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Circling the Waggins: How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me from Bewilderness
More than twenty years of performing pet rescues could wear anyone down. Especially when the pets that end up being permanent residents in your home are the most irascible, insane and ridiculously un-adoptable pets known to man. Circling the Waggins follows two middle aged women as they maneuver through one unexpected pet debacle after another in a rugged and isolated cabin in a National Park. They emerge from a dark and difficult time as they discover that even the tiniest of lives is precious; heartache and joy go hand-in-hand, and love is an eternal circle of wagging tails.
- GenresNonfictionAnimalsDogs
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2012
7 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Cayr Ariel Wulff
10 books45 followersCayr Ariel Wulff is a native Ohioan. She is an artist, author and animal advocate, with a graphic design background. She worked in the comic book field as an inker and letterer before authoring three books:
Born Without a Tail
, and
Circling the Waggins: How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me From Bewilderness
both memoirs of her years in companion animal rescue, and
How to Change the World in 30 Seconds: A Web Warrior's Guide to Animal Advocacy Online
. Wulff authors a blog about dogs entitled Up On The Woof,[at http://thewoof.wordpress.com ]. Currently, she resides in a log cabin deep in one of our Nation's National Forests with her lifemate and five dogs. She attributes her love of animals to having been raised by Wulffs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 18, 2013
I really loved this book, and at this time, 4/17/13, Circling the Waggins is my favorite nonfiction book as well as one of the best books I have ever read!
Although there are some sad moments, much of the book is really funny. I love how the book is told in present tense as if everything is happening now and brings you right into the moment with the author.
I found myself able to identify with many of the problems and joys the author has with her pets throughout the book. While I was reading I often found my mind wandering, not because the book lost my attention, but because it often brought up memories of my pets, both past and present, as well as good and bad.
When I started reading I had plans on reading only a few chapters a night, but once I started I couldn't, or at least I didn't want to, stop...aside from a few bathroom and snack breaks. I literally loved it so much that I finished the whole book in one night.
Besides dog's, in this book, there are other animals as well, such as cats and mice. Every animal was very interesting and fun to read about.
I also really like how there is a different photo before each chapter in the book. There are also some really good animal and animal related facts throughout the book, and the ones I didn't know already, I found to be very interesting.
Although there are some sad moments, much of the book is really funny. I love how the book is told in present tense as if everything is happening now and brings you right into the moment with the author.
I found myself able to identify with many of the problems and joys the author has with her pets throughout the book. While I was reading I often found my mind wandering, not because the book lost my attention, but because it often brought up memories of my pets, both past and present, as well as good and bad.
When I started reading I had plans on reading only a few chapters a night, but once I started I couldn't, or at least I didn't want to, stop...aside from a few bathroom and snack breaks. I literally loved it so much that I finished the whole book in one night.
Besides dog's, in this book, there are other animals as well, such as cats and mice. Every animal was very interesting and fun to read about.
I also really like how there is a different photo before each chapter in the book. There are also some really good animal and animal related facts throughout the book, and the ones I didn't know already, I found to be very interesting.
July 12, 2015
Circling the Waggins warmed this cat lover's heart.
It's not a literary masterpiece, but if there's any animal lover in you, read this book. Cayr treats her pets the way many of us would like to--with the self-sacrificial love we often don't even show to other humans.
The author presents a first-hand account of her relationships with rescue animals over the years. Raising the little ones. Taking care of the sick, the infirm, and the aged. Mourning the dead. A little help and a lot of love from her furry friends, added to her own resilience, help her maintain her sanity. She delights in her sometimes oddball charges, seeing the best in them, and organizing the chaos of multiple dogs, cats, and mice, into a home.
Read it. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up with a pet from your local shelter.
It's not a literary masterpiece, but if there's any animal lover in you, read this book. Cayr treats her pets the way many of us would like to--with the self-sacrificial love we often don't even show to other humans.
The author presents a first-hand account of her relationships with rescue animals over the years. Raising the little ones. Taking care of the sick, the infirm, and the aged. Mourning the dead. A little help and a lot of love from her furry friends, added to her own resilience, help her maintain her sanity. She delights in her sometimes oddball charges, seeing the best in them, and organizing the chaos of multiple dogs, cats, and mice, into a home.
