“Adulthood, children, jobs, life’s unexpected twists and turns, all keep us pretty busy. Then it slows down when we can relate to a story like Oogy. Along with the compassion of the way Larry Levin tells their beautiful family story, I have to comment that I believe animals are angels in their own way, if only understood and loved for who they are. I know the ones I have been privileged to share life with enrich my life in ways no human can.”
—Mishelle Mullis
“Earlier this week, I was at our local PetSmart picking up dog food when I came across a couple getting into their van with their 2 dogs—one was a Dogo. The owner seemed surprised that I recognized the breed (there can’t be too many Dogos in Northern Ontario, Canada) and asked how I knew. I told him ‘From Oogy!’ ”
—Nancy Warner Wilson
“I am so glad that there are selfless people in the world still. Mr. Levin, you and your family gave hope and love and happiness to a wonderful dog. He knows he is loved. My 2-year-old daughter looks at the picture on the cover of the book and laughs and says “doggie.” She sees Oogy’s heart, not his injuries and scars, just like you and your sons did that day at the hospital.”
—Holley Lynne Way
“I received my book on Wednesday and have had a really hard time putting it down. I LOVE IT! What an inspiring story, thanks for sharing it. Really drives home how the little stuff can be so insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Here’s a pooch who had every reason to give up, but didn’t. We should all take a lesson that even in the face of adversity… there is always hope. Humans could learn so much from a dog’s example.”
“I just read this book—in one sitting. It was very heartwarming. Thanks for sharing Oogy’s story. We just recently had a Dogo rescue us, too! He captured my heart and I had to have him. We weren’t even in the market for a new pet. But we’ve learned that sometimes pets choose us and not the other way around.”
—Shannon Scott Brooks
“I have to share another story about my pit bull baby and how Oogy’s story made me laugh. My guy, like Oogy, has also mastered opening the fridge. At first, I put jingle bells on the handle so I could hear it if he tried to open it. That lasted about a day, until he figured out how to open the door ever so gently, as to avoid triggering the bells. We now have a childproof lock on the fridge… and our cabinets… and my toilet…”
—Dana Litt
“I read Oogy’s story and loved it. Cried and laughed at the same time. I worked as a volunteer at a shelter for almost 2 years. This is where I adopted Nacho. He came into the shelter an 8-to 12-week-old pup with his paw all mangled. It was amputated two days later. I was his foster parent. Fell in love with him instantly and he’s been with me ever since. He’s almost 7 now. And just as happy and healthy as can be.”