Review: Maxdog

Published Apr 20, 2012

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Maxdog

By Caryl Moll

(Porcupine Press, R160)

“Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good” is the saying of Max, the Golden Retriever’s “mom” Caryl Moll, a stay-at-home mom from Joburg. Everyone who has had a dog can relate to this story.

After her husband insists on getting a ‘‘real’’ dog for the family, Caryl ends up caring for and bonding with the dog. The bond grows stronger as she takes the puppy through training and tries to get Max accepted into therapy training.

After many difficulties in her family life, Caryl submits to depression. Max is always there for her and slowly brings Caryl out of her despair.

She starts writing a blog in the words of Max and the response, though slow to start with, grows and when Max becomes ill, Caryl learns how many people feel the same way about dogs as she does, and they share their love and support for her.

Even an autistic little boy from Ireland responds in an amazing way to the stories of his ‘‘friend’’ Max.

The story appealed to me immensely. It’s a beautifully written account of a person’s love for their dog and the day-to-day life with her special animal.

There’s laughter and frus- tration, special moments and hurt when the dog becomes sick, but the story is heart-rending. The response of all the bloggers around the world are unbelievable. All lovers of dogs should read this. – Clare Braun

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