"Imagine a scaled-down, delicately boned German sheperd dog, black and gray and tan instaed of black and sable like a purebred, her face the color of ink with a faint gray mask."

"I pick up that leash; I go forward." ( )

How we relate to dogs and other friends

This book is for anyone who wants to consider reasons why they love what they love.

The author's independent view gives the type of different perspective many of us read books for. If she was only super smart, & told us primarily things we already knew, that would probably not be worth reading. Ms. Knapp is so much more.

I admire Ms. Knapp's intellect, uncommon perspective, & incredible focus on a particular subject matter. Anyone who reads this book is going to understand more about why certain people go to such amazing lengths, and spend so much time, money, and energy on their dogs. Her writing style is great. Her lack of repitition in her vocabulary, sentence structure, and thought presentation is remarkable. This book is not just about dogs. It is an interesting read for people who want to understand the thought processes of people who: 1) love dogs, or 2) are neurotic, or 3) have human relationship commitment issues, or 4) struggle with their human family.

Ms. Knapp's focus & examination of the ideas and perceptions that can lead to the creation of strong bonds with dogs is fascinating. She gives the reader a greater appreciation, like a wine expert might teach someone more to appreciate about wine.

Ms. Knapp loved dogs for their tolerance, faithfulness, lack of artificial baggage, and accepting accomodation. She found qualities in her dog that she did not perceive in the humans she encountered.

She asserts that relationships with dogs are occasionally a substitute for other things; but more often, they are beautiful on their own merits and do not find value by being a substitute for something else.

Dogs can't use words. They are beautiful because they must learn to listen and communicate to the people around them largely based on non-verbal cues.

Very sadly, Ms. Knapp died at too young of an age. If she were alive, I'd write her a letter of gratitude and ask her many questions. ( )