Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life

by Bruce Goldstein

Book Overview

To Bruce Goldstein-an edgy, twenty-something New Yorker trying to make his mark in advertising-just waking up in the morning was an ordeal. Underemployed and recently dumped, he was well into the downward spiral of bipolar disorder. Even with therapy, lithium, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Prozac, he could not shake his rapid mood swings, his fear of dying, or the voice of Satan, who first visited him one sunny day in Central Park. Then came Ozzy, a black Labrador pup (named after metal's "Prince of Darkness") who leads Bruce toward recovery through complete, canine dependence. From the depths of his despair to a life remade, Bruce shows how learning to care for, train, and love the hilariously loyal Ozzy provided him with the structure and focus he needed to heal.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568583842
• ISBN13: 9781568583846
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

DOG'S ARE A LIFE SAVER

Hi, I just want to share a little story. My baby girl Abby was a shepard/ rot mix and she was 10 when she left this world. I am bipolar / manic depressed and the story in this book is so true. Abby loved me unconditionally and I her When I was real down she was there. When I was feeling better she was there. True friendship and love. This book reminded me so much of what happened to me and how she helped me through the bad times. Now that she is gone I can,t help but think what will happen now but the words in this book ring true A dog is more than a best friend it IS A LIFE SAVER and I hope it will inspire more people to seek help. Depression is an illness that some of us have to deal with and we need all the help we can get. I myself don,t know what the future will bring but if I could have her back for just one day I think I could make it but now we all have our own demons to fight and PUPPY'S ARE BETTER THAN ANY DRUG Kevin Stenson

Couldn't put it down!

I started and finished the book in one evening. At times I laughed out loud because I could relate to the whole puppy thing. Yet another reminder that our furry friends love us no matter what. Awesome book.

I'm loving this book!!

This book is inspriational and I can't put it down. I'm on chapter 17. Bruce's writing is so honest....I can really relate to his isolation and pain. I greatly appreciate Bruce's ability to keep fighting through everything he's going through. I recommend this book to everyone. I'm gonna try and finish it tonight!

A touching memoir about a life saved by a puppy

I was very excited to finally receive my copy of this book. I have been hearing about it for a month on the web. I found this story compelling a very readable. The authors descriptions of his symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of manic depression are vivid and thought provoking. He really hits a low point before deciding that a dog might be his last chance. The story that follows is hilarious and touching. As Bruce's trial and error education in puppy rearing commences we laugh and cry with him as Ozzy, his adorable black lab puppy, drags Bruce back into life. I think anyone who lives with a pet can tell you that they can lift your sprits with a warm nuzzle, but this dog truly saved this mans life. A great read for pet lovers, but also a thoughtful memoir about coping with mental illness and a wonderful tale about falling in love.

OZZY ROCKS!

we all know about the theraputic effect of pets. and this just proves one more time how the love of an animal can help save human lives. ozzy, you are too cute!