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Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger
Let's get this clear right away: I'm a dog. I'm 1'10" and weigh 63 lbs, and although I'm a mutt on the outside, I'm a purebred on the inside. My good nature comes from the Golden Retriever side of the family, while my stubbornness is clearly from my Chowchow bloodlines. I've got Rastafarian ears, a black tongue for licking, and paws that should be on a dog twice my size.
I type 60 words a minute.
My name is Bo, and this is my story.
From shelter dog reject to beloved pet and popular doggie blogger, Bo Hoefinger's life has been anything but ordinary. Join this incorrigible canine as he welcomes us into his life, complete with his wacky "parents," a constipated feline housemate, and chipmunk warfare.
I type 60 words a minute.
My name is Bo, and this is my story.
From shelter dog reject to beloved pet and popular doggie blogger, Bo Hoefinger's life has been anything but ordinary. Join this incorrigible canine as he welcomes us into his life, complete with his wacky "parents," a constipated feline housemate, and chipmunk warfare.
260 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2005
1 person is currently reading
1137 people want to read
About the author
Bo Hoefinger
1 book15 followersIt's 100% funny, 100% true... read me, only $10.26 pb or $7.38 ebook!..
http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Bone-Memoir...
I'm a senior dog. In fact, I'm what god calls "bonus time." As any experienced dog will tell you, the desire to leave our urine stain on the proverbial fire hydrant of life grows strong the longer the bond between you and owner exists. For me, the yearning is strong (sometimes as much as eleven times a day).
Some dogs memorialize themselves by using their teeth to carve their stories into the family furniture. Others prefer to bark out an oral history But I've always been a writer. I've put paw to paper this time.
I want to assure you, this book provides you with the unique opportunity to share episodes in my life as they unfolded, through the eyes of man's best friend.
So take pleasure in the world as I have seen it, experienced it, and lived it.
I welcome you to my mind and story....
http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Bone-Memoir...
I'm a senior dog. In fact, I'm what god calls "bonus time." As any experienced dog will tell you, the desire to leave our urine stain on the proverbial fire hydrant of life grows strong the longer the bond between you and owner exists. For me, the yearning is strong (sometimes as much as eleven times a day).
Some dogs memorialize themselves by using their teeth to carve their stories into the family furniture. Others prefer to bark out an oral history But I've always been a writer. I've put paw to paper this time.
I want to assure you, this book provides you with the unique opportunity to share episodes in my life as they unfolded, through the eyes of man's best friend.
So take pleasure in the world as I have seen it, experienced it, and lived it.
I welcome you to my mind and story....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 14, 2011
It's the best dog book I've ever written. I'm the dog who pawed 'Bad To The Bone.' I wanted to let everyone know my book is dedicated to rescue and shelter workers who make this world a better place, one animal at a time. I donate a portion of my proceeds to help homeless dogs (and cats) at rescues around the country.
Woof!
Woof!
March 3, 2010
Bo Hoefinger is a 1’10”, 63-pound dog who claims to be a “mutt on the outside” but “a purebred on the inside.” Bo takes the reader on a delightful journey as he relays his life, beginning as a shelter dog who finds his forever home through a “revenge adoption”. We meet Bo’s feline sister Moose who suffers from constipation, canine sister Copper who passes gas when she walks, and Bo’s owners, a naïve young couple who don’t know what they’re in for when they adopt Bo. This dog blogger’s antidotes about his family and furry friends are heartwarming and filled with humor. Sprinkled throughout the book are Bo’s lists, including his favorite non-food smells (we can all guess what the first one will be), ten things he’s had in his mouth, and states he’s peed in. From the preface to the interview at the end, this dog biography is zany and so laugh-out-loud funny, the reader will be reluctant to put the book aside. Bad to the Bone is sure to be a favorite among animal lovers and those who enjoy a fun read or simply want (or need) a good laugh.
Important to note is that the book is dedicated to rescue and shelter workers and a portion of the proceeds is donated to help homeless dogs. Bravo!
Important to note is that the book is dedicated to rescue and shelter workers and a portion of the proceeds is donated to help homeless dogs. Bravo!
November 21, 2010
I'm declaring this the funniest book of 2010. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book. It's the memoir of a dog. His name is Bo and he's a golden retriever/chow chow mix. These are his memoirs from puppyhood in a shelter in New York to adulthood with a loving family consisting of a mom, dad, another dog and a cat with constant constipation in Atlanta Georgia. The first thing I want to share is the inscription inside. I bought this book thru the author's website and Bo was kind enough to leave me a witty comment as well as his pawtograph. Thus, I was chuckling from the get go..
Full review at link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
Full review at link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
January 26, 2010
This book just jumped off the shelf at me (and tried to do something questionable on my leg, but that's been forgiven). Bo is a golden retriever/chowchow mix and a former shelter dog who out-Marley's Marley by leaps and bounds, mostly because he writes and blogs about his many adventures. This book is hilarious from page one to the author's biography on the back cover. I just have to put everyone I know, "dog person" or not, onto the scent of this book, because no one should miss this fine storyteller or the hours of laughter he will bring to their lives!
