Summer Book Reviews

by Jason A. Heidemann

Doggy Days: The Story of My Puppy
By Andy Simmons
Illustrated by Melinda Beck
(Chronicle Books)
Aww shucks, this might just be the most adorable puppy scrapbook out there. Capture your canine’s first year with this beautifully illustrated memory book. There are spaces to chronicle puppy’s first week, her daily life, first pics, chow time, mishaps, trips around town, and more. There are also tons of extras, like a puppy zodiac, tips on throwing a birthday bash, recipes, famous pooches, and more.

Meow: The Somewhat Comprehensive Book of Cat Names
BowWow: The Somewhat Comprehensive Book of Dog Names

By Faye Passow
(Gibbs Smith)
The days of stressing over what to name the newest member of your family have reached an end thanks to these two books. Looking to give your new kitten a sugary sweet name? Turn to the “Pwitty Whittie Kitty” section and choose from names like Bumblekins or Snuggle Pooh. Want to name your pooch after a highfalutin word? Turn to the “Dictionary Dog” chapter and choose Lolloping Lois or perhaps Rimpled Riley. Each volume contains hundreds of unusual suggestions, which guarantees your pet won’t be just another Fido or Whiskers on the block.

Dachsunds: Lightweight Littermates
Labs: Lightweight Littermates

By Sharon Montrose
(Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
You don’t have to be Dachshund-centric or Lab-obsessed to dig the photogenic puppies modeling their tiny frames and giant saucer eyes for the camera in these two cute books. Photographer Sharon Montrose captures these pups at the earliest stages of life by placing each dog on a scale and showing just how lightweight these newborn canines really are. These books will make you want to run out to your nearest animal shelter or breed rescue and bring home a companion puppy or kitty for life (but only if you’re ready!).

It’s My Dog’s Life
By Michelle Jaminet
(Auntie M. Publishing)
Don’t let a single moment of life with your new forever companion slip away. You can document every detail of life with your new best friend in this 48-page memory book written from puppy’s point-of-view. There are spaces for paw prints, and sections on coming home, all about me, special “firsts,” and more. Plus, there is space on the cover to personalize the book with a very special pic of your little canine companion.

Puppy Perfect
By Sarah Hodgson
(Wiley)
Author and trainer Sarah Hodgson’s advice and tips on training young dogs is like a dose of fresh puppy breath. Hodgson understands that having a little one around the house is both exhilarating and exhausting, and she’s here to walk you through this learning period step by step. The book is equal parts howto and what-not-to, including understanding your puppy, putting yourself in his shoes, various parenting styles, speaking the same language as your little one and, of course, troubleshooting. Get ready to tell your friends and neighbors that you’ve adopted the best puppy in the world.