Steven WolfReseñas

KIRKUS REVIEWThe close bond between man and dog is only part of this absorbing tale of love, family and dealing with disability.At 43, Wolf, a successful attorney, appeared to be at the top of his game when his spine gave way. Only gradually do we learn that his physical problems began when he was 16 and required a spinal fusion. In the years since his surgery, he had pushed himself to the limit. His condition was considered inoperable, and he was forced to retire¥and spend the winter in Arizona while his family remained in Omaha. Depressed and suffering agonizing pain despite heavy medication, he struggled to maintain his independence. An encounter with foster greyhounds led him to adopt Comet, an abandoned greyhound who had been trained to race. Comet was not only an affectionate companion; she was also protective and sensitive to her owner's increasing disability. The author began to rely on Comet to help him navigate simple tasks such as getting out of bed or opening doors, and ultimately he trained her to become a service dog who could accompany him everywhere. With the assistance of Padwa (Quick, Answer Me Before I Forget the Question: Everything You Need to Know About Turning 50, 2007, etc.), Wolf offers a wealth of fascinating detail about Comet's socialization and about the breed, who are valued for their keen intelligence, speed and agility. After several years, Wolf found an orthopedic surgeon who was able to partially reconstruct his spine, increase his mobility and reduce his pain. The author admits to becoming manic and refusing to recognize that he was still fundamentally disabled. In his obsessive drive to resume his former life, he alienated his wife, who could not accept his self-destructive behavior. Only then was he able to come to terms with his previously flawed view of manliness and independence, rebuild his marriage and treasure each day.A heartwarming story that will hold appeal far beyond just animal lovers.Pub Date: Oct. 9th, 2012ISBN: 978-1-61620-045-9Page count: 272ppPublisher: AlgonquinReview Posted Online: July 12th, 2012Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1st, 2012

(2012)Memoir - Book obviously caught my attention as it is the story of how a rescued greyhound helps to make life easier for the author. He is disabled by a severe back injury that continues to get worse. After adopting Comet, the need arises for a service dog to aid his every day living. He trains Comet himself and has to try hard to make the society he lives in accept a grey as a service dog. Comet comes thru in flying colors and becomes Wolf's salvation. A lot of the first part of the book goes into the nature of greyhounds and the troubles they have before being adopted. I knew this already but glad to see it here for the average reader's education.KIRKUS REVIEWThe close bond between man and dog is only part of this absorbing tale of love, family and dealing with disability.At 43, Wolf, a successful attorney, appeared to be at the top of his game when his spine gave way. Only gradually do we learn that his physical problems began when he was 16 and required a spinal fusion. In the years since his surgery, he had pushed himself to the limit. His condition was considered inoperable, and he was forced to retire¥and spend the winter in Arizona while his family remained in Omaha. Depressed and suffering agonizing pain despite heavy medication, he struggled to maintain his independence. An encounter with foster greyhounds led him to adopt Comet, an abandoned greyhound who had been trained to race. Comet was not only an affectionate companion; she was also protective and sensitive to her owner's increasing disability. The author began to rely on Comet to help him navigate simple tasks such as getting out of bed or opening doors, and ultimately he trained her to become a service dog who could accompany him everywhere. With the assistance of Padwa (Quick, Answer Me Before I Forget the Question: Everything You Need to Know About Turning 50, 2007, etc.), Wolf offers a wealth of fascinating detail about Comet's socialization and about the breed, who are valued for their keen intelligence, speed and agility. After several years, Wolf found an orthopedic surgeon who was able to partially reconstruct his spine, increase his mobility and reduce his pain. The author admits to becoming manic and refusing to recognize that he was still fundamentally disabled. In his obsessive drive to resume his former life, he alienated his wife, who could not accept his self-destructive behavior. Only then was he able to come to terms with his previously flawed view of manliness and independence, rebuild his marriage and treasure each day.A heartwarming story that will hold appeal far beyond just animal lovers.Pub Date: Oct. 9th, 2012ISBN: 978-1-61620-045-9Page count: 272ppPublisher: AlgonquinReview Posted Online: July 12th, 2012Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1st, 2012

I enjoyed reading this book because I own a greyhound and have come to understand the devotion they give. I also have a degenerative back problem and although not a service dog she does stand to support me if I need her. It is just something she senses.

