Real Dogs Don't Whisper: Life lessons from a larger than life dog - and his owner!

by Kelly Preston, Heather Martin (Photographer), Amy Burkhart (Photographer)

Real Dogs Don't Whisper is more than a book about dogs it s a book about life. Real Dogs Don't Whisper: Life Lessons from a Larger than Life Dog! (and his Owner), is the true story of a remarkable family as told in a unique way by both myself, the owner of the household, and my spunky, hilarious, nine-year old Lhasa Apso, Mr. MaGoo. The narrative is at times tear-jerking, at times hysterical, and always enthralling. Real Dogs Don't Whisper is more than a book about dogs it s a book about life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

210 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. You don’t have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book. I grew up on a farm much like the author did. We raised pigs. We rented out our fields to neighboring farmers. We always had 1-2 dogs and loads of cats. I was the cat lover in the family and everyone else the dog lovers. We took in dogs that were dropped off in the country and found their way to our house, or dogs that were given to us because someone had abused them and they needed a good home. I could identify with the author in so many ways. There is a lot of work that goes with taking in pets like this. There are ups and down. There are times when you are overjoyed by what your dog is doing and then there are times that are tough to deal with. Kelly has gone above and beyond with her dogs. She has taken in dogs with a plethora of medical and personality disorders that would prompt others to put them down.

Another reason to read this book is because of the sheer humor found in it. The book starts out being told by Kelly’s co-writer and dog, Mr. Magoo. His humor in the way he sees things makes the story flow. The books is peppered with pictures of her dogs throughout the years. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read and review this book. It is one I will definitely cherish and recommend to my friends.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mymcbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Dogs Don’t Whisper: Life Lessons from a Larger than Life Dog! (and his Owner), is the true story of a remarkable family as told in a unique way by both Kelly Preston, the owner of the household, and her spunky, hilarious, nine-year old Lhasa Apso, Mr. MaGoo. “Having these dogs taught (Kelly) so much… the obstacles they have overcome.” Kelly, Mr. MaGoo, Buffy, Carla Mae, and Betty Boop. A girl, her two Lhasa Apsos, one Cocker Spaniel, and one adorable mutt – each with their own challenging set of difficulties to overcome. One puppy has serious neurological disorders. Two were severely abused. All are on a journey of discovery. Together, learning love and patience along the way, they have grown and thrived. And perhaps none so much as the girl. Kelly Preston is, first and foremost, an animal lover. Raised on a ten-acre property in a small town inPennsylvania, she grew up with horses, rabbits, and – of course – dogs. When she left home after college, she acquired Gizmo, an irresistible Lhasa Apso that started her on a journey full of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations, frustrations, endless lessons in patience, and above all else, love. All of this has come at the hands (more precisely the paws) of Gizmo, Betty Boop, Buffy, Carla Mae, and the inimitable Mr. MaGoo. Mr. MaGoo is a nine-year-old Lhasa Apso and the book’s co-creator and co-writer. He is, in his own words, “the alpha and omega of all dogs – in the cutest and sparkiest, most fun-loving package ever.” Ignoring Kelly’s persistent eye-rolling, Mr. MaGoo has forged ahead with this project in an attempt to, as he puts it, “present the facts from a dog’s perspective. In other words, the correct, most accurate, most interesting, only-one-that-matters perspective,” to which he adds, simply, “Woof!” Both Kelly and Mr. MaGoo have determined to donate a portion of their proceeds from the sale of the book to FACE Foundation

My Review: Real Dogs Don’t Whisper is a true story told by the author about how her dogs overcame obstacles. An adventurous story on how they all got along. You can see that the author has a real love for animal at an early age, a touching story for all animal lovers.

[Valerie Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Preston's "Real Dogs Don't Whisper" is funny, heartfelt, and a good summer read. As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I particularly liked Preston's interpretation of her Lhasa Apso, Mr. MaGoo's, take on life around him. Preston tells the story from both her point of view and that of Mr. MaGoo, which made for a very enjoyable read. Here is an example of how the author develops MaGoo's character and lets his personality shine:
"The Truth: All dogs are not alike. Some of us are born to lead while others (like my sisters and the human who lives in my house) are born to follow. They are indeed quite fortunate to have such an irresistibly cure leader who is, quite simply (and humbly), the single best Alpha Dog of all time."
Preston tells the stories of each of her dogs, all with special needs, some much greater than others. Her compassion for the animals is amazing, and this is a story not only about dogs and their relationships with their humans and other dogs, but about Preston's self discovery. She shares wonderful lessons about things she learned from her dogs including patience and understanding. She includes a good balance between serious commentary and humor and informs the reader about issues and abuse in the animal world without overwhelming.
The book has won numerous awards and was different than any book I'd read. I recommend it, and not just for animal lovers. Additionally, a portion of the book proceeds help support the FACE Foundation "Saving Pets and Helping Families." Thank you, Kelly Preston and Mr. MaGoo, for sharing your story.

