Filled with beautiful color photographs of these furry friends, this book reveals virtually everything needed to appreciate this joyous, lovable companion. "No other animal has shared as much with humanity as Canis familiaris, the domestic dog. Indeed, for at least 32,000 years, this creature, but one paw-step away from the wolf, has willingly and happily traded freedom for an uncertain relationship with humankind." -From the Introduction. Chapter One, "Evolutionary Dog," traces the domestic canine back to the Paleocene Era, then introduces its canid relatives. Sidebars highlight the fascinating evolutionary differences between wolves, modern wild dogs and other canid relatives. Dogs have been both revered and scorned throughout history. Egyptian law protected beloved dogs and worshiped a dog-headed god. But the dog's spiritual heyday came to a halt in the Middle Ages, when the Christian church declared dogs dirty and poisonous, due to rabies, and they were scorned and feared as werewolves and worse. Yet, in the seventeenth century, dog popularity rose again as European aristocracy celebrated and bred all sorts of specialty hunting dogs. The Renaissance brought dogs, including miniatures of hunting breeds, to all levels of society. Chapter Two, "Cultured Canine," is a survey of artistic homage paid to the dog. From Homer's Odyssey to Dickens, Kipling, Jack London, and Dean Koontz, dogs have been featured as analogy, metaphor, and hero. From the Egyptians to Leonardo da Vinci and beyond, the dog has been featured in paintings and other media. Notable dog lovers include President Roosevelt who loved his Scottie dog Fala, and General Patton, who named his Bull Terrier "Willie" after William the Conqueror. Working dogs are discussed, from shepherds and hunters to Search and Rescue and service dogs. Chapter Three, "Physical Dog," is a guide to understanding and caring for your dog. First, each of the dog's senses and physical attributes is described, to reveal how they see the world. Important care issues are discussed, such as whether you should get your "fixed," or his ears cropped, and what ailments your dog is likely to suffer from. You'll find information about dog behavior, tips for proper training, advice on when to vaccinate, and information about choosing and caring for puppies. Dog Life closes with a "Gallery of Breeds," a parade of fascinating canine types in pictures, with brief descriptions of their unique personalities and special characteristics. Overflowing with endearing photographs and enlightening, entertaining text, Dog Life is sure to capture the fancy of dog lovers everywhere. WINNER 2020 Oklahoma Writers' Federation Inc. Contest BEST PUBLISHED NONFICTION BOOK Hey there, thanks for finding me on Author Central--and it appears we have "pet love" in common! We share our "dog love." They say dogs are our best friends, and have been for centuries--and so DOG LIFE covers all the canine fascinations from evolution and history, to artistic dogs, canine care, and pedigree pups and rescue pooches. Sprinkled amid more than 250 gorgeous doggy photos are fun quotes, myths, and more from famous dog lovers throughout the centuries.    I currently live with a five-year-old silver shaded tabby delinquent named Karma-Kat and a year-old Bullmastiff comedian, Bravo-Dawg, who serve as furry muses for my work.  DOG LIFE  was written to tickle your canine fancy, for yourself--or to gift to other dog lovers. You can also find more doggy-licious details in some of my other dog books: Complete Puppy Care Complete Care for Your Aging Dig ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multi-Dog Household DOG FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia Amy Shojai is both a nonfiction author and writes the September Day pet-centric suspense series that includes an animal behaviorist hero and service dog viewpoint character. Amy is a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of 30 best selling pet books that cover furry babies to old-fogies, first aid to natural healing, and behavior/training to Chicken Soup-icity. She created the puppies.About.com site, the cat behavior content at cats.About.com, and hosts a weekly half hour Internet Pet Peeves radio show. Amy has been featured as an expert in hundreds of print venues including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, and Family Circle, as well as national radio and television networks such as CNN, Animal Planet's DOGS 101 and CATS 101. She's been a consultant to the pet products industry and a host/program consultant for select "furry" TV projects. Amy is also a musician, actor and playwright, and brings her unique pet-centric viewpoint to public appearances and performances, audio books (her own and others), writer webinars, conference keynotes/seminars and THRILLERS WITH BITE!