Endal

By Allen Parton & Sandra Parton

Endal - Allen Parton & Sandra Parton
  • Release Date: 2009-02-27
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 119 Ratings

Description

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 - 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.

Reviews

‘Endal is a true dog hero: kind, intelligent, incredibly resourceful, very funny and utterly devoted to his master Allen Parton […] this is one of the great uplifting dog stories.’
Jilly Cooper

'Heartbreaking'
Daily Mail

'The pointy heads at the Admirality should read this, hang their heads in shame - then get a dog.'
Daily Mail

About the author

Allen Parton was serving in the Gulf War when an accident robbed him of the use of his legs and half of his long-term and short-term memory. After 5 years in hospital, he was still unable to walk, talk, read or write. It was only when he was partnered up with his Canine Partner, Endal, that he found the strength to learn to communicate with the world again. As his aide with everyday tasks, Endal allows Allen to lead an independent life. Endal has been given many awards, including the PDSA Gold Award and Dog of the Millenium award. Allen and Endal currently work with a number of animal and disability charities.

Reviews

  • Endal

    5
    By Mz pickles
    This is an extraordinary book. I like the way it has Allen speak then Sandra cover the same time frame from her point of view. Endal was truly an amazing dog. The way his story is told, the reader becomes very emotionally attached to him. A wonderful read. I recommend to everyone.
  • Amazing dog makes a family functional

    4
    By Rozebramay
    I love reading stories about human and animal interactions, and service animals who make a difference in people’s lives. Still, I was amazed to read of Endal’s accomplishments, which included actions initiated by him, actions that were not taught. His instincts were sound, and perhaps he could “read” the minds of people who “think in pictures,” as Temple Grandin in reverse! This dog served his humans above and beyond what could have been expected, rescuing a wounded veteran dealing with traumatic brain injury as well as an inability to walk. In doing that, he rescued the family whose love, care and commitment were sorely tried by their severely injured husband and father. My only issue is with the lengthy description of this family’s trauma before Endal was introduced. Even so, I can agree that, without all of the heavy initial chapters, it might not register in reader’s minds how truly miraculous this dog’s accomplishments were! Definitely worth reading!!
  • Randal

    5
    By Happyday11
    I am a dog lover. I loved this story. Well written. Very good. Is Endal still living. He was so smart!
  • Endal: How one extraordinary dog brought a family back from the brink.

    5
    By Biscuit1223
    This book is excellent. Fast reading. Well written. I would recommend this book to any dog lover.