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Endal: How one extraordinary dog brought a family back from the brink

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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.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

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Allen Parton

2 books4 followers

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5 stars
765 (52%)
4 stars
425 (28%)
3 stars
201 (13%)
2 stars
54 (3%)
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26 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for Robert.
93 reviews
February 5, 2017
O carte emoţionantă şi o poveste interesantă cu şi despre căţei :)
Profile Image for Kathryn.
121 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2010
A truly amazing story, this book completely blew me away. Have the tissues ready!

Allen was serving in the Gulf when he was involved in a car accident which left him suffering a serious brain injury. He couldn't remember anything about his life other than his naval career.
The first half of the book explores Allen and Sandra's life before and after the accident. It made for really intense reading. All that Allen wants to do is get better and get back to work, but his short term memory loss is so bad that sometimes he'll stop speaking halfway through a sentence and forget he was even talking. Sandra was incredible in the way she dealt with everything. She has to put up with the navy closing ranks on her when she tries to find out the truth about Allen's accident, then she has to cope with money worries and possible eviction from their home. All this while trying to care for a man who doesn't even recognise her as his wife.

Endal the dog isn't introduced until much later on in the book, which is good because you really do need to know the full story to fully appreciate how much Endal changed Allen and Sandra's lives.

The book is told in alternating chapters between Allen and Sandra. This is slightly repetitive in places, but it's good because you get to see both sides of the story.

Endal is an amazing dog and it was lovely to read about all the things he could do and the way he brought people out of themselves. But I have to say that my hero of the story was Sandra. There's not many people who could (or would) stand by their spouse for so long when he didn't even know who she was. The way she coped with everything was amazing and she's a true inspiration to me.
Profile Image for Adi Rocks Socks.
232 reviews56 followers
Want to read
October 8, 2018
Just reading the blurb made me tear up. I absolutely love dogs, and I really really hope the dog doesn’t die in this book. 🐾 🐾
42 reviews
November 6, 2018
Dogs Are Amazing

At first I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this book. I normally love a good mystery or crime scene book but I just kept reading. The more I read, the more I loved it. There is no greater love than the love of a dog companionship. You can't go wrong with this book and for that I give it a high five.
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,410 reviews2,838 followers
July 12, 2011
Wow!! An amazing story, about a truly amazing labrador!

Allen Parton was serving in the Gulf when he was involved in an incident which left him suffering serious brain damage. He couldn't remember much about his life other than his time in the navy. He didn't know who the lady walking toward him in the hospital was, or the noisy children who were jumping all over him were! He had no feelings toward them, no emotions whatsoever!


The first half of the book explores Allen and Sandra's life before and after the accident. For example, he didn't remember his wedding to Sandra, how much in love they were, the plans they had made for the future... It made for really intense reading. All that Allen wanted to do was get better and get back to work, and when he couldn't do this, he got extremely angry, very depressed and even suicidal. His short term memory loss was so bad that sometimes he'd stop speaking halfway through a sentence and forget he was even talking. Sandra was incredible the way she dealt with everything. Allen had always been her rock when she had post natal depression after the children were born...now he was incredibly selfish, without thought for her or the children. She had to cope with money worries and many other problems, all the while trying to care for a man who didn't even recognise her as his wife.

Endal isn't introduced until midway through the book, and this is a good thing, because the full story is important to fully appreciate how much Endal changed Allen and Sandra's lives.

Allen and Sandra alternate between chapters telling the story, which is great, as both sides are offered. We hear about Endal's ability to do things he hadn't actually been trained to do, his uncanny instinct for keeping Allen safe.

Endal was an absolutely amazing dog and the ability he had to do the things he did were nothing short of miraculous.

Endal has his own webpage http://www.milleniumdog.freeserve.co.uk/ which is definitely worth a browse!

I loved this book...thanks Michael...and I would recommend it to everyone!
Profile Image for Rowan.
78 reviews
September 13, 2011
This is the story of Allen and Sandra Parton in their personal hardship, loss and rebuilding of their lives from an injury Allen suffered while serving in the Royal Navy in the Gulf War that leaves him physcially impaired.

I initially thought judging by its cover that this would be a happpy go lucky sad story / happy story. I was completely wrong. Allen and Sandra's story is very much about life from its deepest trials and tribulations to accepting life has irreversably changed from what it used to and could of been. The authors bring themselves foward in complete open honesty and frankness.

