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  • The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

  • A Memoir
  • By: Martin McKenna
  • Narrated by: Aaron Abano
  • Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (76 ratings)

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The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

By: Martin McKenna
Narrated by: Aaron Abano
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$16.45/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

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Publisher's Summary

When Martin McKenna was growing up in Garryowen, Ireland, in the 1970s, he felt the whole world knew him as just "that stupid boy". Badly misunderstood by his family and teachers, Martin escaped from endless bullying by running away from home and eventually adopting or being adopted by six street dogs. Camping out in barns, escaping from farmers, and learning to fend for himself by caring for his new friends, Martin discovered a different kind of language, strict laws of behavior, and strange customs that defined the world of dogs. More importantly, his canine companions helped him understand the vital importance of family, courage, and self-respect and that he wasn’t stupid after all. Their lessons helped Martin make a name for himself as the "Dog Man" in Australia, where he now lives and dispenses his hard-earned wisdom to dog owners who are sometimes baffled by what their four-legged friends are trying to tell them.

An emotional and poignant story seasoned with plenty of Frank McCourt style humor, The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been told he or she won’t amount to anything. It’s also a unique, fascinating look into canine behavior. In these pages, Martin shows how modern life has conditioned dogs to act around humans, in some ways helpful, but in other ways unnatural to their true instincts, and how he has benefited enormously from learning to talk dog.

©2014 Martin McKenna (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

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Loved this story

Rather comical enjoyable story but sad also.I could identify with the abuse of teasing as many readers will also.There is course language but not excessive.I particularly loved the exceptional expressive voice of Aaron Abano narration.This is an included book so thank you to Audible

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1 person found this helpful

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fantastic story

absolutely loved this book. both authentic and reader did a wonderful job. couldn't put it down. would love to know if there will be a book 2. if you own a dog or know one or just like them. this is the book for you!

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Great Yarn

After two dud credit books, this freebie was a pleasant surprise. A moving story and beautifully narrated as only the Irish can do it. And if you love dogs, that's an added bonus.

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what's not to love

An interesting story about one boys struggle in hard circumstances. As someone who loves teenagers and has worked with vulnerable teenagers as a teacher AND someone who loves dogs, this story has it all. A young person learning to live and face big challenges in life, and who learns on his own terms and then gets through it all to prosper. I really enjoyed this book.

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The healing power of dogs

This was an engaging memoir, told by a great storyteller. For anyone who likes dogs and relates to being different.

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loved it

I didn't want it to end.
poetically spoken, it is a touching and moving story.
this story brought up how much I miss my Labrador.
thank you.

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insight into dog behaviour

The story really didn't grab me but I loved his insights into dog behaviour.

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Absolutely Brilliant

What a great book so easy to understand and enjoy. Would highly recommend this to anyone who loves dogs

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Loved this book even learnt a few tricks!

It’s truely amazing what animals can teach us I see it daily with our son who has ASD and ADHD the way dogs in particular can calm him and read the human is very amazing, I have actually started playing the invisible game with our dog and the move calm down it’s all ok actually works! No more jumping! I know this book is more than dog behaviour and I loved every moment of it but the power struggle was 100% real. I contacted with the book on so many levels i absolutely loved it I’m so glad this story was shared!!

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Very refreshing, funny and sad

I feel so naïve……… so many Irish stories of life as a child are unbelievable and I have accepted the Irish are very tough and flexible. This memoir I assume is all true. Great narration and wonderful voices. A fantastic insight into the canine world that really makes me think about my own many dogs through the years.
Take the plunge and make the read, you will be wealthier for the choice.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.