Holy moly, Batman, the books on my night stand are piling up. Here’s a sample:
OUR DOGS OURSELVES, by Alexandra Horowitz. (Released September 3rd, but available for pre order.) This thoughtful book by the author of The Inside of a Dog and Being a Dog deserves to be read by dog lovers everywhere. I say that, full disclosure, not having read the entire book yet. An “advance readers edition” came several weeks ago, and I will admit to, at first, feeling a bit wary of how much new information it would contain. But then I started reading it, and this is, bravely and insightfully, a book that goes far beyond the usual musings about our relationship with dogs.
One early chapter is titled “Owning Dogs,” and explores our contradictory relationship with dogs–legally defined as property and yet considered by many of us to be family members and best friends. I’ve said in the past that if someone took one of my dogs it would be kidnapping, not stealing. But that’s not what the law says. This is an issue that we’ve never adequately addressed, involving many complicated considerations, and I appreciate Horowitz’s attempts to continue a conversation about it.
Another chapter looks at our country’s spay and neuter practices–no controversy there (!). The author takes this issue on full frontal:
“For me simply to bring up the topic of de-sexing for discussion will be, in the eyes of some, impermissible. So sacred is the policy–so heartfelt (and good-hearted) is the intent behind it–that one is almost not allowed to talk about it.”
But of course, she does, and asks us to look carefully at costs and benefits of our current belief in whole-scale spaying and neutering. (Note this other article that looks at the costs of spay-neuter policies.
Our Dogs, Ourselves also takes on the biology and ethics of current breeding practices, among other topics, so expect to be engaged. Horowitz faces these controversial issues head on, and I love her for it. In subsequent posts I’ll no doubt talk about these issues, perhaps agreeing or disagreeing with the author, but grateful nonetheless that she is talking about them.
Last thing: Horowitz or her editors deserve an award for “best titles ever,” after The Inside of a Dog (from Mark Twain’s “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”) Our Dogs, Ourselves is, of course, reminiscent of Our Bodies, Ourselves. Kudos.
TRANSFORMING TRAUMA: Resilience and Healing Through Our Connections with Animals, edited by Philip Tedeschi and Molly Anne Jenkins.
Well, this is a fundamental switch from a book like the one above, but I highly recommend it to people who are interested in trauma recovery, especially in relation to animal-assisted interactions and therapy. Those of you who have read The Education of Will are aware that trauma is a central theme is my life’s story, so this is a book that speaks to me professionally and personally. What I like about the book is its integration of kindness and benevolence, along with lots and lots of good, solid science that backs up what we know, and don’t know, about the impact of human-animal interactions in the recovery of trauma.
Actually, “The impact of human-animal interactions in the recovery of trauma” is title of the first chapter, whose lead author is Marguerite O’Haire. (Who I refer to as “The Woman Whose Talks Should Never Be Missed”). Seriously, this chapter is worth the price of the book for its summary of evidence-based research, and introducing (at least most of us), the concept of “bio-affiliative safety”, in which other animals allow trauma victims to turn off their vigilance and mechanisms of defense.
This is not beach reading. For example, in Chapter One, relating to bio-affiliative safety: “In Porges’ explorations of the polyvagal system and the concept of neuroception, we can begin to understand how the presence of a nonhuman animal interaction may offer critical information . . . “.
But that’s exactly why I am a fan of this work–we need to continue to push beyond the feel-good, rosy picture of all animals helping all people all the time, and support serious science that looks at exactly how, and how not, other animals can help us humans recover from trauma.
The other perspective that is vital in Transforming Trauma is its emphasis on never using animals in a way that discomforts or exploits them. Here, here.
DOG BEHAVIOR, MODERN SCIENCE AND OUR CANINE COMPAIONS, by James Ha and Tracy Campion. Also not a beach reach, this book is a treasure trove of information for people who are interested in the integration of science and dog training. It includes a great deal of history and analysis of animal behavior studies, from Darwin’s interest in canine skulls, to cost-benefit analyses of decision making. It’s both practical (lots of stories from the author’s case studies) and theoretical (kin selection and dogs–who talks about that?).