Read it. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up with a pet from your local shelter.
November 1, 2012
This book is for anyone who is a pet person, especially a dog person. It's always nice to read about how crazy other people are with their dogs to know that you are still considered completely sane in this realm of dog ownership. I didn't like the comment about spaying and neutering. Yes we have pet over population, yes we have puppy mills, yes there are loads of irresponsible breeders, and most dogs and cats should be spayed or neutered.
The quote on the very last page is so true and wonderful. This book reminds me of all my dogs I have had, have now, and all the dogs we have fostered and saved this year. If you like reading about animal antics and the crazy things we do for them, then I recommend this book.
The quote on the very last page is so true and wonderful. This book reminds me of all my dogs I have had, have now, and all the dogs we have fostered and saved this year. If you like reading about animal antics and the crazy things we do for them, then I recommend this book.
books-i-wrote-or-illustrated
July 18, 2012More than twenty years of performing pet rescues could wear anyone down. Especially when the pets that end up being permanent residents in your home are the most irascible, insane and ridiculously un-adoptable pets known to man.
That’s the premise of Circling the Waggins; How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me from Bewilderness by C.A.Wulff, released from Barking Planet Productions.
Circling the Waggins follows two middle aged women as they maneuver through one unexpected pet debacle after another in a rugged and isolated cabin in Ohio’s National Park. Coping with Waldo, a way-too-brainy boxer mix, plus a mentally challenged hyperactive Shih-Chi named Rocket Boy, is difficult enough. Add three more canine misfits, a mysteriously humming cat, and an impromptu mouse rescue gone wrong, and it might be a recipe for total disaster.
That’s the premise of Circling the Waggins; How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me from Bewilderness by C.A.Wulff, released from Barking Planet Productions.
Circling the Waggins follows two middle aged women as they maneuver through one unexpected pet debacle after another in a rugged and isolated cabin in Ohio’s National Park. Coping with Waldo, a way-too-brainy boxer mix, plus a mentally challenged hyperactive Shih-Chi named Rocket Boy, is difficult enough. Add three more canine misfits, a mysteriously humming cat, and an impromptu mouse rescue gone wrong, and it might be a recipe for total disaster.
October 27, 2012
There’s a lot more to living with dogs than wet noses and going walkies. Cayr Ariel Wulff entertainingly chronicles the rocky flip side of pet care in "Circling the Waggins," a heroic tale of triumph over turmoil and exhaustion. Wulff and her companion Dalene take in the misfits that have defeated lesser souls, including genius behemoth Waldo – a 75-pound golden/boxer mix with equal parts brains and brawn – an exuberant but mentally challenged Shih-tzu/Chihuahua named Rocket Boy, plus three more dogs, aging cats, and way too many accidentally acquired pet mice. Despite the challenges presented by this demanding and eccentric crew, Wulff’s chronicles may still send you to the animal shelter to do a bit of rescue on your own. You’ll want to reap the rewards of love and joy which "Waggins" so beautifully describes.
October 31, 2012
This is an intimate, honest, and touching journey of the heart as told by a dedicated pet-loving woman. Cayr Ariel Wulff shares her experiences, concerns and deep emotions with the reader.
The setting is a cabin-home in a national park forest. The characters are several adopted dogs, cats, and, for a while, domestic mice -- and two compassionate women. From the snows of winter, to the Halloween costume parades, this is a world founded on the love of dogs.
The candor and honesty of this biography is something of a revelation. The author's love of dogs and life, and dedication to the well being of her needy adoptions, ultimately gave her a new awareness and understanding of the experience of living.
The setting is a cabin-home in a national park forest. The characters are several adopted dogs, cats, and, for a while, domestic mice -- and two compassionate women. From the snows of winter, to the Halloween costume parades, this is a world founded on the love of dogs.
The candor and honesty of this biography is something of a revelation. The author's love of dogs and life, and dedication to the well being of her needy adoptions, ultimately gave her a new awareness and understanding of the experience of living.
