From two-time National Book Award nominee Melissa Fay Greene comes a profound and surprising account of dogs on the front lines of rescuing both children and adults from the trenches of grief, emotional, physical, and cognitive disability, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Underdogs tells the story of Karen Shirk, felled at age twenty-four by a neuromuscular disease and facing life as a ventilator-dependent, immobile patient, who was turned down by every service dog agency in the country because she was "too disabled." Her nurse encouraged her to tone down the suicidal thoughts, find a puppy, and raise her own service dog. Karen did this, and Ben, a German shepherd, dragged her back into life. "How many people are stranded like I was," she wondered, "who would lead productive lives if only they had a dog?" A thousand state-of-the-art dogs later, Karen Shirk's service dog academy, 4 Paws for Ability, is restoring broken children and their families to life. Long shunned by scientists as a manmade, synthetic species, and oft- referred to as "Man's Best Friend" almost patronizingly, dogs are finally paid respectful attention by a new generation of neuroscientists and animal behaviorists. Melissa Fay Greene weaves the latest scientific discoveries about our co-evolution with dogs with Karen's story and a few exquisitely rendered stories of suffering children and their heartbroken families. Written with characteristic insight, humanity, humor, and irrepressible joy, what could have been merely touching is a penetrating, compassionate exploration of larger questions: about our attachment to dogs, what constitutes a productive life, and what can be accomplished with unconditional love.

This superb book of the Fox Terrier was first published in London 1889 and even today remains a classic book of the breed. First editions are very rare, expensive, and much sought after. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have now republished it, using the original text and the splendid illustrations by the famous dog artist Arthur Wardle. Rawdon Lee was a celebrated author of several important dog books and was Kennel Editor of "The Field." The books one hundred and fifty seven pages contain seven detailed chapters on: - Old Writers on Terriers. - History and Origins. - Terrier Values. - Early Shows. - Famous Dogs. - Ear Dropping and Other Malpractices. - Kennels. - Scale of Points. - Working and Training. - Wire-haired Fox Terriers. - Yorkshire and Devonshire Strains. - Rev. John Russell's Terriers. - Breeding and Rearing. - Preparing for Shows. - List of Clubs. Etc. This is a fascinating read for any Terrier enthusiast or historian of the breed, but also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Anything a dog can do, a dachshund can do better... With a waddle in their step and eyes that will melt your heart, these mischievous little pups have got us head over heels in love. Whether you've got one, want one or just think they're super cute, this little book dedicated to the sausage-shaped dog will prove that it's not just any old dog who's a man's best friend - it's a dachshund.

'Absorbing, funny and oh-so-romantic. I loved every page!'When Lily's husband dies, she moves to the edge of a tiny village, settling into a solitary life, her only real company her brother and his family. A quiet life becomes her safe space, with no risk of getting hurt. When her brother offers her spare room to his oldest friend, Jack, Lily's reluctant - but knowing how much she owes her family, can't say no. A lodger takes some getting used to but to her surprise, Lily begins to enjoy Jack's company. Slowly but surely, Jack encourages Lily to step outside her comfort zone. But taking risks means facing the consequences, and telling people how she really feels, means Lily might have to face losing them. But as the saying goes - you only live once - and being brave could mean Lily gets a second chance at love... 'Read yourself happy' with Maxine Morrey's latest feel-good, unforgettable and utterly uplifting love story, guaranteed to make you smile. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Kinsella. Praise for Maxine Morrey: 'An uplifting read that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder "....but what if?" Absorbing, funny and oh-so-romantic, I loved every page!' Rachel Burton 'A super sweet read, guaranteed to warm any winter evening' Samantha Tonge 'A lovely story that kept me turning the pages' Jules Wake 'A stunning, perfect novel - it literally took my breath away.' The Writing Garnet, 5 stars 'A warm hug of a book.' Rachel's Random Reads, 5 stars

