On Toby's Terms by Charmaine Hammond - Review

Title: On Toby's Terms

Author: Charmaine Hammond

Publisher: Bettie Young Books Publishing Co

Synopsis: When Charmaine and her husband adopted Toby, a five-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever, they figured he might need some adjusting time, but they certainly didn't count on what he'd do in the meantime. Soon after he entered their lives and home, Toby proved to be a holy terror who routinely opened and emptied the hall closet, turned on water taps, pulled and ate things from the bookshelves, sat for hours on end in the sink, and spent his days rampaging through the house. Oddest of all was his penchant for locking himself in the bathroom, and then pushing the lid of the toilet off the tank, smashing it to pieces. After a particularly disastrous encounter with the knife- block in the kitchen-and when the couple discovered Toby's bloody paw prints on the phone-they decided Toby needed professional help. Little did they know what they would discover about this dog. On Toby's Terms is an endearing story of a beguiling creature who teaches his owners that, despite their trying to teach him how to be the dog they want, he is the one to lay out the terms of being the dog he needs to be. This insight would change their lives forever. 

My Thoughts: I am a total dog lover, so I was very excited to read On Toby's Terms by Charmaine Hammond. I couldn't wait to read about Toby's journey with his new family, and how he became a rescue dog. Let me tell you, he is one cute dog! I don't know how anyone could resist that face. 

I really enjoyed Charmaine's story telling abilities! She always added in what Toby was thinking during an action. I think it definitely brought a great aspect to the book. I always felt like I could just see this loving dog doing everything Charmaine wrote about. 

Poor, poor Chris! I completely felt for him. My five children always seem to have caused some new kind of chaos in my house, and I am home with them all the time! Charmaine has the patience of a saint. Eventually, I am sure, even though I love dogs, Toby would have riled me up. Of course, his doggy smiles and apology presents probably would have won me over. 

Toby's journey to becoming a pet therapy dog was so great to read about. I especially liked reading about Wednesdays with Toby, and how he helped the patients. I also loved how much Charmaine learned as she followed Toby on his journey. Toby definitely touches many lives.

I think this is a wonderful book. It is a heartfelt and inspiring book. I was pulled in and enjoyed it all so much. I laughed, I cried, and I kept stopping to tell my husband parts of the story. 

Rating:

You can learn more about Toby, his work, and Charmiane's books at: Toby on Facebook, On Toby’s Terms on Facebook, On Toby’s Terms Website, and Toby’s Tales Website




You can purchase your own copy of On Toby's Terms on Amazon. Be sure to stop back by on May 11th when we will be holding a giveaway! 5 winners will receive 'doggy PAWdographed' copies of both of Toby's books!

I received On Toby's Terms as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.