Anyone living with a rambunctious canine stands on familiar turf when reading Marley and Me by John Grogan (William Morrow, 2005, New York, 291 pages).

A newspaper columnist, Grogan took time away from his desk at the Philadelphia Inquirer to tell the life-story of Marley, a Labrador retriever named for the Jamaican singer Bob Marley and purchased as a puppy by the author and his wife Jenny in 1991. At the time, the Grogans lived in Florida.

Despite the book’s subtitle, Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog, there’s nothing mean-spirited about Marley. No one seriously pegs this canine as the “world’s worst”. He merely displays behavioral quirks that prove unfortunate and gains a rare distinction as an obedience-school exile.

Realistically, most dog-fans could string together similar yarns about a favorite pet. There’s nothing absolutely remarkable about Marley, and the readers’ parallel pet-experiences enhance their enjoyment of the book. Recognizing much that’s familiar makes Marley and Me a touching tale.

Grogan writes at his best about the final days and minutes of Marley’s life. Tears flow freely in the closing chapters as the protagonist’s health fades, forcing the author into wrenching life-or-death decisions.

Approval rating: 73 per cent.

For more information: www.marleyandme.com or www.harpercollins.com

(October 26, 2006)

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