Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #233819 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Synopsis
Who hasn't looked into a dog's eyes and wondered what thoughts he is trying to express? The answers are in this whimsical book of more than 50 doggy countenances evoking their innermost thoughts. Roy Blount's verses - written from the dog's point of view - give the meaning of the quizzical expressions and penetrating looks that Valerie Shaff's camera catches. These dogs articulate their most ardent wishes, their true opinions of their owners and their particularly canine expressions of love. From adorable Dalmatian pups to mournful hounds to soulful setters, each dog describes the befuddles, heartbreak and the simple joys of dog life: a good stick, forbidden chicken bones, fetching, barking and, of course, sniffing. Until dogs learn to talk, this may be the best way to remember that the "inner dog" is probably a lot like the outer one.

About the Author
VALERIE SHAFF has gained recent renown for her commissioned dog portraits. Her work has appeared in THE NEW YORKER, HOUSE & GARDEN and MARTHA STEWART LIVING. She has also done commercial work for Ralph Lauren, Atlantic Records and Gap. ROY BLOUNT JR. is the author of 2 books and contributes to numerous magazines.

Customer Reviews

Delightful!
This is a truly delightful book. The pictures are wonderful and expressive on their own. But, add the insightful little poems and the mix will have you alternating between joyfully laughing as you meet the Bulldog with his "Good Stick" and dabbing the corners of your eyes when you encounter the dog who mourns his boy who has gone to college. This is the type of book you end up buying 10 copies of, because once you read it you will have to buy copies as gifts for all your friends, too!

It absolutely made my heart smile from ear to ear!
I picked up this book in a local bookstore and read it cover to cover without realizing it. I was so absorbed in the beauty of the photos as well as enjoying the word association of each expression. I lost two dogs to old age(they were both 16 years old) in just the last year and this book brought me great joy. The memories of my "babies" flooded back and this little book brought tears to my eyes. Anyone who has ever truly loved a dog will enjoy this book. I'm buying it and keeping it always.

Thought provoking, emotional and funny.
Excellent photography combined with humorous and thoughtful poetry make this book a true gem. The life of a dog is truly captured, and echoes what humans often think a dog is feeling. If you're a dog lover, this book will be your favorite.