Maybe I should start this book review by clarifying that I’ve never owned a dog! I do like them and enjoy their presence when visiting family and friends. So why did I pick up this book about Bronco, a Leonberger, which is one of the world’s biggest dogs?
What I do love is stories and Thomas Wikman’s book is a terrific series of stories about one of the most affectionate, friendliest and gentle giant of personalities – Bronco. He just happens to be a massive dog, sometimes even mistaken for a bear!
The author is a natural storyteller and his fluid conversational writing style pulls the reader immediately into his family world and their dogs (yes, there are more than Bronco!) A family who care deeply for each other and their pets. It’s a book about character, perseverance, enjoying life to the full, of kindness and of giving. A book that encompasses love and warmth.
‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a terrific combination of storytelling of the life of Bronco along with factual expert information.
The book explores how Bronco came to the family (there is drama in that alone!), with hilarious and laugh-out-loud tales of his antics as well as some of his heroic deeds. Bronco was a superhero as he rescued two escaped hamsters — by putting them in the cheeks of his mouth! Luckily quick thinking Claudia, Thomas’s wife, performed CPR and they recovered. There were a few hilarious incidents when Bronco proved just too strong on the lead then on one occasion he successfully scared away a nighttime prowler as well as saving the life of another family dog. Bronco was a gifted escape artist and the scientist Thomas, not seeing any way this was possible, decided the dog had discovered ‘quantum tunnelling’.
The book is also a detailed and superlative reference and resource book for any owners or prospective owners of Leonbergers. The information includes the history of this rare and unusual breed, medical conditions etc in separate chapters as well as information panels regarding their care, diet, etc. Even as a non-dog owner, I found these all interesting and always enjoy learning something new. For example, Leonbergers were a favoured breed for many of the royal courts in Europe at one time and it was mind-boggling to read that after World War Two there were only eight Leonbergers left in the whole world. The medical conditions include many I recognise from human diseases and illness and not something I would associate with dogs. My learning curve was steep when reading these facts.
The numerous photos of Bronco (and some of the other dogs) are adorable and I was smitten with the captivating and beautiful illustrations which are interspersed throughout the book and these capture many of the humorous moments perfectly!
The addition of a small quiz was a welcome surprise and even this non-dog owner didn’t disgrace herself — although not quite acing it!
Just as Bronco becomes an integral part of the family he also became an important member of the local community. At one stage he proved too popular with the football players’ at the daughter’s local matches. Poor Bronco was asked to leave as the players attention was not on the game. The sense of community extended to the Leonberger groups around the globe and the Leonberger Health Foundation International awarded him the treasured Grey Muzzle Award, which is given to any Leonberger aged 12 by which time Bronco was a veritable canine centurion.
The chapters regarding Bronco’s failing health are particularly poignant and moving. By now the Bronco had won a place in my heart and I was tear-eyed as I read of these difficult times for him and the family.
‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a gem of a book which shines bright with humour, love and positive energy, the stories carrying the reader away with them while the expert facts are fascinating and informative. A book I highly recommend.
Finally, it should be noted that the author is donating his proceeds from book sales to the Leonberger Health Foundation International, an organisation that supports research aimed at improving the health of large dogs.
NB. With many thanks to Thomas Wikman for the kind permission to feature photographs from his book in this review.
About Thomas Wikman
Thomas Wikman is a retired automation, robotics, and software engineer and inveterate dog lover who emigrated from Sweden to the United States, where he and his wife raised three children. Their cherished Leonberger, Bronco, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020. The Wikmans live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs—a pug and a miniature Australian shepherd.
Do take a look at Thomas Wikman’s engaging blog, Leonberger Life which features amusing and heartwarming stories about their late Leonberger dog Bronco, as well as other Leonbergers. It also has a lot of information about the Leonberger breed, the history, care, training, Leonberger organizations, etc.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Thebes Press
Available: Amazon UK Amazon US plus others, please check the author’s website.
Annika Perry 
What a lovely review about such a large dog! I’ve got the opposite – a teeny, tiny dog, Jack Chi and I love to tell people about him. It’s great to read other stories from dog lovers, so thank you.
May, I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and perhaps the perfect book for you?! 😀 Jack Chi sounds adorable and bet you have many stories to share about him – enough for a book of your own?😀 Many thanks for your lovely comment & visit!
I loved this book when I read it! Thanks for your detailed review.
Dawn, it’s wonderful that the book has already found so much love including yours! Well deserved as it is very special and unique! Many thanks for your comment.
You are always welcome dear Annika. Ya I completely get that. Bronco was a treasure for the owner. 👍👍👍
Excellent and splendid book review of the book and Bronco was such a loveable and cute dog. Thanks for the awesome review and post Annika.
Thank you so much, Kamal! 🙏😀 I love how WP has taken me to unexpected genres and it’s been wonderful to read and share about Bronco, his escapades and life overall as well as about this amazing breed of dog.
As a dog owner, this sounds like such fun! I particularly want to see how I perform on the quiz. Glad you liked it even as a non dog owner- that says a lot! Great review!
The inclusion of the quiz is inspired and lots of fun! I know, this is a book I am sure all dog-owners will love and many without one too as the stories are so heartwarming, humorous and emotional! Many thanks for your great comment!
Pleasant to see this book and amazing dog making the blog rounds. 🙂
Betsy, I must admit this was a spur of the moment decision to buy the book (as they always tend to be😀) – it is fun sharing about books on the blogs and reaching for new genres! Lovely to see the book and Thomas making many so many friends on WP etc
The WP community is astounding.
Thomas & Bronco are wonderful! Tx for hosting them 🙂
They absolutely are great and the book is a great read and lovely to review! Thank you for much for reading and your lovely comment. 🙏😀
It’s certainly not a book that I would have picked off the shelf, Annika. My Mam and sister both dearly loved dogs, but I’ve never felt the need to own one, so it’s a tribute to your review that I would certainly read and enjoy this book. My apologies for missing your last comment at mine, hon. Wishing you a beautiful rest of the summer.
Jo, I think for any dog-lovers this is the ideal book and one they can relate to immediately. But yes, as I mention, I love stories and the warmth and humour of these and the close-knit family really make this a heart-warming book overall for any reader that picks it up, I feel. Thank you so much for your lovely comment about my review! 🙏
The sun has come out here for a few days so finally feels like summer – hooray! I’m looking forward to a big family wedding in Scotland this month and then a month Sweden. Bliss! Hope you’re having a wonderful sunny Sunday! hugs xx 💕
Almost always a sunny Sunday here, Annika. A bit too hot but we managed a walk by the sea this morning. Watched Rafa this afternoon and a young man from Portugal beat him. Changing of the Guard! Have a fabulous summer 🤗❤️
Ah, I must think about that! Thank you for the prompt.
Thank you for such an enjoyable review. I’d really like to read it as our dog Bess is such a companion when we travel, and yes, when they leave, it is awful.
Thank you so much and glad you enjoyed the review. It sounds like this is a book you would like and can relate to – and imagine you have many equally loving and humorous Bess stories!
The beautiful thing about having pets is that though they leave us and take a portion of our heart and soul with them, we never regret having had them in our lives. I said goodbye to my cat, Garth (19 years old), in Sept of 2013, my dog Whipper (15 years old), in Sept of 2014, and my dog Chapin (16 years old) in Oct of 2015. When Chapin took his last breath in 2015, it was the first time I was without a furry companion in 21 years. I didn’t know what to do with myself and still struggle without them. Oh, how I miss them. Though I have not yet read this book, your review touched me and I was able to relate to what Thomas may have felt. To be loved by your pet and to love them is truly one of the most extraordinary human experiences. For them, I am forever grateful. ❤️
Tanya, I feel the rawness of your pain at the loss of your dear Garth, Whippet and Chapin in you heartfelt comment here even though many years have passed. They become an integral part of one’s life and it must be agony to say goodbye. You write with beauty of the richness of life with a pet, the duality of the relationship, your words touch deeply and especially: ‘To be loved by your pet and to love them is truly one of the most extraordinary human experiences.’ Beautiful and profound. My friend, do you think there will come a time when you can and/or will be able to have another pet? I do hope so, there is one out there waiting for you. hugs xx ❤️
A delightfully engaging review
Derrick, thank you so much! 🙏😀 Sorry for the late reply – just found your kind comment in spam -typical random actions of WP programs!
Indeed
This is a wonderful review, Annika. You have definitely made me want to read this book! ❤
Donna, thank you so much and it’s great that I have piqued your interest in the book! Xx ❤️
I agree. Annika wrote a wonderful review. Thank you so much Retirement Reflections.
Beautiful post and the graceful Dogs photo gorgeous 🌷🙏👍🏻🐕 most loving animal they are , so innocent 😍👏✌🏼
Thank you so much Thattamma. You are right they are so innocent and trusting.
