Book Review: "Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know" by Conrad and Johnson

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Virtual Author Book Tours blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author and other tour stops.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.

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Now, my review:

Title:  "Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know"

Series:  N/A
Author:  Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson
Publisher:  Sourcebooks
Publication Date:  4/1/2012

Pages:  232

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Why do dogs eat furniture when there are endless chew toys nearby?
Why do they always dash to a rug when they have to throw up?
And why are they always absolutely starving?

Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know answers the questions that dog owners have asked for centuries. The book is a collection of 115 humorous essays that reveal the truth behind some of the most baffling canine behavior, their hopes and dreams, their grudges and pleasures, and what they really think about us humans. Peppered with lively, clever stories and visually appealing photographs, Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know is a verbal and visual delight that is laugh-out-loud funny. If you have dogs, love dogs, or have ever been baffled by a dog, this book is a must-have.


My Thoughts:

I loved this book!  I read it as I was recovering from abdominal surgery and it was the perfect light-hearted read.  The only thing was sometimes it made me laugh out loud suddenly, which, well, kinda hurt!  lol

This book made me look at our hounds in a new light and wonder if they actually are thinking some of the things proposed in the book.

Like, do they really get confused at all the pet names we call them?  Something to think about...

I also liked how each dog had their own "theme" about their pages.  The grahics were great.

My Favorite Character:

There are 11 very lovable dogs featured in this book so I find it very hard to choose just one as a favorite.  There is something extra special about Rufus T. though.  He's a Bloodhound from the country who has big dreams of being on the stage in the city :)

My Favorite Scene:

Rufus T. is dreaming...  (I love it when our dogs do this.)

My Favorite Sentence/Paragraph:

"At some point, I guess I must have fallen asleep.  I do remember being just awake enough to know I was moving my legs and making little yelpy sounds.  Everyone saw me and laughed.  They thought I was running in my sleep.  Dreaming about the hunt and looking so happy.

Actually, I was dreaming about Annie.  And I wasn't running.  I was dancing.  And singing.  It must be so wonderful and glamorous, don't you think?"

Rufus T. Page 19

It Would Have Been Better If:

At some point in the book, the fact that the dogs all thought vomit smelled and tasted so wonderful got a bit redundant.

And I have to mention, that even though this looks like a great book for kids, there are a few words and topics (very few) that wouldn't be appropriate.  So be careful with the kiddos.

I Would Recommend This Book To:

Dog lovers, animal lovers, anyone who has ever or will ever own a dog.  Basically, everyone!

Rating

4/5

On to the next book,