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The Power of Dog

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On the eve of the millenium, the life of therapist and best-selling self-help author Andrew Marshall was in a dark place. Despite trying three different therapists, had not shifted the grief from the death of his much-loved partner. His career as a journalist had reached a dead end. He was struggling with low-level depression and his polite but distant relationship with his mother had left them both tip-toeing around each other.

His solution? To get Flash, a collie cross puppy – perhaps not the best choice for someone who’d never owned a dog, or even lived with one, before. In this funny and moving memoir, Marshall chronicles not only the ups and downs of training an excitable puppy but how slowly but surely, Flash taught Marshall to laugh again and helped to heal old wounds.

282 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2018

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About the author

Andrew G. Marshall

32 books54 followers
Andrew has been a marital therapist for almost thirty years. He trained with RELATE the UK's leading couple counselling charity. He now has a private practice in London and Sussex (England), gives workshops on relationship and inspirational talks. His books have been translated into twenty languages (including French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and Italian). He also writes for UK newspapers Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

Andrew is also the host of the podcast "The Meaningful Life with Andrew G Marshall" where each week I interview therapists, academics and people with a story to tell about making better relationships, deeper connections understanding yourself and what makes life meaningful.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for The Cats’ Mother.
2,180 reviews148 followers
October 7, 2018
When I was a foetus, my mother got a Siamese cat, who we has until I was 11. Thus imprinted, I was destined to be a cat lady (less of the crazy, please) and have fortunately never been cursed with the urge to have either a human or canine baby. Don’t get me wrong, they can be very cute, and sometimes well behaved, (I’m referring to puppies - children, not so much), but never enough to tempt me. I am therefore possibly not really the target audience for this memoir, about a gay writer/broadcaster/counsellor whose dog, Flash, helped him recover from the pain of bereavement, but I had enjoyed a similar book, called Cleo, by New Zealand journalist Helen Brown, and fancied something different so requested this from NetGalley. The author seems like a nice chap, possibly rather sensitive, so I feel bad criticising his book, but unfortunately I found it rather a chore to read.

In 1997, at the age of 37, Marshall’s German partner, Thom, died of cancer. Nearly three years later, and still paralysed by grief, he decides to fulfil a childhood ambition, and try to cure his loneliness, by getting a collie/spaniel cross puppy, that he names Flash. The book is mostly based on his diary entries from the time, with some current day analysis, which means there is a jarring mix of present and past tense in the narration, and, worse, that every single detail of Flash’s acquisition and early life is lovingly described, at length. Perhaps fellow dog lovers would enjoy this as they could relate - in the way that new mothers seem happy to talk about their babies’ feeds and bodily fluids to the exclusion of all else, but to the rest of us, it’s really not that interesting. This book should actually be called “The Bowels of Dog” because we are told about every single poo, not just the inappropriate ones, for the first nine months of Flash’s life, and then again in his final months.

The other downside of reading someone’s old diary is that they inevitably come across as self-indulgent, whiny and selfish. Just like parents who long for a baby, then complain nonstop about the impact on their lives and how hard it is, Marshall hasn’t had Flash long before he is palming him off on other people so he can get his social life back. He clearly loves his dog, to the point where he becomes jealous of other people receiving Flash’s attention or affection, but is unwilling to change his lifestyle or put him first. When the book jumps forward ten or so years to the (spoiler alert) end of Flash’s life, I was more upset that he justifies leaving him, when clearly very unwell, to follow his partner to the Edinburgh festival to support his role in a play, than that he ultimately made the correct but nonetheless heart-breaking decision to have him put down.