January 3, 2013
In this heart-warming sequel to her debut memoir (Born Without a Tail), C.A. Wulff describes in hilarious detail the gang of animals who color her world and keep her sane. From lovable mutt Waldo (one of five dogs!) who appears to be both a dunce and a genius, to the trio of cats who try her patience by leaving their mark (and their footprints) in all the wrong places, to the rapidly-multiplying rescued feeder mice that she finds herself emotionally attached to, Wulff’s deft writing touch makes you wish you were a member of her pack.
March 30, 2013
Really enjoyed this book about this misfit author and her experience with her misfit pets. It's both funny and sad, but I found myself laughing more often than not. Liked this book much better than her first book, and came away from it feeling like I knew all the pets myself.
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September 12, 2013I really enjoyed this book, and I was happy to read about more than just cars and dogs. The mice were definitely interesting. The author goes above and beyond for her pets. I'm glad there are rescue people out there like this.
October 27, 2012
Delightful, especially for animal lovers, but an absolute MUST READ for dog owners and anyone who is thinking about adding a dog to the family.
May 20, 2013
Cayr's story is proof that through love and laughter, animals can heal the human mind and body.
January 31, 2020
Good cute book about owning pets
It is cute book about how pets save us from our daily lives. Good read and highly recommend reading it.
It is cute book about how pets save us from our daily lives. Good read and highly recommend reading it.
December 12, 2012
nice read for an animal lover.
May 11, 2024
A Strong Message of Love for our Animal Friends
What C.A. Wulff has done through the author’s books and excellent writing skills is teach us the meaning of unconditional love. No, Wulff isn’t a saint, which would be super boring, but by allowing us into their world we gain a better understanding of the work of animal rescuers and the challenges they face.
Becoming a mouse mama? Hilarious, not to mention impressive.
Sleeping in a cot with 4-5 dogs? Ok, maybe this one could nominate the author for sainthood.
Doing all the dirty work while your partner criticizes from the sidelines? Lord, have mercy.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy this book.
What C.A. Wulff has done through the author’s books and excellent writing skills is teach us the meaning of unconditional love. No, Wulff isn’t a saint, which would be super boring, but by allowing us into their world we gain a better understanding of the work of animal rescuers and the challenges they face.
Becoming a mouse mama? Hilarious, not to mention impressive.
Sleeping in a cot with 4-5 dogs? Ok, maybe this one could nominate the author for sainthood.
Doing all the dirty work while your partner criticizes from the sidelines? Lord, have mercy.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy this book.
March 30, 2024
I enjoyed this memoir of the author’s life with her various rescue pets, including mice, cats and dogs.
January 21, 2016
I admit my five star rating is probably biased, because this is a book about animal rescuers, a subject dear to my heart. This is the story of Cayr and her partner Dalene and their 25 years together rescuing animals, and the stories of the animals that came to live with them. She forthrightly covers behavior and health issues, responsibility and dedication to her animals, loss, the particular heartbreak of losing especially beloved pets, the expenses and time involved, and more. It's not a how-to book, but a frank and insightful look at how she has lived her life with her animals, and regardless of the costs involved, that the happiness they bring her is well worth it. The author's website and blog is www.yelodoggie.com and yields much insight into her work. I loved the book.
December 2, 2015
Touching
This was a very touching book. Get out the tissues. It was very realistic concerning life with cats, dogs and , yes, mice. Also the reality of the care of older pets. The author made clear that taking on a pet should be a commitment for the pet's lifetime, including all the good, the bad and the ugly.
This was a very touching book. Get out the tissues. It was very realistic concerning life with cats, dogs and , yes, mice. Also the reality of the care of older pets. The author made clear that taking on a pet should be a commitment for the pet's lifetime, including all the good, the bad and the ugly.
May 17, 2020
I was liking the book, and love rescuers, but, it just seemed like some of their pets should've been put to sleep a lot sooner. I kept thinking, "how long does he have to live before it's enough for you?" So I decided to take a break from the book for now.
November 5, 2012
Very disappointed.I found this book poorly written and not insightful. Did not get the sense that the love for pets was genuine and the constant reference to her personal issues was overbearing.
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February 25, 2016kindle 346 (dog stories) memoir
February 25, 2015
LOVED this book. These ladies love dogs as much as we do. I saw myself in this lady.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews