Book Review - Dogpedia - Princeton University Press

 

     A new title in the "Pedia" series from Princeton University Press is a cause for great celebration, and it was in this spirit that I received Dogpedia, the latest iteration in a series of entertaining and informative mini encyclopedias. 

     Jessica Pierce is a well known and highly respected bioethicist, known (amongst other things) for her work with Marc Bekoff in the field of human-animal relationships, so it was apparent from the get-go that we were in good hands. I was impressed when she stated, "Dogpedia is my sixth book about dogs, and in many ways, it has been the most interesting and exciting of the books I've written."

     The standard (and now familiar) format entails entries from A to Z, encompassing all aspects of canine life, from care and companionship to mythology and behaviour, with a complete examination of the centuries old relationship between dogs and their human companions - or is it the other way around?

     The book is nicely illustrated by Kelly Chudler in that very pleasing way that tastefully executed black-and-white pictures play a role in enhancing and supporting the text.

     Dogs and humans have a long and complex relationship, and one that is not always harmonious, a relationship that has changed over time. Dogs are now viewed primarily as pets with working dogs representing a small percentage of domestic canines. The behaviour of "man's best friend" is heavily influenced by the restrictions and social values placed on dogs, especially in modern urban settings, mostly not to the benefit of the dog, but rather to satisfy the norms of society and to respond to the whims of human owners (itself a term fraught with ethical questions). Nevertheless dogs are considered part of so many families and the bond between human and dog is evident. I have heard it said, "The more I know humans, the better I like my dog!"

     Many ethical questions are examined including hot-button issues like compulsory spaying and neutering, the use of dogs to search for land mines, bioethics, and even the virtual imprisonment of dogs in small apartments where they are totally excluded from normal canine activities. A cuddle with a sympathetic human is a poor substitute for a romp in a meadow, playing with other dogs, chasing chipmunks, scent-marking, sniffing and, yes, uninhibited and unrestrained sexual interaction. The benefit of keeping a dog in a 700 square foot apartment, ten floors up in a high rise building is for the gratification of the human guardian, not for the benefit of the dog.

     Good intentions do not always produce good results.

      Dogs and humans, however, are bound together in an association that is here to stay, is permanent, cherished, and in many respects valuable for both species. When I go to visit my daughter, one of the great joys in addition to seeing her, is the welcome at the door by Payton, their 85lb dog who clearly remembers us, and greets us with tail wagging furiously, and is happy we are there.

     Pierce's concluding words are, "Beyond the countless functional roles that dogs have filled during our thousands of years of collaboration, despite the daily practical help we two species offer each other, and despite the darker threads in our shared history, dogs give us a profound gift: joy. And joy is something we can and should offer them in return."

     I think we can all drink to that! Woof! Woof!

Book Review - Dogpedia - Princeton University Press

Jessica Pierce

Hardcover - US$16.95 - ISBN: 9780691241081

224 pages - 4.5 x 6.75 inches (11.25 x 16.875 cm) - 35 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 10 September, 2024