Bo Rules!!!
Bo Rules!!!
November 21, 2018
Maybe if you knew the dog/family this would be great but it's not one of the best dog books i've read. had it on my to read list for years, well disappointed.
August 13, 2013
Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger, by Bo Hoefinger of dogster.com’s ‘For The Love of Dog’ blog, 2009, 260pp, about 15$
A good book, like a good dog, is hard to find. This is a good book about a good dog (21 customer reviews on Amazon.com and all of then are 5-star). Everyone wants to have a dog like Bo. Every dog wants to be a dog like Bo.
So, it won’t surprise you that I think this book was mistitled: it should be “Bo, the World’s Best Dog.” But, there were some devilish incidents – about 32 of them related in the book. That’s one per chapter. Things every devilish dog does but this book makes them sound funny, even if humiliating and humbling (maybe they are hilarious only when they happen to other families).
A dog comes to a family, grows with the family. It is a blessing that Bo is still going strong (not quite as strong as before) 16 years later.
Bo belongs to a family in which the father works long and hard and makes a very good living while the mother stays home and dibbles and dabbles. However, Bo’s human dad is the one who wrote this book – originally as a most clever gift for his wife.
I DO disagree with the title of this book, Bad To The Bone. I think Bo is a great dog! He has spent many fun times in Vermont and Massachusetts - enough time in New England to be considered a Yankee Dog. And he loves maple candy.
A dog wrote this book - Bo. (Actually, it is written as if a dog wrote it, and very nicely done.) "My name is Bo and this is my story. I"m 1'10" and weigh 63 lbs., and although I'm a mutt on the outside, I'm a purebred on the inside."
One day, while workaholic 'dad' was at a football game with the guys - one too many football games, I might add - stay-at-home 'mom' got even by calling from an animal shelter where she went to find a dog to keep her company. She told her husband that if he wanted any input into the kind of dog they were going to get, he had better hightail it over to the shelter or leave the choice up to her. Yep, Bo was a revenge adoption!
And so the book begins and never lets up. The choice of which dog to pick at the animal shelter is told from the point of view of a dog and is warm and funny. The entire book is warm and funny.
Bo adds bonus material like The Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother (Number 10: She feeds me. . . . . Number 5: She's a sucker for the doe-eye look. . . . Number 1: She feeds me.), Ten Things I've Had in My Mouth (that I shouldn't have had), Ten States I Have Pee’d In. Also appearing in Bo’s book are the family album, bloopers, Q and A with Bo, an interview with his ‘parents.’
The family eventually gets a cat and calls it Moose (because 'mom' wouldn't let 'dad' call the cat, Cow) to share the love and laughter and canine bingo. Bo compares dogs and cats (guess who wins) and tells of Moose's penchant for bringing home headless chipmunks as a gift. ("I was concerned, too. The head is the really good part, the chewy center in the middle if you will. You'd hate to see that go to waste.")
Bo reminisces about his 'walk-about' away from the picnic on the Fourth of July and comes to realize what a great privilege it is to be in this country - and free. A great privilege, that is if you aren't a dog confined by a baby gate! Bo paid the price, however, for his walk-about. A bath.
When his 'mom and dad' go on vacation without him, he stays with relatives in exchange for 'mom and dad's' use of the relatives' car. "The way I saw it, I was the down payment to ensure the car was coming back."
Bo will leave his mark on everyone who reads this book. "As many know, the first thing learned in male puppy school is to leave your mark (it's also the last thing you learn)."
He prefers to go on walkies with his 'mom' rather than his ‘dad’ because she doesn't hold on to the leash tight enough. "They each have their own styles, with one lending itself to mayhem while the other lends itself to control. You can guess which I prefer. Yep, mayhem. Every time.”
Quotable Bo:
“Boy was I thirsty. I’d do anything for some toilet water right now.
“When I told Moose the story the next day, she brought me a dead field mouse to thank me . . . . I felt wrong keeping it all for myself, but I knew exactly what to do with it. I put it on my ‘mother’s’ bed. It’s the least I could do for . . . her.”
Bo knows. He just doesn't listen. Just like my dog and yours.
What didn’t I like about this book? It was too short. Only 260 pages – but the websites make up for it: check out www.badtothebonememoir.com and www.boknowsonline.com for pages and pages of fun. Dog people will love it.
A good book, like a good dog, is hard to find. This is a good book about a good dog (21 customer reviews on Amazon.com and all of then are 5-star). Everyone wants to have a dog like Bo. Every dog wants to be a dog like Bo.
So, it won’t surprise you that I think this book was mistitled: it should be “Bo, the World’s Best Dog.” But, there were some devilish incidents – about 32 of them related in the book. That’s one per chapter. Things every devilish dog does but this book makes them sound funny, even if humiliating and humbling (maybe they are hilarious only when they happen to other families).