There are good things about the book - it’s moving and well written, there are funny bits, and Marshall’s insights into his psychological issues - such as his relationship with his stiff-upper-lip English parents, and his childhood phobia of wolves - are the most interesting parts to me, but the book should have been heavily edited, perhaps written in a conventional past tense with the benefits of hindsight, with short diary entries clearly identified of the amusing or moving anecdotes only. My ARC ebook had intermittent little boxes with question marks in the text, which may have been photos or pictures in the final text. Now there are plenty of positive reviews, and I do feel like an outlier, so if you are a dog owner then don’t let me out you off, but I’m giving this 2.5, rounded up for the lovely cover image.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Colette Lamberth.
523 reviews14 followers
June 24, 2018
I rarely read memoirs and to be honest it was the cover image of the dog that caught my attention. Having recently acquired a furry ‘niece’ and presently toying with the idea of dog ownership, I really enjoyed the story of Andrew and Flash.. Obviously it’s a story of a man and his puppy but it’s about love and relationships. Maybe I need to follow Mr Marshall’s example and set my New Year’s resolution as ‘to become a dog owner’ . His story definitely inspires me to make the commitment.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
3,795 reviews3,128 followers
December 12, 2018
Last year I read Marshall’s My Mourning Year, a touching diary of the aftermath of his partner Thom’s death. This is a sequel of sorts that tells what happened when Marshall acquired a collie cross puppy named Flash in January 2000. The bulk of the book focuses on his first three months of being a dog owner and how he fits long daily walks and obedience training into his regular life as a relationship counselor and freelance journalist (one of his repeat assignments was listing what celebrities had in their fridges!). Whether he acknowledged it consciously or not, getting a dog was his way of engaging in life again after his bereavement, and served as an excuse to get out of the house and meet new people:
“‘Is this the right time?’ I asked. ‘Don’t wait around for your real life to start.’” [a friend replies]

“You want a dog because you want unconditional love.” [an ex-lover accuses]

“There’s two ways to enter village life: you either have a child at the village school or you get a dog.” [a neighbor says]

What I wasn’t expecting was for the book to eventually jump to the end of Flash’s life. The last quarter or so is set in 2011, when Flash was losing mobility to arthritis and – in between supporting his new partner Ignacio, who was performing a play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Marshall had to make tough decisions about the dog’s treatment and future. It’s inevitable, I suppose, that a book like this is going to end with the beloved animal’s death. I enjoyed having this as my bedside book for much of the second half of the year, though part of me wished we had just said goodbye to Flash when he was still a sweet young puppy.

A favorite passage:

“I was struck by the tragedy of being a dog owner. It’s not fair that we can live for three score years and ten but our constant companions don’t make it much past the ten. But on second thoughts, that’s also the dog’s great lesson for us: impermanence. Nothing lasts for ever and perhaps dogs have been put on the earth to remind us of this inescapable truth.”

(The title is adapted from the Rudyard Kipling poem “The Power of the Dog,” which has the refrain “you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.”)
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
1,951 reviews544 followers
July 17, 2019
I love dogs and chose this book because of the sweet cover, but was moved by the author’s memoir of loss, healing through the joy of bringing collie mix Flash into his life, mending a relationship with his mother, and then, ultimately, learning to say goodbye again. 5/5

Thanks to the author, RedDoor Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are fully mine.

#ThePowerOfDog #NetGalley
Profile Image for Kirsti.
2,456 reviews86 followers
July 11, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I always love a good dog story, so I was thrilled when I was accepted for this one on Netgalley. It's the story of Andrew and his first dog Flash, and what it's like for a man in his forties with a fear of wolves now owning his first puppy and all the delights that come with it. He has been withdrawn after the death of his partner Thom, who had also wanted to get a dog before becoming sick. Flash becomes Andrew's everything, and teaches him doggy life lessons along the way.

I did enjoy the story, although I didn't always like what I read (Flash eating cigarette butts and chocolate and Andrew's kind of like Eh) and all his babysitters. Anyway, I had to think this was the late 90's and early 2000's so between then and me now owning a dog was different. I admit to crying at the end (again, second book that's got me in a row) so you know what that means.

Another good dog story, I enjoyed it very much. Four stars.
Profile Image for Teena in Toronto.
2,278 reviews77 followers
July 5, 2018
I love reading books about animals so that's why this one caught my eye ... plus how could I resist the picture of the dog on the cover?

At the end of 1999, Andrew was a struggling 40ish journalist, grieving over the loss of his partner who had passed away almost three years prior. He was lonely and wanting to make some changes in his life. Growing up he was never allowed to have a dog so decided to get a finally get one. So he adopted a puppy and named him Flash. This is Andrew's diary of getting Flash and his life with him (travelling, training classes, interactions with his friends, etc.).

I thought this book was okay ... Flash sounded like an amazing dog and it's obvious they had a strong bond.

I found the author kind of mopey and desperate for love, though. As such, I find it ironic that on his website he calls himself "the U.K.'s best-known marital therapist". When Flash was older, he was prepared to leave Flash with various people so he could spend a month in Edinburgh with his new partner. A couple nights here and there are fine but month is a long time to be away. I didn't find his new partner overly likable or sympathetic when Flash was nearing the end.

