--isn't funny and engaging. It is.
This is a cute, witty, unchallenging book about the author, her dogs, and her adoption of her first child. I enjoyed it. I wouldn't recommend it to friends, but it made me smile and there are some really great, clever sentences. It's an enjoyable read--no more, no less.
People may not like this book. The author was a pet mother, seemingly incredibly wealthy, and admittedly incredibly superficial. But that doesn't mean that her story about her dogs--specifically, her dog Clara--isn't funny and engaging. It is.
This is a cute, witty, unchallenging book about the author, her dogs, and her adoption of her first child. I enjoyed it. I wouldn't recommend it to friends, but it made me smile and there are some really great, clever sentences. It's an enjoyable read--no more, no less.
September 3, 2016
This is a very cute story of a pug named Clara. I have two pugs of my own, and I was delighted with this story. I saw so much the same with my two as with the dogs in the story. The main difference, I'm not wealthy and my pugs and I live in Michigan instead of California. They don't get pampered to the extreme like Clara, they don't go shopping, go to tv studios, radio stations or any of that. In fact, they get left home often. But, they are loved and the antics are the same. Just a cute story. The end of the story is not really about the pugs, it is about adopting a Russian child...and I think that detracted from the story. I think the story should have focused on the pug the whole way thru, since it is her story, but I still like the story.
I bought this book myself. I was not paid to review this in any way and all opinions are my own.
I bought this book myself. I was not paid to review this in any way and all opinions are my own.
April 21, 2009
I read this book when it first came out in 1998. Being a former pug owner and a sucker for a good dog story anyway, I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it's not just about the dog. The author also discusses the details of adopting a child from Russia as well and it's a big part of the book. This is a touching, sweet and humorous story.
July 3, 2015
I enjoy Margo Kaufman's writing. I was under the impression it would be more about Clara & her other pugs. The adoption portion, while not my favorite part, was interesting. It is sad knowing just a couple years after the book was written Kaufman succumbed to cancer. She left behind her husband, new son, & pugs.
July 28, 2007
This dog has personality! The author tells us a bit about the history and pedigree of pugs. This doggie goes everywhere with her and steals the limelight at every turn. I am not really a dog person, although I do like dogs, but this book made me consider getting a pug one day.
April 22, 2016
Don't be deceived - this book is more about the author's adoption of a child from Russia than about the dog, although Clara is an important part. Very worthwhile - funny, touching, and intelligently written. Highly recommend!
July 18, 2008
I really really really really enjoyed this book - possibly because I have two pugs and the actions of the puggies in the book are totally like my babies.
Also, I liked it because the author is witty and the story is just hilarious.
A fun, easy read for anyone - particularly animal lovers.
Also, I liked it because the author is witty and the story is just hilarious.
A fun, easy read for anyone - particularly animal lovers.
September 10, 2014
I was very disappointed in this book. It was more about the authors life than about Clara. The first half wasn't to bad but the second half was about the author and her husbands process to adopt a child.
March 10, 2008
I read this book years ago...I think I was about 15yrs old. But I still have in on my shelf and remember the story fondly. Great book for laughs and a few tears.
October 15, 2010
I love pugs, I own two in fact. But I just could not get past the third chapter on this one.
July 13, 2012
This book was OK. I expected it to be more about the pug and less about adopting in Russia. I'm sure Pug owners will relate better than I did.
March 1, 2025
I'm not a fan of pugs but this was cute
April 13, 2011
Who couldn't love that face on the front cover? A book about a pug has to be good, and for the most part it was. Kaufman is a humor writer who released a couple books before this one, a long-time pug mother, and mother to a new baby at the writing of the book, all of which contribute to this book. Clara is actually not Kaufman's only pug, as she also has Sophie, another black pug, close in age to Clara, but the book truly begins when Kaufman picks up Clara in New York during a book tour. I actually felt that Sophie should have been given credit too, as much of the book involved both pugs, though Clara experiences a lot more separation anxiety and thus travels with Kaufman more often while Sophie generally stays home. The author actually spends a lot of time comparing the two dogs, though I couldn't always keep track of whose behavior was whose, as she'd say that one was generally aloof but on another page say that the other pug refused to look her in the eye.
The book sometimes seemed very egocentric as if Kaufman was just as much the focus as Clara. There was a whole lot of time spend describing the process she and her husband went through to adopt a child, but other than voicing concerns about how Clara would accept no longer being the center of attention and what to do if they had to leave the dogs at home in order to travel overseas to get the baby, it seemed misplaced in this book.
That said, there was plenty of Clara in the book, whether she was pretending to be big dog on the block while at the dog park with larger breeds or fending off the advances of the overzealous Pomeranian owned by her dogsitter. Kaufman captures the very essence of the pug and human experience of being a pug parent quite well, though I could have used some pictures, as words can't do justice to the cuteness described. I would be interested to read 'The Late Years' if there is such a book, though I suspect it would be sad, as Clara is looking a little white around the muzzle on the book cover.