What I love most about this book is based in part on my shared academic experience with one of the authors, James Ha. Both of us were trained as ethologists, and both of us spent years studying animal behavior in a general sense before we became involved in the dog world. I’ve always believed that to truly understand dog behavior, you need to understand the full range of behavior found in the animal world, so that you can put dogs in perspective. That’s exactly what this book does, and that’s why, for example, reading the chapter titled “Debunking Dominance: Canine social structure and behavioral ecology” is like a breath of fresh air. The chapter begins thus: “The social structure of a species, and hence their social behavior, is based upon resource distribution”. Oh, oh, music to my ears to see this in print. This is such an important concept to grasp, as is the fact that individuals of very closely related species can behave very differently, in part based on resource distribution. (Compare male-dominate chimps versus matriachal bonobos for example.)
Anyone who argues against “dominance or force-based training” would profit from reading this chapter, from its distinction between dominance and aggression, to the evidence that wolf packs in the wild are not “dominated by a alpha” but led by parent-like adults who take on roles of defense and hunting/provisioning, primarily based on sex.
There’s lots and lots more in this book, and I look forward to reading more of it, I’m thinking it will be a great way to start my every morning. (I tend to read fiction at night, non-fiction in the morning. You?)
GOOD AS A GIRL: A MEMOIR, by Ray Olderman. Ready for a paradigm shift? This book has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with dogs, but it holds a special place in my heart because it was written by a man who saved my soul in college. Quite literally. I was taking his class in literature at UW-Madison and working part time at the Primate Center. Long story, but at that time, the housing conditions for the monkeys at the Center were profoundly different than they are now. And pretty awful. When I went to the person in charge to talk about what I felt were abuses, he literally told me “There is no biological evidence that monkeys can feel pain.” Yup, that’s what he said, in the mid 1980’s. I had thought that perhaps I could have some effect on the way the monkeys were treated, but it became clear that my ability to do so was negligible.
I couldn’t quit, I desperately needed the money, and I mean desperately. I could barely afford to eat. And yet working there violated everything I believed in. I stopped sleeping, and had a hard time just getting through the day. Ironically, in my literature class we were reading a book about a man who thought he could change a corrupt system by working within it, but was eventually destroyed by it. I finally went to see my professor, Ray Olderman and told him I was living the life we were reading about it. And it was killing me. And I couldn’t quit, I was beyond broke and there were no jobs available at that time of year. He hired me on the spot, finding some spare money to help him with grading. I will never forget it, and will always be grateful.
And so, I admit to a profound lack of objectivity about Ray’s book. But here’s the thing. I loved the book. It’s funny and engaging and fascinating to read about a man who was raised to believe that being a boy was a disability. Talk about a paradigm shift! Ray’s mother had wanted a girl, and had no pretense that she was disappointed when Ray turned out to be a boy. And so, at age eight, he vowed to her that he’d be “as good as a girl”. We follow Ray throughout his life trying to understand the female perspective while negotiating the complexities of Madison, WI in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s during a time of profound cultural change.
If you’re interested in a delightful memoir about a guy who “couldn’t keep his mouth shut,” fought the system all of his life while doing all he could to understand women, this book is for you.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: This weekend seemed to be a celebration of small, flying animals. This bee and butterfly kept displacing each other until they finally settled into feeding on opposite sides of the Hyssop flower.
Here’s the butterfly by itself; it appears to be a species in the Checkerspot group, but I’m not confident to say which one exactly.
This is one of my favorite insects, a hummingbird moth. Check out the video in the link, it’s really fun.
And here’s the source of its mimicry, still finding nutrition in this tacky looking Bee Balm flower.
Swallowtails everywhere. Monarchs too, although I could never get a shot. I hear that Monarchs are doing better this summer (yay!), and it’s also wonderful to see so many bees out. Finally! The wet spring and early summer was so hard on them, and they have enough challenges right now.
What brought you joy this week, whether a new book, animals or plants? You know I’d love to hear.
Terry says
What is it about late summer and books? I’ve just posted on my blog about a favorite book (What the Robin Knows) and how I’d like suggestions for more. What triggered that was the amazing chorus of insects here in Maine where I live on a field at the edge of a marsh. I know nothing about these creatures! Do you have a favorite book about insect life?
Jan Berger says
I was delighted to find three Monarch chrysalides in my garden and three more caterpillars who are eating the Butterfly Weed ravenously. Joy!
Mason says
Thank you so much for this reading list! Although where the summer went, and why my to-do list is still so undone, I have no idea.
Dog Behaviour: Modern Science and Our Canine Companions looks especially interesting — I’m looking forward to hearing your further thoughts on it, and to reading the book myself, in equal measure:)
Cara Achterberg says
It must be book season. I’ve also been gobbling up books, but maybe that’s because it’s too hot to do much else.
