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Sparky Fights Back : A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer Paperback – Illustrated, January 10, 2005

by Josee Clerens (Author), John Clifton (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 11 ratings
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"At the dawn of the 21st century, with a definitive cure for cancer still so elusive, Clerens and Clifton have written a remarkable book, one that documents the journey of one small dog's triumph over cancer. In Sparky Fights Back not only does one find inspiration in the knowledge that a diagnosis of cancer in one's dog is not an automatic death sentence for a beloved pet, but also invaluable information on how a dog's 'human companions' can become proactive in healing an ailing dog. This is a 'must read' for those whose lives are filled with the extraordinary affection that only dogs can bring." --- Louis E. V. Nevaer, Author, Economist and Founding Board Member, Animal Cancer Foundation. ---- A special supplement "If Your Dog Gets Cancer" offers direct practical advice.---- Foreword by Samantha J. Schmidt, Director, Animal Cancer Foundation.
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Foley Square Books
  4. Publication date
    January 10, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.47 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0976084600
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0976084600
  8. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If there's any doubt that we must participate actively in our pets' health, this book puts that debate to rest." -- -Marion Lane, Special Projects Editor, ASPCA

"Pet owners will appreciate this honest tale with a happy ending... Full of resources." -- Terry Winkler,

From the Publisher

If you love dogs, you'll love this book. This is the true, heroic tale of a little Australian terrier and the married couple who love him. Sparky is diagnosed with "incurable" cancer at age six. He's given one year at best, even with expensive chemotherapy and other treatments. But his owners, Josée and John, are determined to to everything to save him. And so begins this book about their emotional roller coaster, and how hope and devotion can accomplish miracles! By the end of this riveting narrative, you will wind up loving Sparky! His courage is an inspiration and his quirky character is endearing. You won't be able to put this book down.

The Foreword is by Samanth J. Schmidt, Director of the Animal Cancer Foundation.

The authors have included a special supplement, "If Your Dog Gets Cancer," in which they share the considerable practical knowledge they gained from the experience.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Foley Square Books; Illustrated edition (January 10, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0976084600
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0976084600
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.47 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

About the authors

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  1. John Clifton

    John Clifton

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    Graduated Carnegie Mellon, BFA. Trained graphic artist as well as professional musician. Wrote music/lyrics for off-Broadway and Broadway shows as well as more than 20 musicals for young audiences. Secondary school teacher 1991-2002. Co-author with wife Josee Clerens of "Sparky Fights Back: A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer" (DWAA best book finalist 2006.)John's new book, "Stop ths Shots!: Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets?" has just been released and is already, as of this writing, the top new release on Amazon in dog and cat "Care and Health" titles. John is currently commissioned to do music and lyrics for upcoming off-Broadway musical.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Josée Clerens

    Josée Clerens

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Josée Clerens, a native of Belgium, has lived in New York City for most of her life. Ms. Clerens has published many short stories and pieces. She was a regular contributor to "A Just God," a New York literary monthly, and worked as an American correspondent for two European news weeklies. With her husband John Clifton she co-authored the Amazon best-seller "Sparky Fights Back: A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer," which was a Best Book Award finalist in the Dog Writers of America's annual competition.

    Her historical novel "Buying Louisiana: an Eyewitness's Account of the Louisiana Purchase" has recently been published in a brand new edition, receiving high praise from many readers and reviewers.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
11 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

T. J. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sparky Fights Back has given us hope
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2012
Verified Purchase
I and my wife would recommend this book to any pet owner facing a cancer diagnosis of their dog. It is helpful to read the words of others who have traveled the same road. Each case is unique but all require a trusting but questioning approach. Only you as an owner can adopt the course of treatment that you are most confident of and you believe is most viable for your dog. Appreciating each day of good health and treasuring those moments when the harder times come is an important lesson. Reading this book will help with that thought process.
2 people found this helpful
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James C.
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice telling of what they went through for their babe ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
Nice telling of what they went through for their babe and gave helpful advice at the end as well.
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J. Clifton
5.0 out of 5 stars Award Finalist
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2007
Verified Purchase
"Sparky Fights Back" was an award finalist (one of six nominees) in the annual Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) writing competition held in 2006. The nomination was for best "General Interest" book, a highly competitive category.

