I don’t pretend to be able to keep up with all the dog/animal behavior books being published right now, but two books got my attention this week that I thought you might find interesting. In some ways, they couldn’t be much different from each other. Who’s a Good Dog? And How to Be A Better Human, by Jessica Pierce, is a beautifully-produced book published by The University of Chicago Press, has perhaps the greatest title and cover of any dog-related book I’ve seen in a long time, and has a nine-page index. Urban Sheepdog: Understanding Your Herding Breed, by Emily Priestley, is published by . . . ? (All it says is Made in the USA, Monee, IL). It is a small, almost booklet-size book, presumably published and printed by the author. (But I still love that cover. What a gorgeous photograph.)
The differences go far beyond structure and publisher. Who’s a Good Dog? is as far away from a dog training book as you can get, by design, while Urban Sheepdog focuses on the quirks and pecularities of cattle dogs and border collies. However, what strikes me most is that both books, in some ways as different as two books about dogs can be, both ask the reader to accept the dogs they have, rather than trying to turn them into the fantasy “perfect dog” that some seem to strive for.
Let’s take Who’s a Good Dog? first. Jessica Pierce, a well-published bioethicist and author (her work includes, for example, Run, Spot, Run: The Ethics of Keeping Pets), makes no bones in the introduction that her dog, Bella, is NOT, “by outside standards,” a good dog. She gives “warning nips” to strangers, bites Jessica’s feet in bed if she accidently kicks her, and doesn’t do what Jessica asks “unless it aligns with her own agenda . . . “. And yet, Jessica says: “Bella occupies my heart and soul,” and it’s hard not to appreciate someone who loves her dog so much.
What I like about the book (full disclosure, I’ve only read about half the book; the reason will be clear at the end of the post) is the overarching theme of the importance of AGENCY in the life of dogs, along with the challenges that companion dogs have trying to adjust to living with us. Like many in the recent past, there is an increasing awareness that, while pet dogs have advantages street dogs don’t–great food, health care, safety, love–they pay for it in loss of autonomy, and deal with environmental stressors that aren’t always obvious. (See, for example, my post Quiet, Please from 2018.)
However, Pierce sometimes over states her primary thesis. She tells us that “The millions of dogs living in close association with humans are in crisis.” She backs this up with a study that found 3/4 of the dogs (14,000 of them) “suffer from some anxiety-related problems.” A third of these dogs were nervous around thunderstorms and fireworks, which she later argues are normal reactions of dogs to loud noises, but “anxiety experienced by pet dogs [to loud noises], goes well beyond any adaptive response to the environment.”
Another study she cites supporting her “in crisis” assertion, found that a large percentage of dog owners reported that their dog has “unwanted behaviors.” This morning Maggie tried to eat unknown animal poop on our wood’s trail. I said leave it, and she did. Is this an unwanted behavior? Yup. Is this a crisis, for either me or Maggie? I don’t see it. At the moment she is sound asleep on the couch, while Skip snoozes in the sun after bringing the sheep down for their breakfast. I admit to not a drop objectivity about my own dogs, but you are going to have to provide a lot more evidence than Jessica did to convince that most companion dogs are truly in crisis.
And yet, despite undermining her own arguments, there is a lot of value in what she has to say. She argues, convincingly, that our relationship is a collaboration–that dogs are doing their best to adapt to an alien culture, and we must do the same–to respect them as dogs, not extensions of our often unrealistic expectations. She begs us to be better observers of our own dogs, to have a “beginner’s mind” and see dogs without the filter of who they should be, and what they should do.
She talks about the ethical implications of controlling every bite of food a dog takes, and even when and where they are allowed to potty. (She gives Bella the last bite of every meal she eats, with the obvious health/safety restrictions, a ritual I find endearing.) She includes a Resource Section at the back which includes good things like Whole Dog Journal and the Fear Free Movement for fear-free handling in veterinary clinics.
I do struggle with the book at times. She often decries the advice of “experts,” although she doesn’t tell us who they are. I don’t see much, if any, credit given to the many others talking about agency in dog training and behavior, like Chiraq Patel and his bucket game, as just one example. I wish she had; type in “Agency and Dogs” in Google and you’ll be overwhelmed with references to it. (Apparently I am unable to resist mentioning my post on “Asking vs. Telling“ from last year, although I have tried.) There are times I find myself downright irritated while reading Who’s a Good Dog?, but as an acupuncturist once told me in another context when I whined in pain, “You not here to feel good, you here to get better!”Ha!