I found it odd that as strict as he was about training Flash (they went through training together), he allowed his dog to eat as much garbage as he did ... cigarette butts, cigar butts, plastic food wrappers. poop, etc.

Growing up, he had a fear of wolves and I found he spent a lot of time going on about this. So glad he finally overcame it.

I know the copy I read was not the final version. But Andrew is a journalist and an author and there were an amazing amount of typos and grammatical errors.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/07...
Profile Image for Karen Mace.
2,011 reviews71 followers
June 27, 2018
As a pet owner myself, I know of the huge impact that even the smallest animal can have on your life. And in this book the author shows only too well of how they can heal a broken heart. After the devastating death of his partner, Andrew was feeling very lost and lonely and wasn't coping well coming home to an empty home. As a child he'd always dreamed of owing a dog, but his parents never felt it was the 'right time' and after spending some time dog sitting for a friend he decided to take the plunge and get a puppy - meet Flash! He then writes a diary of his life as a pet owner!

I loved the honesty of his writing and also he writes with such affection that you feel you are going through the early days of puppy training with him! It is clear that he adores Flash and cherishes all their time together, but he also isn't afraid of sharing the moments when it doesn't all go to plan - house training is a particular issue that takes a while to get right!

It also looks back on his time with his partner and how he's dealing with the grief he still feels. Having also read My Mourning Year, which chronicles his life with Thom, dealing with his illness and death and how he deals - or doesn't! - with the grieving process - this follow up gives a great insight into his life and how he's moving on.

This was such an easy book to read and so easy to relate to. It explores that bond between owners and their pets, how it opens up new avenues and opportunities for meeting new people and even helps bring people back into your life. He learns so much from his life as a dog owner and I think as a pet owner in general you tend to see things from a different perspective.

I had tears in my eyes by the end as it sensitively deals with the time that every pet owner dreads of doing what is right for the pet, even if you aren't ready yourself and I found reading this book to be a very positive and rewarding experience!
Profile Image for Sheri.
703 reviews28 followers
June 27, 2018
I stumbled upon this on NetGalley and decided to read it mainly because, as a fairly new dog-owner, I love hearing about how other people cope with the challenges of puppydom.

Andrew Marshall is a relationship counsellor and self-help author who has written lots of books called things like I Love You But You Always Put Me Last, and My Husband Doesn't Love Me and He's Texting Someone Else.

I haven’t read any of these - it’s not really my thing - and I haven’t read his columns in the Daily Mail, because that’s not my thing either. However I don’t mean to sound dismissive because Andrew is clearly a very experienced counsellor whose books have certainly helped many people (and might even help me if I read them, because I’m hardly a shining beacon of relationship perfection).

Anyway, after yearning for a puppy as a child, Andrew finally took the plunge in the wake of the death of his long term partner, Thom. After a fair bit of research he came home with Flash, a collie/spaniel cross, and embarked on a new life as a dog owner. Flash sounded delightful, although I couldn’t help mentally singing “Aaah-aaah! Saviour of the universe!” every so often after reading his name.

I’m no expert in dogmanship (though I may have just invented a new word), but it seems like Andrew did a good job as a dog dad, though there were some things I didn’t agree with. I know plenty of people do it but I’m not a fan of leaving a young puppy, just separated from his mother, alone all night to cry and whine. That seems cruel to me. And this could be just me, but I thought Andrew might be a bit too blasé about allowing Flash to eat stuff (cigarette ends, for instance). Most importantly, though they clearly developed a lovely bond, helping Andrew deal with various challenges in his life - including his bereavement, his relationships and, rather unusually, facing up to a longstanding childhood fear of wolves.

An enjoyable read which is really quite touching in parts, especially at the end.
Profile Image for Chelse.
240 reviews39 followers
July 14, 2018
I love reading these kinds of books about dogs. It’s clear owner and dog had a strong bond and it was lovely to read about their journey together.
Profile Image for Cristie Underwood.
2,275 reviews62 followers
Shelved as 'kindle'
July 12, 2018
I am an animal lover and love reading books about them. This book was well written and captured the author's journey from grief due to the loss of his partner to first time puppy owner to dog owner. I felt like I was with the author during these periods, as the writing was so vivid.
Profile Image for Ren.
1,290 reviews15 followers
September 10, 2018
I love stories about the bond between people and their animal companions. Andrew Marshall lost his partner due to illness and found happiness and love again through an adorable mutt. As expected, there is a lot of adjustment for Andrew as this is his first dog so we get a plethora of fun (and funny) puppy stories.

Though Andrew wisely enrolls in training classes and refers to a dog-rearing book often, there were a few moments where I was truly concerned for Flash. He is left loose in some precarious situations where the use of a lead would have been wise and Andrew allows him to eat a lot of trash - cigarette butts, food wrappers, sheep poo (in an effort to remedy an upset stomach) and even feeds him an apple core near the end. I would hope any decent dog-rearing book would contain warnings of things (such as apple seeds) toxic to dogs. I know we all make mistakes, but it concerns me in cases as this when a reader may then think this is okay to allow.

That said, I loved reading about the connection Andrew had with Flash. Dogs, and other animals, can be incredibly healing and Flash certainly helped Andrew rejoin the world after losing his partner. Dogs especially are wonderful for getting their people out and about. I know I've met more people in my neighborhood while walking my dogs than through any other means.

Near the end of the book, we rejoin Flash's life near his own end. As any animal lover knows all too well, we never get enough years with these loving creatures, but the unconditional love, companionship and reminder to live life to the fullest are always worth the heartache in the end. We are always better for having shared our lives with them. Andrew also reflects on his experiences of allowing himself to love, knowing the loss would follow. This was a wonderful read, just take my advice and don't read the end in public.

Thank you to NetGalley and RedDoor Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this touching memoir. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Jill Robbertze.
629 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2022
This is another of those books that I wish had a more original title since I've discovered there are others it could be confused with. What a beautiful memoir; The author whom was grieving due to the tragic loss of a partner adopts a puppy and not only finds happiness again but learns things about himself, makes new friends and enjoys more time outdoors. If you are a dog lover or are thinking of adopting a dog there is a lot to learn from this little gem about the responsibility and adjustments to a new way of life. There are also some helpful training ideas and some funny and entertaining reading.......However I must also warn you ....I shed some tears so keep those tissues handy !!!!
Profile Image for Neil.
1,494 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was disappointing.
I felt no excitement when choosing the right dog, picking it up or during the training.
The story was slow and just did not have a good feel.
Profile Image for Kate.
21 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2019
The sweet story of Andrew and his first dog Flash - told in diary entry style - and what it was like for a man in his 40s owning his first puppy after the death of his partner Thom. As always, I love these kind of novels. It was heart warming and I loved reading about their journey together.
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 1 book28 followers
July 29, 2018
A very heartwarming story of the love between man and dog. A lovely and inspiring tale, truly thought provoking. One for animal lovers and anyone seeking hope. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
Profile Image for Kerry.
550 reviews40 followers
July 14, 2018
The Power of Dog follows on from Andrew Marshall's first book, My Mourning Year, which I read and reviewed a little while ago. Both are his diary entries from the time he lost his beloved Thom and the weeks, months and years that followed. Andrew, as I'm sure most people do when they lose someone so young, struggles with his grief and can't imagine a life without Thom. As these books prove though, things do slowly get easier and although Thom is never far from Andrew's mind, he does move on eventually. The Power of Dog is Andrew's account of how getting a puppy helped to heal his grieving heart. I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Andrew again and finding out how he got on as time moved on. This book is much more positive than the first as Andrew's puppy, Flash, makes such a big difference to his life. I know exactly how comforting and special being a dog owner is. My Bella is never far from my side and although she's a Shih Tzu and nowhere near as energetic as Flash, she is very much my dog and always likes to know where I am.
It was lovely to follow Andrew on his journey with Flash. I found many a moment highly amusing, especially through the puppy and adolescent phases! I totally empathise with Andrew's guilt when he has to leave Flash at home. You should see the look I get from Bella when she knows I'm going out and not taking her with me! Dogs are very much a part of the family and that's how it should be, in my opinion. As I write this we are on a weeks holiday in Wales and Bella is with us. Yes, it might restrict some of the things we could do, but so what. Our holiday is more special for bringing her with us and we're all having a lovely time. Of course, it helps that the weather is so glorious. Anyway, my point is that dogs enrich our lives and Andrew's life with Flash proves this beautifully. The obvious love and respect they have for each other pours from the pages and I have found the whole story heart-warming. I like Andrew, I think he's someone I would get on well with. Reading his books makes me feel like I know him already. They are a very intimate and honest account of the most distressing time of his life and how he manages to build a new life for himself. I think anyone suffering the grief of a loved on would relate to his story and I'm sure would find comfort in knowing there is hope for happiness. I know everyone grieves differently. There are no rules or time frames. Anyone who thinks there is has never lost anyone they truly love. Lucky them!
The latter part of The Power of Dog is devastating. I am dreading when this time comes for Bella and I know many, many people who will know how traumatising it is to have to say goodbye to a dog (or any beloved pet). My heart went out to Andrew. I remember how devastated I was when we lost my previous baby pooch, Lady, when I was 22 years old. She was only 11 years old. I was pregnant with my son, so my parents wouldn't let me go with her when we had to have her put to sleep, as they didn't want me getting in to a state so early on in pregnancy, but I have never forgiven myself for not being there for her.
I'm sorry for rambling on about my own pets, but I know exactly what Flash meant to Andrew and I'm sure he will be fondly remembered forever. I believe he was sent to Andrew for the very purpose of giving him a new lease of life. A dog will be the most loyal friend you will ever have, if you give them the life they deserve and Andrew certainly gave Flash a happy and fulfilled life. I have loved their story.
The Power of Dog is a heart-warming and thought provoking read. If you are a dog lover I'm sure you will relate to Andrew's story. Also, if you have lost a loved one.
If you are thinking about sharing your life with a dog, read this and I'm sure it will help you to decide. I can't imagine being without mine.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC. I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour :-)