I was surprised that Steve trained Comet to pull a wheelchair - it does not seem like the sort of thing a greyhound would be happy to do, but Comet was happy to do anything for Steve as was her nature.

A thoroughly enjoyable book for al dog lovers.

Full disclosure: I'm not a dog person. Or rather...I WASN'T a dog person. Until my wife and I decided to get a greyhound. And now I'm a dog person. I used to be a cat person. Cats are low key and require minimal maintenance. Unlike dogs. Well, unlike MOST dogs. Greyhounds are like cats. They sleep a lot. But they're smarter and actually seem to like people.

My dog Jibber (racing name: Rooftop Jibber), is a doll. But she's no Comet. Steven Wolf's Comet is truly one of a kind. Wolf has a series of degenerative back issues. He adopted Comet, and she became his friend, protector, ally, and ultimately, his work-dog. I don't see Jibber having the patience to pull me up from a chair, or leaning on her when I lose balance.

"Hello. I am Comet. I choose you."

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. Wolf nails the personalities and physical tendencies of this speedy breed. When visiting a foster farm to 'choose' his companion, Wolf describes the dogs running within a fenced in area:
"thigh muscles bunched, hind paws stretching toward shoulders, mud flying in their wake, individual dogs blurring into a mass of muscle that flowed like mercury."

In spite of the all the running, greyhounds are actually damned restful. They store their energy for when it's most needed: 5 minutes of frantic running, and 23 hours and 55 minutes and dedicated resting. Wolf learns quickly why greyhounds are also know as the couch potatoes of the dog world.

The first half of the book builds up the introduction and discovery process as Steven and Comet get to know each other. Steven exposes his own medically-driven needs and quirks, while detailing the trials of a greyhound learning to survive in a human world. It's touching, it's surprising, and it's amazingly recognizable to any greyhound owner.

The second half of the book focuses on Wolf's worsening condition, the miracle procedure that can ease his many pains, and it's collective impact on his family. Comet plays a key role throughout, but the spotlight turns more towards the author, while Comet orbits in and out of focus.

Wolf is fine through the early parts of his story. He's familiar with dogs and dog training, but he characterizes Comet's introduction to 'life on the outside' with an endearing innocence. As a reader, I was empathetic to his medical issues.

But something happens in the second half, and Wolf becomes unlikeable. To the point where I I no longer cared whether Wolf was able to reignite his relationship with his daughters and wife, or whether the surgery would be successful. I just wanted to read about Comet!

This is still a must-read for any greyhound owner. You'll see your dog in Comet...and you'll wonder if yours is hiding some special knowledge and capabilities behind those bright and oh-so-innocent greyhound eyes.½

Another winner from Algonquin! I loved the story of this very special dog. The author is very self deprecating. He had a lot of problems to overcome. Comet had the patience of a saint and led him toward a better life.

Comet’s Tale was almost equal parts frustrating and enjoyable. Ostensibly this is Comet’s show – the heartwarming story of how a mistreated greyhound, having been brutally raced and abruptly abandoned, overcomes her own neglect and the limitations of her breed to transform the life of a disabled man. Comet is smart, and willing, to be trained as Wolf’s aid dog. Wolf trains Comet himself because no other animal trainer thinks it can be accomplished with a greyhound. The title of the book makes it clear that this is Comet’s story, but the lack of meaningful detail about Wolf made it difficult to get at true sense of the impact Comet had. He allows that he is guarded, a do it yourself guy who keeps his feelings private. I couldn’t help thinking that these tendencies presented in the vague way he relayed information about his condition, the detrimental effect it had on his relationship with his wife and teenaged daughters, and his day-to-day functioning. Essentially, I had problems with the book’s structure. I was distracted by the lack of information throughout. Details I discovered at the end would have kept me engaged in the beginning, but as it stands I got the feeling that Wolf was trying to protect his life and its details. This seemed incongruous to writing a book, albeit one about your dog. It’s one thing to say that strangers loved Comet, that she could open doors and pull Wolf’s wheelchair, but without the context I later received, it was difficult to fully appreciate Comet’s unusual devotion.

