Sunday, January 2, 2011

The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Benjy may be a failed guide dog, but he's not short on love!

Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  The subtitle of the book is:  How Dogs Have Captured Our Hearts For Thousands Of Years.  This book has been published and is available at your local bookstore.

It's true, humans and dogs have been friends for forever.  I grew up with a dog and a cat and had various dogs (rescued from the pound) for almost all my adult life.  We live in town now and have very little property and every other home around us has dogs, so I have cat companions now.  But I still dream of having a dog in my life again...

This is a factual book about the relationship between man and his dog.  Over the past 40,000 years, both species have been evolving.  Mr. Masson wonders how much the human has changed because of his relationship with his dog.  It's a good question.  Who has owned an animal and not learned to love them and care about their welfare?  They can and do change us and our life.

He's done some good research into the past and discusses several dog issues.  He doesn't blame the dog, though.  He points out their natural instincts and suggests it's best if we don't "press the wrong buttons".  I don't believe any dog is bad; it's what it learns from the people who raise it or abuse it.  Of course, I have the same opinion about humans.

If you have an interest in dogs and would like to know more about their history and why we have such a bond with them, you will enjoy this book.

I am giving away my ARC, so if you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take spaces out) and give me your name and ADDRESS and tell me why you'd like to read it.  I'll draw a name in about a week.

2 comments:

Lilly P. said...

This would be such a fantastic book to read. I've been a dog lover all of my life. Dogs are truly one's best friend. My husband would also love to read this book. Thank you!

Journey of a Bookseller said...

If you would like to enter the contest, don't forget to send me an email with your name and address and why you'd like to read it!

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