okay dog story ( )

A delightful story about Steve and Anna Tolan who moved to Zambia to start a wildlife education centre, aiming to teach the younger generation to respect endangered wildlife. When they fell in love with a small dog, they were advised against taking him because dogs are vulnerable, and often taken by lions or crocodiles. However, Bulu was irrestistible. He became their biggest asset as he nurtured the orphaned animals that were brought in. He was an excellent ambassador at presentations for schoolchildren, many of whom were orphans too. Bulu and the Tolan's story, told by Houston, is intended for a teen audience but I believe animal lovers of all ages would enjoy it as much as I did. The ability of animals to understand the needs of others is amazing. ( )

Grades 5-8
If [a:John Grogan|8002|John Grogan|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1227569305p2/8002.jpg] billed Marley as the world's worst dog, Bulu's owners definitely believe he was one of the best. And with good cause: Anna and Steve Tolan, a British couple who relocated to Africa in the late 1990s to start a wildlife education center, adopted Bulu when he was a puppy. Friends told them they were crazy to own a pet-- that the lions and elephants and hyenas that made Zambia's Luangwa Valley their home would snatch the dog as prey. But they persevered, and in time, came to realize what a blessing Bulu was to their wildlife center: he became a "big brother" to countless orphaned baby animals that were brought to the center to be raised until they could be returned to the wild. Students will be fascinated not only with Bulu's courage and dedication, but with the up-close look at day to day life in the African bush. ( )

The writing could use a bit more finesse but Bulu is an absolutely irresistible character. ( )

Normally nonfiction is not my cup of tea, but this wonderful gem was a page turner and I finished it in two days! Anyone who is interested in dogs and wildlife conservation will find this hard to put down. It was funny, heartwarming, inspiring and heartbreaking. It was such a good read that I believe I will buy the book for myself.

All the advice given to Anna and Steve Tolan is don't get a dog, They will not last long, they'll either get sick, get taken by a croc or lion, killed by an elephant, etc. Obviously, dogs do not have long lives in Zambia . This does not stop Anna from adopting a Jack Russell Terrier mix. She and Steve name him Bulu, meaning Wild Dog.

Bulu is one of the most amazing dogs I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know. He has an incredible knack for being a foster parent/brother. He helps to raise two warthog sisters, two orphan vervet monkeys, a baboon and an elephant. There were probably others but these were the ones mentioned in the book. The terrified babies somehow knew they could trust Bulu to protect them and take care of them. It was amazing how they would calm down and follow Bulu around like he was their parent.

Bulu had the heart of a lion (he was badly mauled by a lion and almost died), was one of bravest and most loyal dogs. He came close to death a number of times but always to manage to recover. Bulu was a contributor to making the Chipembele Wildlife Education Center successful. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Master Bulu was enchanted and impressed with him.

The author did an excellent job of introducing us to the Tolans and Bulu. There was no over sentimentalization. It was straightforward yet entertaining. You got to know Zambia, its people and its wildlife. I came to truly admire and respect the work being done by the people of Zambia and the organization that are trying so very hard to save the endangered wildlife. This is definitely a book worth reading, I would recommend it to any who likes dogs or animals. ( )