Rescue Me: The incredible true story of the abandoned Mastiff who became Fang in the Harry Potter movies

by Julie Tottman

The heart-warming true story of the dog who played Fang in Harry PotterMonkey is a young Neapolitan Mastiff; larger than life, full of energy and eager to please. But his human doesn't like him. He shouts at him all the time - Monkey doesn't know why - and he won't feed him. Monkey's so hungry his ribs are showing. Eventually his owner gives him away, saying Monkey is too aggressive, and Monkey finds himself in a rescue centre where he's cared for - but by people who are scared of him.Meanwhile, up and coming animal trainer for the movies Julie Tottman is about to start filming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , the fourth in the Harry Potter series, when crisis the dog playing Fang has dropped out. Julie needs to find a blue Neapolitan Mastiff to fill the part and fast. A big believer in rescuing dogs, she starts calling centres. As chance would have it, one in Northampton has a dog who might fit the bill - but he's supposed to be too big a risk for a film set with children. But something tells Julie she should visit the dog first, just to be sure.When she sees the gangly Monkey bounding over to her to say hello and looking up at her gently as she tickles his ears, she knows she has to take a chance on him. He needs feeding up, love, attention and something to put his energy into - and she can give him all those things. But with the film just around the corner, can Monkey become the movie star Julie is looking for? Rescue Me is the incredible true story of what a dog can do when someone believes in them.If you like this book you might also like the first book in the Paws of Fame Will You Take Me Home?

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Horses

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic fast read. Quite the page turner.
I wish Monkey didn't have to go through the experience of bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus). I am grateful Miss Tottman shared his life story, hopefully expanding the reach of awareness of this serious, life threatening condition. I'm also beyond the moon that everyone acted quickly and were able to save him.
Reading about Monkey getting bathed and pampered was fun, brought a smile. I would have loved to learn how he did with having his teeth brushed. It's not mentioned in the book but I'm sure it happened based on Miss Tottman's extensive canine care.
Definitely recommend this one. It renewed my excitement over the Potter films. There is one particular four legged actor I will being paying particular attention to.

[Kristyna K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for every dog and Harry Potter lover. Very cute and sometimes heartbreaking of course. I wasn’t huge fan of the author’s writing itself, however the story of Fang is too good not to give it a good review. And I am happy the author came up with the story for us to know about the movie animals more.

[Brenda Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book adorable, I will now go to Harry Potter studio in Hertfordshire to try and see Monkey.
I also think Monkey & Pickles perfect names, when I get my next dog from the rescue it will be called Pickles.
Thank you Julia for two captivating reads.
Bye. Brenda.

[Zrzi čte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moc milý příběh odehrávající se na pozadí natáčení filmů o Harry Potterovi. Je krásné číst, jak může jeden dobrý skutek ovlivnit a přinést tolik dobrého tolika lidem. Díky Julii a lidem kolem ní, mohl Monkey prožít ten nejlepší možný život, a co víc, mohl svou radost, lásku a energii předávat dál. Láska ke zvířatům byla znát v každém napsaném slově. Zároveň se nám díky jeho příběhu dostává šance poznat i jiné aspekty zákulisí natáčení HP, ať už jde o výcvik zvířat, přípravy scén nebo jen informace jak které věci ve filmu vznikali. Podle mě je tahle kniha docela nedoceněným pokladem pro všechny potterheady.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I HAVE AN EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO THIS DOG

“People prefer to blame the dog than blame themselves” AMEN

“The price we pay for the love of an animal is the pain of saying goodbye - and it is a hefty price”

This book hit so close to home as I have experienced so many amazing dogs come from bad situations in my short time working with animals.

Monkey and Julie Tottman are officially my biggest hero’s ♥️

[Willow Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescue Me was such a cute read, about an amazing animal trainer, and an incredible rescue puppy, who went on to star in the hit franchise Harry Potter. Reading this book left me with such admiration for Julie Tottman and the work that she does. To be able to not just believe in the abandoned dog, but to completely change his view of what a comfortable environment could be is remarkable, and filled me with so so much joy. Congratulations on your performance Monkey! You did brilliantly.

[Helen Arrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue Me by Julie Tottman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The story of a Neopolitan Mastiff who was neglected as a puppy and handed in to a rescue for being aggressive, he was then reacued by a movie animal trainer who turned him into a star in a huge movie franchise. A lovely quick read and such a heartwarming story.
The only thing missing for me was some photographs.

[Hayley Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story is too good to miss, if you love dogs and Harry Potter! Julie writes with such emotion. Just read it! I loved it and I'm going to read her others now! Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review!

[Tania Laugier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Just as good as Will you take me home. Julie's writing is so descriptive and a lovely easy read. Lots of tears but Monkey had a lovely life, what a lovely lady Julie is

[HannahBiancaPoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but sad 😥

[Philip Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Great book couldn't put it down definitely worth reading but it's got a sad 😢 ending so have a tissue to hand

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is no literally masterpiece it is a must for every HP lover out there.
What a privileged life the animal carers lead and what joy and happiness they bring to those furry creatures.

[Kezia Berrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incred for a Hazza P dog lover! Such an incredible story!!

[Big Bertha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening of this book is heartbreaking for any dog lover to read. It started so well for Neapolitan Mastiff Hercules; Christmas lights on the tree, delighted squeals all round, plenty of food and lots of cuddles. Fast forward a couple of months and things aren't going quite so well. The fairy lights are gone, the squeals have been replaced by shouts of anger and Hercules is chained in the yard starved of food, affection and care. By the time the owner takes him to the rehoming centre he's not in a good way.

He might not have been exactly what movie animal trainer Julie Tottman was looking for but he was the right breed and she saw something in him that made her take a chance.

This wonderful tale tells how after a his sad start Hercules became 'Monkey' and entered the magical world of Harry Potter as Hagrids dog Fang. It wasn't an easy journey but its an inspiring and heartwarming read that tells of the the challenges, the training and the laughs along the way. Totally recommended (with a tissue or two handy)

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the advance copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely to hear about the true personalities of my favourite characters. Hagrid was a gentle and kind man, Hermione and Harry were best friends off camera as well as on, and all of them loved animals as much as I do. This book is a gem, especially as some of the cast have passed away over recent years. It’s also just incredibly heartwarming to see a rescue dog go so far. I volunteer in a rescue and they really are the sweetest, most gentle and loving dogs ever and they’re always so so forgiving. This book is definitely worth a read, even with it’s lower reading age. A child could read this easily and enjoy it just as much as an adult.

[meryl gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book about Monkey