Overview

The New York Times bestseller After the sudden death of his father, Dara Waldron became disoriented in a world that had once filled him with wonder. A year later, he meets an abandoned border collie called Oscar hiding on a derelict farm in County Clare. When Dara brings him home, he believes he’s committing an act of rescue. Oscar’s submissive behaviour hints at a difficult upbringing and, determined to earn his trust, Dara cares for him, walks with him and learns all he can about one of Ireland’s most beloved working breeds. As their unexpected companionship brings comfort to their troubled lives, Dara realises that Oscar might be the one doing the rescuing. Set against the beauty of rural Ireland, A Sheepdog Named Oscar is a moving memoir about grief, healing and the incredible bond between humans and dogs. Beautifully written and rich with Waldron’s experience, Dara blends nature writing with a deeply personal story of recovery, revealing how small acts of loyalty can lead us back from darkness into life. ‘This book will do great good, and bring light to many lives’ Donal Ryan, author of The Spinning Heart Dara Waldron, New York Times bestseller, September 2025

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9781398562301

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Reviews

‘A Sheepdog Named Oscar is essential reading. Dara's voice is warm and humane and full of hard-won wisdom and empathy as he guides us along the paths of loss and grief, love and life, taking care always to show how rich life can be, even when we're struggling. This book will do great good, and bring light to many lives’ -- <B>Donal Ryan, author of <I>The Spinning Heart</I></B> ' A poignant and endearing portrait of the profound love between one man and his dog'  -- <B>Jay Griffiths, author of <I>How Animals Heal Us </I></B>

' A poignant and endearing portrait of the profound love between one man and his dog'  -- <B>Jay Griffiths, author of <I>How Animals Heal Us </I></B>

Author Information

Dara Waldron is a film scholar and author of two monographs and multiple articles in international film journals and magazines. In 2023 he published a study of sheepherding traditions that formed the background for A Sheepdog Named Oscar, his first memoir. Born in Manchester and raised in the west of Ireland, he currently lives on the border between County Limerick and County Tipperary in Ireland’s Midwest region, close to the gates of well-known Glenstal Abbey and school, which feature prominently in his memoir.

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