Comet's Tale is a truly heartwarming story of a man and his dog. As Steven Wolf's spinal health deteriorated and simple activities became insurmountable tasks, his rescued greyhound, Comet, was called to the life of a service dog.

The book begins as Comet 'chooses' Steve. It talks about Comet's adjustment to life as a pet, her eventual training (its highs and lows), and the compromises Steve makes due to disability. I loved reading about Comet's devotion to her master, and frequently found myself smiling and nodding my head in recognition of what I have come to recognize as nearly universal greyhound actions, habits, and mannerisms.

Comet's Tale prompted me to reflect on the many ways Zelda has enriched our lives, and it reaffirmed the decision we made two and a half years ago to rescue a retired greyhound. This is a book any dog lover will enjoy, but for greyhound owners like me (or anyone considering adopting a retired racer) it is a must read.

Touching story of how a greyhound rescued Mr. Wolf. This book was informative and at time humorous, anyone who has trained a dog in a non conventional way will understand.

I miss my greyhound. I always thought he would make a good therapy dog, but I never thought of him as service dog? He could stand still and let the kids at the bus stop fawn over him for hours, but pull a shopping cart or someone in a wheel chair? Amazing and touching to think of a greyhound doing so!

Animal lovers know that animals can sometimes, inexplicably, instantly, sense a need in us that we may not even be aware of and can place themselves inside that hole in our lives, saving us, comforting us, and loving us. Comet's Tale is the story of one such special dog, a greyhound rescue who offered love and trust and that undefinable everything that make our animals truly angels on earth and prove the cliche that they save us more than we ever save them.


Steven Wolf was a successful and driven attorney in a happy marriage who had a good relationship with his daughters when the debilitating and degenerative spinal condition that he had been diagnosed with decades prior finally drove him into early retirement, forced him to move from Nebraska to Arizona for the climate, strained his marriage almost to the breaking point, alienated his daughters, and crippled not only his body but his spirit. The only thing that got him through the darkest days was the love of a dog who had herself almost been broken by cruelty and neglect. Wolf was lucky enough to have been chosen by Comet, a rescued greyhound who maintained a steady presence and radiated love and care for him no matter how low he got.

The story opens with Wolf meeting Comet for the first time and the two of them choosing each other beyond a shadow of a doubt. Then it goes back in time to tell the tale of how Wolf ended up at the ranch with the rescued greyhouds, proceeding through Wolf's gentle teaching and socialization of Comet, their relationship together, Comet learning to be a service dog for Wolf, and eventually to her happy, spoiled retirement. Wolf educates the reader on the historical background of the greyhound breed, the terrible and inhumane reality of current day dog racing conditions, and the great need for rescues for these gentle dogs. He also pulls no punches when discussing the reality of living in chronic pain and the emotional toll it takes not only on the person suffering but all those who love him as well. He chronicles the cost of his move from Nebraska to Arizona in terms of his relationship with his wife and his almost grown daughters and he shares the depths of his own depression and anger at his body and the situation.

Wolf's love for Comet shines through their story and there are many memorable moments between man and dog that exemplify why so many of us in the world would think our families incomplete without a dog or two. There are also some wonderfully humorous moments captured here. And Comet's unique personality is shown beautifully. The stress and uncertainty of living with a progressive disability and the ignorance and prejudice shown towards those with disabilities is also well handled. There is a bit of repetition in the book, perhaps caused by the non-linearity and final construction of the text but in general, this is an inspiring and special tale that dog lovers will enjoy.½