Lynne Cox is internationally famous for swimming the world's most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and able to endure water temperatures so cold that they would kill anyone else, recognizes and celebrates all forms of athleticism in others, human or otherwise. And when she saw a video of a Newfoundland dog leaping from an airborne helicopter into Italian waters to save someone from drowning, Cox was transfixed by the rescue, and captivated by the magnificence, physicality, and daring of the dog.
Cox details her unique experience on Italy’s Lake Idroscalo, where she observed the highly specialized training of Italian water rescue dogs ... She is a concise yet dramatic writer, with immersive descriptions of her childhood, her arduous swim training, the sensory experience of swimming, accents, the exploding flavors of Italian cuisine, and doggy behaviors ... A delight from start to finish; will be greatly enjoyed by fans of dogs, sports, and inspirational memoirs.
The training of water rescue dogs gets a belabored treatment in this rambling blend of memoir, travelogue, and canine adventures ... The tone is buoyant, but, unfortunately, the prose is flat...rendering even the most intriguing musings tiresome. The result is an initially promising account that ultimately feels lost at sea.
ngagingly told in simple yet eloquent language, this unique story about the human-canine bond—and, in particular, one woman’s belief in an apparently difficult but ultimately exceptional dog—is a treat for animal lovers of all ages ... A heartwarming delight.
