Life With Dogs

DOGS, DOGS, DOGS . . . Who can resist them? Most people seem to be born with an instinctive love of these animals and that's not surprising. It's anybody's guess as to how long we've been living with dogs, but one theory says that wolves first moved in with humans over 100,000 years ago. That's plenty of time to develop a relationship! In the present day, just the sight of a puppy usually starts the oohs and aahs and, from children, the question: "Can I pet him?" Happily for both parties, dogs seem to get just as excited about us. Meeting a friendly dog is the very definition of a feel-good moment for all concerned. And you will meet many of them in this book - friendly dogs, funny dogs, feisty dogs and funky dogs, lapdogs, working dogs, acting dogs, heroic dogs, barking dogs, snoozing dogs, celebrity dogs, cuddly dogs, silly dogs and even dogs that don't quite look like dogs.

In this original and provocative book, Colin Dayan tackles head-on the inexhaustible world, at once tender and fierce, of dogs and humans. We follow the tracks of dogs in the bayous of Louisiana, the streets of Istanbul, and the humane societies of the United States, and in the memories and myths of the humans who love them. Dayan reorients our ethical and political assumptions through a trans-species engagement that risks as much as it promises. She makes a powerful case for questioning what we think of as our deepest-held beliefs and, with dogs in the lead, unsettles the dubious promises of liberal humanism. Moving seamlessly between memoir, case law, and film, Dayan takes politics and animal studies in a new direction—one that gives us glimpses of how we can think beyond ourselves and with other beings. Her unconventional perspective raises hard questions and renews what it means for any animal or human to live in the twenty-first century. Nothing less than a challenge for us to confront violence and suffering even in the privileged precincts of modernity, this searing and lyrical book calls for another way to think the world. Theoretically sophisticated yet aimed at a broad readership, With Dogs at the Edge of Life illuminates how dogs—and their struggles—take us beyond sentimentality and into a form of thought that can make a difference to our lives.

In this new book, renowned dog trainer Kathy Sdao reveals how her journey through life and her decades of experience training marine mammals and dogs led her to reject a number of sacred cows including the leadership model of dog training.

From the time she was five years old, author Lynn Stacy-Smith has lived side by side with dogs as her best friends and constant companions. Love, Laugh, Woof, a memoir and guide to being a compassionate forever dog owner, shares a collection of stories from the authors life with her dogs a tribute to how her dogs brought joy and adventure into her childhood and later life. It segues from her memories into a training manual and pet care book that helps potential pet owners decide if a dog is right for them, and the importance of training and teaching the dog the rules of living in a human world. Smith shares the responsibilities involved in bringing a pet into their lives, and she strives to help people become more compassionate and understanding dog owners. A combination of anecdotes and instructional materials, Love, Laugh, Woof offers a look at Smiths philosophy on dog ownership. Love Laugh, Woof is a way of life and a set of beliefs that she follows to be a loving, thoughtful and fair dog owner.

In "My Life With Dogs," Roger Welsch has written one of his most entertaining volumes yetQa collection of essays reflecting on mankind's significant other, the dog. Welsch's love of dogs is apparent on every page, and his enthusiasm for the subject adds a level of sparkle to his wit that transcends even his beloved tractor books. 0-7603-2045-4$21.95 / MBI Publishing

“A fascinating glimpse into the canine world, possibly deeper and more accurate than any we have had until now” (The New York Times Book Review). Long before the Dog Whisperer, anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas revealed to readers the nature of pack dynamics, leading to a completely new understanding of dogs, their personalities, and their desires. Based on thirty years of living with and observing dogs, The Hidden Life of Dogs asks one question: What do dogs want? To find out, we must meet the pack. First there is Misha, a husky Thomas followed on her daily rounds of more than 130 square miles. Then there is Maria, who adored Misha, bore his puppies, and clearly mourned when he moved away; the brave pug Bingo and his little wife, Violet; the dingo Viva; and other colorful characters. In observing them, Thomas learned that what dogs want most of all is other dogs. Informative and captivating, The Hidden Life of Dogs will give every canine owner and canine lover great insight into dog behavior. “A wonderful book . . . Too bad dogs can’t read. They’d be fascinated. Dog people will be too.” —USA Today

Beloved Nebraska folklorist Roger Welsch explores our passion and love for dogs.

Jordan Marie’s book, My Life With Dogs, is a personal story of one girl’s journey with dogs while facing life’s trials and triumphs. “It’s very refreshing to live in a community where parents are actively engaged in their children’s lives and promote a sense of stewardship and community service. Jordan Marie is a shining example of this community spirit and has the gift and willingness to help animals with care and love. In Germantown, we are proud of her efforts and wish her continued success as she encourages others through her writing and actions.” — Mike Palazzolo, Mayor, City of Germantown “As the father of two daughters and owner of a rescue dog, My Life With Dogs is really inspiring. It speaks to the talent and compassion of a young girl and dog lover. Jordan Marie, my daughter, Lauren, considers it a great privilege to call you a friend. We can’t wait to read the next one. Keep up the great work!” — Kevin Woods, Shelby County School Board