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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This remarkable dog saved a marriage, a man who lost so much in military service. Endal had extraordinary abilities
Endal, a service dog who washed out of training (reason) and only proceeded to bring a wounded (in peace time) warrior of Iraq back to a grounding with his family, a sense of purpose in life, a restored relationship with his wife whose marriage to and resulting children had been completely forgotten.
Heart wrenching and encouraging
The heart wrenching part is the kind of unexpected tragedy that turns a whole family’s life upside down. The gift is the part of the story where the loyalty and consistency of a dog gives the victim the will to go on. The result is meaning restored to a life. A worthwhile read.
I really enjoyed this book.
I loved the book. Very poignant.
I thought this book would focus mainly on Endal. I found it to focus more on Endal’s owner. It was a very interesting book, just not what I expected. But I do recommend it. I liked it a lot.
I love books about animals, especially those that bring happiness to people. Here is a veteran who gets little help from the government, even after spending time in a war zone. The British Government did not provide medical care to this veteran. A dog, named Endal, saves his life and gives him meaning. The veteran is severely injured and tried …
While the real-life events that initiated the journey this book describes were tragic and difficult, the eventual ability to find help and overcome obstacles and build a life of purpose are the overwhelming take-aways.
This is a true story based in England. A couple with two children are faced with a lot of challenges when the Navy husband is hurt in and accident. He is paralyzed and has a severe brain injury. There is a lot of strain on the family until Endal a therapy dog comes to live with the family. It is a wonderful story of how therapy dogs make such a …
I loved this book about an amazing dog who had a transformative impact on a brain injured veteran and his family. I highly recommend this book.
Wonderful story about an amazing dog and his bond with his human.
This book was very interesting to read and I would recommend it.
A realistic look at the challenges for a family reuniting after military tragedy. It is heart wrenching. The opportunity of bonding with a therapy animal and the difference they can make is heartwarming.
Loved this book! Excellent read!
Truly an inspirational and heart warming story about the power of love between a dog and his owner. Endal was an amazing dog, a true life-saver.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s even more meaningful when considering it is a true story. Endal’s legacy lives on in that family and that’s a great accomplishment.
A wonderful dog, very intelligent, that brought an injured vet out of his depression.
I thoroughly enjoy stories about service dogs, and this was no exception. That dog was phenomenal! What a turn-around that dog created. Great book!
inspiring
Made me want to get the puppy I’d thought about for several months! Looking into rescue pups, as we speak!