Comet's Tale

July 9, 2012
For Wolf, a former lawyer forced into early retirement by his declining health, a rescued greyhound literally becomes his savior. Chronic pain from a back injury at 43 leads to his ouster from the Omaha firm he helped build. Needing a change of climate, he moves to Sedona, Ariz., where he and his wife own a second home. However, this means living apart from his three daughters and his wife (a doctor and now the sole breadwinner). As he lives solo for nine-month stretches, simple tasks become increasingly difficult. When he adopts a rescued greyhound, the docile Comet both helps him with daily life and helps alleviate Wolf’s loneliness. As his health declines further, Wolf trains Comet to be a service dog, able to open doors by their handles, help with stairs, pull shopping carts, fetch phones, as well as provide emotional support. In one episode, Comet pulls her owner across the street to introduce him to two new neighbors—one of whom happens to know a doctor who performs experimental back surgery. Though Wolf’s narrative becomes treacly and he anthropomorphizes Comet’s actions too often, he also recognizes that, and tries to reconcile his love for his dog with his knowledge of dog behavior. Agent: Betsy Amster.

August 1, 2012
The close bond between man and dog is only part of this absorbing tale of love, family and dealing with disability. At 43, Wolf, a successful attorney, appeared to be at the top of his game when his spine gave way. Only gradually do we learn that his physical problems began when he was 16 and required a spinal fusion. In the years since his surgery, he had pushed himself to the limit. His condition was considered inoperable, and he was forced to retire--and spend the winter in Arizona while his family remained in Omaha. Depressed and suffering agonizing pain despite heavy medication, he struggled to maintain his independence. An encounter with foster greyhounds led him to adopt Comet, an abandoned greyhound who had been trained to race. Comet was not only an affectionate companion; she was also protective and sensitive to her owner's increasing disability. The author began to rely on Comet to help him navigate simple tasks such as getting out of bed or opening doors, and ultimately he trained her to become a service dog who could accompany him everywhere. With the assistance of Padwa (Quick, Answer Me Before I Forget the Question: Everything You Need to Know About Turning 50, 2007, etc.), Wolf offers a wealth of fascinating detail about Comet's socialization and about the breed, who are valued for their keen intelligence, speed and agility. After several years, Wolf found an orthopedic surgeon who was able to partially reconstruct his spine, increase his mobility and reduce his pain. The author admits to becoming manic and refusing to recognize that he was still fundamentally disabled. In his obsessive drive to resume his former life, he alienated his wife, who could not accept his self-destructive behavior. Only then was he able to come to terms with his previously flawed view of manliness and independence, rebuild his marriage and treasure each day. A heartwarming story that will hold appeal far beyond just animal lovers.

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October 15, 2012

Greyhound advocate Wolf, along with Padwa (Everything You Pretend To Know and Are Afraid Someone Will Ask), tells the story of Comet, a once-abused racing dog. Owing to a spinal condition, Wolf leaves his family and moves to Arizona for its warm climate, where he is drawn to a group that rescues retired racing greyhounds. Through this group he meets Comet, a dog who chooses to adopt him. Comet knew only racing tracks and cages; she had to learn how to climb stairs and even how to play with toys. With Wolf's patience and love, however, she blossoms into a beautiful, calm, and special dog. Unfortunately, Wolf's health worsens and it becomes Comet's turn to help the author with the most basic tasks. Much to the amazement of greyhound owners, he teaches her to be a service dog as she physically helps him get out of bed, tows his cart in the grocery store, attracts friends to Wolf's isolated world, and plays a crucial role in restoring his health and marriage. VERDICT This heartwarming story is recommended for all readers who will enjoy learning about greyhounds.--Eva Lautemann, formerly with Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2012
Wolf was the original lone cowboy, a successful partner in a law firm, husband, and father to three girls. And he did it all his way, on his terms, despite the degenerative spinal condition that made him more and more dependent on others. When he was finally asked to retire from his firm due to the uncertainty of his ability to get things done and was forced to move to the warmth of Arizona for the winter, in his loneliness he succumbs to a greyhound-rescue appeal and adopted Comet. Or, rather, Comet adoped him, as she was the one who did the choosing. And a lifesaving choice this turned out to be, as Comet was there for Wolf as his spinal condition worsened, learning to open doors, pull grocery carts, and generally becoming his service dog. When Wolf's wife tired of the lone-cowboy attitude and left him, Comet was also instrumental in saving his marriage. The author's story of redemption through the auspices of dog is both honest and heartwarming, and a wonderful salute to the power of man's best friend.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)