Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

Attorney Levin shares the by turns horrifying and heartwarming story of Oogy, his gentle pit bull who went from brutalized bait for fighting dogs to beloved family member and therapy dog. The four-month-old pup was discovered near death: maimed, missing an ear and half his face, with numerous other life-threatening injuries. A kindly animal hospital worker marveled at his sweetness despite his intense suffering and persuaded the shelter not to euthanize him. Oogy finds a home with the author, his wife, and their twin sons—both adopted—and the puppy's hijinks (eating homework, opening and raiding the fridge and pantry) ensue. As remarkable in spirit as he is distinctive in appearance, the extraordinary Oogy receives a hero's biography from adoring Levin, who both recognizes himself in and feels rescued from the grip of his own childhood traumas by his indomitable companion's capacity to survive. (Nov.)