A dog comes to a family, grows with the family. It is a blessing that Bo is still going strong (not quite as strong as before) 16 years later.
Bo belongs to a family in which the father works long and hard and makes a very good living while the mother stays home and dibbles and dabbles. However, Bo’s human dad is the one who wrote this book – originally as a most clever gift for his wife.
I DO disagree with the title of this book, Bad To The Bone. I think Bo is a great dog! He has spent many fun times in Vermont and Massachusetts - enough time in New England to be considered a Yankee Dog. And he loves maple candy.
A dog wrote this book - Bo. (Actually, it is written as if a dog wrote it, and very nicely done.) "My name is Bo and this is my story. I"m 1'10" and weigh 63 lbs., and although I'm a mutt on the outside, I'm a purebred on the inside."
One day, while workaholic 'dad' was at a football game with the guys - one too many football games, I might add - stay-at-home 'mom' got even by calling from an animal shelter where she went to find a dog to keep her company. She told her husband that if he wanted any input into the kind of dog they were going to get, he had better hightail it over to the shelter or leave the choice up to her. Yep, Bo was a revenge adoption!
And so the book begins and never lets up. The choice of which dog to pick at the animal shelter is told from the point of view of a dog and is warm and funny. The entire book is warm and funny.
Bo adds bonus material like The Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother (Number 10: She feeds me. . . . . Number 5: She's a sucker for the doe-eye look. . . . Number 1: She feeds me.), Ten Things I've Had in My Mouth (that I shouldn't have had), Ten States I Have Pee’d In. Also appearing in Bo’s book are the family album, bloopers, Q and A with Bo, an interview with his ‘parents.’
The family eventually gets a cat and calls it Moose (because 'mom' wouldn't let 'dad' call the cat, Cow) to share the love and laughter and canine bingo. Bo compares dogs and cats (guess who wins) and tells of Moose's penchant for bringing home headless chipmunks as a gift. ("I was concerned, too. The head is the really good part, the chewy center in the middle if you will. You'd hate to see that go to waste.")
Bo reminisces about his 'walk-about' away from the picnic on the Fourth of July and comes to realize what a great privilege it is to be in this country - and free. A great privilege, that is if you aren't a dog confined by a baby gate! Bo paid the price, however, for his walk-about. A bath.
When his 'mom and dad' go on vacation without him, he stays with relatives in exchange for 'mom and dad's' use of the relatives' car. "The way I saw it, I was the down payment to ensure the car was coming back."
Bo will leave his mark on everyone who reads this book. "As many know, the first thing learned in male puppy school is to leave your mark (it's also the last thing you learn)."
He prefers to go on walkies with his 'mom' rather than his ‘dad’ because she doesn't hold on to the leash tight enough. "They each have their own styles, with one lending itself to mayhem while the other lends itself to control. You can guess which I prefer. Yep, mayhem. Every time.”
Quotable Bo:
“Boy was I thirsty. I’d do anything for some toilet water right now.
“When I told Moose the story the next day, she brought me a dead field mouse to thank me . . . . I felt wrong keeping it all for myself, but I knew exactly what to do with it. I put it on my ‘mother’s’ bed. It’s the least I could do for . . . her.”
Bo knows. He just doesn't listen. Just like my dog and yours.
What didn’t I like about this book? It was too short. Only 260 pages – but the websites make up for it: check out www.badtothebonememoir.com and www.boknowsonline.com for pages and pages of fun. Dog people will love it.
November 29, 2010
Bo, the author of this book claims to be 1'10” and 63 pounds of mutt outside, purebred inside. His memoir mostly covers his life after being adopted from a doggie prison, more of a revenge adoption than a well planned decision. It's okay though; it all worked out. Well, except for Rudy, Rocky, and other unnamed creatures. Not that there weren't some difficult times, but together, the family, all of them, weathered them.
This is a feel-good book, great for laughs, for cheering up, for entertainment, for the pure fun of it. And it's good for showing the many great things about caring for a dog, and the amount of patience it is going to take to survive those great things.
Bo, if you read this, you might want to know that not all humans are quite as interested in poo in its various forms as dogs are. Sure, it is a fascinating subject, but a little poo goes a long way. Quite literally, in the case of Moose. And you might try smiling a little more in some of your photos. I know that you want to be taken seriously as a writer, but there is nothing like a toothy golden/chow/unknown smile to make people feel good.
I especially loved your answer to the next-to-last question in your Q and A section.
And on behalf of Bo, I'd like to emphasize: if you want to have a great dog (or cat or other adoptable creature) and you have the patience for some Bo-like adventures, adopt one from a shelter or rescue group. Money can buy love.
Thanks to Tara and thanks to Bo for signing my book.
This is a feel-good book, great for laughs, for cheering up, for entertainment, for the pure fun of it. And it's good for showing the many great things about caring for a dog, and the amount of patience it is going to take to survive those great things.
