I have always loved dogs. I feel I have an affinity for them, and they me. In a room filled with people, I’m going to look for a dog to hang out with. And though we anthropomorphize our furry companions, they aren’t human. They see and know the world in a different way than we do. They know us, in a way we can never know ourselves.

Horowitz has conducted a number of studies on dogs, and her insights and the wonderful things she and colleagues across the globe have discovered about canis familiaris will let you see them in a whole new way, expanding on the affection you already have for them, and perhaps understanding them a little more.

The idea of their perception of time is explored, and how it is linked to their incredible sense of smell. The idea of being able to smell an emotion, and that having an effect on them, is wild. And of course, dogs can even smell illnesses, even cancer.

That one gave me pause, because our dog George passed last year of cancer, and after reading the segment on smell, I was struck with wondering if he could smell the sickness growing inside him, and if he missed his old smell.

Their perception is explored, which delves into their ball/frisbee-catching abilities (among other things) and how they seem to be there to catch at just the right moment.

The book explores awareness of mortality, ethics, body language, positioning, and how best to train (lots of positive reinforcement), and how to tell when your dog is really happy and playful (pay attention to their panting, and try it yourself), and what those big puppy dog eyes mean when you leave, and what all those doggie kisses mean when you get back.

There’s also some discussion on different types of walks, and maybe why you shouldn’t tug them away when they are in the middle of a big sniff in the grass.

Dogs have become our companions, and the book also explores how that developed and how we and they have developed together (those oh-so-expressive eyebrows!).

The big takeaway is an attempt to show you what the world and the existence of our good boys and girls is really like. And to fire your imagination and understanding when it comes to stronger connections with our good friends.

This ended up being a fun and informative read, and I hope it aids in my understanding and interactions with the new dog in my life, Clair (above).