Steven Wolf

KIRKUS REVIEWThe 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.Pub Date: Oct. 9th, 2012ISBN: 978-1-61620-045-9Page count: 272ppPublisher: AlgonquinReview Posted Online: July 12th, 2012Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1st, 2012… (mais)

(2012)Memoir - Book obviously caught my attention as it is the story of how a rescued greyhound helps to make life easier for the author. He is disabled by a severe back injury that continues to get worse. After adopting Comet, the need arises for a service dog to aid his every day living. He trains Comet himself and has to try hard to make the society he lives in accept a grey as a service dog. Comet comes thru in flying colors and becomes Wolf's salvation. A lot of the first part of the book goes into the nature of greyhounds and the troubles they have before being adopted. I knew this already but glad to see it here for the average reader's education.KIRKUS REVIEWThe 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.Pub Date: Oct. 9th, 2012ISBN: 978-1-61620-045-9Page count: 272ppPublisher: AlgonquinReview Posted Online: July 12th, 2012Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1st, 2012… (mais)

I enjoyed reading this book because I own a greyhound and have come to understand the devotion they give. I also have a degenerative back problem and although not a service dog she does stand to support me if I need her. It is just something she senses.

I was surprised that Steve trained Comet to pull a wheelchair - it does not seem like the sort of thing a greyhound would be happy to do, but Comet was happy to do anything for Steve as was her nature.

A thoroughly enjoyable book for al dog lovers.… (mais)

Full disclosure: I'm not a dog person. Or rather...I WASN'T a dog person. Until my wife and I decided to get a greyhound. And now I'm a dog person. I used to be a cat person. Cats are low key and require minimal maintenance. Unlike dogs. Well, unlike MOST dogs. Greyhounds are like cats. They sleep a lot. But they're smarter and actually seem to like people.

My dog Jibber (racing name: Rooftop Jibber), is a doll. But she's no Comet. Steven Wolf's Comet is truly one of a kind. Wolf has a series of degenerative back issues. He adopted Comet, and she became his friend, protector, ally, and ultimately, his work-dog. I don't see Jibber having the patience to pull me up from a chair, or leaning on her when I lose balance.

"Hello. I am Comet. I choose you."

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. Wolf nails the personalities and physical tendencies of this speedy breed. When visiting a foster farm to 'choose' his companion, Wolf describes the dogs running within a fenced in area:
"thigh muscles bunched, hind paws stretching toward shoulders, mud flying in their wake, individual dogs blurring into a mass of muscle that flowed like mercury."

In spite of the all the running, greyhounds are actually damned restful. They store their energy for when it's most needed: 5 minutes of frantic running, and 23 hours and 55 minutes and dedicated resting. Wolf learns quickly why greyhounds are also know as the couch potatoes of the dog world.

The first half of the book builds up the introduction and discovery process as Steven and Comet get to know each other. Steven exposes his own medically-driven needs and quirks, while detailing the trials of a greyhound learning to survive in a human world. It's touching, it's surprising, and it's amazingly recognizable to any greyhound owner.

The second half of the book focuses on Wolf's worsening condition, the miracle procedure that can ease his many pains, and it's collective impact on his family. Comet plays a key role throughout, but the spotlight turns more towards the author, while Comet orbits in and out of focus.

Wolf is fine through the early parts of his story. He's familiar with dogs and dog training, but he characterizes Comet's introduction to 'life on the outside' with an endearing innocence. As a reader, I was empathetic to his medical issues.

But something happens in the second half, and Wolf becomes unlikeable. To the point where I I no longer cared whether Wolf was able to reignite his relationship with his daughters and wife, or whether the surgery would be successful. I just wanted to read about Comet!

This is still a must-read for any greyhound owner. You'll see your dog in Comet...and you'll wonder if yours is hiding some special knowledge and capabilities behind those bright and oh-so-innocent greyhound eyes.… (mais)