Book Reviews

By Sarah Dahnke

A Breed Apart

A Celebration of the New American Mutt

By Amanda Jones

(Clarkson Potter)

Famed animal photographer Amanda Jones has compiled this tribute to the American mutt, which is increasingly becoming the most popular “breed” in all dog-loving houses. From the Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle) to the Rahuahua (Rat Terrier and Chihuahua), this book exclusively displays portraits of mixed breeds at their finest. It’s a true testament to the melting pot of the dog world.

Caternal Instincts

The Feline Guide to Mastering Motherhood

By Kim Levin and Christine Montaquila

(Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

Prepare to say “awww” when opening this adorable collection of kitten photos. Levin has captured kittens in all stages of youth—sleeping, playing, being mothered, and generally being cute. Montaquila provides advice for new moms of all creatures, furry or not. Tips such as “buy stain-resistant everything” and “realize snacks can work like sedatives” are relevant to anyone caring for a new baby.

Camping and RVing with Dogs

By Jack and Julee Meltzer

(Desert Winds Press)

While books that instruct readers on how to properly camp with their dog have been available for quite some time, this book is the first to focus specifically on those who camp in RVs with their pets. It teaches how to prepare an RV for a dog, find a pet-friendly campground anywhere in the U.S., deal with emergencies, and more.

Where Sleeping Dogs Lie

By The Humane Society of New York with Julia Szabo

(Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

Get ready to curl up with this cozy read and check out fashionable dogs snoozing in style. This book features dogs sleeping in front of fireplaces, on satin beds, and with furry and nonfurry companions. It also features a slew of celebrities with their canine pals and many service dogs at work. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of New York.

The Dog Lover’s Companion Series:

The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog

(Avalon Travel)

These all-inclusive guides to world-class cities, including New York and Los Angeles (with brand-new editions on Chicago and Boston now on bookshelves), cover the entire city, letting the reader know which hotels and restaurants are dog-friendly, where dog parks are, how to find the nearest dog beach, and which stores will let your dog shop at your side. But the information isn’t just city-specific. There are also Dog Lover’s Companion guides covering larger regions like New England, the Pacific Northwest, California, and Florida.

Dogs on the Trail

Hiking, Camping, and Traveling with Your Dog

By Gary Hoffman

(InsightOut Publishing)

In this travel tome, seasoned traveler Gary Hoffman draws from his personal experiences, which cover everything from the basics of animal first aid to pack training with your dog. He teaches how to prevent flea, tick, and mosquito bites on dogs and how to deal with chance encounters with alligators, snakes, bears, and more. Even experienced hikers can benefit from tips on how to teach your pup to endure a long trip and how to be prepared for the unexpected.