Now regarded as a classic in dog literature, Ken Foster's memoir chronicles his journey from first-time dog owner to rescuer--and all the lessons and mistakes he made along the way. Bookended by the tragedies of 9/11 and Katrina, Foster finds that dogs open his eyes to the benefits of compassion, selflessness, and the chaotic beauty of living each day in the moment. But more than Foster's own story, readers remember the dogs. Among them are Duque, a Costa Rican stray; Brando, Foster's first adopted dog and a supposed pit bull mix who outgrew his Manhattan studio apartment; Rocco, a clownish red pit bull whose owner mistakenly gives him away to the wrong person; Zephyr, a cheerful Rottweiler mix who awakens Foster by sitting on his chest when his heart stops working; and Sula, the tiny lost pit bull who showed up at Foster's door one day and stayed. Whether bearing witness to national tragedy, grieving the death of a friend, or dealing with his own mortality, Foster finds strength in his dogs, and in the reciprocal nature of rescue.

Thirty Years with Fighting Dogs (Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - American Pit Bull Terrier) Originally published 1935, USA, this is a reprint of a fascinating historical document about fighting dogs. The original is very rare, expensive and much sought after by dogmen and collectors, both for its rarity and the information contained within. "Thirty Years With Fighting Dogs" is a look at the sport of dog fighting in the early 20th century through the eyes of George Armitage, an acknowledged master of the game. It contains 55 rare photographs including Galvin's Pup, John Noonan's Brandy, Tanner, Shipley's Pearlie, Saddler's Bozo, Dugan's Pat and many more. Many famous battles are related. The contents also include articles on: Schooling a Young Dog, Selecting a Dog for Pit Purposes, Armitage's Rules, Sample Contract, Armitage's Keep, Feeding and Breeding. A fascinating look at a vanished era.Keywords: George Armitage Fighting Dogs John Noonan Acknowledged Master Rare Photographs Master Of The Game Famous Battles Saddler Dugan Galvin Shipley Bozo Rarity Pup Thirty Years Brandy 20th Century

This fascinating book contains a collection of out of print articles from the pens of well known writers concerning the history, origins and anecdotes of the Bull Terrier. The book's one hundred and seventy pages, complete with illustrations, contains many chapters concerning: - History of the Breed - Showing - Breeding - Dog Fighting - Rat Pits - Ear Cropping - Miniature Bull Terriers - Coloured Bull Terriers - Pit Bull Terriers - Fighting Rules - Origins - etc. It is essential reading for any Bull Terrier enthusiast and contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest dog books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Read Country Books are republishing the most important sections of some of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

THE UP TO DATE PEKINGESE AND ALL OTHER TOY DOGS By Lillian C. Raymond-Mallock A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT Originally privately published by the author in 1924, followed by a later revised and updated issue, this extremely scarce book on Toy Dogs is both expensive and hard to find in any edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished the revised edition, using the original text and photographs, as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS SERIES. The author was a much respected breeder and show winner, with her Ashton-More Pekingese kennels producing numerous Champions. Her book contains two hundred and ninety pages covering all aspects of the Toy Dog. Many detailed chapters cover the History, Points, and Standards of the following breeds: Griffon Bruxellois - Italian Greyhounds - Japanese - Maltese - Pekingese - Pugs - Pomeranians - Schipperkes - Toy Spaniels - Toy Terriers - Yorkshire Terriers - Other comprehensive chapters discuss: Breeding. - Exhibiting. - Feeding. - Rearing. - Nursing. - Grooming. - Whelping. - Diseases and Treatment.- Breeders Directory. - Pekingese Names. Etc. The contents are lavishly illustrated with numerous vintage photographs of famous Toy Dogs from all the breeds, and also includes advertisements for many early top breeders and their kennels. This is a fascinating read for any Toy Dog enthusiast or historian of the breeds., but also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the originaltext and artwork.

