James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm And Wonderful Stories About The Animals Herriot Loves Best

Mr. Herriot was truly a gifted writer. His heart could be felt in every word -- he deeply cared for the animals he doctored over the years. Aside from the endearing tails (pardon the pun), he masterfully described the European countryside, the people who belonged to the pets, the pubs he frequented and his everyday astonishing feats of medical marvelry. Yet he was so humble and down-to-earth. His stories are either tear-jerkers or pant-wetters. More than once I found myself nearly crying during study period at college because I was laughing so hard.

Some of my favorite shorts were "The Card Over the Bed", "Tricki Woo", "Granville Bennett", "Have a Cigar" and "Mrs. Donovan" -- the latter being my favorite. (Mrs. Donovan was a crone who patrolled the streets of Darrowby trying to cure people's animals quite often causing strife for Mr. Herriot.)

The very best thing about this book, aside from it being a quick and easy read, is that the stories are broken up so that you can put it down at any time and come back to it without fear of having lost your place.

James Herriot was the master of animal literature. Never have I encountered a more tasteful writer who so accurately depicted the behavior of dogs. I am a huge animal lover having two cats and a dog of my own. I found amazing similarities between the antics of the dogs showcased in this book and my own golden lab, and reading it made me want to cuddle him closer.


Not for dog lovers only   December 3, 2003
cyclista (the Midwest)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

James Herriot's Dog Stories is written by a man who loves both people and animals. The descriptions of people, dogs, and his humble view of himself are an irresistable combination. The accuracy and wit with which he presents people's relationships with their dogs is priceless. When I read this book, I laugh at the eternal goofiness of dogs and also dog people! The sadder stories are written with a balanced view. This book is an amazing collection of short stories. Highly recommended.


They're Human Being Stories Too   April 13, 2000
Steven Fantina (Phillipsburg, NJ USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

In has been roughly two decades since I read James Herriot's salubrious "All Creatures..." series, yet when I picked up this "best of" concoction, many of the dulcet vignettes were as fresh in my mind as if I had lived them last week. Although trained as a vet, James Herriot had a true gift with the written word. These tales about pets and their two-legged counterparts shine a light deep into the mechanisms of human nature.

While he succeeded admirably as an honorable animal doctor and found worldwide fame as a late-in-life author, perhaps he missed his true calling as a psychologist. The humor, heartbreak, and humanity that he so eloquently captures in these stories shows a sagacious mind. It's no wonder that his time on earth brought many smiles and caused many a tail to wag.


Moving Tales of Man's Best Friend from True Dog Pal   April 14, 2001
rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This TV vet has put down in words stories of some of his most famous dogs. The characters, both human and canine, are unique and entertaining. His style of writing is concise, and descriptive and passionate.

Loved the story of 'Judy The Nurse Dog' who nursed all the other animals in the barnyard, including licking of a newborn calf to nursing a chicken back to health. This sheepdog was true Florence Nightingale of Canine World.

Great heroes and such to be found in this great read. All dog lovers will enjoy this one.


James Herriott is the most wonderful relaxing writer   February 9, 2002
Wild Back Country Travel Agent (Sports Capital of the Rocky Mountains * We are where you want to be for vacation)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I think I have not had a more pleasant reading experience than sitting down next to a burning fire place, listening to my favorite antique clock ticking.. the patter of rain on the window panes and reading James Herriott. It is a memory of that afternoon that all these years later I have never forgotten. James Herriott is the most pleasant, relaxing, refreshing writer. Forget all the worries and cares and escape for a few minutes into a quiet world where the animals speak their own language.. A wonderful book, a wonderful writer. Thank You James Herriott for the memories.