Official Review: Pogo's tale by Linda Lutes
Posted: 03 Jun 2019, 21:20
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Pogo's tale" by Linda Lutes.]
3 out of 4 stars
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“A loyal dog, we conclude, is the universe’s ultimate companion.” This mantra is exemplified in Pogo’s Tale: The Life of a Therapy Dog by Linda Lutes. It is the true story of Pogo, a spirited therapy dog who, with the help of Lutes, brings comfort and happiness to those in need.
When Lutes adopts Pogo at the local shelter, she is very rambunctious and undisciplined. Deemed, “the wild one,” by pound employees, Pogo is just what Lutes and her husband need after two years without a furry friend. After a stint in obedience school, Pogo proves she is an exceptionally astute student. She is also outgoing and eager to interact with new people. Lutes, who has dedicated her life to helping others, sees that Pogo flourishes in this area as well and believes that Pogo might make a good therapy dog. She is right. Pogo, once successfully trained and certified, works at The Pioneer Home, an elderly care nursing home. It is here where Pogo finds her purpose.
I enjoyed reading this heart-warming story. The author’s narrative style is appealing, easy to read, and effortless. From the elderly residents at The Pioneer Home to Ramona, the young girl Lutes meets through the Big Brothers and Sisters program, the people in this book are brought to life through Lutes’ skillful use of dialogue and sensory language. I also like how Lutes integrates poems about the people and animals she encounters. These descriptive and charming poems enhance the tone and develop the personalities of the people in Pogo’s life.
Pogo is easy to fall in love with. She loves television, especially Stephen Colbert’s show, the Olympics, and animal shows. Her human-like reactions to the events on screen are endearing, and I found myself smiling and laughing when I read these sections. However, what makes Pogo really special is her gentle and almost telepathic way with humans. Pogo is the epitome of a therapeutic animal. She, “seemed to be the knowing one never showing rejection or criticism but blanket acceptance.” She charms the residents at The Pioneer Home, and even the people who don’t love animals cannot resist the infectious gregariousness that Pogo exudes. When Pogo meets Mabel, for example, she is rejected. However, Pogo recognizes Mabel’s loneliness and sadness and isn’t deterred. Pogo slowly engages Mabel until Mabel succumbs to her charms. Eventually, Mabel begins to reminisce about her life while petting Pogo, and she becomes happier and more at peace.
I award Pogo’s Tale 3 out of 4 stars. This is a lovely story about a special animal. Pogo’s positivity and selflessness are unwavering, and the way she comforts others is touching. Messages of strength and love make this an uplifting tribute to an exceptional dog. The only thing that I disliked about the piece is that there are some grammatical errors, which is why I deducted a point.
I think this book will appeal to a variety of readers. People who like heartwarming stories about the relationships between humans and canines will particularly enjoy the book. It will also appeal to non-fiction readers. However, people who don’t like dogs might not appreciate the story.
******
Pogo's tale
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Julie Petitbon's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
“A loyal dog, we conclude, is the universe’s ultimate companion.” This mantra is exemplified in Pogo’s Tale: The Life of a Therapy Dog by Linda Lutes. It is the true story of Pogo, a spirited therapy dog who, with the help of Lutes, brings comfort and happiness to those in need.
When Lutes adopts Pogo at the local shelter, she is very rambunctious and undisciplined. Deemed, “the wild one,” by pound employees, Pogo is just what Lutes and her husband need after two years without a furry friend. After a stint in obedience school, Pogo proves she is an exceptionally astute student. She is also outgoing and eager to interact with new people. Lutes, who has dedicated her life to helping others, sees that Pogo flourishes in this area as well and believes that Pogo might make a good therapy dog. She is right. Pogo, once successfully trained and certified, works at The Pioneer Home, an elderly care nursing home. It is here where Pogo finds her purpose.
I enjoyed reading this heart-warming story. The author’s narrative style is appealing, easy to read, and effortless. From the elderly residents at The Pioneer Home to Ramona, the young girl Lutes meets through the Big Brothers and Sisters program, the people in this book are brought to life through Lutes’ skillful use of dialogue and sensory language. I also like how Lutes integrates poems about the people and animals she encounters. These descriptive and charming poems enhance the tone and develop the personalities of the people in Pogo’s life.
Pogo is easy to fall in love with. She loves television, especially Stephen Colbert’s show, the Olympics, and animal shows. Her human-like reactions to the events on screen are endearing, and I found myself smiling and laughing when I read these sections. However, what makes Pogo really special is her gentle and almost telepathic way with humans. Pogo is the epitome of a therapeutic animal. She, “seemed to be the knowing one never showing rejection or criticism but blanket acceptance.” She charms the residents at The Pioneer Home, and even the people who don’t love animals cannot resist the infectious gregariousness that Pogo exudes. When Pogo meets Mabel, for example, she is rejected. However, Pogo recognizes Mabel’s loneliness and sadness and isn’t deterred. Pogo slowly engages Mabel until Mabel succumbs to her charms. Eventually, Mabel begins to reminisce about her life while petting Pogo, and she becomes happier and more at peace.
I award Pogo’s Tale 3 out of 4 stars. This is a lovely story about a special animal. Pogo’s positivity and selflessness are unwavering, and the way she comforts others is touching. Messages of strength and love make this an uplifting tribute to an exceptional dog. The only thing that I disliked about the piece is that there are some grammatical errors, which is why I deducted a point.
I think this book will appeal to a variety of readers. People who like heartwarming stories about the relationships between humans and canines will particularly enjoy the book. It will also appeal to non-fiction readers. However, people who don’t like dogs might not appreciate the story.
******
Pogo's tale
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Julie Petitbon's review? Post a comment saying so!