Most welcome and thank you for likes 😊 🙏🌷
Thattama, thank you for your thoughtful comment and you pick up on the gentle nature of the dogs in the photos. Innocent and so loving – this is one occasion where photos tells so much and an inspired inclusion in the book!
Great feedback and thankfully welcome dear friend 🙏💗👍🏻 if Malaysia bookstores will get the book means
I’ll buy and read it 😍✍️✌🏼many greetings 👏🌷
That would be wonderful. Thank you so much Thattamma.
Most welcome Dear friend 🌹🙏💗🌹we can order from Amazon 👏😊
It is amazing that amazon is everywhere
(•‿•)
Malaysia Amazon online don’t have 😊
Oh that is a bummer. Does Barnes and Noble exist in Malaysia? Also I think you can buy the Kindle from Amazon.com the US Amazon basically from anywhere in the world. I am not sure. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5NN32SR
Thank you so much for feedback 🌷💕🙏👍🏻 we will buy from Singapore,
So nice my son’s decision 😊💗 have a Blessed Weekend dear friend ✍️👏
Thank you so much and have a blessed weekend you too
Many many greetings blessings 🌷🙏💗🌷
I can see you smiling and tear-eyed as you read Bronco, Annika! What a beautiful review! 🙂 I did the same, laughing and crying from one minute to another as I read the book. I agree with you that Thomas is a great storyteller. All dog lovers would love this book.
Thank you so much Miriam for your kind heartwarming words. I appreciate your support.
You’re very welcome, Thomas! I read Annika’s excellent review and agreed everything she said.
Thank you so much Miriam
Miriam, bless you for your touching comment and I see we are twinned upon our reaction of reading the book. It is special when a book can make us both laugh and cry – and shows the joy Bronco brought to their lives and also the tragedy of saying goodbye. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts here. Hugs xx
You’re welcome, Annika! Bronco was like a 174 pounds big kid. When Thomas and his wife put him on a diet, he sneaked in to steal food.
Thomas tells the stories so well that the images stay.
He was sometimes a food thief. Diets are hard. Thank you so much Miriam.
What a beautiful, throughful and oh so well-deserved review, Annika. Congratulations to Thomas.
I enjoyed “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle” very much, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Thank you so much for your kind support Patricia. It was a review that touched me and encouraged me.
Patricia, it is fantastic how many have already read and fallen for this book and great that you’ve read it too! It makes reviewing a bit more nerve-wracking – as I really hope to capture the essence of the book. Thank you so much for your kind words about my review, they mean a lot.
Oh my, you and Thomas brought back memories of a Leonberger I used to know. His name was literally, Bear. He went to the same flyball class with my Australian Shepherd back in the first decade of this century. (Flyball is an agility/racing game for all breeds). Bear was 3 times my size and the most lovable, huggable dog I’ve ever known. I can imagine the love the Wikman family felt for Bronco.
Thank you so much Lori. Once when I was walking passed a neighbor’s house (they often let their dogs run loose) I heard him shout; “honey, bring in the dogs, someone is walking a bear out here”. It is an interesting story about the Leonberger and you Australian Shepherd. We happen to have a mini-Australian Shepherd, Rollo, who loved Bronco while he was still alive. He climbed on top of Bronco, bit his tail and swung in it, like a swing, and for the most part Bronco let him. Naturally we tried to stop it.
Thank you for sharing about Rollo & Bronco. Cute story. It’s so difficult when they leave us. What a wonderful tribute to tell Bronco’s story. Another thing we have in common about our dogs . . . a short story of mine about our first Aussie, the same one I mentioned, was published in an anthology about dogs. They are an inspiration. Best of luck to you.
Thank you so much Lori. That is wonderful. I would love to read that anthology and your story. Where do I find it?
Thank you, Thomas. Well, the anthology is titled “Dogs and the Women Who Love them,” but the stories, at least mine, are about the dog(s) and not the women. I went by a different name in my short story. You’ll know mine when you read about the Australian Shepherd with the Italian name.
Thank you Lori. I just bought the paperback version on US Amazon. I am looking forward to reading it.
Lori, thank you so much for sharing about the Leonberger you knew. ‘Bear’ is a very apt name and I can imagine all the dogs enjoying the class (I appreciate you explaining about flyball!) Much in this book will be known to you already, the affectionate nature of the breed, their friendliness! How lovely that you have / had an Australian Shepherd and they look adorable and regal. I love that you’ve had a story published about your dog, congratulations. It’s an interesting angle for the book to take about women dog owners.