I just finished reading an early copy of Peter Zhuetlin’s new book, Over the Mountain, about his adventure retracing the route Steinback took in Travels With Charlie, only Zhuetlin traveled with his aging rescue dog in an aging convertible. It was just plain fun, but also made me think about our country and also about how dogs really level the playing field when you are a stranger in a strange place.
I also read Pit Bull by Bronwen Dickey, which I’ve had for quite some time, but hadn’t opened because of the topic and the density of her research, but when I finally did, I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop thinking about it. Brilliant writing and so well researched, it should be on the shelf of every dog lover.
I’m definitely going to pick up Good as a Girl because memoir is my favorite genre (although I love most memoirs with dogs in them). I’d love more recommendations of those!
Barb Stanek says
2019 Summer Favorites (if I have to pick!)
2 clutches of bluebirds in one of my boxes. 5 babies fledged in the first nest. 4 babies fledged in the second nest. 9 new bluebirds flying around in the world!
Perhaps my last Portuguese Water Dog puppy. I’m not getting any younger, as the energy requirement of the puppy reminds me! That said, she is a dream. I am truly blessed with this dog.
Shellie Magana says
I love all of these suggestions! The Education Of Will was so amazing, touching and quite literally helped me feel less alone in this world. I’m reading another one of your books now, For The Love Of A Dog. One book critic described your writing as “soulful science” and that’s how I feel reading it. Also the science behind trauma both in human and dog is close to home for me and reading about the science has me have something solid to hold on to if that makes any sense. Thank you for all these yummy recommendations can’t wait to get started.
Sylvia Holzer says
Oh, I have sooo many unread books on my shelf…I continue to buy them thinking I have time and have literally hundreds to get through…but some day I will be retired right? 🙂 In my nightstand currently are: The Soul of an Octopus (Sy Montgomery), which I’ve been wanting to read forever! A Wolf called Romeo (Nick Jans), Animal Liberation (Peter Singer), and re-reading “Merle’s Door” by Ted Kerasote. I live in Switzerland so when I see animal behaviour or dog books in English, I buy them straight away, hence the bursting book shelves. Happy reading everyone 🙂
Trisha says
Thanks for those recommendations, they are on my book list already!
Trisha says
Oh oh oh you lucky! Wonderful that you have so many bluebirds! We are adrift in barn swallows, such a wonderful thing to be.
Trisha says
Thank you so much Shellie, so grateful you took time to write.
Trisha says
Yes yes to all of those! Sy’s books is amazing, and A Wolf Called Romeo is a page turner, couldn’t put it down.
Andy says
I’m taking a certificate course from James and Renee Ha this Fall and this makes me even more excited! I really liked his posts contrasting concepts popular concepts in the world of dog behavior with their reception in the broader world of applied animal behavior. Lifelong learning for the win!
The books I’m reading have already been recommended on this site (What the Dog Knows, Scent of the Missing) so I will make one odd movie recommendation. It’s a rough ride, but I have to say the early 80s animated film “The Plague Dogs” is one of the best film meditations on human-canine relations that I’ve seen, at least as they were in the UK and US in the latter half of the 20th century. Unlike the creator’s previous film “Watership Down”- which was only marginally about rabbits – “The Plague Dogs” grants it’s canine protagonists human language in a way that helps highlight their dog-ness and their difficult relationship with the human world. Not an easy watch but I’m very glad I saw it.
Trisha says
Thanks for the movie recommendation. That reminds me, any one seen The Art of Racing in the Rain? I’m not sure I’m going to see it, but am open . . .
Cheryl B. says
The quote “Outside of a dog, book is man’s best friend….” is attributed to Groucho Marx not Mark Twain—though Twain has many great dog quotes.
Kathy says
Thank you so much for the reading list! I’m pretty sure your butterfly is a Painted Lady.
lin says
Your remarks about Horowitz’s chapter on owning dogs reminded me of “Citizen Canine” by David Grimm, which is a sympathetic, informative, and very readable look at the evolving legal status of dogs and cats in this country. It was published in 2014, so I’ll be interested to see if there are any changes.
I came to recommend Cara Achterberg’s book, “Another Good Dog,” and glad to see she’s already commented! I really enjoyed her book, and she brought each of her charges to life with love and personality. Cara is such a powerful advocate for fostering, but doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges she had with some of the dogs. Cara also has a great blog about her continuing adventures in fostering.
