Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs

This is a wonderful, wonderful book. I had read the author's book excerpt in the Washington Post weekend magazine and was so impressed that I got the book. I was so thrilled with the book, I bought four more copies for friends. The book will make you laugh and make you cry. The best book I have read in a while!

This is a fitting and admirable tribute to the beauty and vulnerability of old dogs, in many ways more wonderful than puppies. Excellent photography accompanied by a small narrative. A great 'coffee table' book.

I received sample photos from this book and immediately knew I had to have the whole collection. The photos in the book are beautiful, so full of character and the stories that go with each of them are so touching and full of love and gratitude for best friends. I am going to buy a copy for my friends who love dogs -- I know they will cherish this book as do I.

I received sample photos from this book and immediately knew I had to have the whole collection. The photos in the book are beautiful, so full of character and the stories that go with each of them are so touching and full of love and gratitude for best friends. I am going to buy a copy for my friends who love dogs -- I know they will cherish this book as do I.

I have been blessed with many good dogs that through time grow old & tired just like us humans but they will look into your eyes with so much love as they know they are leaving us until the next world to meet again. God blessed us by giving us old dogs.
Please read the book.

I have nothing against the cuteness of puppies, but that territory has been well covered in the book world. Hence, I was thrilled to stumble upon this book, which perfectly spotlights the extraordinarily charm of old dogs. Marrying together wonderful photographs with witty biographies, the book captures what makes old dogs so great: their unapologetic quirks, their enduring mischievousness and their rock-solid love. Every type of dog imaginable is covered in this book, and every type of owner is allowed to give their unique testimonies about why old dogs truly are the best dogs.

The Pulitzer Prize winning author Gene Weingarten and photographer Michael Williamson have combined their talents to produce a book which all dog lovers should treasure. This tribute to old dogs begins with an introductory essay by Weingarten which is a reflection about life, aging and death which is illustrated by wonderful reflections about Harry S. Truman, not the president but Weingarten's recently deceased 13 year old yellow Lab. It then consists of pictures of dogs, all of them at least 10 years old, in poses which reveal their character and love of life. And, on each facing page is the dog's name, age and a brief introduction to them which encapsulates their most salient facts. Fittingly,the opening one is of Honey, the sweetheart of a pit bull who brightened Harry's last days and whose eyes still sparkle mischievously as she smiles into the camera.

Some stories are fun, as a sample these include Ch. Pagan Place Von Dusenberg and the story of how he came to be called Bumper. His littermates included brothers Rolls Royce and DeLorean and sister Jeep. Did you guess that his breeder was the wife of an automotive executive? Some are probably reminiscent of those which could be shared by many of the readers of this book - abandoned dogs brought home and adopted, dogs who love to play games and, of course, the chowhounds of whatever breed. Several are incredibly poignant, especially the one about Hank, which I reread several times as it brought tears to my eyes but who is now safe in a home where he is loved.

You can also meet Belle (age 14), the mother of Junior (age 11) the Mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. You can learn how Junior got elected mayor, and also meet Sam, his old friend (age 16) and former bear hunter. A fine looking friends and family trio of dogs.

But every story in this book is ultimately a story of joy - the joy created by the bond which a loyal dog and its owners forge over the years and the memories which will always remain as a result. As I occasionally pick up this book and skim the pictures and read the stories again, I am continually impressed with how the author and photographer have captured the spirit of these dogs.

For readers who love old dogs and enjoy meeting them, I also recommend OLD FRIENDS - GREAT DOGS ON THE GOOD LIFE by Mark J. Asher. This is more of a picture book, with very brief commentary about each dog's secret of longevity. While it is somewhat shorter and with less descriptive material, the photography is as evocative and revealing of the inner character of these dogs.

Tucker Andersen 6/19/2010