Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

Oogy is a pit bull mix who survived severe abuse as a bait dog in dogfighting before being rescued and adopted by author Larry Levin and his family. The memoir chronicles Oogy's journey from near death at a veterinary clinic to becoming an integral part of the Levin household, which includes Larry's wife Jennifer and twin sons. Levin recounts his family's experience adapting to life with a dog who bears physical and emotional scars from his traumatic past. The narrative follows both Oogy's rehabilitation and the growing bond between the dog and each family member as they face various challenges together. Through Oogy's story, Levin explores themes of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of unconditional love. The book demonstrates how rescue animals can both give and receive profound healing within a family dynamic.

Readers connect emotionally with Oogy's journey from an abused fighting bait dog to a beloved family pet. The bond between Oogy and the Levin family resonates with pet owners. Liked: - Simple, heartfelt writing style - Messages about rescue animals and second chances - Family dynamics with Levin's adopted twin sons - Photos included throughout Disliked: - Repetitive storytelling - Too much focus on family background/daily life - Not enough detail about Oogy's recovery process - Some found the writing quality basic Several readers noted the book could have been condensed into a long article. One reviewer said "the actual story of Oogy only takes up about 25% of the book." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) Many readers recommend this for animal lovers but suggest borrowing from the library rather than purchasing.

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🐾 Oogy was a former bait dog used in dog fighting and was found nearly dead at just four months old, with severe injuries including a missing ear and damaged jaw. 🏥 The author, Larry Levin, met Oogy by chance at Ardmore Animal Hospital while taking his twin sons to put down their terminally ill cat. 💕 Despite his traumatic past, Oogy became known for his exceptionally loving and gentle nature, particularly with children, earning him the nickname "the third twin" in the Levin family. 📺 Oogy's story gained national attention when he appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2008, helping raise awareness about dog fighting and animal rescue. 🦮 DNA testing revealed Oogy was primarily Dogo Argentino, a breed originally developed for big game hunting but known for their loyalty and strong bonds with family members.