Bo, if you read this, you might want to know that not all humans are quite as interested in poo in its various forms as dogs are. Sure, it is a fascinating subject, but a little poo goes a long way. Quite literally, in the case of Moose. And you might try smiling a little more in some of your photos. I know that you want to be taken seriously as a writer, but there is nothing like a toothy golden/chow/unknown smile to make people feel good.
I especially loved your answer to the next-to-last question in your Q and A section.
And on behalf of Bo, I'd like to emphasize: if you want to have a great dog (or cat or other adoptable creature) and you have the patience for some Bo-like adventures, adopt one from a shelter or rescue group. Money can buy love.
Thanks to Tara and thanks to Bo for signing my book.
December 29, 2013
This is actually a six star book! I love Bo, the golden retriever/chow mix who wrote this book. I wish I could hug him! Here is how he signed my book my book, "Carol, Never judge a dog by the kind of book covers he chews. I hope you enjoy my 'tail'! Woof Woof, Bo Hoefinger".
Bo gets adopted from a shelter by his mother and father and shares his view of the messes that humans, he and the other animals in this family get into. I really love the fact that he realizes that humans sometimes do stupid things too! With that going on it doesn’t keep him from loving his mother and father with all of his great big heart.
He does remind us that there are many overpowering smells in this world. He does get a little involved in poop and farts, but if you think about it, that is probably important to dogs, so it fits. He has his favorite foods, people and times of day. He loves games although his mother and father sometimes don’t figure them out. He knows what is important to a dog.
Bo threw in charts and lists of what is important to him. He even has a game of “Canine Bingo”. Plenty of lovely pictures of him adorn this book. This isn’t a cutsey book that ends with the dog dying; this is a walk through life with a dog at your side.
I challenge people to read this book and see if they don’t love Bo too! Bo dedicated this book to the shelter workers and gave 10% of the proceeds to help other homeless dogs and cats.
Bo gets adopted from a shelter by his mother and father and shares his view of the messes that humans, he and the other animals in this family get into. I really love the fact that he realizes that humans sometimes do stupid things too! With that going on it doesn’t keep him from loving his mother and father with all of his great big heart.
He does remind us that there are many overpowering smells in this world. He does get a little involved in poop and farts, but if you think about it, that is probably important to dogs, so it fits. He has his favorite foods, people and times of day. He loves games although his mother and father sometimes don’t figure them out. He knows what is important to a dog.
Bo threw in charts and lists of what is important to him. He even has a game of “Canine Bingo”. Plenty of lovely pictures of him adorn this book. This isn’t a cutsey book that ends with the dog dying; this is a walk through life with a dog at your side.
I challenge people to read this book and see if they don’t love Bo too! Bo dedicated this book to the shelter workers and gave 10% of the proceeds to help other homeless dogs and cats.
May 1, 2010
Meet Bo, a golden retriever/chow mix breed shelter dog. Bo has written his life story, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! Bad to the Bone is written from Bo’s point of view. We meet his “parents”, his feline friend (who almost didn’t make it into the family), and read about all of his adventures.
Bo’s humor will turn around the story of his injured paw and will make you laugh, as will his dream about being on a compilation of game shows. Also in Bo’s memoir is the inclusion of special pages with articles such as Why I Love My Mother (“She feeds me.” is listed three times), Canine Bingo, Ask the Magic Bo Ball, States I’ve Peed In, and many more. There are also photos of Bo and a Q & A with him.
Read the rest of my review and watch the video featuring Bo on Bookvisions.
http://bookvisions.blogspot.com/2010/...
Bo’s humor will turn around the story of his injured paw and will make you laugh, as will his dream about being on a compilation of game shows. Also in Bo’s memoir is the inclusion of special pages with articles such as Why I Love My Mother (“She feeds me.” is listed three times), Canine Bingo, Ask the Magic Bo Ball, States I’ve Peed In, and many more. There are also photos of Bo and a Q & A with him.
Read the rest of my review and watch the video featuring Bo on Bookvisions.
http://bookvisions.blogspot.com/2010/...
September 23, 2012
I absolutley loved this book! I have laughed out loud more times than I can count and would not hesitate to recommend it to any animal lover. I know its a good book when I am reading and have to tell John what "Bo" said! This is a fun book and I just adore Bo (or Beeeee Ohhhhhh, according to a young veterinary staff member!). I took it with me during my lunch hour, and I think I had more than a few stares when I burst out laughing....yep, that's me, the crazy lady, sitting alone at lunch with a book and laughing out loud! Bo and his family are awesome - real people/animals that you can see yourself hanging out with. This was a fun read, with some pearls of wisdom scattered along the way!
September 28, 2010
I'm one of the very few people who did not care for the author's writing style. In my opinion, it was too cute with the dog-narrator calling his owners his parents. There were some escapades. Reminded me of our own Golden retriever who we had for 13 years --- when a thunderstorm came up, she destroyed doors, trying to go into another room. She wasn't bad to the bone, and neither is Bo (the main canine character).
If you want a book narrated by a dog, try The Art of Racing in the Rain. I adored adored that book. Marley and Me, of course, is another good one.
If you want a book narrated by a dog, try The Art of Racing in the Rain. I adored adored that book. Marley and Me, of course, is another good one.
November 2, 2010
This is an absolutely wonderful story. I laughed so loud my family couldn't hear the television. This is a MUST READ for anyone who has ever lived with a dog.
May 11, 2015
Cute! Well done!
March 1, 2012
I really loved this book! Written from the dog's perspective, it had me laughing out loud!
November 9, 2021
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I put this on my to read list, but I think I thought it would be more about dog-blogging, a community I was part of for many years. Nothing against Bo, he sounds like he was a great guy, but not the book I thought I was getting.
July 19, 2019
Loved it. I read it very slowly because since there’s no main plot, I just wanted to enjoy the adventures of Bo!
Read
December 31, 2025DNF
December 16, 2010
From the day that Bo is brought home from the local animal shelter, he brings mirth and joy into the lives of the Hoefinger couple, as he will into your home, too, if you decide to read Bad to the Bone. As ‘Bo’ writes, “It had taken me seven years to get to a place where I finally had the four F’s: family, friends, fun, and food.” Not being content with only one dog, Bo’s human 30+ parents decide, first of all, to introduce a cat, named Moose, and later a canine sister, Copper, with whom he soon becomes firm friends. Starting out in a modest home in Albany, New York, the Hoefingers have to move cross country when Bo’s father’s employer relocates to Atlanta, Georgia. There Bo continues his freelance employment as chief squirrel and chipmunk chaser, in addition to his primary occupation as guardian of the home and trustee of the kitty litter tray (and, oh boy, does he love to nibble those morsels…).
In addition to Bo’s anecdotal recall of his emotional rollercoaster life with his family, there are also numerous illustrated lists throughout the book, covering such bone-crunching topics as ‘Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother’, ‘My Favorite Movies/Shows’ (including Dog Day Afternoon) and ‘Favorite Non-Food Smells’ (including ‘My pee on anything’). In addition to a question and answer session with Bo, and one with his human parents, the memoir ends with a number of photographs of Bo in a number of fitting disguises, as well as with his buddies. Endearing without being soppy, Bad to the Bone is a delightful, heart-warming read. And, don’t worry, unlike many books that are written by humans, the ending isn’t sad, as Bo states in the epilogue: “I’m still typing away at the tender age of sixteen, and besides, I’m so nimble that falling off anything, other than my latest diet, isn’t going to happen.”
Bo Hoefinger’s popular blog, www.BoKnowsOnline.com, receives over 100,000 page views per month. He is also the dog behind the writer chosen as the “doggie blogger” for Dogster.com, which has a membership of more than 500,000 humans.
For any dog lover, this ‘memoir’ is a must—it’ll no doubt lead to you recalling any and all memories that you have of any dog that you have ever owned or known. [For a golden retriever / chowchow cross, Bo writes very well indeed, and deserves the golden paw print of approval.]
In addition to Bo’s anecdotal recall of his emotional rollercoaster life with his family, there are also numerous illustrated lists throughout the book, covering such bone-crunching topics as ‘Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother’, ‘My Favorite Movies/Shows’ (including Dog Day Afternoon) and ‘Favorite Non-Food Smells’ (including ‘My pee on anything’). In addition to a question and answer session with Bo, and one with his human parents, the memoir ends with a number of photographs of Bo in a number of fitting disguises, as well as with his buddies. Endearing without being soppy, Bad to the Bone is a delightful, heart-warming read. And, don’t worry, unlike many books that are written by humans, the ending isn’t sad, as Bo states in the epilogue: “I’m still typing away at the tender age of sixteen, and besides, I’m so nimble that falling off anything, other than my latest diet, isn’t going to happen.”
Bo Hoefinger’s popular blog, www.BoKnowsOnline.com, receives over 100,000 page views per month. He is also the dog behind the writer chosen as the “doggie blogger” for Dogster.com, which has a membership of more than 500,000 humans.
For any dog lover, this ‘memoir’ is a must—it’ll no doubt lead to you recalling any and all memories that you have of any dog that you have ever owned or known. [For a golden retriever / chowchow cross, Bo writes very well indeed, and deserves the golden paw print of approval.]
June 16, 2013
From the day that Bo is brought home from the local animal shelter, he brings mirth and joy into the lives of the Hoefinger couple, as he will into your home, too, if you decide to read Bad to the Bone. As ‘Bo’ writes, “It had taken me seven years to get to a place where I finally had the four F’s: family, friends, fun, and food.” Not being content with only one dog, Bo’s human 30+ parents decide, first of all, to introduce a cat, named Moose, and later a canine sister, Copper, with whom he soon becomes firm friends. Starting out in a modest home in Albany, New York, the Hoefingers have to move cross country when Bo’s father’s employer relocates to Atlanta, Georgia. There Bo continues his freelance employment as chief squirrel and chipmunk chaser, in addition to his primary occupation as guardian of the home and trustee of the kitty litter tray (and, oh boy, does he love to nibble those morsels…).
In addition to Bo’s anecdotal recall of his emotional rollercoaster life with his family, there are also numerous illustrated lists throughout the book, covering such bone-crunching topics as ‘Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother’, ‘My Favorite Movies/Shows’ (including Dog Day Afternoon) and ‘Favorite Non-Food Smells’ (including ‘My pee on anything’). In addition to a question and answer session with Bo, and one with his human parents, the memoir ends with a number of photographs of Bo in a number of fitting disguises, as well as with his buddies. Endearing without being soppy, Bad to the Bone is a delightful, heart-warming read. And, don’t worry, unlike many books that are written by humans, the ending isn’t sad, as Bo states in the epilogue: “I’m still typing away at the tender age of sixteen, and besides, I’m so nimble that falling off anything, other than my latest diet, isn’t going to happen.”
Bo Hoefinger’s popular blog, www.BoKnowsOnline.com, receives over 100,000 page views per month. He is also the dog behind the writer chosen as the “doggie blogger” for Dogster.com, which has a membership of more than 500,000 humans.
For any dog lover, this ‘memoir’ is a must—it’ll no doubt lead to you recalling any and all memories that you have of any dog that you have ever owned or known. [For a golden retriever / chowchow cross, Bo writes very well indeed, and deserves the golden paw print of approval.]
In addition to Bo’s anecdotal recall of his emotional rollercoaster life with his family, there are also numerous illustrated lists throughout the book, covering such bone-crunching topics as ‘Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mother’, ‘My Favorite Movies/Shows’ (including Dog Day Afternoon) and ‘Favorite Non-Food Smells’ (including ‘My pee on anything’). In addition to a question and answer session with Bo, and one with his human parents, the memoir ends with a number of photographs of Bo in a number of fitting disguises, as well as with his buddies. Endearing without being soppy, Bad to the Bone is a delightful, heart-warming read. And, don’t worry, unlike many books that are written by humans, the ending isn’t sad, as Bo states in the epilogue: “I’m still typing away at the tender age of sixteen, and besides, I’m so nimble that falling off anything, other than my latest diet, isn’t going to happen.”
Bo Hoefinger’s popular blog, www.BoKnowsOnline.com, receives over 100,000 page views per month. He is also the dog behind the writer chosen as the “doggie blogger” for Dogster.com, which has a membership of more than 500,000 humans.
For any dog lover, this ‘memoir’ is a must—it’ll no doubt lead to you recalling any and all memories that you have of any dog that you have ever owned or known. [For a golden retriever / chowchow cross, Bo writes very well indeed, and deserves the golden paw print of approval.]
December 21, 2010
Books about dogs are a huge trend now, with many of them on the bestseller lists. I am a dog lover; we had Malcolm, a beautiful basset hound, for seven blessed years, so I admit I'm a sucker for dog books.
Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger tells the story of Bo the dog, through his eyes and words. It started as a blog, BoKnowsOnline.com, and he also posts on Dogster.com.
The book started as a Christmas gift for Bo's "mom" from Bo's "dad", and after people suggested it would make a good book, it came to be.
The book is cute, and there are several humorous passages. Bo goes to work with Dad on a Saturday, and Bo describes the event as if he were working at the office himself. (My husband used to take Malcolm to work, so this vignette amused me.) Bo says:
"I had read in Business Week that companies value employees more if they show leadership skills, so decided to initiate an exchange of ideas. I raised my leg as high as it could reach and left my first business message, right on the cubicle wall located by the entrance."
Bo was fired shortly after that incident.
Bo discusses his "dad's" inability to give good presents to his "mom". Mom got Dad a watch for his first gift and he got her a sweatshirt with Opus the penguin on it. Dad got Mom a vacuum cleaner for Valentine's Day and even though she returned it, for Christmas he got her a Roomba. Dad is a slow learner.
Mom is not a good driver, and Bo's description of how she got her car stuck on top of a wall is pretty hilarious. I'm glad dogs can't talk, because if they could, imagine all the awful (true) things they'd tell their parents about each other.
Bad to the Bone brought back many sweet, funny memories for me of my dog. I laughed out loud several times reading about Bo's adventures. The only criticism I have about the book is the over-reliance on scatological stories. We know that dogs and cats can be gross, and there were a few too many stories about elimination for my taste.
Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger tells the story of Bo the dog, through his eyes and words. It started as a blog, BoKnowsOnline.com, and he also posts on Dogster.com.
The book started as a Christmas gift for Bo's "mom" from Bo's "dad", and after people suggested it would make a good book, it came to be.
The book is cute, and there are several humorous passages. Bo goes to work with Dad on a Saturday, and Bo describes the event as if he were working at the office himself. (My husband used to take Malcolm to work, so this vignette amused me.) Bo says:
"I had read in Business Week that companies value employees more if they show leadership skills, so decided to initiate an exchange of ideas. I raised my leg as high as it could reach and left my first business message, right on the cubicle wall located by the entrance."
Bo was fired shortly after that incident.
Bo discusses his "dad's" inability to give good presents to his "mom". Mom got Dad a watch for his first gift and he got her a sweatshirt with Opus the penguin on it. Dad got Mom a vacuum cleaner for Valentine's Day and even though she returned it, for Christmas he got her a Roomba. Dad is a slow learner.
Mom is not a good driver, and Bo's description of how she got her car stuck on top of a wall is pretty hilarious. I'm glad dogs can't talk, because if they could, imagine all the awful (true) things they'd tell their parents about each other.
Bad to the Bone brought back many sweet, funny memories for me of my dog. I laughed out loud several times reading about Bo's adventures. The only criticism I have about the book is the over-reliance on scatological stories. We know that dogs and cats can be gross, and there were a few too many stories about elimination for my taste.
October 31, 2010
Bad To The Bone is written and told from the perspective of Bo a former shelter dog, his uncanny storytelling ability is laugh out loud funny, if your an animal lover you must read this book!
I loved reading the antics of Bo and his siblings, Moose the cat and Copper his canine companion. I laughed so hard while reading this book, that I had to put it down a couple of times. His writing style really makes you visualize the stories he is telling, from the tale he weaves where his mother falls out of the car landing face down in the road and he winds up in the drivers seat, to the story where the parents are playing vet and giving Moose an enema, it these stories were so far out there that you could just see it happening. It was also nice to see the true love he had for his parents and siblings, and when he decided to take up for Moose against the neighborhood bully, a kitty named Skittle, which caused the police to show up was a laugh riot.
In addition to his life story he also disburses several lists throughout the book that will give us an inside look at his likes and dislikes. I also enjoyed reading the question and answer section with Bo at the back of the book, it was very informative. I also really enjoyed the pictures thruout the book.
A book that gives us great insight on the bond between humans and the pets that own them. Great job Bo on writing such a fantastic tail. I recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, and wants a good laugh!
I loved reading the antics of Bo and his siblings, Moose the cat and Copper his canine companion. I laughed so hard while reading this book, that I had to put it down a couple of times. His writing style really makes you visualize the stories he is telling, from the tale he weaves where his mother falls out of the car landing face down in the road and he winds up in the drivers seat, to the story where the parents are playing vet and giving Moose an enema, it these stories were so far out there that you could just see it happening. It was also nice to see the true love he had for his parents and siblings, and when he decided to take up for Moose against the neighborhood bully, a kitty named Skittle, which caused the police to show up was a laugh riot.
In addition to his life story he also disburses several lists throughout the book that will give us an inside look at his likes and dislikes. I also enjoyed reading the question and answer section with Bo at the back of the book, it was very informative. I also really enjoyed the pictures thruout the book.
A book that gives us great insight on the bond between humans and the pets that own them. Great job Bo on writing such a fantastic tail. I recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, and wants a good laugh!
September 13, 2010
I'd like to start by reminding readers that Bo, the author, dedicated this book to rescue and shelter workers, and that 10% of the proceeds of the book go help homeless dogs and cats.
As for the book itself, it is a lighthearted, easy read that is very sweet and full of humor. It's written from the viewpoint of a family dog, a quick-witted and boisterous adoptee who leads an adventurous life (often unexpectedly so). Bo is true-to-life, with a unique voice full of spunk in his early years and wisdom as he ages, relating some of the highlights of his interesting and illustrious years ... and family members. Like most, they are full of quirks and bad judgement calls but never let it get in the way of being a family. But don't think this is just a sappy love story. Oh no. From adventures with bran cereal to confrontations with Nurse Ratchet, there's something for everyone. There were times I was worried, times I went "awwwww..." and times I laughed almost hysterically ... but at no point did I become bored. Bo is a good dog, living the good life, sharing some good tales. And some of his stories are absolute treasures, impossible to resist or forget. I loved my time with Bo and the gang. :-)
As for the book itself, it is a lighthearted, easy read that is very sweet and full of humor. It's written from the viewpoint of a family dog, a quick-witted and boisterous adoptee who leads an adventurous life (often unexpectedly so). Bo is true-to-life, with a unique voice full of spunk in his early years and wisdom as he ages, relating some of the highlights of his interesting and illustrious years ... and family members. Like most, they are full of quirks and bad judgement calls but never let it get in the way of being a family. But don't think this is just a sappy love story. Oh no. From adventures with bran cereal to confrontations with Nurse Ratchet, there's something for everyone. There were times I was worried, times I went "awwwww..." and times I laughed almost hysterically ... but at no point did I become bored. Bo is a good dog, living the good life, sharing some good tales. And some of his stories are absolute treasures, impossible to resist or forget. I loved my time with Bo and the gang. :-)
November 3, 2010
I won this book from the first reads program!
This book is written by Bo, the dog. It is about his life with his "parents" after they took him home from the shelter as a puppy through well into his geriatric years. I have to say, it was super cute. I have been in the mood for funny, light books lately, and this book fit that perfectly. Also, I am a huge dog lover. Reading stories, I was comparing Bo to my two dogs. It was also nice to think about the stories from the dog's perspective.
Not all of the stories were specifically about Bo. Many of the stories really had nothing to do with him other than the fact that he was there. That was ok, though, cause it was still funny. The writing is definitely cutesy, and if you don't like the idea of saying that dog owners are moms and dads, then it could get a little annoying. Overall, I give it 4 1/2 stars, but I will round up instead of down because it is supposed to be cute.
This book is written by Bo, the dog. It is about his life with his "parents" after they took him home from the shelter as a puppy through well into his geriatric years. I have to say, it was super cute. I have been in the mood for funny, light books lately, and this book fit that perfectly. Also, I am a huge dog lover. Reading stories, I was comparing Bo to my two dogs. It was also nice to think about the stories from the dog's perspective.
Not all of the stories were specifically about Bo. Many of the stories really had nothing to do with him other than the fact that he was there. That was ok, though, cause it was still funny. The writing is definitely cutesy, and if you don't like the idea of saying that dog owners are moms and dads, then it could get a little annoying. Overall, I give it 4 1/2 stars, but I will round up instead of down because it is supposed to be cute.
July 15, 2010
This book (BTTB) was such a fun experience to read! If there was someone in the room with me while I was reading it I would yell out quotes from the book (annoying them out of the room). Bo has created a work of art that reaches for your funny bone and grabs ahold. BTTB is the story of a dog who was adopted out of revenge and the ups and downs of his life. He tells us what it was like living in the shelter, being adopted, living with a cat, and growing old. I learned that dogs like to humiliate their humans for no reason other than that. Bo liked to punish his "parents" when they did something he didn't like such as taking the cat away. This dog was a master at getting more than just table scraps and he knew just when to cock his head. BTTB was a light, funny read that had me wondering just how much dogs (and a cat named Moose) are capable of.
November 3, 2010
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads and was delighted to see a personalized message for me from Bo on the inside and 2 little bookmark cards. Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger is a light-hearted story about Bo and his adventures with his owners and animal housemates. I liked reading things from Bo's perspective and got a few chuckles from his dog's-eye view. I think this book will appeal to dog lovers and pet owners in general. Perhaps in the future, we'll get the story from Moose, Bo's cat housemate?
December 30, 2009
I received this book through Librarything.com's Early Reviewer Givaway.
This was a cute memoir-style book "written" by Retriever/Chow Bo Hoeffinger of Dogster.com. The anecdotes were amusing, not too syrupy as some pet stories can be. There were a few too many fart-stories for my taste, but then again, many silly tales of pet humor involve bodily functions. All in all, a dog story that dog lovers will enjoy, especially because there is no heart-braking ending.
This was a cute memoir-style book "written" by Retriever/Chow Bo Hoeffinger of Dogster.com. The anecdotes were amusing, not too syrupy as some pet stories can be. There were a few too many fart-stories for my taste, but then again, many silly tales of pet humor involve bodily functions. All in all, a dog story that dog lovers will enjoy, especially because there is no heart-braking ending.
April 29, 2010
Just finished reading this book during a break and I must say, I LOVED IT! Bo is the perfect narrator for his own life story, after all...it is his life. Despite the challenges one may forsee for a dog writer (yes, Bo is a dog and the author), he overcomes them like an obstacle course champion would a hurdle. There are not enough words to describe the fun that awaits you within the pages of this book so I'll leave with with two choice ones from Bo himself....WOOF WOOF. Happy reading! ^_^
January 10, 2012
I thought it would be cute and it has such great reviews on here.....but I can't stand it. Does a dog really worry about nose boogers and whether or not his fly is undone? And those are just a few examples of the ridiculous writing within the first three chapters. Attempts at being funny just fail with me...I'm sure my 10 year old would laugh but....was this written for adults?
Not sure if I will continue through this one.
Not sure if I will continue through this one.
February 28, 2015
I loved this book! Wish I could rate it 4.5 stars! It was hilarious and I laughed many times while reading it. It is a novel told from the a dog's perspective. The dog's name is Bo. He tells the story of his adoption and the rest of his life with human 'mother and father.' If you've ever had a dog or are an animal lover, you will love this book! Being a dog owner, I could identify so many times with the situations Bo gets himself into with his humans.
October 21, 2010
I bought this book after reading about it in Goodreads (after not winning it).
Laugh out loud funny. I know what my doggy friends are going to be getting for Christmas.
Written by Bo, it is the story of his life from shelter in NY to his transfer to Atlanta. The dog and cat point of view in thought provoking hilariousnous. (Not sure if that is a word - but I like it.)
Laugh out loud funny. I know what my doggy friends are going to be getting for Christmas.
Written by Bo, it is the story of his life from shelter in NY to his transfer to Atlanta. The dog and cat point of view in thought provoking hilariousnous. (Not sure if that is a word - but I like it.)
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