The authors were honored to be selected by fellow writers in this prestigious competition.
One person found this helpful
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Barbara Pedwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Sparky is my hero!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2010
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. I read it the week after my own dog was diagnosed with the same cancer, and its been very helpful in preparing me for the stages of chemo. What brave and lovely people Sparky has for parents!!
2 people found this helpful
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Linda F. Kestner
5.0 out of 5 stars A book of hope...
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2004
This wonderful book is a joyous read! My own dogs, now gone almost twenty-five years, were constantly in my thoughts (and, not a few tears) as I read about the authors' love for their Sparky and the courageous and intelligent approach they used to help him regain his health after a diagnosis of cancer. Every reader of this inspiring book will surely recognize the absolute honesty of the authors' story. Dog lovers will immediately feel validation of the love they feel for their own "best friends" and people who have faced profound medical challenges will be strengthened in their resolve to actively participate in their own care, seek out skilled professionals and seek to beat the odds. Most of all, those people fond of love stories will find love on every page of "Sparky Fights Back" -- the love of a trusting animal, the love shown by medical professionals who seek to treat and cure animals, the love of a community of friends and neighbors who shared in and gave support to the idea that the life of one small dog could be saved. I finished the book with renewed hope from Sparky's example, that we too can face our own challenges with new vigor, take great joy in small things and find our own way to undiminished dignity no matter the difficulty of the battle to be fought.
7 people found this helpful
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Dee Cee
1.0 out of 5 stars sparky
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2007
i thought the book was just ok.it really bothered me to feel that the authors felt the need to almost apologize for going to what they thought was great lengthsto help sparky. i dont mean to imply that they dont deserve credit for all that they have done..it is just that i think this should be a given for dog lovers. i have 2 dogs fighting cancer..one has bladder cancer and 3 months after that diagnosis another was digonsed with lymphoma. i thought i would gain more insight regarding the specifics of the treatment and supplements...i was less interested in the personal anecdotes regarding sparkys life although they were cute..i just wanted more information. i thought the better book out there was helping your dog with cancer...a story about a siberian husky with lymphoma...a lot of technical information that helped me make my decision regarding treatment. on the whole i found the book to be too generic and insulting to dog lovers who shouldnt feel the need to apologize for treating their lovable dog with everything possible.
5 people found this helpful
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LS Dowd
5.0 out of 5 stars Sparky Fights Back is a WINNER
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2004
This poignant tale of a spunky Australian terrier's heroic battle with cancer is both touching and riveting. And, it is a "page-turner" in the best sense of the phrase. The authors guide us through the struggle, joy, frustration, and ultimate success of Sparky's life, disease and cure. We come away with not only a large "Hurrah!" for Sparky - a lovable, yet individually willful canine with not a little quirkiness - but with a profound regard for his courageous master and mistress in their unwavering determination to explore every avenue that might provide a cure for their beloved pet.

While the owners' devotion to Sparky is palpable, the well-structured writing style is informative and researched, yet happily peppered with anecdotal humor as the dynamic between pet, master, and veterinarian are cleverly woven throughout. Dog lovers will laugh and cry over the telling of this book. But, to Clerens and Clifton's credit, the text never languishes into raw sentimentality. The meld of the scientific and emotional are united in an intelligent focus. In a supremely readable style, the authors present a compelling rendering of the joys and sorrows that come from loving a dog. At the book's conclusion, the reader will have bonded with both dog and masters.

Here is a hearty recommendation for a book in which all dog lovers will take pleasure, and those whose pets face a similar crisis as Sparky's, will savor.
5 people found this helpful
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Paige K. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Sparky Fights Back
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2007
I thought the book was excellent and provided great insight into the emotional ups and downs when caring for and treating a pet who has been diagnosed with cancer. It also provided invalueable assistance regarding treatment and options for treatments.
3 people found this helpful
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