The book sometimes seemed very egocentric as if Kaufman was just as much the focus as Clara. There was a whole lot of time spend describing the process she and her husband went through to adopt a child, but other than voicing concerns about how Clara would accept no longer being the center of attention and what to do if they had to leave the dogs at home in order to travel overseas to get the baby, it seemed misplaced in this book.
That said, there was plenty of Clara in the book, whether she was pretending to be big dog on the block while at the dog park with larger breeds or fending off the advances of the overzealous Pomeranian owned by her dogsitter. Kaufman captures the very essence of the pug and human experience of being a pug parent quite well, though I could have used some pictures, as words can't do justice to the cuteness described. I would be interested to read 'The Late Years' if there is such a book, though I suspect it would be sad, as Clara is looking a little white around the muzzle on the book cover.
September 20, 2016
Enjoyable, amusing to LOL animal tale (tail) with one section toward the end that had me fast-forwarding. The couple's sojourn in Russia, started out funny but became tiresome to the point where I skipped pages. I rarely do that.
October 6, 2009
Being a pug mom myself, I could not wait to get my hands on this book once I found it on here and the first half had me laughing out loud quite a few times. I enjoyed reading about Clara and her orneriness and funny habits and what other people said about pugs. I also appreciated the author's sense of humor and witty remarks. However, once it hit the last half of the book, I started getting thrown off. There got to be a bit too much detail about her trying to adopt a girl from China. Maybe it is just me, but that should maybe be a book of its own. I also felt the whole child adoption thing was just a sudden whim or simply something else for Margo to write a book about. It just did not sit well with me. In the last half, it got a bit repetitive also. Clara basically travels a lot and hogs the spotlight everywhere she goes and I must be frank, has way too much control over her owner's life. I'm a proud pug mom, but I have limits.. There no need to take my pug everywhere I go. I found it all.. a bit extreme to say the least.
January 18, 2009
To the author's credit she does note on the cover of the book, this is the story of a pug who ruled her life. I like to think that only in LA are dogs carried around in Sherpa bags, and discussed at the pet shrink. The author, a life long pug lover obtains Clara to make up for some of Sophie's deficiencies, but the two pugs never take to each other. I had to stop reading when months later after Clara had recuperated from having her eye clawed by Sophie, Sophie's eye is left permanently damaged by who else but Clara..."revenge" the author asks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2013
First, I should disclose that I have three pugs.
I picked up this book at a pet shop I love because of the highly engaging shot of a bug-eyed, round-bellied black pug on the cover. A cute read. Kaufman is skilled at humor and hyperbole. The book contains one of my favorite lines about living with pugs: "If you put a pug in an empty room with three socks, they will push the three socks together to form a cushion to lay on." Thank you, Ms. Kaufman!
I picked up this book at a pet shop I love because of the highly engaging shot of a bug-eyed, round-bellied black pug on the cover. A cute read. Kaufman is skilled at humor and hyperbole. The book contains one of my favorite lines about living with pugs: "If you put a pug in an empty room with three socks, they will push the three socks together to form a cushion to lay on." Thank you, Ms. Kaufman!
October 27, 2009
This is a great book, especially if you are into pugs. Even if you are not, it is still a very entertaining and informational book. I never realized how alike some pugs are. Also, amazing how she can write about every day things and make it interesting. I think everyone can relate to this book at some point. Enjoy!
February 21, 2012
I love Kaufman's style of sardonic humor. This book makes you laugh and is also touching as she and her husband begin their quest to adopt a child from Russia. Her assertion that no effort done in love is wasted touched me.
February 10, 2013
I loved this cute little book about an adorable dog. It was a very good read except for the erroneous part where she claimed that William of Orange was saved from assassins by a Pug. In actuality, William of Orange was saved when his Kooikerhondje barked and saved him.
July 24, 2015
A lovely book for pug lovers alike. I laughed hysterically on a few parts of the book because my own two pugs have similar characteristics of Clara. A good book for pug and all dog lovers, and for anyone who'd enjoy reading about a particularly pampered pug.
May 12, 2007
I bet I bought this book because of the cover. This book made me absolutely pug crazy. Margo Kaufman was an amazing story teller.
April 23, 2008
What can I say....if you have a Pug you MUST read this book.
May 25, 2010
Prepping for a hopefully summer adoption of a Pug to our family.
Read
December 8, 2010I've wanted to read this one for a long time, now that I have my own one-eyed pug, I couldn't help myself. So much illumination.
November 16, 2011
The story of a lady. He pug. And getting older. With pugs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews