My Life in Dog Years

by Gary Paulsen

Hardcover, 1999

Call number

JB PAULSEN

Collection

Children’s/YA Biography

Series

My Life in Dog Years

Publication

Yearling (1999), Edition: New title, 144 pages

Description

The author describes some of the dogs that have had special places in his life, including his first dog, Snowball, in the Phillippines; Dirk, who protected him from bullies; and Cookie, who saved his life.

User reviews

LibraryThing member kglucas

I put this on a book review list for 7th and 8th graders during a summer reading program in a public library. The kids decided not to vote for it, yet they couldn't get enough of discussing it, and they remembered all the dogs' names and their anecdotes. The kids got so animated when they discussed

this book. What a wonderful book to share with kids who love dogs - but do keep the hankies handy.

Show Less

11 more

LibraryThing member DLWilson1831

This book was a biography written by Gary Paulsen. My Life In Dog Years describes Gary's life from a young boy to present day. He has lives in a variety of places and some very interesting ones at that. He has a love of dogs and owns a few. The book mainly discusses his dog, Cookie, and how the

sled dog saved his life.

This book was alright. I thought when I first checked it out at the library that it would be different than it was. He talks a lot about many different dogs, and to me they begin to blend together. It was interesting to read about the different areas he's lived in and the adventures he has encountered throughout his life. I really thought it might be a good book because he wrote the book Hatchett. It was an alright book, but had much to be desired compared to Hatchett.

Two extension ideas for the classroom would be to research and learn more about Gary Paulsen. Another idea would be to have the students write a paper on the different dogs in the book and why they were important to them. Have the students then tell about different animals they've had as pets and why they valued their pet.

Show Less

LibraryThing member ewyatt

This book even made me think that having a dog might be kind of fun! Paulsen tells parts of his life story through tales of dogs he had a different points in his life.

LibraryThing member skstiles612

Gary Paulsen has always written books that show us his love of all things nature. Here we have a look at the dogs that have helped shape his life. He dedicates the book to Cookie the sled dog who saved his life. He tells us the story of Snowball, a dog he convinced his mom to purchase for him while

they lived in the Philippine Islands. He was trying to save it because the villagers ate dogs. Ike was a dog that befriended him when he most needed a friend. Dirk was a stray that became his protector. He speaks of his experiences with Rex the farm dog, Caesar the giant, Fred who befriended a pig, Quincy small in stature but big in heart. He ends his story with Josh the "smartest dog in the world".

I loved this book because it was a realistic look at his relationship with his favorite pet, dogs. I can't say I am a great dog lover. I grew up on a farm. We had several dogs which included a cocker spaniel and a collie. My aunt gave us a German shepherd which had been abused by kids. She figured he would do well at our house. Flash was very quick and very protective. However, screams while playing tag or any other childhood game set him on end and he would attack. A bite from him created my fear of dogs. He finally had to be put down when he bit my baby sister through the eye lid. To try to calm my fears my aunt gave us a cockapoo. This yappy little dog was fun but still scared me. Years later my father brought home a German shepherd. He handed me the leash and told me to walk him. I was terrified and the dog seemed to sense this. He made a point of approaching me slowly. One night while walking back to my house from the neighbors someone came around our house running for me. I knew I would not be able to defend myself with a my leg in a cast and this dog heard me scream, came through the screen on the door and stood between me and my attacker allowing me to enter the house. That was the beginning of my losing my fear of dogs. Years later my husband wanted a rottweiler. I knew how big they were and was terrified. He took me to the house and had me sit on the ground. The owners put a large pan of dog food in front of me and let the rottweiler puppies out. One in particular plopped down in the middle of the pan and all the others had to eat around her. She then stood up, untied my shoelace and then plopped in my lap like she belonged. She was with us only only two years before she was murdered by a neighbor. It is our dream to have some land where we can get another rottweiler. Until that time I will be happy with my favorite pet "the worlds smartest" cat.

Show Less

LibraryThing member NogDog

The first third or so that dealt with the author's childhood and youth (and the associated dogs) was pretty interesting, the rest not so much. There also was not a lot of depth to the material, but perhaps this is because it is targeted toward young readers.

LibraryThing member JLCasanova

This book discusses how dogs affected the author's life, and the many different relationships he had with them. Science teachers can use this as a starting point to have students research the different breeds of dogs or how interaction with animals can affect a person. Writing teachers can use this

to show students an example of how to write an anecdote. Reading teachers can use this for read alouds. Students can also research Gary Paulsen's life, since the book discusses some parts of his life. Each chapter focuses on a different dog and is arranged in sequential order. The writing is interesting and often humorous. While the author does describe each dog in great detail, it would be nice to have pictures to go with each chapter.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Nancy.Castaldo

If you've ever had the enjoyment of listening to Gary Paulsen speak you know that he is a great storyteller on and off the page. I could hear Gary as I read this book - every dog, every story was pure Paulsen! This is a fantastic book for anyone who has ever shared their life with a dog. Forget

those sappy humane society commercials…..just have Gary Paulsen talk about his dogs and you'll be won over!

Show Less

LibraryThing member iamryancorcoran

This book discusses how dogs affected the Gary Paulsen's and the many different relationships he had with them. These dog's are often mentioned in his other fiction novels.

LibraryThing member marsap

Gary Paulsen, young adult and children writer, has owned dozens of unforgettable and amazing dogs. In each chapter of this small book, he tells the tale of one special dog, among them Cookie, the sled dog who saved his life; Snowball, the puppy he owned as a boy in the Philippines; Ike, his

mysterious hunting companion; Dirk, the grim protector; and his true friend Josh, a brilliant border collie. Some of the story a very funny, some incredibly sad (Paulson had a painful and difficult childhood—many of these dogs were really his salvation). After reading this book I told my husband that I wanted a dog like Josh—what a brilliant dog. But then again I think I will just keep my less than brilliant golden retriever Sam, a dog of great compassion though not a lot of smarts. 4 out of 5 stars. By the way, I listened to the audiotape of this book read by Gary Paulsen. As much fun as it was to hear him read his book, he does tend to laugh at his own jokes (as he continues to read) making it difficult to understand at times. I would suggest reading and listening to the book.

Show Less

LibraryThing member fuzzi

This is a delightful collection of stories about the dogs that the author has known and loved. It made me smile, and chuckle several times. Highly recommended for dog lovers, but worth reading by anyone.

LibraryThing member jothebookgirl

Now I want a Border Collie.

LibraryThing member Dairyqueen84

If you love animals, especially dogs, you must read this book. Author Gary Paulsen writes about many of the amazing dogs he has owned or been acquainted with over his eventful and often difficult life.

Fewer