You will find all of my reviews at chataboutbooks.wordpress.com
Profile Image for CenReads.
240 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2018
I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read The Power of Dog by Andrew Marshall in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
A one man and his dog story. A heartwarming story- Andrew has lost his partner Thom which leaves him devastated. Andrew does a look of research and homework on how to train dogs. An ok book.
Profile Image for Annarella.
12.9k reviews142 followers
August 1, 2018
I was attracted by the lovely dog on the cover. This book is fantastic. It's moving and heartwarming, well written and full of love.
A very enjoyable read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to RedDoor Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC
Profile Image for Karen Nelson.
267 reviews24 followers
August 10, 2018
The Power of Dog is a lovely memoir of loss and healing by adopting a love of a dog. As a dog lover myself, I know all too well the way that dogs can heal a wounded heart. This book is a moving tale of growth and moving on because of the joy of one dog, Flash.

The author’s partner dies after a long illness and is left grief-stricken. He spends a couple of years simply sleep walking through life, not being able to move on. He finally decides to fulfill a dream of dog ownership, which was the plan with his partner, until he became sick. The author takes his responsibility of dog dad seriously and adopts a wonderful puppy.

Good writing that depicts the puppy, Flash, and the special bond that eventually heals the author’s heart, this is a book that you simply don’t want to put down. It’s the perfect book for dog lovers, something that holds your interest and not too dense. I was so sorry when it ended.

This is a five star book that deserves to be read by those who love dogs, experiencing grief or simply want a heart warming read. Anyone who is a dog lover already knows how much emotional support a dog can provide. Five stars. Don’t hesitate to buy this one.

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for a pre-publication ebook in exchange for an honest review.



#ThePowerOfDog #NetGalley
25 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
Loved this book. The power of a puppy to help heal a grieving heart and the developing bond between man & dog both came across so strongly, it is incredibly moving. Hankies definitely needed but a real must read for animal lovers everywhere.
Profile Image for Wendy.
446 reviews39 followers
August 19, 2018
The Power of Dog explores the relationship between man and dog and the ability of a dog to help mend a broken heart and soul. The author gets a dog (Flash) after the death of his long time partner and as his relationship with the dog progresses he is able to progress through his mourning for his partner. While at times the writing was a little dry, it was clear how important Flash was to the author.
September 18, 2018
Now let me say, I absolutely adore dogs. There is nothing in this life that makes me laugh or smile more than an excitable puppy.

Reading The Power of Dog brought back some powerful and amazing memories of Keira, my beagle, who we recently had to put down. Some parts were hard to read for me but worth it. If you love dogs, and are looking for a laugh, read this book.
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