I very much connected to this book at an emotional and personal level. There is alot to observe, learn and relate to, particularly in regards to hardship and perseverance. It has added alot to my knowledge and perspective in understanding the role of carers and the many difficulties they face.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.Due to the nature of the many issues concerning mental health covered I would not recommend this book appropriate for children or young adults.
Profile Image for Kirsti.
2,457 reviews86 followers
September 26, 2012
Another great example of the bond between animals and the people that need them most. Notice here I say people, because although it was Allen who had the terrible accident, it was the whole family that was brought together by Endal. I enjoyed reading first Allen's, and then his wife's perspective on events. He truly was disconnected from so many emotions we take for granted. Such a small thing, to be able to feel happiness, to be able to love someone else. The realization he came to when looking down at Endal that he could love was the turning point in his life, and when the book took on a whole deeper meaning for me. It was a beautiful story, and told so well. I would definitely recommend this to animal lovers, and anyone suffering in that dark place that so easily takes us all. The power that animals hold over us can always bring us out of there, if only we let them.
Profile Image for Gregg Brickman.
Author 10 books24 followers
March 4, 2014
The story is about a man with a war related head injury being saved from a pit of despair by a service dog. There are many moving moments that brought me chills or tears. Having said that--I don't normally read memoirs--I found much to skip over as I searched the pages for the story. I found the personal narrative redundant.
Profile Image for Pauline.
1,826 reviews35 followers
April 27, 2014
What a book. I think I went through every emotion going.Heartbreaking in parts but uplifting in others.what a very strong lady Sandra Parton is. This is not just a doggie story much more than that. Recommended.
Profile Image for Alison Smith.
843 reviews20 followers
August 3, 2011
Proves yet again how important pets/animals can be in the healing process. Quite enjoyed this book.
139 reviews
June 11, 2018
3.5 - 4. Bermuda November 2017 -- Book Club, Shina

A very good book, and amazing story. Unfortunately I struggled with the prose and the way in which written - which at times I found monotonous, as I frequently do with biographies - hence the reason for the lower review.

Notwithstanding, it is a truly amazing story how a dog had the ability to help Allen, and Sandra, weather through the aftermath, and help Allen find the willingness and interest in living life again.

Allen was serving in the Gulf when he was involved in a car accident (i.e. off duty hours) which left him suffering a serious brain injury. He couldn't remember anything about his life other than his naval career. Because off duty - he did not get the help, respect, and rehab. and financial assistance that he would have/should have received had he been injured while on active duty.

The first half of the book explores Allen and Sandra's life before and after the accident. It made for really intense reading. All that Allen wants to do is get better and get back to work, but his short term memory loss is so bad that sometimes he'll stop speaking halfway through a sentence and forget he was even talking. Sandra was incredible in the way she dealt with everything.

She has to put up with the navy closing ranks on her when she tries to find out the truth about Allen's accident, then she has to cope with money worries and possible eviction from their home. All this while trying to care for a man who doesn't even recognise her as his wife. This goes on for many many years - and several times, I had to wonder how Sandra had managed to cope and stay married under all the circumstances. I am not sure whether, I, or many others, would have been able to cope and continue in a useless, heartless, thankless marriage - to a man that couldn't even remember her, or what life had been like (and therefore could not love her, as he had no memory of love!)

Endal the dog isn't introduced until much later on in the book, which is good because you really do need to know the full story to fully appreciate how much Endal changed Allen and Sandra's lives.

The book is told in alternating chapters between Allen and Sandra. This is slightly repetitive in places, but it's good because you get to see both sides of the story.

Endal is an amazing dog and it was lovely to read about all the things he could do and the way he brought people out of themselves. But in truth, the savior was probably the way in which they both finally got into the training of the dogs ... and how they gave both Sandra and Allen a new purpose for life ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J. A.  Lewis.
430 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2019
If you purchase this book wanting to read solely about the dog, then you will be disappointed. If, however, you purchase the book with the understanding this is about a Navy soldier who was injured in a tragic accident which left him without a memory and with other disabilities, then you will enjoy it. This is also a story about the perseverance of Allan's wife, Sandra, through the most difficult of circumstances. How she endured through Allan's mood swings, memory loss, anger and lack of compassion is a testament to her character and undying devotion to her husband. Endal comes into the picture about 65% or so into the book. It is only with the love of a devoted dog that Allan begins to find his way back. This dog is amazing. His abilities will leave you in awe. Dogs for those with disabilities are such an amazing gift and the people that train them are to be commended. I enjoyed this read even through the difficult moments of Allan's unfortunate injury.
40 reviews
July 22, 2018
GOD'S DEVINE PLAN " ENDAL & ALLEN "

This is such an Amazing and Inspiring book that I cannot picture anyone reading this without feeling the Healing Power and Unconditionall Love of GOD uniting these two souls together.

This powerful book of such an extraordinary family and all they went through with Allen's Critical and Disabling accident while on Naval Duty. The hardship, fear anger and Sandra coping all on her own to a husband who doesn't remember her or the children and who is being resentful and in denial. Until a Miracle happens and this Golden Retriever Picks Allen out and never gives up on him. The Labrador is ENDAL and he knows HE BELONGS WITH ALLEN AND ALLEN BELONGS WITH ENDAL.
" GOD WORK'S IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS."

I Loved this story and will pass it onto friends or anyone who has the desire to give up.

GOD BLESS YOU ALLEN, SANDRA AND ENDAL
3 reviews
August 22, 2018
Being a dog lover and in particular a yellow lab owner I just know how a dog like Endal could change a person.'s

life. At the beginning of the book I kept waiting for Endal to come into the picture. It seemed to be too long a time. It made sense to fully understand the severity of the injury before getting to the transformation which involved Kendal was an amazing dog. Sometimes I couldn't believe the incidents. I worked with my lab as a therapy dog and experienced how people were drawn to him and how disabled people especially became more expressive and happy when he interacted with him at first I wasn't sure I liked the format of each perspective
but their individual takes of their lives dramatically brought empathy and appreciation how their lives were impacted and how they impacted each other. I thoroughly enjoyed the book
And miss Endal already!
562 reviews26 followers
June 27, 2018
Sweet memories...

