Why haven't our dogs given up on us? I mean, after reading this book I feel like I've seriously underestimated my dog's potential. True, she's not a driven-to-please Border Collie like the amazing Chaser and does know words, many of which she chooses to ignore based on whatever her mindset is at the time. Seriously, Chaser was one seriously smart dog, trained by a savvy owner, but, honestly, I think I'll just leave my dog as she is. After all, she's downright perfect as she is, as are all dogs. Isn't yours?
I won't detail the text as it tends to be an odd combo of whimsical and practical, mixed with history, mythology, and and interesting illustrations. Maybe just my mindset as I read but it did seem to jump around quite a bit, not to mention it wasn't quite what I was expecting. This one is more, oh, what word to use? More educational? Maybe. The amount of info shared is solid in its attempt to help us understand what it's like to be a dog, so to speak, and how to help their short lives be full. So, if you're going into it expecting a short, cute look at lots of doggie photos and bits of info, be forewarned. It's actually got that but more in depth, with illustrations by New York Times illustrator Calum Heath.
To be honest, this is the type of book I struggle to rate. It wasn't what I expected but was at times full of whimsy and humor, particularly the illustrations, and gives you tons of info. I definitely liked that it emphasized that dogs learn through play, not stern discipline, with the author giving examples of how Chaser learned more than a thousand words. I even learned a bit of lore/myth that I hadn't heard, such as the myth of one of the dogs on Noah's Ark. Since I have another book on my tbr stack focusing on the power of a dog's nose, I was definitely interested on reading and storing away in my mental memory the section on their incredible noses shared. And, the illustrations were both fun and informative.
So, bottom line, although I found myself zoning out a few time, I'm going with a 4 star based on the pluses and me being a sucker for cute dog illustrations and me being a sucker for cute dog pictures. Thanks #NetGalley and #Princeton'sArchitecturalPress - #ChronicleBooks for sharing Chaser's story and ideas on how to better understand your dog and help them understand us, not to mention the ample doses of lore, history, and reminding us that no matter what country dogs are from, unlike we mere humans, they all look and sound/bark alike. Now I'm off to ponder life while walking and chatting with my own Daisy dog.
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