Beyond complaints about her thesis being overstated, and not giving credit where credit is due, the book forces me to think at a deep level about my relationship with dogs, and how we can all be better humans around them. And surely that’s a good thing, so while I’m grumping a bit, I’m glad I’m reading it. (FYI, Dogwise is doing a Live Facebo0ok/Youtube interview with the author on March 7th, 10 AM Pacific.)
Urban Sheepdog, also asks us to understand that the human-built environment that we often put dogs in can cause them to suffer. Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC, SAPT, is a professional dog trainer in the Vancouver area who sees mostly heelers and border collies who live in the city. Although it’s a small book (($19.99 feels a tad steep for its size and content), I was hoping for some solid advice about how to handle herding breeds in over stimulating environments. (Overstimulating, at least to them. Okay to me too, I’d start licking my paws and growling if I lived in a busy city.) Regrettably, there’s not a lot of that, but there is some very good information about why herding breeds behave as they do.
She reminds us that it’s no surprise that border collies tend to be sound sensitive, given they were bred to respond to whistles three quarters of a mile away. The book has short sections on how sensitive many border collies are, which, as their owners often know, is both a good and problematic trait. Skip won my heart for life when he swirled back and lay down beside me when I slipped on some mud and yipped in surprise. And it’s tiresome when he runs to me, wide-eyed, when I say “Oh no!” to a friend I’m talking to on the phone who can’t find her car keys. We read about herding breeds being hyper-responsive to movement, barking Kelpie’s, and nipping heelers. (I love her comment about people who are surprised when heelers bite heels: “It’s right there in the name, and these dogs are very prone to it!)
She makes some thought-provoking comments: She says she doesn’t believe that fear periods exist, claiming the behaviors seen during these times have “more likely causes.” (She cites the onset of genetic predispositions as one.) My favorite section might be when she talks about her biggest pet peeve–that the primary reason for behavior problems in herding breeds is because they don’t have a job. She argues credibly that “. . . reactivity, compulsive disorders, fear and aggression are not caused by not having a farm or a job . . .”. Herding breeds, bred to be reactive, to control movement, to be hyper sensitive to sound and environmental changes, are set up to struggle in urban environments.
Chapter Five summarizes the traits and potential problems she sees in typical herding breeds, arguing for example, that Australian Cattle Dogs (also known as Heelers), can be standoffish with strangers, reactive, nippy, and subject to “trigger stacking” more than other breeds. What I like about this small book is that it cautions owners of herding breeds to understand better the dog that they have.
But, then what? What does one do with their sound sensitive, hyper-reactive border collie, corgi, or heeler? I know from years of writing and speaking, that people want answers. (Recall the comment on Amazon about The Other End of the Leash, that, in spite of it’s subtitle Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs, it had NO training advice and was barely worth using the pages to pick up dog shit.) Given that the Emily works almost exclusively with herding breeds in an urban setting, I was expecting more about how she advises clients to deal with their dog’s inner nature. She argues that owners have a duty to give the dogs an approximation of what they were bred to do. But then she tells us she plays fetch with her dogs daily. That is indeed exercise, but I assure you it’s nothing like working livestock, except it gets your dog moving. She mentions collie balls, jolly balls, tug toys, and flirt poles (her favorite), as ways to exercise dogs in small areas, but it’s a short section covering only three pages.
I want to adore this book. I suspect I’d adore Emily if I met her, that she does great work, and that she has a lot to tell us. I’m just not sure it’s in this book. I would LOVE it if she’d come out with another edition, expanded to include more of, for example, handling a sound sensitive dog in a noisy city. (But check out her webinar on Understanding Sound Sensitivity, could be helpful.) This would be a good book, as is, for breeders of herding dogs to give to potential adopters and puppy buyers, whether they live in a city or not, because the author does a good job saying, between the lines, that dogs of these breeds aren’t for everyone.
There are more books in my study that I haven’t gotten to. Jump in and help me out–what dog-related book are you reading now that you think the rest of us would enjoy?
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: For those of you who skipped the book reviews to read about farm adventures, I apologize in advance. Our latest adventure here is the excitement of Type A Influenza, the kind that puts old people like us in the hospital. Or worse. Worse is what I worried about last week, when Jim’s lungs were so bad it sounded like he was drowning. He has never been so sick in the twenty-four years I’ve known him. I’ll spare you the details, but we got him on anti-virals, I tried obsessively to avoid it, but, of course, didn’t. We are both coming out the other side, but are still isolating until we are no longer contagious. (Yes, we did get a flu shot late last fall, it might be that’s what kept us out of the hospital. Who knows.)
