When I was approached to review this book, Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty, I was a bit worried I might not have much to talk about since I don’t read children’s books these days years. When I received an e-copy of the book, my worries instantly disappeared. This delightful picture book is about a dog named Duncan, a.k.a. Dr Duncan Dog, who volunteers at the children’s hospital as a therapy dog.

The story is told from Chelsea’s point of view, a young girl herself, sharing her family’s practice where everyone including pets has a job to fulfill. The main character is, of course, Duncan the dog. The part that I liked most is where Chelsea tells (and shows) us how she gets Duncan ready for his once-weekly job in the children’s hospital. First by bathing Duncan. Then she dresses him up in a green vast with two different badges, one that says, “Ask to pet me. I’m friendly!” Finally, she loads Duncan’s backpack with a Polaroid camera, alcohol wipes, and doggie treats!

The story incorporates many of the best things in children’s literature. It is educational (the role of a therapy dog) and it instills values (commitments, giving, caring, and sharing without expectation). This is the type of story that promotes meaning and purpose into the lives of our children.

Almost every page has beautiful and cheerful illustrations, four of which are 2-page spreads. That’s eye candy for young readers and adults too.

This book has about 650 words, averaging about 40 words per page. The sentences are short and to the point. Long sentences, approximately 20 words, are broken down to 7 to 9 words per line. With a nice font and colorful illustrations spread across the pages, young and beginner readers will find it an easy read.

Highly recommended for beginner readers or maybe pre-readers.

Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty is written by Lisa Dunn-Dern and illustrated by Andrea Yomtob.

Description of the Book – Doggies Homes

This book is divided into three parts (chapters). The real “action” is in Chapter two and three. Here is the content of the book. The italic wording is mine.

Chapter 1: Barkitecture Basic

• Design Decisions
• Building Materials
• Accessories
• Choosing a Site
• Maintenance
• Ask Dr. Karen

Chapter 2: Doghouses

• Home Sweet Home – This is a puzzle doghouse as it is built without screws or nails. Because it’s made from plywood, it’s more suitable as an indoor doghouse.
• Pagoda Palace – If you are into Asian decor or your dog is of Asian ancestry, this indoor doghouse is definitely worth building. The dimensions given for this pagoda doghouse is suitable for small dogs no taller than 12 inches at shoulder level.
• Cozy Log Cabin – As the name implies, the appearance of this outdoor doghouse requires little visualization.
• Doggie Schoolhouse – Like the puzzle dog house, this is another fun and easy project to build with your kids. What makes this doghouse different from others is the chalkboard roof. An excellent place to leave messages for your children, ie. “Don’t forget to feed Fido at 5 pm, Love Mommy!”
• Heritage Home – An outdoor doghouse built with German heritage homes in mind. This house is big enough to accommodate two adult German Shepherds very comfortably. This project is not suitable for amateur builders.
• Made in the Shade – An outdoor doghouse without walls and solid roof however it provides plenty of shades. Not much of a getaway (privacy) for your dog but it shields him from those scorching sunrays. An ideal project for me this coming spring, the only change I’d make is the fabric roof—longer fabric, more shade of course!
• Room with a View – Dogs too can have tree houses. Most tree houses I’ve seen are built high on the tree branches, but this dog tree house is built “attached” to the tree truck with a ramp no more than 45° angle.
• Replica Home – Unless your suburb home looks literally like the model shown, this outdoor doghouse may not be your cup of tea! Nonetheless, you can always customize as closely to look like your home.
• Happy Campers – This is a very creative, original, and eye catching “doghouse.” Although it’s built (and maybe functioned) like a trailer, it is not meant to use as one. This camper is laminated with sheet aluminum make it very shiny. It has a dog-bone-shape antenna at the roof of the camper!
• Ruffing It – The frame of this dog house is made of copper tubing and it’s “dressed” with three pieces of heavy-duty oiled canvas. Because it’s quite lightweight and small, you can easily move it around to change the scenery.