Trisha says
Argh, what was I thinking? And Groucho provably wasn’t the first to say it either.ill get it corrects soon. Thanks!
Kathy says
My greatest joy this summer is my new puppy, Milo. He has stolen my heart. I saw Racing in The Rain just yesterday. I must say I enjoyed it more than the reviews indicated I would. Although teary at times, it wasn’t the “tear jerker” they said it would be. Of course it anthropomorphized the character of Enzo but it did so with respect and dignity. I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to my fellow dog lovers.
Sue says
With the exception of the Horowitz book, I cannot find any of the other books in my local library system, nor their extended borrowing system with other resources. Are these books not release yet or very hard to find?
Dixie Tenny says
I have ordered a copy of Good as a Girl. Oddly, both my own father and my father-in-law were born to couples who wanted a girl so badly that, in my father’s case, they chose only girls’ names so when he was born a boy, they let the neighbors name him; in my FIL’s case, he was dressed as and his hair styled like a girl well into his childhood. Both these men’s entire lives were profoundly affected by this rejection of their “boy-ness” by their parents. I am really looking forward to reading your professor’s story. Thank you for the recommendation.
sam says
Trish, I love reading your blog. These books sound so good.
I’ve just moved to Maine with my very shy dog, and what has brought me joy today is that after a terrible new vet experience, I think I have found a different vet in the area that will be SO much better. It’s always hard to switch vets, and the first one I went to here was impatient and rough with my dog, even shouting loudly at him and grabbing him when he backed into a corner. I was on a bit of a time crunch to get him in to see someone, because he injured his tail swimming, and boy do I regret not taking the time to find someone gentle and patient. He was already anxious and in pain to begin with, and this experience only added to his distress.
But after that experience, I have just found a different vet’s office, and they emphasize all the things they do to help anxious pets, with separate entrances and home visits. Over the phone they talked through their approach with me, and I was so grateful for this kindness that it brought tears to my eyes. What a difference it makes! Thank goodness for vets that see dogs as family and best friends, as you say, rather than as property.
Renee says
Thanks for the great book recommendations! And I love the picture of the hummingbird moth – I’ve only seen one in my life (years ago), and it took me a long time to figure out what I had seen.
I was not planning to see “The Art of Racing in the Rain” – I didn’t really care for the book and I’m starting to lose interest in the many books and movies that give human voice (and human thought) to dogs. BUT, if we’re recommending films, I have to put in a plug for “Los Reyes”: http://grasshopperfilm.com/film/los-reyes/. I saw it at this year’s Wisconsin Film Festival. The film makers set out to make a documentary at the largest skate park in Santiago Chile, and partway through changed their focus to the two street dogs who live at the park. No anthropomorphizing here – we see these dogs being dogs in all the positive and negative aspects of their lives. A lot to think about in this film, and it’s beautiful too!
Apparently, my tiny little pollinator garden managed to attract a black swallowtail butterfly. She found my tinier herb garden and must have laid eggs on the parsley. I now have two swallowtail caterpillars eating my parsley – happy to share with them!
Carrie V says
The butterfly in question is a Painted Lady. Nice shots!
Trisha says
Probably not in most libraries regretably, but easy to find if you can afford to buy them. Sorry about that part! (But don’t hesitate to ask your librarian to get one for you or try to get it from a larger library?)
Rissa says
I just learned this week that hummingbird moths come from tomato hornworms. Talk about a love-hate relationship!
Chris from Boise says
No gog-related reads this week, though lots of ideas thanks to all the suggestions above. I’m listening to a great audiobook series by Alan Bradley, about the precocious young (11 years old) detective Flavia DeLuce. Her delightful though macabre fascination with death, poisons and chemistry leads her into… interesting…situations. Wonderful escapist reading/listening. The first book is “The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie”, but no need to read them in order.
Also just re-read Paul Kalanithi’s memoir “When Breath Becomes Air”. Exquisite, really makes one think.
What brought me joy this week: bumblebees sleeping-in in sunflower blossoms in the cool early mornings.
LisaW says
Someone just gave me “Dog Songs” by Mary Oliver. It’s a beautiful book of poems that capture a moment or essence or thought or complication around her relationships with various dogs in her life. Each poem is a furry gem.
Our Jack-and-the-bean-stock-like sunflower tree is producing dozens upon dozens of blooms. Each nexus of leaves holds three or four buds. The bees, birds, squirrels are all dipping in the pods as if they were a public fountain. I am in daily awe of this volunteer.