So, where I’m going with this is that working on the above, today and over the weekend, along with the chores and dog care we have, pretty much uses up the energy I have. At least I’m sure Jim is going to be okay, I am no longer the subject of the joke “first you were afraid you’d die and then you were afraid you wouldn’t,” and it’s sunny outside. Maggie has a strained neck or shoulder (of course), so Skip needs to be exercised separately.
I leave you with just one photo, of the amaryllis blooming in the dining room:
Delightlful!
Wait, Jim just took this: Maggie’s comment on listening to us cough and get NO EXERCISE. (An upset Maggie always talks in capital letters.)
May your week be full of delight too. Let us know if you’ve read either of the books above, or what you’ve been reading you think we might enjoy.
Gersande La Flèche says
I wonder if Jessica Pierce makes easily available exactly which study describes that millions of dogs are suffering — I’d really be interested in seeing that study up close, in case you are able to share which one it is!
Trisha says
Gersande: One study she cites is by Dinwoodie et al, “Demographics and Comorbidity of Behavior Problems.” She does not cite a year. This is the study that found “85% of dog guardians reported that their dog had behavior problems.” Another by Yamada et al. at the Vet Lab of Ethology found 86 % of guardians reported “unwanted behaviors.” My objection is that this is not evidence of “dogs in crisis” to me. But, I do appreciate her point veru much that many are expecting dogs to adapt to a highly unnatural environment, and we need to be cognizant of that.
Jodi Grzeczka says
Loved this article on the books. And sorry you’ve been down with sickness. My chiropractor said he heard it also called the 100 Day Cough. Hang tough! I have an almost 4 year old Corgi that I’ve been adapting to after nearly 35 years of Labs and Lab mixes. While I initially found a lot of similarities between the two, and see that she was quite influenced, growing up and being guided by a 100 lb, very independent thinking Lab, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi bears a completely different study. I disagree that all dogs are in crisis, but I do see a large number of them my heart aches for. I think my Corgi enjoys her active life, for the most part. She has a young, annoying cat who is nearly her size ( he’s 16 lbs of mischief, and she’s a small 20 lbs) as a constant companion. I’d taken the time to learn about the breed, and work with her extensively to curb the nipping of human ankles and keep the notorious barking to a reasonable amount. I also work at constantly engaging her mind and letting her use her Corginess to maneuver daily activities. I dare to say, I think she’s happy, and we go forward in the world!
Alicesfarm says
What?! “The Other End of the Leash” is the best book EVER! I’ve given your book to more people/dogs than I can count!
Lainy says
Glad you Feeling better, but take it easy the setback can be very tough.
I just started reading, Who’s a Good Dog, and I do think crisis isn’t necessarily the word I would use. I do believe we hoomans can have too high expectations when striving for the ‘perfect dog’. I think we have to be able to except dogs can have quirks, and we have to be able to adapt somewhat to them.
I do think if a breeder gave info about breed characteristics and the possible pitfalls it would be helpful. But I also think people do not do enough research before getting a dog.
I have a 13 yr old BC who was never a ‘dogs dog’. He was a wonderful therapy dog visiting special needs children for 10 yrs before retiring. He has two doggie acquaintances but he’s not overly joyous when they visit, but he absolutely adores their guardian.
I think guardians need to learn how to read their dog better so as not to expect unreasonable things.
Jen Gibson says
All I’ve owned are Heelers and it’s true about the heels! I would also say that within the breed there are degrees of breed traits. This latest dog (Gus) has the strongest herding drive of the three I’ve owned. The other two left the cats alone but this dude feels it is his job to herd the LEAVE IT! whenever she comes into range. Sigh. Not a dog for everyone for sure, and likely the last one I will own. Lab anyone?
Drew says
Thanks for the review, I am looking forward to checking out the books. I’ve always appreciated Jessica’s work and we just had Marc Bekoff on the Love Dog podcast, I think we need to get you and Jessica on ASAP.
I nearly sent you a photo of our Amaryllis which we received in December and just started to show its magic on Valentine’s day, fitting, it’s incredible.
Charlotte Kasner says
Wish you both well. ‘flu – nasty.
As for the amaryllis: in my experience, beware the big clunk in the night when it becomes top heavy!
