Dogged Optimism: Lessons in Joy from a Disaster-Prone Dog

by Belinda Pollard

In this humorous and uplifting read, Belinda recounts how her scruffy Aussie terrier Killarney has helped her through the toughest of days - and taught her to make the most of life.

Killarney is not afraid of anything that sub-tropical Australia can throw at her: venomous creatures, cancer, very large dogs. She becomes Belinda's furry comforter and cheer squad through job loss, grief, and failed romance.

You will be inspired by Killarney's motto: grab life by the throat and shake every last drop of joy out of it. Wrestle it, if you have to.

Belinda Pollard is a multi-award-winning Australian mystery author and former journalist who used to chuckle about people who treated their pets like children - until it happened to her. Her hobbies now include dog-walking in the rain and failing dog training classes. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, travels the world (when she can find a good petsitter).

262 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2018

About the author

Belinda Pollard writes multiple genres, including the WILD CRIMES MYSTERIES requiring arduous research in the best tourist destinations. So far, for the sake of her readers, she has hiked perilous New Zealand mountains and visited a remote tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef; the Australian desert is next. Her rambunctious terrier inspired the light memoir DOGGED OPTIMISM. An accredited book editor and former journalist, she blogs writing tips and Travel and Other Catastrophes. She co-hosts the Gracewriters Podcast and presents workshops at libraries and online. Her degrees in Communication and Theology inspire her devotional writing, and her writing prizes include a Varuna Fellowship. Belinda lives in subtropical Brisbane, Australia where she undertakes ball-throwing duties for a red dog named Rufus, and turns on the air-conditioning so she can dream of snow...

Reviews

[Lorna Sixsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Pollard's novel Poison Bay and am eagerly awaiting the sequel. I knew I enjoyed her writing but wasn't sure as this book is such a change in genre from her other book. I was drawn in immediately though to this charming memoir which starts when Belinda buys this cheeky little pup until some time before his death (he does have a long lively life in case you are worried).
It's not just about the dog but rather Belinda's relationship with him, their many amusing adventures and yes, I'm kinda glad I live in a country which doesn't have snakes (or poisonous toads). Thank goodness for good old St Patrick for banishing them!
There's plenty of humour too as Belinda wonders if she can now be compared to those friends who became parents and spend their time fussing and talking about their newborns. She's also very honest too between mentioning dating, the ticking of the biological clock and her experiences on setting up her own business.
This book isn't just for dog lovers. I really enjoyed it, all the more as I feel I got to know Belinda better (knew her from Twitter since reading her first book).

[Elora Canne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a super uplifting read.

Through all the twists and turns of Killarney’s exuberant and fiercely brave adventures, we see a resilience and determination to always do his best, and do it with enthusiasm and joy.

The pace and insights were written with equal depth and brevity; perfect momentum for both a humorous and meaningful read. Loved it!

[Jo Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a massive dog lover I was predisposed to enjoy Dogged Optimism, but the entwining of Belinda's brave pup with her own enormous life changes and acceptances gave the narrative a depth I hadn't anticipated. This is a gorgeous read and if you weren't familiar with the awesomeness of canines before, you will be on your way to the RSPCA when you've finished.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest, heartwarming story written with much love and humour about how owning a dog helps us through tough times. Dog people (and anyone who loves their pets) will love this book. It will make you laugh and possibly cry. Thumbs up to local author, Belinda Pollard.

[Nancy Kissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for dog lovers.

Loved this book. Reminded me of my pug who doesn't realize he is short. I would recommend this book for dog lovers.

[Casee Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When writer Belinda Pollard acquired her spunky Australian Terrier in May of 1998, she had no idea in what ways the furry little hurricane would change her life - and herself. In Dogged Optimism: Lessons in Joy from a Disaster Prone Dog, Pollard compiles the story of her adventure with bright-eyed, ever-inquisitive Killarney, and in her quietly humorous, heartfelt way she fills the pages of the memoir with the meaningful essence of dog ownership. Through sixteen "lessons" Killarney teaches Belinda how to live fiercely and freely, while she, a natural-born worrier, warily follows Killarney's lead into the sometimes frightening joys of life. The result is a heartwarming tribute to woman's best friend and an engaging examination of how growth can find its way to us in the most unexpected ways.

Over the course of life with the spirited Killarney, her dearly beloved "Puddly", Belinda faces challenges in work and in life as she wrestles with her career in publishing and her dreams of writing a novel. Along the way, with one eye ever watchful on Killarney should anything treacherous arise in her Brisbane yard to disturb or harm her dog, Belinda suffers personal loss, survives heartbreak, overcomes fears, travels for work and pleasure, and finally brings her novel, Poison Bay, into the world. The journey is frequently punctuated by emergency trips to the vet, late-night toad-hunting excursions, and the painstaking devotion of caring for an aging dog. From puppyhood to her golden years, Killarney's colorful spirit inspires the author to live her fullest life - to "grab life by the scruff of the neck and shake it" in true Killarney fashion.

Pollard's love of dogs is immediately evident in her writing as she spins numerous stories with the wide-eyed wonderment and frazzled nerves of a new dog owner alongside the perpetual adoration with which we view our pets. Not just a heartwarming biography of a special dog's happy life, Dogged Optimism also finds itself effective as a memoir on personal growth, the kind which dog ownership thrusts upon us unsuspecting, harried, utterly gratified humans. While thoroughly poignant and constantly empathetic, Dogged Optimism also avoids becoming an full-on tearjerker, which is rather refreshing in the realm of four-legged nonfiction. Instead, Pollard devotes her every ounce of love and enthusiasm into this charming account of unexpected joy. Through her compassionate narrative Pollard successfully introduces her readers to a most delightful little dog and instills in them the sense of loyalty, fulfillment, and purity of happiness as only our dogs can teach us. Dogged Optimism is a treasure for anyone who has ever loved a dog.

