Book Review-Hit by a Flying Wolf: True Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Real Life with Dogs and Wolves

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Nicole Wilde  I had the pleasure of attending a two day seminar of hers last year.  It was incredibly helpful, and very enjoyable.

I have read other books by her, and have found them to be very well-written.  Unlike some other professional dog trainers, she doesn't write her books aimed only at trainers, meaning that the average dog owner can easily understand them.

I received an email a week and a half ago that Hit by a Flying Wolf was available to order via her website.  I wasted no time ordering it.  I received it last Tuesday, started reading it Friday evening, and finished it on Saturday.

The book is a memoir of sorts, in which she recounts stories of her personal dogs, both past and present.  The second half of the book is devoted to her work with rescued wolves and wolfdogs.  Included are several pages of photos, which always make me happy.

For me, it is nice to see the honesty with which she writes.  She tells of behavioral struggles with her own dogs, which one would not expect from a professional trainer and canine behavioral specialist.  It is refreshing.  While this book is not a training book, training tips are scattered throughout.  Just reading her reflections caused me to gain some insight into both my, and my dogs', behavior.

One thing I did not know is that when she was highly involved in wolf and wolfdog rescue, her partner at the sanctuary/rescue facility was Tia Torres, of Pit Bulls and Parolees fame.

At one time Nicole had a rescued pure wolf (along with an upper mid content wolfdog and low content wolfdog) living on her property for several years.  That sort of dedication is amazing to me.

She does explain the title of the book, which I found to be hilarious, but I will not give it away. 

This book was a wonderful read, and a quick read as well.  I do wish it were somewhat longer.  I laughed out loud several times, and at times had tears in my eyes.  It was very entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.   I feel it is a must for any owner who has ever been able to look back and laugh about their dogs, or for any owner who has a "special" dog, a dog with issues.  In fact, I feel every dog owner should read it.

Disclaimer-I purchased this book of my own accord, and was not asked to review it.

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month!  While I enjoy writing at times, there is no way, at this point in my life, that I feel I could attempt to write a novel.  Luckily for us, the human at Rocco's House was incredibly clever, and decided to do a blogger novel, with different bloggers writing a portion each day.  I feel honored that I was asked to participate.

Books are always enjoyed around here.



 

If you wish to read earlier installments, please follow these links:



Part One-Rocco's House

Part Two-BongoDogBlog

Part Three-The Hailey and Zaphod Chronicles

Part Four-Easy Rider



Without further hesitation, here is my contribution



Within this steel beast of a vehicle were the artifacts of a person who obviously spent a great deal of time in it.  Various stinky food-stuffs wrappers (which proved quite irresistible, as I was famished following all of that digging), papers of all sorts, and clothing.  My hunger sated, I returned to the task at hand.  Sniffing around, I picked up on the scent of something familiar, and also something foreign.  Some of the small specks of blood smelled of my master.  He is hurt!!  I must find him! 



A Blood Hound I am not, but I still take pride in my olfactory abilities.  There was no blood outside the vehicle, but I was able to pick up on the scent of both my master and the stranger's smell.  I followed it back up the ravine, and to a nearby street, where I lost it.  Scared and anxious, I ran around, barking for my master, through the yards and on the street. 



I heard a loud squealing noise, and a car suddenly appeared right behind me.  The door opened, and a lady got out.  I ran to her, hoping that perhaps my master was with her.  She scratched my chest, and spoke kindly to me.  She softly grabbed my collar, and looked at the noisy piece of metal that hangs from it.  She led me to her car, where she opened the door, and said, "Come on Petey, let's go bye-bye."  How did she know my name?!?!  I was still very worried about my master, but pleased to have found this seemingly kind, psychic lady to help me find him.  Once in the car, she reached into her purse...



Part Six will take place tomorrow, courtesy of Sophie Doodle-Part Six

Light Reading

Not really. But it is enjoyable, and easy to read and understand. I ordered this while attending the Nicole Wilde seminar the weekend before last. All available copies quickly sold out.

So far it is humorous at times and very informative. A full review will come upon its completion.
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