Lisa says
I have a 4-year-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi who keeps us on our toes! We don’t live “urban” but suburban, but even so, the rush of cars on some streets is very challenging for this herding girl! I’ve had many dogs but never a herding breed and it’s been an education. I would have been interested in the Urban Sheepdog book if it had more advice as you say about dealing with issues like hyper-reactive, sound-sensitive, trigger-stacking, etc. I recently purchased a “stabilizer” ball – it’s almost twice her size, the kind people use for stretching, and she loves herding it around the yard, non-stop. I think it’s the closest approximation to herding – and a job — that I can put into place in suburbia.
Trisha says
Awww, thanks Alicesfarm!
Kerry says
Thank you for the book reviews. I’m so glad the two of you are in the mend.
Gail Snyder says
I have to comment on The Other End of the Leash and extend a long-overdue note of deep gratitude to you, Patricia.
In 2007, we adopted a 10-month old mixed breed dog (probably including Rottweiler, Chow, and German Shepherd). He was in a shelter that, in addition to adopting out dogs, provided a home ‘unadoptable’ dogs. When I asked to meet him (based on an online photo), the first words the attendant said to me were, “He hasn’t bitten anybody yet, but…”.
He had been transferred from another shelter, and his paperwork had the word “unadoptable” stamped on it in large, red letters. I asked to meet him anyway and fell in love. While driving home that afternoon, we decided to name him “Che.” We acknowledged that we might have just adopted a dog who was going to be an ongoing challenge, but we were fully committed. Soon after we brought Che home, someone lent me a copy of The Other End of the Leash. I can’t overstate how much the book helped me. It was a godsend.
Over the weeks and months, Che grew to trust me and my love for him deepened. He turned into the most wonderful dog imaginable (of course, he always was wonderful, even when he was a fear-biter). Che and I went on a remarkable and wonderful journey together for the next 12 years. It’s been four years since we said our final goodbye, but I miss him everyday. I’m typing this note through a stream of tears rolling down my cheeks.
Like Alicefarm, I also have given away many copies of The Other End of the Leash, and recommended to many others. Thank you, Patricia.
Lynn Ungar says
Hope you and Jim are fully recovered soon! I’m very much aware that my amazing, brilliant, hilarious Aussie could easily be a “problem dog” in our suburban environment. She wants to engage with everything—bark at it, chase it, play with it, fight with it. She needs a lot of exercise for both her body and her brain, a lot of attention and snuggles, you name it, she needs a lot of it. Some things we do to fulfill her herdy nature: let her chase birds or squirrels at the park (with a whole lot of recall work as a prerequisite); let her play chase with other dogs (always with permission); play frisbee at the park; while on leashed walks give her the chance to stalk crows and make them fly away. And, of course, lots and lots of training for various sports so that she can meet her need to Do Things With People. She has plenty of undesirable behaviors, like barking at neighbor dogs and attacking my socks, but she is not at all in crisis.
Sandy says
I agree with Alicesfarm – “The Other End of the Leash” changed my understanding of dogs, and, with an over 50 year history of owning dogs, this was major. We have 2 corgis, a 7 y.0. Pembroke and a 16 month Cardigan. My Cardi is a fairly mellow guy, a real goober, with a great nose and no prey drive. Maybe cause he comes from Conformation stock (don’t know) but he loves Scent Work and some of the NASDA sports. The Pembroke has been and remains a real challenge – her prey drive is extreme, noise sensitivity (she can tell the difference between a real motorcycle and/or trash truck and the recording of same) and more. Yet this dog taught me that dog personality can encompass human sensitivities as well. I once opened a gate for her, the wind blew it back in her face and she wouldn’t look at me or interact for about 2 days. LOL. She was truly p/o’d at me. Yet a total sweetheart. And both dogs easily learned that nipping people was not allowed, which I suppose is a great deal more important (to me) than barking a lot. Love these busy dogs!
Christine Johnson says
I’m a long time breeder of Pembroke Welsh Corgis. I do believe that careful attention to temperament in breeding dogs results in easier to live with dogs. Sadly, I think that too many of these so-called problem dogs do not come from careful breeding programs. Not the dog’s fault for sure!
Also we get a bonus, Corgis were bred to work as well as be companions after chores were done. That being said, I carefully screen potential owners as corgis are not for everyone!
Judy says
I’ve found that treibball is a great way to mentally and physically exercise my half border collie, half papillon. Sometimes called urban herding, I learned it online from a trainer that I had met in person when learning nose work (another great dog activity). I highly recommend both activities even if people don’t want to participate in competitions.
