I am not a dog person. I do not like the licks on my face, the nips at my ankles, or the sniffs at my crotch. I do not like dog breath or dog slobber, and I especially don’t like it when a panting, dirty canine leaps up on me, marking me with muddy paw prints. To be blunt, I do not like dogs.
So, my hesitation and low expectations were no surprise as I turned to the first page of Julie Klam’s new book, Love at First Bark: How Saving a Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself. I found some reassurance in the fact that it appeared to be a short, easy-to-read book.
One chapter later, I was enamored with Julie, her family, and their New York City housing woes. I was not as enamored with Morris the Pit Bull. Two chapters later, I was surprisingly, unexpectedly, enamored with Clementine, a mentally disabled and fecally incontinent pooch. I gasped when Klam permitted this lovable, poopable creature to sleep in her bed, and I laughed out loud as I pictured in my mind the “crap circles” appearing throughout the apartment. Now, reflecting back on the book, I can honestly say that Clementine was the star of the book. Oh my darling, Clementine…
The book continued with tales of dog rescue in New Orleans and my mind was baffled by the passion of the rescuers. Although theirs is not a passion I relate to, I admire their dedication to a cause. I admire their willingness to rescue needy dogs, foster unwanted dogs, and love the seemingly unlovable dogs. Better them than me. While this book did not motivate me to take in a stray, I suppose it did teach me that dogs can be enjoyable… when confined to the pages of a book.
This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.
I am a sucker when it comes to dogs. I’ve been banned from the animal shelter because I would bring them all home.
Jessica recently posted..Future in Donuts and Dog Poop
The woman in this book had, at one point, FIVE dogs. In an apartment in NYC! I so don’t get the appeal…
I don’t have a yard for a dog, but we’d love to get one when we move. **sigh** Soon I hope…
Eve recently posted..VlogTalk: What Chocolate Cheesecake Does to Toddlers
We have the yard for it now that we’re finally in a house, just not the yearning for a dog! I think we’ll be getting a fish though.
Well done Christi, not everyone is goo goo gaga over dogs. Neither was I, not until living with 3 dogs the past 5 years. I must admit, I love my life with my dogs. Unconditional love, always happy to see me come through the door. I could go on but I won’t. Bottom line, my life is so much richer for these 3 wonderful 4 legged friends. They were all rescued from local shelters and I am already hanging out at the shelter again. It beats any addiction I know of. Love ya, Dad p.s. check out petfinder.com be very careful though, you just might end up with a new love in your life.
Hanging out at the local shelther? Uh oh dad, is dog number four on the horizon? I’ll check out petfinder.com, but I somehow don’t think I’ll be tempted!
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?