The book sounds like a fascinating read!
Absolutely, Liz! I was thinking as I read it that this must be one of the more unusual and unique books I’ve read recently. I love how through blogging I’ve started reading a larger variety of genres, truly rewarding.
I’ve found the same thing with blogging. My reading horizons have expanded greatly.
Thank you so much Liz
You’re welcome, Thomas!
Thank you so much for your review! It sounds exactly like the sort of book I’d love to read.
Ann, that’s great! Enjoy the book if you have a chance to read it!
Thank you so much Ann. The Kindle version of the book is cheaper $2.99 during July to celebrate his birthday. If you do get it I hope you will enjoy it.
Really great review and I very much agree with you. I recently read this book too and felt an array of emotions while reading it. It really does make you smile, laugh and bring tears to your eyes.
Pooja, beautifully said and I love how you list the array of emotions and that’s so true! It’s not often I will laugh out loud when reading a book, but I did here and yes, the tears too. Thank you so much for your kind comment about my review and glad it mirrors your thoughts about the book. Great to meet you here on WP, Pooja! 😀
Absolutely, the picture of Bronco sitting on his wife when he was so huge made me really laugh. It’s so nice to meet you too and hope you visit your blog frequently! 😊
Thank you so much Pooja for your kind words about my book. A lot of people have told me that they think the photo of Bronco sitting in my wife Claudia’s lap is funny. He wanted to do the same thing as our little dogs.
Yes, it’s so sweet and so funny.
Fabulous review Annika, so comprehensive! If this book has charmed you, it would be immensely enjoyed by all dog lovers. Thank you for sharing.
Exactly, Balroop! 😀 It totally won me over and I’ve never owned a dog. What also surprised me was that Thomas had previously not owned a dog although his wife grew up with them and knew a lot about them! Thank you for your lovely comment and I’m glad you found it comprehensive – I enjoy making notes when reviewing a book and had lots more I wanted to add! 😀
Thank you so much balroop. I certainly love this review.
An awesome review, Thomas. Congratulations.
Thank you so much, Darlene! 🙏😀
Thank you so much Darlene. Yes it was certainly a very nice surprise.
What a wonderful book, Annika. Your review was stellar, allowing me to envision reading this book. What fun. I can see readers drawn to this heartwarming and inspiring narrative.
Thank you so much Rebecca. I certainly agree with you. Annika’s review was stellar, detailed and explained the book very well.
Wow! Than you so much, Rebecca and I’m smiling at your wonderful comment. As always, I want to do a book justice and capture its essence! Heartwarming and inspiring sums up the book perfectly- and not something one might expect when reading a book about a dog. It is so much more!
Wow Annika, that is such a beautiful, well written, supportive and detailed review for my book. I am very grateful for this post and I will reblog it shortly. It was a real joy to read it.
Thomas, my pleasure to share about your book and I appreciate your kind words about the review! I really hope your books finds more readers. Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments back here to everyone and also for the reblog. I will be posting the review on Amazon U.K. and Goodreads tomorrow.
That is wonderful Annika. You certainly made my day.
Hi Annika, this is a wonderful review of Thomas’ book. I also really loved it and agree that Thomas is a natural storyteller.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Robbie and thank you for the heads up regarding this review.
😁🌼
Hi Robbie, I saw you’d reviewed this on Amazon but I make a point of never reading any beforehand- I’ll pop over to your blog and take a look. I wonder if Thomas is ever tempted to try fiction writing as he is such a gifted storyteller. Many thanks for your lovely comment, Robbie! 🙏😀
🌹🌈 I also write my own review before reading other reviews 🌞
A fantastic review for Thomas’s book Annika. He is the expert on these dogs. I’ve shared around so Thomas’s eyes should catch this. ❤
Thank you so much Debby. I appreciate your kindness and. I should say I just sat down at my computer and saw a number of emails alerting me to this Wonderful review.
My pleasure Thomas. ❤
Debby, thank you so much and I agree, from reading his book I think Thomas must be a main authority on Leonbergers. I love how he takes into account their emotional needs as well, particularly the comfort as Bronco’s was declining. Many thanks for sharing as well! 🙏❤️
My pleasure Annika. Thomas is the dog whisperer, lol. 🙂 xx
Outstanding review, Annika. As a large dog lover, I was immediately drawn to this book and enjoyed the combination of anecdotes and informational text. We’ve always had big dogs, but nothing like Bronco.