Teresa Assenzo says
I LOVE the The Other End of the Leash too! And, everything you have written. I am a school counselor and my dogs come to work with me every day. We live on campus and in the city, though there are parks near by. The spend most of time leashed. I do feel it is easier for my 1 year old Cavalier than for my 3 1/2 year old English Setter, Molly. I sometimes feel like this situation is hard on Molly, because of her hunting instincts. However, her biggest issue was separation anxiety which works well for her here. And your book was really helpful! I feel a sense of guilt sometimes like I’m not giving Molly everything she needs or that she has to be too good. Lulu, my Cavalier, seems to be born for this.
Irene Stoller says
Of course people report some “unwanted” behaviors. They are dogs. And if the researchers had asked parents if they had some “unwanted” behaviors with their children, you can be sure the numbers are even higher. With kids we know we have to teach them appropriate behaviors. Ditto for dogs. Heelers can learn not to be ankle biters. Borders can learn not to herd everyone. But it takes work. And sometimes we have to show that we really don’t like a particular behavior. “No” or “enough” said with firmness and consistency does communicate our displeasure. Our dogs will not wilt in fear if we let them know that we don’t like what they are doing and despite what the only positive people sometimes claim, dogs are pretty smart at figuring it out. Final thought: we should think about what kind of dog is appropriate for our particular life. I was horrified that after having one biting German shepherd in the White House, he was replaced by another biter who has bitten at least 24 times. Maybe a different breed or a well trained German shepherd used to a life of constant comings and goings.
Carrie Chaffin says
I have three border collies and live in one of the largest American cities with them. I am privileged to have the luxury of lots of time for walking, playing, swimming, and training sports with them. But one can make it work in an urban environment with high-octane herders, if one is willing and able to put in the effort.
M. McDonald says
Sending ‘pawsitive’ healing thoughts to you both. Keep smiling and thank you for the book reviews.
CarrieV says
“Herding breeds, bred to be reactive, to control movement, to be hyper sensitive to sound and environmental changes, are set up to struggle in urban environments.”
Thank you for that statement, which really hit me. On some level I knew most of this, though I wish I’d realized about sound and changes. It definitely explains the issues my Catahoula (rescue, so don’t know if he’s a mixed breed) has had. Now that he’s older his hearing has deteriorated, which turns out is a good thing in a way, as he no longer hears the sounds that scared him. Though he probably wonders why “Mom doesn’t talk to me anymore”. (For the record, I do still talk to him.) Unfortunately he also has CCD, which has exacerbated his reaction to changes in his environment, and is escalating. Understanding the breed issues helps, though my work-arounds are no longer working. We just started a new med, and hoping it at least helps some.
I hope you both are feeling better and completely healed soon.
Dawn says
I’ve read Urban Sheepdog and agree with your assessment starting with the shock of the size of the book for the price I paid. However, I did find it to be an easy read full of a lot of great information on the different herding breeds. As a first time Cattle Dog mix guardian, this has really helped in understanding why my dog does what she does. Although I would had appreciated some more practical tips, I’m not sure if it would had been effective for my dog. I know the suggestions for enrichment were not as my dog does not like to play fetch, with a flirt pole or anything that rolls.
I have not read Who’s a Good Dog, but it is on my list. I don’t necessarily disagree with her that our dogs are in a crisis. A look at the state of shelters and rescue groups across the country says that there is a crisis. I first heard the term crisis used by Kim Brophey. Her explanation is that we continue to breed dogs whose behaviors were once artificially selected for specific behaviors but are now not given much opportunity to express these behaviors because of the modern world in which they find themselves. If they do, they are labeled misbehaviors which are often not tolerated by the people they live with. The number of dogs that are surrendered to shelters or who show up as strays and never redeemed is astounding. The number of dogs that are returned after adoption because of behavior “problems” is also astounding. (I volunteered in a high-intake county shelter for quite a few years so definitely have an inside perspective on this). The trauma our dogs are experiencing now, from adversive training methods, to puppy mills, to stints in stressful environments such as shelters, to lack of social contact and stimulation, to multiple homes, etc is sad and many people find they’re unable or unwilling to work with dogs needing help. Then there is the vicious cycle of spaying and neutering dogs, including teeny tiny puppies, to reduce the pet population and the health and behavior implications that can result (Why is it so many animals have been sterilized in shelters and rescue groups yet they still remain over capacity?) I once helped a Swiss lady choose a dog from the shelter where I volunteered. She told me in Switzerland they buy their dogs from reputable breeders, they don’t sterilize their dogs, they take their dogs with them to most places and they don’t have the problem the US has. So yes, I do think there is a crisis, in the US at least. I don’t think the solution is as simple as spaying/neutering, proper training and giving a dog agency, although these can all play important roles. I think the US can do so much better with stricter laws regarding animal welfare.