Such a lovely story of a service dog who meant so much to so many people.
Medal is a yellow lab. His human, Allen unfortunately suffered in a car accident while serving in the a British Navy. Sandra is his long time wife with a spirit of fortitude most women could not handle .
This book shows a relationship on the brink off destruction. Allen can't remember anything, not even his dif & children,whereas Sandra remembers it all .
Enter Endal. A service dog trained to protect & assist his human . Does he make a difference in their lives? Of course he does!
This is a feel good story a out an exceptional dog. If you love dogs, you're going to love this book!😁😉
1,390 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2018
Endal was an amazing dog who did all the things requested by his partner- and then some. He was creative in taking care of his human. He brought his human, Allen, out of deep depression and anger following a head injury while he was in the British Navy. There is so much love, emotional strength and caring given by Allen's family and by his wife following his accident. His wife became a formidable force in getting money and rights available for her husband and family following the accident. Dog training became a passion, and Allen reluctantly entered into the training and then became a spokesperson and model for the Canine training agency. The dog is wonderful and the changes in the people he touched are so positive and amazing. This is a true and great story.
Profile Image for Judith  Wong.
141 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
Sad but inspiring story!

Sad because of the injuries suffered and the cataclysmic changes for not only Allen but his whole family, Sandra, Liam and Zoe. Changes that were so significant that it's a miracle the family survived them. However, it's inspiring due to a fabulous dog named Endal and the work Sandra and Allen performed with the organization that placed him with Allen. A well written story as seen through the eyes of the couple who lived through it and now have a happy future together thanks to a dog named Endal!
28 reviews
August 19, 2018
Extraordinary Story of Courage and Commitment

Being a true dog lover, I was very interested in reading “Endal.” The first half of the book goes into great detail about the struggles that Allen and Sandra have when he suffers a severe brain injury while overseas in the British Navy. It totally changes in the second half when the yellow lab service dog, Endal enters the picture. This true story told alternately from both couples point of view will inspire hope and comfort to the reader. I laughed out loud and shed a few tears while reading this fascinating story.
Profile Image for Sally.
4 reviews
April 10, 2018
This is truly a wonderful book.

I hated putting this book down at night. If I had had my way I would have stayed up until I finished it. Sandra's strength and commitment to her husband were inspiring. What can you say about Endal that would be adequate? What a special dog! Thank you, Allen, for sharing your story with us.
134 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2018
A hard to read, inspiring story!

When I read the synopsis of this story, I had to get it. I ha e heard how important service dogs can be, and I got to experience through Allen's story just how incredible the emotional as well as physical support that dog can be. I enjoyed the process of Allen and Endal becoming a team.
August 6, 2018
The abnormal family

Woman and her husband are both confined to a wheelchair. The husband sustained very serious injuries including a brain injury. He has no memory of his life before his injury. He has no memory of his wedding or his 2 children. A therapy dog blossoms but he was never able to recover totally but was able to regain some functions. EXCELLENT BOOK
15 reviews
August 8, 2018
Totally Awesome and Memorable

Endal is not only a special dog, but this book about him is equally special. The reader is drawn into the book by how the events are explained, but also by the way emotions influence interactions. I think this book can be enjoyed and enrich the lives of all readers, not just those who love dogs or those injured while serving their country.
Profile Image for Holly .
19 reviews
October 6, 2018
Unconditional love

It amazes me all that Allen & Sandra went thru after he returned from the Gulf. I am confident most wives would not have stuck around. A dog's unconditional love and devotion never ceases to amaze me. Most days I like my dogs over humans. Kuddos to Endal and his love and devotion.
Profile Image for Susan M Manning.
94 reviews
March 2, 2019
Honest, helpful, and remarkable

As my disabled veteran partner is now training her second service dog, 7 month old Jake, this was deeply inspiring. We know he won’t be the same as Drummer, just as EJ isn’t Endal, but we are hopeful. Thank you both for sharing your journey. It resonates!!
May 30, 2019
Dog lovers’ delight

Engrossing book detailing an English family, the husband’s injuries while serving in the Royal Navy, the wife’s tenacity in holding their marriage together through exceptionally hard times and the amazing yellow Labrador who saved them all with his intelligence, dedication and devotion to duty.
25 reviews
August 16, 2020
Every dog lover should read the remarkable story of Endal. I have always been aware of a dogs devotion to his owner, this dog is incredible! Endal will capture your heart with his antics and abilities. Allen was able to change his life because of Endal. This is a must read, but have the tissues near!
Profile Image for JR Matviuk.
255 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
It was just ok. Felt like a bit of false advertising since the first half of the book doesn't even mention a dog at all. It's amazing to see how it Endal touched Allen's life and how smart dogs actually are and can pick up on little things like social cues or how you are feeling that day. Story was just ok otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews

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