Steve Duno

Steve and girlfriend Nancy found homeless, 6-mo-old puppy Lou running with a pack of feral guard dogs. Flea-infested, covered with ticks, underweight, and a large, infected gash on his neck, Steve adopted Lou and doctored him, trained him, and gained a best friend for life. Lou was a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix who lived an amazingly long 16 years (but it's never long enough for owners). During those 16 years he faced down an armed robber, caught a rapist, fought coyotes and kidnappers, visited vets in nursing homes, taught sign language to kids, and helped train hundreds of dogs whose only remaining option was euthanasia if the training failed. His story moves forward chronologically and quickly, and is chock-full of tale after tale after tale of his exploits, intelligence, and special bond with Steve. A quick read, naturally there are tears at the end, but you can't put this book down and wish the stories would continue.… (mer)

A wonderful memoir to Lou, Duno's unique best friend.

As a kid growing up in Queens, Steve wasn't allowed to own a dog so his yearning for one increases. In his 30's he moves to California to teach. A long road trip with his girlfriend, Nancy becomes very special. On a dusty hill off Hwy 101 he and Nancy find a family of Rottweilers; and when one fearless pup comes up to greet them, Nancy is hooked by the dog's beautiful doe-eyes. She convinces a reluctant Duno to take him despite a wound and fleas. Last Dog on the Hill is about the results of the best decision he made that day.

For 16 years Lou would be Steve's best friend, enriching, fortifying, and steering Duno’s life into a fulfilling success. Getting to know Lou, Steve takes the time to train him keeping Lou’s social personality, smarts and abilities in mind. Becoming more confident Steve makes another smart decision; he changes careers. He becomes a trainer for dogs with behavior issues who would have been put down without his intervention. And his assistant is Lou! With little guidance from Steve Lou instinctively knows what each student dog needs whether it’s taking spoiled, mean dogs down a few notches, or showing unsociable dogs what having friends can mean.

Lou’s bravery and loyalty stun Steve when young robbers leaving a store and point a gun at Steve Lou gets in front of Duno protectively, snarling and scaring the thugs away. Lou intuitively growls when he hears screams from a neighbor being molested, chasing after and stopping the rapist without instructions from Steve. How does a dog know the difference between the good guys and the bad guys? Lou did. Lou helps Steve teach children how to behave near strange(r) dogs, and how most dogs are friendly and not to be feared. Lou brings memories and joy when visiting seniors.

After dog training for years, Steve decides to change gears once again and write. Lou provides inspiration and companionship.

Last Dog on the Hill is a treat to read. It describes the wondrous bond between dog and human, the importance of good and early training for both dog and owner, and the benefits of unconditional love.… (mer)