Lisa Edwards didn't need another dog when found an abandoned litter being offered for sale in a local pet supply store. She already had two dogs, two cats, a painful chronic medical condition, and a husband with Crohn's disease still recovering from a serious medical crisis during the summer. And it was Halloween; winter would be closing in soon. It's a terrible time of year to raise a puppy.
So naturally she brought home the clumsy, uncoordinated runt of the litter.
Boo struggled with basic things like potty training, remembering simple commands when in the presence of other dogs, terrifying experiences like riding in Lisa's truck. He's constantly walking into things. With two well-trained adult dogs, the younger of whom, Dante, is a successful therapy dog, and a nascent career as a dog trainer, owning Boo is in many ways a humbling experience for Lisa.
It's also a healing experience. He's a year old when Lisa discovers the cause of many of his challenges--and just how severe those challenges are: Boo has cerebellar hyperplasia. He can't see clearly, he doesn't have full control of limbs, and he's probably mildly retarded. What he has going for him is a sunny personality and a love of people and other dogs. As Lisa understands and accepts Boo's handicaps, they start to make real progress. She also learns to understand and accept her own strengths and weaknesses--and those of her parents and siblings.
The clumsy little runt begins to heal and transform the lives of everyone around him.
This is a wonderful story of our love for dogs and the importance of the human-animal bond, and Boo is a delightful dog you'll love getting to know.
Recommended.
I borrowed this book from a friend.
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