The remarkable story of Endal, voted ‘Dog of the Millennium’, and how, through his remarkable skills, companionship and unstinting devotion, he gave Allen Parton a reason to live again. Allen Parton was seriously injured while serving in the Gulf War. He lost the use of both of his legs, plus all memories of his children and much of his marriage. He was left unable to walk, talk or write – … write – isolated in his own world. After five years of intensive therapy and rehab, he was still angry, bitter and unable to talk. Until a chance encounter with a Labrador puppy – Endal – who had failed his training as an assistance dog on health grounds. They ‘adopted’ each other, and Endal became Allen’s reason to communicate with the outside world, to come to terms with his injuries, and to want to live again. Not content with learning over 200 commands to help Allen complete everyday tasks like getting dressed and going out to the shops in his wheelchair, Endal gave Allen the ability to start living again, and to become a husband and father again in his own special way. This is the incredible story of Allen, his wife Sandra, and his family. And, of course, Endal.
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Well written, true story
This book told the story of a strongly-gifted, devoted and uniquely skilled dog–i.e.,
a truly one-of-a kind best friend to a man who desperately needed this animal’s
total and unyielding love to survive. All in all, an amazing and uplifting read.
Absolutely loved every minute of reading this wonderful story. To see though the eyes of Allen was heartbreaking for him and so very much for his family. Loved the ending very much also and getting to see all the family members made it all special. I hope Endal lives the good life for a long time yet and EJ does a great job to follow in his …
I applaud the wounded warrior and am HUGELY impressed with his dog Endal. It was a looooooong time coming for the man to make decent gains in recovering from a TBI. His long-suffering wife truly made me grinch with her whiny dependency/panic attacks/depression. Yes, I really DO realize that these “things” are very real, but the book devoted …
This book touched me in ways I dadn’t expect. Allen & Sandra, huband & wife faced trials that would have broken most people. The agony of his terrible injuries was horrible, they steadfastness of her was truly amazing. Thanks to the addition of the dog Endal they were finally made as whole as could ever be. I sobbed & sobbed as I relived the last …
the story of a husband and wife putting their life together again, slowly, after he suffers a traumatic brain injury while stationed oversea with the British Navy. Patience, persistence and sheer determination take them through so many trials.
Everyone can find something to relate to in this narrative. If you have ever had to deal with hard times, have loved someone, have loved a dog you should not miss this book. I learned a lot about how much worse a brain injury can be than I thought, how much more capacity a dog has than imaginable, and how resilient people challenged with …