THE AIREDALE TERRIER By Williams Haynes. A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT. Originally published in 1911, this extremely scarce early work on the Airedale Terrier is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it, using the original text, as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series. In the books one hundred and sixteen pages the author discusses how the Airedale was originally a cross between a tan-grizzle terrier, once common in the English Midlands, and the Otter Hound, with added dashes of Bull and Bedlington Terrier. He also tells of the history of the breed and some of its famous winners, with other chapters on its care and breeding, showing and ailments. He has high praise for the Airedale's usefulness, "He has made his home in all countries from Alaska to India. He has been used for all sorts of game from the grizzly to mice; he has done police duty in France, Germany and America; he has drawn sleds in the Arctic, and driven sheep in Australia. An Airedale will do anything any other dog can do, and then lick the other dog." The book is illustrated throughout with black + white photographs and illustrations of famous Airedales of the day. This is a fascinating read for any Airedale enthusiast or historian of the breed, but also contains much information that is still practical and useful today. "The biggest and the best of all the terriers." Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Are you a first time dog owner, or someone who just wants to be the best dog owner possible? Are you taking in a new puppy, or thinking about rescuing an older dog? Or perhaps your current pet is not so well behaved. Whatever your circumstance and motivation, Who's the Alpha? will help you train your dog to be the best citizen she can be

Alan Berg relies on his forty years of experience handling and training dogs to share a unique day-by-day approach with guaranteed quick results that teaches puppy or rescue dog owners how to

-reliably potty train in just a few weeks; -understand a dog's behavior and personality; -develop a trusting relationship; -train a dog to its full potential; -solve problem behaviors; -instruct for advanced behaviors; and -teach entertaining and challenging tricks.

Who's the Alpha? shares positive training steps and exercises that will help dog owners successfully lead their best furry friends through their first few weeks of life and ultimately transform their beloved companion into a happy and healthy member of the family pack. Alan will tell you in clear, concise language what to do, when to do it, and why. Every training step, from the first day you bring your new family member home, is detailed and explained.

The Boston Terrier And All About It - A Practical, Scientific, And Up To Date Guide To The Breeding Of The American Dog (A Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic) By Edward Axtell A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT This excellent and important work on the Boston Terrier or "American Dog," was first published in Battle Creek U.S.A. in 1910. It is now both expensive and very hard to locate in its first edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it, using the original text and photographs, as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series. The author was proprietor of St. Botolph Kennels, member of The Boston Terrier Club of New York and a leading light in Boston Terrier circles of that era. The book consists of one hundred and fifty two pages plus twenty four pages of vintage photographs of famous dogs. Some fifteen comprehensive chapters deal with the Boston Terrier's origins from an English bull dog cross, through to its early breeding and management: The Boston Terrier. - The Boston Terrier Club and Official Standard. - Kenneling. - Hints on Breeding. - Rearing. - Breeding for Size. - Breeding for Good Disposition. - Breeding for a Vigorous Constitution. - Breeding for Colour and Markings. - Sales. - Boston Terrier Type and the Standard. - Picture Taking. - Conclusions. - Technical Terms Used in Relation to the Boston Terrier. Etc. This is fascinating read, and highly recommended for any Boston Terrier enthusiast or historian of the breed, which also contains much information that is still practical and useful today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishingthese classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

SABLE AND WHITE - THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A SHOW COLLIE By Gordon Stables A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT This moving but charming novel of a collie's turbulent life, was first published in 1893. It is now both expensive and very hard to find in its first edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it, using the original text and beautiful engravings and illustrations by Harrison Weir and Miss Winifred Austen. "Luath" is a sable and white collie of excellent parentage. His story is told in the first person. It takes the reader through his doggie life with its idyllic puppy days, then on through many terrible experiences, interspersed with some happier adventures, to his eventual retirement. A series of owners, some kind, some cruel, use him for both gain and pleasure. From the show benches of that era, to the sad world of lost dogs, life with the gypsies and numerous other escapades, our hero, oft accompanied by his Pug chum, Jim, tells a thrilling tale of a dogs life in Victorian England. This lengthy work consists of two hundred and seventy nine pages illustrated with vintage engravings. It will prove a fascinating read for all dog lovers, and especially for the collie enthusiast. "And the dog is still the faithful, Still the loving friend of man; Ever ready at his bidding, Doing for him all he can." Many of the earliest dog books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.