Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

by Larry Levin
Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3393
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780553824179
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, faced a heartbreaking day as they took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia. What began as a somber occasion took an unexpected turn when an ugly, scarred dog with half his face covered in tissue ran up to them and stole their hearts. This dog, later named Oogy, became a symbol of resilience and love, transforming their lives in ways they never imagined. Oogy's story is not just about a dog; it's about the power of compassion and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. The book delves into the emotional journey of the Levin family as they nurse Oogy back to health and integrate him into their lives, highlighting the profound impact that pets can have on our well-being and happiness.

Reviews
DogEvals · 2015-03-08
inspiring 4.75

The book offers an extraordinary reading experience and a real-life survival story that is both amazing and inspiring.

This reviewer was deeply moved by the extraordinary narrative of Oogy's survival and the Levin family's dedication to him. They found the book to be an immersive experience that brought them right into the heart of the story. The real-life survival elements added a layer of authenticity and inspiration, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciated the emotional depth and the powerful message of resilience and love that permeates the book.

Quick quotes

    Levin has given his readers two gifts - the extraordinary, amazing you-are-there reading experience and the real-life survival story of a lop-eared dog

    Oogy's story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible bond between a family and their pet

    This book is a testament to the power of love and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets

Sustainabilitea · 2012-10-29
heartwarming 4.50

The journey of Oogy becoming part of the family is both emotional and engaging. It's a story that will evoke a range of emotions, from joy to anger, and ultimately leave you with a smile.

This reviewer found the story of Oogy's integration into the family to be deeply moving. They appreciated how the narrative captured the complexities and challenges of rescuing a dog with such a difficult past. The emotional highs and lows, including moments of laughter and frustration, made the story relatable and heartwarming. They particularly enjoyed how the author wove Oogy's personal story with that of the Levin family, creating a rich tapestry of love and resilience.

Quick quotes

    The path of Oogy becoming part of the family wasn't either easy or simple, but it's a story that will make you smile, become angry, laugh out loud

    It is a story of love and resilience, of a family that took in a dog that no one else wanted

    Oogy's story is a testament to the power of love and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets

Laura G's Blog · 2010-12-08
uplifting 4.50

Oogy is an uplifting tale of a dog and his family, highly recommended for anyone who loves dogs.

This reviewer found Oogy to be an uplifting and heartwarming story that beautifully captures the bond between a dog and his family. They appreciated the emotional journey and the positive message of love and resilience. The reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone who has or has had a dog, as it resonates deeply with the joys and challenges of pet ownership. The narrative is engaging and heartfelt, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I thought Oogy was a great uplifting tale of a dog and his family

    I would recommend this to anyone who has or has had a dog

    It was a heartwarming story that captured the essence of the bond between a family and their pet

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