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the We Love Memoirs Facebook group as a prize. Thank you! My review is honest and my opinions are my own.

Dogged Optimism is a cute and heartwarming story about a woman’s life with her beloved pet dog. Through training difficulties, illness, surgeries, and comically described, yet dangerous escapades with toads and snakes we see the love between this pair blossom and deepen. Belinda Pollard is a seasoned author and ex-journalist and her writing is immersive, drawing you into her daily life in Australia and allowing you to feel like you are getting to know Killarney and Belinda as close friends.
I enjoyed reading about Belinda’s trip to New Zealand to hike the Milford Track, as this was an experience my mother also undertook in the early 1960s.
This book will be beloved by anyone who enjoys animal memoirs and love stories.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no chapters in this book, but Lesson 1 to Lesson 16! It is joyous…each one is told in a fun & interesting way. Belinda has a great sense of humour & turn of phrase. This is a moving account of Belinda owning her first puppy & all that it entails. We share the highs & lows, the good & bad. We not only get to know Killarney, but Belinda too. She is open & honest about herself & her life. Highly entertaining.

[Lenita Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Laughs Than Tears

This author has a great sense of humor, both about herself and her dog. She titles her chapters with various lessons, which as a good way to organize the book. She must have kept a journal about her dog in order to be able to write a whole book about it. I was afraid I was going to cry at the end when the dog died, but she left that part out.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Light reading and not what I expected at all.

[Jonea Mounsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about one woman and her mischievous dog. Set in Australia. A heartwarming easy to read story.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well written little book. Some of Pollard's behaviours totally confuse me but I'm not exactly normal either. She clearly loved Killarney just wasn't as besotted as I was about my girls or Ratfink. As an NT resident I totally get her panic with snakes and cane toads. One of my girls used to herd toads into a corner then bark for me to come and get them but she saw that the other dog got the hose treatment described in the book when she licked/bit the toads, so she never did. My other dog also stopped eventually but the foaming and drool, I understand that fear very well even though my girls were much bigger than Killarney. I also totally understood her stupid o'clock vet runs, we had many of them, but I never stopped to get out of my pyjamas or clean my make-up off.....my dog was sick, who cares if I look like hell.
I am jealous of the wonderful relationship Pollard had with her parents. I can't imagine parents helping me out with practical stuff or financially supporting me in my 30s. She does seem to know how lucky she is to have her parents and to adore them right back. I get the being strong and supporting others with medical issues and being totally flummoxed when your own health chucks a hissy fit. I also get how disappointing it is to realise that you are never going to get to have kids because nobody has ever wanted you.
She writes really well, and I relate to a lot of what she says but am also confused by some of her choices.

[D H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read! I loved reading this humorous book about the author and her relationship to her Australian Terrier, Killarney. Luckily none of my dogs have given me quite the adventures they have, but the love and appreciation she has for this little blessing keep the story uplifting and easy to read. Her trouble with snakes and poisonous toads have cemented my apprehension of travelling to Australia! It covers about 14 years with both good and bad experiences. She doesn't make the sad times too heavy and, for my sake, I'm glad she didn't cover Killarney's death. She portrayed herself as a "want to be" novelist. If this is any indication of her talent, she needs to pursue her dream. I definitely recommend this book to any pet lover or just someone looking for an enjoyable reading. It certainly lifted my spirit. I agreed to give an honest review for the opportunity to read this gifted book.

[Linda Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Its easy to read and beautifully written.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and easy read

[Kendra]

"I say to Mum, 'What do you think? It’s not as if I’m going to buy a puppy today. But you can cuddle one, I’ll buy you some coffee and cake, and then you can come back home for a nap.' She smiles. A glance passes between her and Dad."

When Belinda decided to adopt her first dog, she had no idea what she was in for. Killarney Karinya, named by Belinda for two special places she visited as a child, was an old-fashioned Australian terrier and the runt of her litter. While Belinda had grown up with dogs, she had never raised a puppy of her own. In this delightful memoir, Belinda recounts the difficult but happy years they shared together and how her time with Killarney changed her outlook on life.

Belinda relates several experiences which any pet owner may be familiar with, such as when she worried about Killarney’s health, her concerns about Killarney’s behaviour and training, and the many unexpected messes she suddenly found herself responsible for cleaning up. She also relates several incidents which won’t be familiar to most pet owners as they were unique to her life in Brisbane, Australia–an area known for its deadly reptiles and amphibians. Belinda talks about chasing poisonous cane toads around her yard, in an effort to keep them from getting near her beloved Killarney, who liked to chew on them, and calling the vet on numerous occasions due to Killarney’s being bitten by poisonous snakes. Of course, over time, Belinda learned to strike just the right balance between keeping Killarney safe and letting her learn her own lessons. And Belinda and Killarney had a lot of fun together too, spending time with family, making new friends and having new life experiences. Along the way, Belinda learned to accept the eccentricities of Killarney and the unpredictable nature of life itself.

Belinda’s memoir is heartfelt, funny and, occasionally, sad but it’s ultimately uplifting. Dogged Optimism will resonate with pet owners everywhere, regardless of species.