[Grampy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.

“Real Dogs Don’t Whisper” by Kelly Preston is a heart-warming, amazing, love-filled and heart breaking tale that every dog lover should read. But be warned: you WILL shed tears along with the laughter.

Kelly begins with a brief biography of her childhood, moving quickly to the day she walked past a pet store and saw a cute little Lhasa Apso puppy in the window, its tail just wagging away. All night she thought about that puppy, and told herself if the dog was still there in the morning, she would buy it. It was, and she did. Thus began the story of a wonderfully compassionate young woman and the life and love she shared with several special dogs.

Kelly named that first puppy “Gizmo”. Gizmo was followed by “Mr. Magoo”, “Carla Mae”, “Betty Boop” and “Buffy”, not necessarily in that order, and not all at the same time. Each of these dogs had special needs. They each suffered from some combination of cancer; neuroses; anxiety; blindness; birth defects; physical, emotional and mental abuse, even including the unbelievably perverse and cruel sexual abuse; defensive aggression; and other special needs. In spite of this… or perhaps because of this, Kelly gave her all to provide food, shelter, medication, care, and most of all, love to each special dog. In return she received unconditional love multiplied many times over.

“Real Dogs Don’t Whisper” is co-written by Mr. Magoo, who cleverly and with humor provides the dogs’ perception of life with Kelly. This story is not one you can put down for long. The horror stories Kelly tells will break your heart, and make you wonder how any human being could ever be so incredibly cruel. The love stories Kelly tells will warm your heart, and make you wonder why every human being cannot have the same love and respect for animals.

This story is funny yet sad, heart-warming yet heart-breaking, filled with love yet filled with cruelty. If you aren’t crying as you read the Epilogue, you should see a doctor; they have medications now to help with whatever your problem may be.

I have to confess this book brought tears to my eyes several times, as I reflected on the various dogs that have blessed my life and the awful times I’ve had to have one put down. In spite of my tears, I am so glad I read this story. It was uplifting, overall. Dogs truly do love unconditionally, and it has been my great pleasure to have known the love of dogs throughout most of my life.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say--this is a sweet, wonderful book about dogs (and co-written by one!). I have no choice but to give this a rating of a five! It deserves it and more! It is humorous while still heart-wrenching at times. I was surprised to find myself crying over a book about dogs, but the book was so emotional at times. I am one who does not believe in treating animals like children, but Kelly Preston is in a unique position. She can't have children, and she has devoted her life to the care of these special-needs dogs. In her situation, I honestly see no problem with what she is doing because I feel this has become her life work. Throughout the book, people give her a hard time, but you know what? They are wrong. If she wants to do this, why not? Maybe I wouldn't choose to do it, but she is touching the lives of wonderful animals, and she has improved their lives.

I will warn you--the dogs' stories are not always easy to read. I am happy to announce that there are no major profanity issues in the book, and there are no inappropriate passages. I love the pictures she has peppered throughout the story. And the fact that she and her dominant dog co-author it is truly a hoot! This book is for any animal lover out there. It is a wonderful story that is well-written and easy to read. I was reminded again of how much I love dogs!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, an all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What compassion and beautiful Heart Kelly Preston has. This story will make you both laugh and cry. It is such a heart warming, page turning read.
We have Mr MaGoo...he is the delightful co-author. He does seem to have a big focus on more treats. He tells it like it is about the other members of his Canine family.
Mr MaGoo came into Kelly's family as her one doggy "love" crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Soon MaGoo is followed by Betty Boop and Buffy, and then Carla May. Some of the problems both medical and behavior came from their Puppy Mill breeding, and abuse. Some suffered from physical and sexual abuse. It makes me sick...how could they?
The Epilogue is sad, but unfortunately it is part of life. I could not put this book down once I started. This is a book for any dog lover, and I am. Kelly has experienced the unconditional love that dogs give us.

I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Karen Major · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preston manages to tell a heartbreaking story of rescue dogs with humor and levity, while providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the challenges of owning high-need pets. Mr. MaGoo (the dog and co-writer) is a hoot! I wouldn't mind reading a book just by him.

[Mark Woodward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Irritating!

I,m sorry, I could just not get along with this book at all. The concept of being half written by a dog is fine, but having every few paragraphs interrupted by "woof, get off Sparky" and the like drove me crazy. I just found the whole thing a bit sill and pathetic. So much so, that I actually closed the book and marked it as read ( ereader) after about 4 chapters. I love true life stories, and I,m a true animal lover with 3 rescued ones myself, but this book just didnt hit the spot.