John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same. Marley grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, and stole women's undergarments. Obedience school did no good - Marley was expelled. But just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley remained a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.

Customer Rating:
Summary: May be Upsetting to Animal Lovers
Comment: I love animals. I bought this book because I found the cover photo irresistible and the prospect of reading a paean to one's dog delightful. At first, the book drew me in; young couple begins life with an energetic puppy. As I read on, though, I became quite disturbed.
The owners find that the puppy Marley has boundless energy, a need for company and stimulation, doesn't know his own strength, and is frightened by thunderstorms. Sounds like a normal lab pup to me. Not to the owners who believe that Marley is "the worst dog in the world" and confine him to a shed for most of the day. And have a friend harshly knee Marley in the chest to teach him not to jump up on guests entering the house. And the author's wife wants Marley banished when she has a baby.
The book has its share of "we love Marley in spite of his rambunctious ways" anecdotes, too. But to say that the owners are misguided about the appropriate care and training of an energetic young dog (or any dog for that matter) is an understatement. I got about halfway through the book and couldn't finish.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Sit. Stay. Read this book. Good reader.
Comment: I enjoyed reading Mr. Grogan's columns in the local Philly paper, and wasn't surprised when his book became a huge hit. This is a great book, about a wonderful family and their pet. If you have a heart beating in your chest, you will enjoy this book. Warning: keep tissues handy!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story!!! Funny and truly heartwarming
Comment: One of the sweetest tales I have listened to in awhile. Love the fact that it's narrated by the author...this adds to the genuine feeling of the story. Have not seen the movie, but after the book, I am content with the tale I have been told. I recommend this for people of all ages...especially recommend it for the animal lovers out there!!! :) The perfect mix of truly heartfelt emotion and comedic antics. Perhaps a new favorite!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: One for pet lovers everywhere
Comment: I don't think there is too much I can say about this book that has not already been said by many reviewers to date. I grabbed this book from the library over the Christmas holiday and finished it in about two days. It is truly a remarkable work. John Grogan has a very personable writing style that, despite it being an autobiography of his experiences with his dog, makes you feel as if he is talking about your experiences. Many pet owners should be able to identify some of the struggles, and also the joys, that come with raising an animal, starting from a wildly goofy childhood (puppyhood, kittenhood, etc.) to adulthood and then old age. I consider it almost to be a good reflection of life in general, the turmoil and yet the happiness. I am sure one can imagine what the end of such a story would mean without me having to elaborate, and it is certainly one that will bring tears to the eyes of someone who has been in the same saddening situation. However, in the end, I really got the feeling that the message of the book follows the old adage "It's not the destination that matters... it's the journey getting there."

I would strongly recommend this book.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Book But Make Sure You Also Learn
Comment: I had a Lab when I was young. I loved the puppy, but due to circumstances with my parents it had to be given away. I was crushed. So this book did bring back memories because my pup was unruly. Unfortunately I never had a chance to work with her.

Anyway this book touches on how a dog can affect people and how much responsibility comes along with being a pet owner. Though Marley seemed to get into problems and was less than well-behaved, ultimately Marley is a sweet and lovable dog and shows what dogs are all about..loving and caring companions.

I do agree with the reviewers that mention that some of the actions taken by the owner were not the best way to raise a dog and in later years when I had another dog our approach was rather different and seemed to work. So if anyone is looking to get a dog, keep in mind that Labs are great animals and take care of them properly.

So the combination of the good parts of this book, plus keeping in mind some of the failings of the owners, makes it worthwhile. Just do not blame Marley.

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