Meet Ozzy. For the suicidally depressed author, this furry antidepressant came with only one side effect-unconditional, slobbery love

To Bruce Goldstein-an edgy, twenty-something New Yorker trying to make his mark in advertising-just waking up in the morning was an ordeal. Underemployed and recently dumped, he was well into the downward spiral of bipolar disorder. Even with therapy, lithium, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Prozac, he could not shake his rapid mood swings, his fear of dying, or the voice of Satan, who first visited him one sunny day in Central Park. Then came Ozzy, a black Labrador pup (named after metal’s “Prince of Darkness”) who leads Bruce toward recovery through complete, canine dependence. From the depths of his despair to a life remade, Bruce shows how learning to care for, train, and love the hilariously loyal Ozzy provided him with the structure and focus he needed to heal.

"From the opening sentence...to the last...readers will appreciate how one seemingly insignificant four-legged creature made a life-altering difference to a young, suicidally depressed man. Four paws up...Joining the recent wave of memoirs about dogs and their owners, Goldstein's book differs in that it focuses on the ability of canines to touch our souls and provide unconditional love and support during times of extreme psychological stress. In that respect, it is similar to Mark Doty's Dog Years."—LibraryJournal.com

"The book is filled with stuff any dog owner can identify with...Quite funny and always honest."—"My Pet World with Steve Dale," nationally syndicated column

"An uplifting romance that will inspire anyone who's suffered from depression and remind women everywhere why they started loving men in the first place—because deep down, they're pussycats."—Zink

In this man-boy-meets-dog memoir, first time author Goldstein hits a number of satisfying notes relating his story of heartbreak, mental illness and redemption in the big city Goldstein s chronicle is funny and absorbing, and should have dog lovers nodding along in happy recognition.—PublishersWeekly.com

The pace of Goldstein's words alone will suck you in to his story. His descriptions are so vivid you'll feel as if you've taken up residence in his brain, riding the raging storm within him. Your heart will race with his, and your breathing will slow when he is calm. Perhaps most importantly, you'll come to love Ozzy (his "furry antidepressant") as much as Goldstein does.—Colorado Springs Independent

“It’s more than just a story about mental illness. The book chronicles the way that raising a dog changes your life for the better.”—Dog Fancy

“It is a chronicle of falling in love and experiencing all the joys of man’s best friend…A wonderful true story.”—Bookreviews.com May “Pick of the Month”

“Takes us into the world of author Bruce Goldstein’s manic depression, just as Sylvia Nasar’s A Beautiful Mind explored the horrors of schizophrenia…Pet owners will certainly relate to Goldstein’s having to rearrange his life around Ozzy…Goldstein’s prose flows effortlessly…The book’s message is life-affirming and life-altering.”—Paw Print

“An inspirational true story on the therapeutic benefits a pet can provide.”—OK! 6/2/08

“For the grown-up Lassie lover…Warning: Get this only if you’re ready to adopt—you may head to the shelter after the last page.”—Shape July Issue  

Bruce Goldstein received a B.F.A. in Advertising Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in 1992. He works in advertising and lives in Manhattan with his wife and his furry roommate, Ozzy.

Imprint: Da Capo Press
Distributor: Perseus Books Group
Publication Date: 03-10-2008
Pages: 288
Measurements: 8.25in X 5.50in