Chapter 3: Beyond Houses

• Gated Community
• Barklounger
• Comfy Corral
• Water Trough
• Canine Supply Cabinet

Rating: 4.5 Bones out of 5

With a price tag of under $11, this book is a steal!

With a title like this “10 Secrets My Dog Taught Me”, you probably think is another how-to book. On the contrary, it isn’t so. In fact, this book is neither fiction nor non-fiction, but it’s definitely a very insightful and pleasurable read. And not mentioning is humorous too.

When we read many books about dogs (instructional or informational), most dog owners don’t usually follow through the steps that were layout before heading to the bookstore to get another one. I confess; I do it occasionally. I understand being an avid reader doesn’t qualify me from exemption. So when I saw the thickness of this little book, naturally I pick up a few more books which held my interest, I was determine to do just that – read, done, and next.

Geez, I couldn’t be more wrong than to judge its content by its size. Though it’s presented in a narrative manner but at the end of each chapter, Carlo summed it up in point-form for recap – kind of like the moral of the story is….

I’m going list a few pointers which I think are very beneficial for three different stages of dog ownership – soon-to-be, novice, and old-timer.

• Why is it so crucial to gather as much information about the breed behavior before taking the plunge? (Looking at both the breeders and owners perspectives)
• How some breeders “accuse” you (especially to novices) of an animal abuser/neglect before the verdict? If you’re thinking that this book will list a bunch of questionnaires that breeders ask from buyers, then you’re in the wrong book. Even it doesn’t, I fear not. Any diligent and experience breeders still have ways to scan you. You can lie, but you can’t fool breeders.
• If you’re getting another dog as a companion for your current dog, what you think is suitable may not be as sound as you think? Personality crushed? But whose?
• What may seem so trivial to dog owners may no be so for the dogs?
• Dogs do communicate with humans! Did you really try to listen to your dog? This book shows us love and patient in dog’s viewpoint.
• Dealing with the unpleasant emotions when your dog going through his senior age and/or illnesses.

Although I finished this book in one afternoon (uninterrupted), the stories still fill me immensely even after I read it five weeks ago. I think this is a good sign for me not taking my dogs for granted. Wouldn’t you agree?

Book Review Rating: 4 paws out of 5

10 Secrets My Dog Taught Me : Life Lessons from a Man’s Best Friend – $7.59

This book is short, sweet, and to the point. This is a must-read for anyone with a dog. Doesn’t matter what breed, age and size, you have to get this book! You will never look at your interactions with your dog (or spouse or child or boss) in quite the same way again. Fun and entertaining explanation too.

Never mind about my dog ear pages, now it comes in audio. Needless to say, I got that too. I store it in my ipod, and listen while I’m on the treadmill. Now you know why this book is the grand daddy of all my dog behavior training books.

Pryor’s delivery of the information is an easy and fun read. I highly recommend this book not just for humans who shares their life with four-legged companions but also for parents, married couples, and CEOs.

Want to hear two chapters of this audio book online?
Click here and hear it for yourself.

Book Review Rating: 4 1/2 paws out of 5

Don’t Shoot the Dog! Book – $12.00

Don’t Shoot the Dog! Audio – $26.95

• Simple and Understandable English – not bombard you with too many technical terms that have you looking up the dictionary more often than you’d read the book itself.
• Useful and Practical Information – which you can carry out the tasks with ease. Rather than put the blame on your dog for his lack of comprehending your command.
• Concise Explanation – without having you to read two pages just to get that ONE message stink in.

Some of the book reviews I may list them from the least important read to the most worthy read of the book (in descending order). Some I will just give you a brief description of the book. How I do my review on books about dogs is very much depending on how the book is presented and also how much time I have available.

Periodically, I’ll update this page once I finish my latest read. One thing I’ve to tell you though, I won’t always put up books that consider a good read, I may even put up books that I think you should avoid wasting your time and money on.

It would be extremely helpful to other readers if you could contribute your thoughts on my reviews on books about dogs in the according comment section. It is always nice to hear different point of view be it good or not so good. I’m very sure this will benefit everyone including myself.