Dogs have been our muses, our mentors, and our playful and noble co-pilots. They've had a profound influence on us as healers and spiritual guides, and also as co-workers, helping to guide, hunt, herd, search, and rescue. Our bond with dogs is deep and unbreakable, and there's no better source a reader can turn to for a richer understanding of that complex and wonderful relationship thanThe Bark. The Barkbegan as a newsletter in Berkeley, California, that advocated for an off-leash area where dogs could cavort and play. Within a few years it had become a full-fledged, award-winning glossy magazine that published work by some of the best writers in America today. And as it grew, the magazine embraced a much larger canvas: to cover the emerging phenomenon of "dog culture" that has been developing over the past decade, as dogs have moved out of the backyard and into our homes, communities, and, indeed, the very center of our lives. As editor Claudia Kawczynska writes, "The implications of integrating another species into society's daily fabric go well beyond how we nurture our dogs. It calls for a revamping of the standard etiquette-respecting the concerns and interests of society at large. This new relationship, along with an appreciation for our rich and unbounded future, comprises what we call dog culture. This is whatThe Barkset out to chronicle." Dog Is My Co-Pilotis an anthology of essays, short stories, and expert commentaries that explores every aspect of our life with dogs. Fifty percent of the material here has never been published before. The book is divided into four sections: Beginnings explores that first meeting, "the initial murmurings when a dog-human relationship is formed." Pack investigates the theme of "togetherness" and pays tribute to the dynamic of multiple personalities in the canine-human relationship. Lessons examines what dogs teach us, from love to enlightenment. The final section, Passages, reflects on the themes of true friendship, transformation, and loss. Included are pieces by Lynda Barry, Rick Bass, Maeve Brennan, Margaret Cho, Carolyn Chute, Alice Elliott Dark, Lama Surya Das, Pam Houston, Erica Jong, Tom Junod, Caroline Knapp, Donald McCaig, Nasdijj, Ann Patchett, Michael Paterniti, Charles Siebert, Alexandra Styron, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, and Alice Walker. In selections that are humorous, poignant, truthful, sometimes surprising, and frequently uplifting,Dog Is My Co-Pilotembraces the full experience of the world's oldest friendship. For people who love great writing and, yes, great dogs, it's a book to be both shared and treasured. From the Trade Paperback edition.
I loved the book, from start to finish. I did not want read it in one sitting, so I slowly read each chapter here and there. I really enjoyed reading peoples different views of their relationship with their dogs, yet all the authors lifes have been deeply touched by loving and being loved by their dogs. I have had dogs as family since I was born, and I will never be without but I see them differently now. Like, we were meant to share our lives together. Thank you Bark, and Thank You Gracie and Jack for the unconditional love we have always shared.
Touching...a great gift.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This is a great book, and makes an excellent gift for dog owners or for people that just like dogs or touching stories. One especially good thing about it is that you can pick it up at any time and enjoy pieces of it. What I like most is all the different ways that people discover to communicate their connection with dogs. If you have had a dog, many of these stories will really resonate. Highly recommended.
Dog is good
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This has been one of the most enjoyable books of the year. I recommend it to any dog-lover. It is a literate, touching, funny book that rings true. The reader can enjoy it on many levels - it informs about dog (and people) behaviour, and if it taught me anything about dogs, it taught me more about myself.This is a colleection of essays and stories by writers urban and rural, old and young, male and female. There's something for everyone who loves dogs (or a dog) and every reader will find his/her own treasures in it. I found that it was a book to savor slowly. I usually read a book every day or two - this one took me most of a week because it was not a book to be rushed.I'm going to buy a copy of the magazine "Bark" to see if I like it as much as the book.
Brings Me to Tears
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I know how and what I feel about my dogs and all dogs. I know how I evolved to this direction. I owned a Doberman at a very bad time in my life and she, (Peggy) got me through. The way the authors of some of the stories in Dog Is My Co-Pilot explains and describes my emotions to a T, much better than I ever could, along with the things they do for and with their canines. There is only one thing I disagree with, you will find on page 55 near the bottom. I will quote the sentence: Even vicious dogs such as Dobermans and Pit Bulls have no guile. I beg to differ, Dobermans and Pit Bulls are NOT vicious unless TAUGHT TO BE. I would like society to turn this opinion about these dogs around to the correct thinking. I would also like to add that Rottweilers are also considered vicious but again they are not born that way they are TRAINED to be that way. Thank you
Food for the soul of every dog lover
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
This fresh and inspirational compilation is food for the soul of every dog lover. Every page serves to confirm the strength of the human-canine bond, and the degree of unconditional love shared between mankind and dogs. I loved every word, even those that brought tears to my eyes and put a lump in my throat. The talented writings are simply heartwarming. An ideal gift book for the holidays, or any occasion.Arlene Millmanauthor of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY(The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier)
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