A Dog Like Ralph

by Clare Cogbill

'Clare shows an uncanny understanding of dog psyche, maybe because she trained as a veterinary nurse; but I prefer to think that she has a natural gift. She provides a voice for the dogs to speak directly to the reader, which makes this book unique and fascinating. This is a story which can be enjoyed by older children as well as adults.' From a review by Joyce Wilson in The Keswick Reminder, The Lake District, UK. This is the humorous, sometimes sad, and eventually uplifting story of Ralph and the friends he has met along the way. He is a rescue dog with a difficult past who loves other dogs, is frightened of people and cars and mesmerized by cats and rabbits. It is partly told through his eyes and describes how what he has experienced before has affected how he interacts with those around him. Entwined with his story, Clare, his new owner and the author of this book, who has a total of over 30 years experience of working with animals and teaching veterinary nursing and animal care and welfare, tells of the joys of having him as a companion and how, through gentle nurturing and the arrival of his compatriots, Peggy and Luella, his whole outlook on life has changed.She also writes with a great deal of passion about the pitfalls of a society that has resulted in Ralph being the way he is, and of some of the other issues that are contributing to the problems faced by dogs today.By the author of 'Lilac Haze' - A true story of live kidney donation. Also 'A Soldier Like Jack' - based on one family's true story of life in World War One.

262 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2012

About the author

Clare Cogbill is the pen name of Julie McMorran, who was born in the mid-1960's in Birmingham, UK.
She has worked in animal rescue, veterinary nursing and lecturing (animal care and veterinary nursing). She is now retired from teaching, does voluntary work for local animal charities and writes full time.
She loves all animals and has been vegan since 2002. She is a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and has a Masters in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law..
She lives in Scotland with her husband, son and three rescue dogs.

Reviews

[Carol Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Cogbill knows her dogs. She's worked with rescue dogs for years, taught animal behavior at a veterinary college, and practiced veterinary nursing. But she also, with rare honesty, shares the things she still needed to learn about her own wonderful, frightened rescue dog. Ralph helps to tell the story, revealing his many fears and desires. He doesn't like us to smile so widely with our big teeth. They're too scary.And he hates how we reach down suddenly to ruffle his ears. Cogbill reveals with great tenderness the mysteries of a dog's memory, the way he stores up pain and pleasure and remembers lost loves. When we understand the complexities of the animal, we can better help him conquer his fears. When Ralph runs off, frightened by traffic, we know Cogbill will find him and bring him home to safety and love. She makes us believe that if we move with confidence, offering steady servings of patience and love, we can too. Read this inspiring book!!!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original, poignant and confronting, yet at times hilarious (particularly when the narrative switches to that of the 'high maintenance' Luella!) Clare incites deep thought as she encourages us to challenge our ingrained, often abysmal attitudes towards animals in society. I doubt anyone could fail to find a place in their heart for a rescue dog after reading this.
Highly recommended +++

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about a dog-loving family and their adopted, rescue dogs. I really enjoyed the story from the perspective of the author, being a dog-mom myself, but the dog’s perspectives were somewhat wordy and confusing.

Really loved the book’s message regarding dogs in need of loving families and homes.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book 😊

[Pamela Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare writes as herself and the 3 dogs, Ralph, Peggy and Luella. The dogs are as different as night and day. All are rescues. But their minds are different. I cried and laughed and felt. Read this book

[Alice Greenleaf]

Excellent book

Great book for us dog lovers. hope they are all still very happy. it just shows how loving and forgiving dogs can be.

[Christine Angelini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining story from the owners then the dog perspective.

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! It is about several Rescue Dogs, mostly from the point of view of the dog.
Anyone who loves Rescue Dogs, or just dogs really should read this book.

[CAROLYN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another love story about an adopted dog

A charmingly but simple story about an adopted dog and the love they bring to a relationship.
A sweet story

[Liz Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. True story. I am so glad that I read this book, I now understand my rescue beagle that is extremely anxious.

[Barbara Lanham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight

Good read for anyone who has rescued a "damaged" dog and the road out takes to make him feel safe again

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm retired, there are some days that I just can't find the time to read. However, this book, once started, I just couldn't put it down. I'm finding myself reading more books relative to dogs , no matter the circumstances that preceded their happy endings, because I just love dogs.

[Heather Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book was written, from the dog's and people's point of view. I liked how Ralph described things. To think dogs may actually think that way. Cool! I also loved how the people were there to help Ralph and do whatever it took to help him get better. Great story.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

What a sweet story! It makes me smile knowing that Ralph has such understanding humans in his life. He does look very sweet just as the other two also do. Thanks for writing this book and letting us know a bit more about dogs than I knew before.😎

[Gordon Ralph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Right, Now i do love these types of book, being a dog Dad! ...but i cant say i overly enjoyed this book, it was ok and i greatly admire Clares passion for rescue dogs...mines a rescue Greyhound too!...It was brilliant to here her story but i must say it got very "samey" and confusing having the "thoughts" of the dogs narrated to us....although that style of writing might be good for children it just came across as a muddle to me ....thinking that a dog wouldnt know what various things are called for a start , it just got a bit daft in places!.I know WE as dog parants like to interpit what our dogs are saying but it just didnt work for me in a book,sorry.

[Linda Disharoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I've never had to live without a dog for long either. Actually, I don't think it would be possible to go through life, no matter how busy or how filled with family

Your writing style, going from one point of view to the other, is great. I laughed out loud a number of times. Thank you for an enjoyable read!

[Dianne Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who rescued who?

I am a dog person and so appreciated this story of 3,very different characters (emphasis on character). Rescued are the best and sharing the journey of these 3 crybabies was a gentle judge to my spirit. Love and long life to all in this book.

[Larry A. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Nice Approach

It is a refreshing approach to intersperse the dog narrative chapters with the human ones. Also a good idea to go without the story - ending (sob) dog deaths for once. And moving house to make a dog's life better. Now THERE is a dog person.

[Kathy Foens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad and Happy E-book

Ralph evidently had a terribly abusive start to his life. I was crying at the start of the e-book, but he finally got his happy ending. It was sometimes difficult to read, but we'll worth it.

[Tana Rozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ralph

I thought the book was well written. It kept my attention. I liked the fact that it was giving information about rescue dogs and their needs. I liked the theme of adopting rescue and shelter dogs. I liked how it presented the different viewpoints of the dogs and people.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that most of this story was told from the viewpoint of Ralph and his friends. Having a rescue dog myself, I really could relate to the issues Ralph had.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a GoodReads First Read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I found it very interesting to read from the dog's point of view. It was entertaining and enjoyable to read.

[dinostar · Rating 4 out of 5]

dogs are cool and so is this book

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not hold my attention. Hearing from the perspective of the dogs was not enjoyable.

[Leigh Marianowits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I likedit

It was well written. An interesting style. Each one has its own chapter.It was nice that it never said what happen to Ralph.

[Marla Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this book! It made me laugh! It made me cry! It made me get angry! The author did such a wonderful job of making me “see things” through Ralph’s, Peggy’s, and Luella’s eyes that I could actually connect to these beautiful fur babies! I love how she gave us the different perspectives from each of them (including the humans) dealing with the same situations. How they saw things differently from each other made me laugh and wonder, “does my cat see this situation differently than I do?” I can’t wait to dive into her next book!