Happy Doggies Make Happy Humans

James Herriot's Dog Stories

 

These are times to purposely seek out books, people and dogs that provide great companionship and a steady upbeat outlook on life.The pastoral writing of James Herriot fits that bill nicely.

 Dog Stories is a collection of 50 stories that were pulled from Herriot's books. You'll recognize some of them if you've watched some of the PBS show All Creatures Great and Small.

What's special about these stories is that they're focusing just on the dogs and their humans. At the end of each story Herriot adds a page of personal reflections about the dog, the human, the veterinary experience.

For instance, we now learn that Tricki Woo's human, Mrs. Pumphrey, actually provided James Herriot with a "drawing-room [that] was a warm haven in my hard life and Tricki Woo was a lovable patient. The little Peke with his excentric ailments has captured the affection of people all over the world, and I have received countless letters about him."

We also learn that Mrs. Pumphrey was one of the few who recognized herself in his books, and that she thought it was a lark.

In this book we hear stories of the shelter dog who stole Herriot's heart, the dog who helped him with his courtship of his future wife Helen, Herriot's relationship with a local animal healer, a large family of irrepressible humans who were also irrepressible dog lovers, the amazing two legged farm dog who's human believed in him, and the blind dog who romped over the Dales while healing his human.

Dog Stories can be read straight through like a novel, or sought out when you need a refreshing pick me up. You can even pet your dog while you're reading, and get double the pleasure and companionship. 

Which Puppy for the White House?

It's refreshing to focus on matters of the heart.

These days the web is filled with people who start out talking about President-elect Obama's promise to his daughters. But they actually end up writing about their first dog, their first puppy. The love for those dogs comes bouncing over the Internet and fills my heart.

I saw a TV news report last night which featured the head of the American Kennel Club (AKC). His office was filled with puppies of all breeds, pure bred and mixed. The pups were bouncing around in that special way they have. I was thoroughly entranced, smiling at all that vivacious puppy energy coming across the airwaves of the nightly news. 

This is a good thing! After this long, contentious Presidential campaign, it's wonderful that we can let our hearts be filled with sweet doggie memories and puppy love.

Many people are weighing in on exactly the type of dog the Obama family should bring into their lives--dog or puppy, shelter or privately bred, pure breed, mixed or mutt. I'm sure there are a few options I've left out.

My hearty suggestion is that the Obama family adopt the dog that is right for them.

With asthma in the household, we've been told they've already begun researching the best breeds for their needs.

This is exactly the approach I recommend.

1) Describe what your own needs are, what your lifestyle is like, what kind of life you live.

2) From that information, describe the kind of life you can offer a dog.

3) Find out what types of dogs fit the kind of life you are offering.

4) When you have your list--go for it. When you find the right dog, you'll know!

One of my favorite ebooks is How to Choose the Right Dog For You.

This book helps people go through the process of figuring out what kind of life they can offer a dog, and which type of dog can fit that lifestyle. It's well written and thorough, but not at all overwhelming.

In the beginning, the author says,

"I've seen so many mismatched pairings of owner and dog over the years troop in and out of my sight that I finally gave in to the pleadings of my best friend and decided to put down on paper what knowledge I have collected, with the thought of helping fellow dog lovers to find the best pairing of dog for them." 

There would be a lot more happy dogs and happy humans if everyone looking for a dog took time to read How to Choose the Right Dog for You.

My dog Krystal adds:

"Two paws up! A dog who comes into the home of someone who read this book will surely be happy."