When I was at Blog Paws in Columbus, I attended a panel featuring Edie Jarolim of Will My Dog Hate Me. An accomplished travel writer already, Edie was indoctrinated rather late in life compared to the rest of us crazies in the world of dog obsession. She made up for it admirably, though.
Am I Boring My Dog is the happy result of what was clearly some pretty thorough crash-course research into dog ownership, a soup-to-nuts guide to pretty much everything you need to know when bringing a furball into your life.
I’ve read lots of dog guides in my time, and I’ll be the first to admit I rarely make it past the first three pages of most of them, overcome by the mealy platitudes and not so subtle condescension making it apparent the author is targeting it towards someone who shouldn’t be trusted with a box of cereal, never mind a living creature.
This isn’t that kind of book. It’s a how-to that is actually fun to read, imbued with wit and cleverly broken up into 99 bite-sized chunks that are easy to digest, well organized, and well thought out.
The advice she offers is solid, specific enough to be helpful to novice owners and broad enough to have something of use to just about any dog fancier. This is a book I would give to a friend with a new dog, not only because I liked it but in the hopes it’s expansive enough to keep them from pestering me with questions. (Just kidding, mom.)
If you’re not in the market for a new book, you should still watch the trailer since it will make you smile on a Thursday morning. This Frankie character is seriously cute.
I will argue one sentence in the book, because this is my blog and I can: in her section on what to look for in a veterinary clinic, which is otherwise well done, she asserts that any reputable vet will allow you into the back on a moment’s notice for a tour without having to run into the back to hide the evidence make sure all is well.
I wanted to address that not to quibble with Edie but because it’s a request we get not infrequently, and I think it’s a good thing to want a tour. I consider myself reputable, yet I still go into the back to get the all clear first- not because I’m worried the staff is swinging kittens by the tails or anything, but because I need to make sure it’s safe for you and the pets I am responsible for.
1. We could be taking x-rays and expose you to radiation.
2. Kekoa could be waiting on the other side of the door, ready to bolt in search of me.
3. My RVT could be in the middle of multiple tooth extractions, which even in the best of circumstances are bloody events that could be disconcerting to the uninitiated (which is exactly what was going on a few weeks ago when they tried to bring a YMCA summer camp through the back.)
4. We could have a fractious cat that we were finally able to coax out of the cage, and, having gotten the entire clinic to be silent, are taking advantage of the 5 second window of cooperation to get a blood sample before she tries to gouge our eyeballs out.
These are all regular occurrences in the clinic. So while I can’t endorse that one sentence, the other myriad thousands are solid. Edie, you’re welcome to come and not bore me any time. Just as long as you are OK with hanging out in the lobby for just a second first. And bring Frankie. 🙂
A perfectly sensical post.
#4 reminded me of something. My vet now offers a “good dog/cat discount” for nail trims and similar procedures (of course, I’m assuming they just started the discount and that my dog was not a monster the other times she had her nails trimmed). I’d never heard of this before, but it seems logical.
Is this a common practice in veterinary offices?
It’s not something I’ve heard of before, but it’s a very nice idea!
What a nice Thursday morning surprise! Thanks for your thoughtful review of my book, Dr. V. What you say about not letting people into the back of the clinic at a moment’s notice makes a lot of sense. And, heck, it’s easy for me to talk about letting people into an inner sanctum — because I don’t have to! I shudder to think how people would judge me if they had access to *my* office: papers strewn all over the floor, two half-filled tea mugs and an empty wine glass (from last night, I swear) on one desk, assorted phone chargers for phones I lost ages ago on another… Hey, you know what they say: If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what does an empty desk signify?
Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to introduce the book to your readers — and to give Frankie the audience he so richly deserves.
My pleasure. I just wish I had been more punctual. To reference your desk’mind analogy, let’s just say I have a very cluttered desk. 😉
Sounds great, going on my to-read list.
And what you said about the back, there were 2 hospitals (with Lambchop of course) that would not let us back there at all — now that is a definitely, no WAS a definite sign that indicated all sort of problems with the emergency 2am care! So yes, waiting a few minutes okay, not allowing at all, not okay. In my book!
Sounds great, going on my to-read list.
And what you said about the back, there were 2 hospitals (with Lambchop of course) that would not let us back there at all — now that was a definite sign that indicated all sort of problems with the emergency 2am care! So yes, waiting a few minutes okay, not allowing at all, not okay. In my book!
Oops, tried to fix a typo. Also, didn’t meant he exclamation point at the end. Wasn’t arguing any point. : )
I am working my way through this book myself (time is not on my side), and I’m loving it. The most approachable, witty and cute way of presenting answers to dog related questions I have ever read.
Thanks, Jana!
When Sweet Prince was put to sleep, they allowed us to take him out through the lab and procedure areas, out the back door to take to our car, (to take home to bury him.) I would have been horrified if someone were taking a tour of the back “sanctuary” and seeing us carry out beloved pet out, our face all puffy with the tears and snot. I would have been horrified if I had to see that while taking a tour.
Thank you Edie for acknowledging that. Thank you Dr. V for reviewing this book. It is now on my list to purchase.
Agreed. One more good reason to check the back- common courtesy!
Thanks for the review – I’ll see if I can get the book online. As a ‘crazy cat obsessed’ person (sounds more tragic than a ‘dog obsessed’ for some reason!) I will look out for this as we have 3 large dogs in our extended family so I am always keen to learn more on dogs!
I think “Am I Boring My Dog?” is brilliant in its wit, its thorough research and its eminent readability. Although I understand your single quibble, Dr. V, I find the sign in my vet’s office announcing, “tour of premises available upon request” very comforting–so much so that I’ve never requested. Viva “Am I Boring”! Viva Edie! Viva Frankie!
Ok, wow! I need to testify that I am not related to Harriet — nor did I pay her — but am herewith in her thrall.
this is kinda like hotdogs. I reserve my right to know what’s in them if I want, but don’t really wanna know. And I certainly would pass out cold if I was escorted in during a tooth extraction! Thanks to all you vets on this blog who strive to care for us humans as much as your patients -we appreciate you! \(^o^)/
I thought the book was the perfect vehicle for shelters to hand out to new adopters – it would definitely cut down on the number of after adoption calls asking “why” “how” “what does it mean when..” which would be a terrific thing;-D Don’t get me wrong – we love our adopters, but it’s got to be frustrating to any person to feel so dependent. I found Edie’s book to be so incredibly well organized that it would be quicker for people to pick up that book than find perhaps less credible information online. Empowering:)