Celebrate National Dog Day - With a good book!

Posted by Alana T.

Monday is National Dog Day and I'm going to celebrate by giving my buddy Phaedrus (at left) a treat and reading a good book with him. I suspect he's focusing on the lounge on the couch and something tasty.  Still, we read together regularly. Two years ago, I posted a list of some classic & contemporary dogs in literature. This year, I'm suggesting a few non-fiction picks and DVD's.  Request a good dog-related item from the library and celebrate with your special canine friends.

My Dog Tulip (2011).  An animated memoir about a man and his German shepherd, Tulip.  The author describes his relationship with Tulip and the insights he has about himself as she ages.  Sometimes sad, by turns funny and tragic, this is a thought-provoking biography.

Wallace & Gromit DVDs.  These clay-mation gems are great for both kids and adults.  Grommit, the true hero of each movie, is a clever pooch who upstages his owner at every turn.  Wallace is a good natured, well-meaning guy, but he's not always aware of the true nature of the situations he gets them into.  If you haven't seen one of these movies, and are in need of a good laugh, request one today.

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz.  The author of this book is a scientist studying animal behavior using dogs a  model to understand thought processes.  Unlike many popular science books, this one is never dry or boring.  Dr. Horowitz describes how dogs use their senses to perceive their world and their use of body language with one another and us.  Humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize dog behaviors; this book provides insight into the reality of their amazing cognitive skills.

Knit Your Own Dog: Easy to Follow Patterns for 25 Pedigree Pooches by Sally Muir. If you are a knitter with average skills, or a determined beginner, you can knit your own purebred dog!  If you happen to have a mutt, and more advanced knitting skills, you should be able to pick and choose body parts to create your own mixed breed.  I've knit a few of these little guys and everyone loves them; great gifts for dog owners or prepare for the holidays and use them as fuzzy tree ornaments.