Join a reformed big dog snob on her journey to discovering the best kept secret in canine companionships: small dogs provide us joyful and profound connections, enriching our relationships with dogs, with humans, and with life itself. "A book full of humor, insight, and wisdom." - Alyson Sheldrake, best-selling author of Kat the Dog In Downward Sizing Dog , you'll join long-time hunting dog mom Karen Lena Izzo as she releases her negative stereotypes of small dog life. From her childhood spent with her Irish Setter, Meg, to her fifteen-year struggle with an "untrainable" dachshund, and finally to life with two practically perfect Havanese, you'll laugh and learn from Izzo's realization that small dogs are, well, DOGS! Downward Sizing Dog combines memoir, interviews with dog guardians and top canine researchers, and the scientific evidence proving small dogs are ideal companions: They’re smart, they're heroic, they're clean, and they're green - They travel big and live long - They're better for our bodies and (often) easier on our wallets; - They're as intelligent, as empathetic, and as entertaining as big dogs. - They're perfect both for families on the go and especially for those of us enjoying the freedom of our fifties and beyond. Whether you’re a fan of Great Danes or Dachshunds, Downward Sizing Dog will broaden your perspective on the canine kingdom, shedding light on the often underestimated smaller breeds and their significant role as human’s best friend. Downward Sizing Dog is a “home-run book,” and a “lovely read” filled with “delightful insights into the world of small dogs”. So, sit back, curl up with your furry friend, and get ready to explore the world through a smaller, but equally lovable, lens. "Now I look upon my small rescue dog with even greater appreciation and gratitude for her keen intelligence, ease of care, and her big dog heart." C.M. Amazon Reviewer "Full of humor and relatability...." Lisa Rimmert, Author of Stay: My Forever Friendship with an Aging Dog . "Thank you Karen for so beautifully writing and sharing this secret with everyone else;) I highly recommend this book! " Jennifer Lambert, Amazon Review (Canada) "I really enjoyed the way this book is written. It was like watching a feel-good movie!" Marly Arandia, Amazon Review, Verified Purchase "I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased several more for holiday gift giving! Well done Ms. Izzo, well done!" Kindle Customer, Verified Purchase In this delightful and direct facts-in-the-face book on how small dogs can enliven, rejuvenate, and support us, the author demonstrates how misguided our preference for large dogs can be. Downward Sizing Dog proves small dogs can do whatever big dogs can, and that our obsession with big dogs, especially in the U.S., makes us oblivious to the joys of having small ones. The author's deep experience in raising dogs of various breeds across multiple generations, and becoming a dog whisperer in the process, makes this an engaging and fascinating read. Her remarkable bonding with dogs provides memorable experiences she shares in a beautiful, humorous manner. The dogs become characters in their own right, and make you yearn to get to know them. Downward Sizing Dog is a well-researched book with end notes that provide for interesting future forays into the dog world. We're now convinced small dog breeds can match big dogs. Recommended for anyone considering adding a canine companion to their lives, as well as for all dog lovers in need of a unique and enjoyable read. Five stars for this fun and compelling book. -International Review of Books Karen Lena Izzo has lived with and loved dogs for nearly six decades. For most of those years, large setters and retrievers ruled her heart. Now that she's matured somewhat, she's dropped her big dog ego and spends every spare moment outdoors with two small dogs who weigh less than twenty-five pounds combined. Well, not every spare moment. Too much of her free time (just ask her husband and her pups) is spent writing books and blogs featuring the most recent developments in the science impacting how we care for our small dog family members.With a love of research shaped by years as a practicing attorney and a unique perspective on learning molded by more than two decades teaching high school students, Karen's work weaves cutting-edge science with narrative stories to prove that small dogs deserve serious respect as important human companions. When she's not teaching or writing, Karen is in, on, or near the ocean with her Havanese Phoebe and Scout vying for the best seat on the paddle board. To connect with Karen and the pups, visit https: //smalldogrules.com