Bookends that match my decor!

In between diapering rabbits, I try to get in a bit of reading. I am prone to non-fiction, and anything humorous. Any time I can find both in one book, it’s a great day. A new book, Am I Boring My Dog?: And 99 Other Things Your Dog Wishes You Knew is both, in copious amounts.

The author, Edie Jarolim, is now my idol. She achieves what I strive for – sharing practical information and education in a humorous fashion. Having earned her Ph.D. in English literature from New York University, Ms. Jarolim felt she was finally qualified to be a dog owner.

This is a book for everyone. If you have a dog, this is the book for you. If you have ever seen a dog, this is the book for you, if only for the humor. If you are busy beyond all reason, as I am, this book is divided into small quick-read segments, each numbered for easy reference. In fact, the author will refer to various sections by number, throughout the book (“see sections 43 and 45 for more on this”). It’s like hyperlinks in literary form.

The book is laugh-out-loud funny, and yet imparts practical wisdom on such diverse topics as health insurance for pets, educational toys, training class, home cooked food and more. Among the many questions addressed in this book are: 

 - Why should I get a dog rather than a cat?

 - Should I get a rescue dog or a purebred?

 - How can I make sure my dog didn’t come from an inhumane puppy mill?

 - How do I find a good vet?

 - Should I get a second dog to keep my first dog company?

 - How do I respond to people who feel I’m spending too much money on my dog?

 - How can I find a dog-friendly job? 

Here is an exerpt:

49. My dog has halitosis. Will the breath mints I’ve seen in pet stores help?
They’ll help for about as long as they help your alcoholic uncle Dave cover his whiskey breath at family gatherings. In dogs, bad breath is generally caused by tooth and gum problems. Forget the faux-candy cover-ups, you need to get to the source of your pooch’s halitosis by checking with a vet or veterinary dentist.  

Geared to dog owners of all levels, from beginner to expert, I highly recommend this book both for your own edification and entertainment, as well as for your friends (the holidays are coming). 

Personal note: with all the books I am reading lately, I have found this lovely set of bookends (pictured above) to keep them all in order. 

Am I Boring My Dog?: And 99 Other Things Your Dog Wishes You Knew (ISBN: 9781592578801, Alpha Books, $14.95)
See the video trailer of the book
See a review posted by a professional dog trainer:
Check out Ms. Jarolim’s blogsite (also hilarious)

Back to top five books for pet owners

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