Thank you so much Pete. Big dogs are wonderful.
Pete, this sounds like a book you would closely relate to and the combination of anecdotes and information is perfectly balanced for all readers. How lovely that you’ve had big dogs – would you ever be tempted to have one as large as Bronco? Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Tempting, but I think 100 pound dogs are big enough for us. We mostly have had different types of labs due to their pleasant nature.
Annika, This sounds like a book I’d enjoy. Thank you for your compelling review.
Thank you so much Natalie. Annika really wrote a terrific review.
That’s great to hear, Natalie! 😀 A joy to share about the book here and hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it.
A nice and comprehensive review, Annika. It sounds like a book any dog lover would enjoy. Thank you for sharing about it!
Thank you Ana. She really wrote a very nice and very detailed review for my book. It certainly made my day.
Congratulations on the wonderful review! 🙂
And even this non-dog owner enjoyed the book very much! Thank you so much and there was so much more I could have added as I had a couple of pages of notes of things I wanted to include!😀
I’m not a dog owner either, but I am a dog person and your review reminded me of the dog I briefly had as a child. 🙂
I like how you shared your personal connection with the Bronco from the telling of his story. Thank you for a compelling review, Annika!
Thank you Suzette. Like you say she really wrote a great review that explained the book very well.
Yes, she did an excellent job!
Thank you so much, Suzette and so glad you enjoyed the review so much. It is exactly this personal connection which totally won me over.
You are very welcome Annika!
Such a wonderful read. Sharing…
Indeed and thank you so much, Jacqui!
Thank you so much Jacqui. That is very nice of you.
I have read this book and agree with your great review, Annika. We have a big dog in our house; Nelly the Newfoundland just had her 10th birthday, which makes her a really old Newfie.
Audrey, belated Happy Birthday to your Nelly! The Newfoundland look beautiful and bet she is a huge part of your life. I imagine you could relate and already knew a lot about bigger dogs and their care – with plenty of your own stories!
Thank you, Annika! Nelly is huge in every way and an important member of the household.
I love Newfoundland dogs. So big, friendly and calm like Leonbergers. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank you Audrey for your kind review on Amazon. Also Happy 10th birthday to Nelly 🎁🎂🎉🎈🐕🥂
Thank you, Thomas!
Fine review. And I had no idea a dog could be so big!
Me neither, Neil! They are massive yet so affectionate and caring!
140lbs is the ideal weight but when he was overweight a bit he was 167lbs. They love giving hugs but they can tip over people so we had to teach him not you jump up and give hugs.
I have had many dogs and was brokenhearted at the passing of each. Thanks for your review, Annika. This sounds like a book I would like. Cheers.
Lynette, I feel for you and it must be devastating to lose not just one dog but many, all who has become part of your life, your family. The book ends with a beautiful and soulful quotation: ‘Death leaves a heartache no one can heal/But love leaves a memory no one can steal.’ Words pertinent to all grief and which touched me deeply. Enjoy the book if you decide to give it a go.
Thanks, Annika. That’s a beautiful quote.
I am so sorry for your losses Lynette. It is the difficult part of owning a dog. They don’t live very long. If you do decide to get the book. There are passages discussing the passing of dogs, notably Bronco. These pages are in grey/beige and denoted “intermezzo” with a title that indicates that it contains the passing of a dog. This is so people who don’t want to read those parts can skip it.
Thomas, what a thoughtful title and change to the page design to indicate the passing of Bronco. I must admit I noticed the change but hadn’t realised it was to give readers the opportunity to skip this if necessary. A touching addition.
Thank you so much Annika. Yes I did not explain that in the book which I should have, but that was the intent.
Thank you very much for your kind support. That is definitely the big drawback of pet ownership but it was something that I willingly took on. It’s just always so hard to lose them when the time comes. Thanks for the organisational information about your book.
Yes you are right. That’s the biggest drawback of pet ownership. I think about it every day, and yet it is worth it.
Annika, I read this book and I hope your review encourages others to pick it up. It was a such a loving story.
Bernadette, I hope so too! The loving nature of the book stands out for me!
Thank you Bernadette. I really appreciate your kind and supportive words.
Wonderful book review. Now I want to read the book, Annika.
Thank you so much, Pat and that’s great! Enjoy if you read it.
Thank you so much Pat. If you do get it I hope you’ll enjoy it.