Louise Wholey says
We got a German Shepherd and found it necessary to move to the mountains. The dog’s energy level is amazing. The city is just too limited.
Jann Becker says
As far as the dogs go, WE have “unwanted behaviours” like insisting that they wait till 3:00 for supper! It’s not possible for different species to have exactly the same priorities & opinions; even the fish in our aquarium think that we “should” feed them every time we approach the tank.
For that matter those of us who are married or living with other humans go through the same thing–it’s amazing how many details of daily life are done differently by you and your beloved. A certain amount of friction and confusion are part of the deal (and a good argument for premarital cohabitation.)
Pets and people usually do give each other the benefit of the doubt, only that doubt can be larger when expectations don’t line up, communication is poor, and someone’s ankles are being bitten.
lak says
Glad you’re beginning to mend! I love that ad that says “if you have to ask whether you have a cold or the flu, you have a cold, because when you have the flu you know it! Just getting over a 17 day sinus infection and still coughing occasionally! So happy medications exist! That said, love the photo of the flower, so beautiful! Here in MI we are experiencing crazy spring weather, 69 degrees in February anyone? Makes it so great to get dog out for walk, and no falling on ice like last month! Will check out the books, thanks for the reviews!
Gil says
The Sound Sensitivity webinar was NOT useful. It’s only an explanation of what sound sensitivity is.
Her book only seems to serve as an explanation of what herding breeds are.
Trisha says
Gil: Thanks for letting us know. Sorry to hear no solutions are provided, but I hope it helps people understand what a big issues it is for some dogs.
Trisha says
lak: Eeeps, hope you are all better soon. Yes on the weather here too–70 yesterday, 14 this morning. The world has turned upside down. Thank you Hamilton. Get better! (And great comment about the flu, totally fitting!)
Chris from Boise says
I really appreciate your book reviews, Trisha. You’ve steered us to some great ones. Having two urban border collies (and prior heelers and Aussies), I was intrigued to see “The Urban Sheepdog”, but it sounds like our dogs have already explained her basic theses to us.
Agency – such a big concept. As Obi, now 14 years old, is in his final winding-down stage, we are providing as many choices as possible, from where (and if) to walk to what (and if) to eat. It’s really hard to give over control. Even if I say that “this is your walk, Obi”, and I’ve allotted a couple of hours in case he has a burst of energy, it’s really difficult to not suggest “let’s go down to the river for a drink FIRST”, or “you’re getting tired. Shouldn’t we head back toward the car?” Rowan, now 6, does not get the same choices, as her ideas of ‘good choices’ often don’t align with ours.
Influenza is rough even for the young and strong, and alas, those of us of a certain age are no longer young. It sounds like you’re over the hump. May you bounce back fully and quickly. I hope you holler for help from your great team of friends at times like that, rather than trying to push through chores when just breathing takes all your effort.
The amaryllis is spectacular!
Emma says
I would like to read “who’s a good dog” but I do find much of the information I find in dog books are easily found online.
Martin N. D. says
I haven’t been feeling well, so haven’t gotten around to read this until now – almost a month late. And the boom I’m adding isn’t quite a “dog book,” either.
Earlier this year, I read “Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube: Chasing Fear and Finding Home in the Great White North” by Blair Braverman. I expected it to be about sled dogs, seeing as she’s a musher and there’s a picture of said dogs on the cover. Unfortunately, she barely mentions the actual dogs, and some of the details she does mention are about how dogs used to be trained (horrifying). The reason I mention it is that reading it kept reminding me of a different memoir of a different dog-person now living in Wisconsin – your very own “The Education of Will.” Because of the similarities, you might find it triggering. However, you might also find a kindred spirit. (Then again, I live a world away and have never actually met either of you, so I could very well be wrong about that.)
Trisha says
Kind of you to mention this book, Martin, along with trigger warnings. I’ve heard about the book, but not read it, thanks for reminding me about it. (Great title, right?) Sorry you’ve been feeling poorly, hope you feel better soon.