Product Description

Why does a Golden Retriever arrange sticks in the form of a pyramid? Why would a Hungarian Vizsla mound up piles of autumn leaves in the shape of a cross? Such canine phenomena have left animal behaviorists baffled for centuries. Are dogs erecting these structures as a result of primeval impulses, or are they responding to otherwordly forces we humans have yet to comprehend? Like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, some phenomena of man and beast feline aesthetics with WHY CATS PAINT, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to publish the landmark DOG WORKS: THE MEANING AND MAGIC OF CANINE CONSTRUCTIONS. In this enchant and confound us in their enigmatic silence. Having staked out brave new theoretical ground in the field of exhaustively researched, lavishly illustrated study, author Vicki Mathison explores the spiritual yearning that lurks beneath canis familiaris's facade of contentment and obedience. Beautiful, insightful, and intriguing—and certain to send shock waves through universities around the world—DOG WORKS will ensure you'll never look at how a dog buries a bone in the same way again.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #614575 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-01
• Released on: 2000-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-Anyone who flips through this title will have trouble putting it down. It looks like a coffee-table book-beautiful pictures, boxed information, and short articles on a variety of canines. However, it is a whole lot more, built around that age-old question: What makes a dog a dog? One explanation given of each animal's behavior is scientific, offering theories for the recorded behavior that extends beyond genetic inheritance, e.g., a poodle exhibiting retrieval tendencies although it has not been considered a bird dog for decades. An opposing explanation suggests a spiritual link or relationship between a dog's mind and its owner's, a sort of telepathic communication. Whether readers buy into either of these theories or not, they're unlikely to look at the behavior of an animal again without giving some thought to it. They might be inspired to do further research into animal behavior after looking at this book, but even if they aren't, they will certainly be entertained by it.
Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Anyone who flips through this title will have trouble putting it down. It looks like a coffee-table book—beautiful pictures, boxed information, and short articles on a variety of canines. However, it is a whole lot more?— School Library Journal "If you don't believe what the author writes about these dogs, the pictures prove their architectural talents to be true." —San Diego Union-Tribune"At first glance, the book appears serious, but a closer look reveals an elaborate parody reminiscent of that ground-breaking work on domestic animal aesthetics, Why Cats Paint. The photographs...are priceless." —The Boston Globe"An inspiring book to read...."—Asbury Park Press "The photographs...are priceless." --The Dallas Morning News"From symmetrical holes dug in the sand to rocks piled just so, the animals here perform amazing acts and create awe-inspiring works of 'art....Although the dog creations are all intriguing and thought-provoking, it is the experts' interpretation that make this book both delightful and mindboggling." — Dog World Magazine.

About the Author
VICKI MATHISON is an artist, teacher, journalist, and dog obedience trainer. She holds a degree in psychology and has spent years studying the special bond between dogs and humans. She lives in New Zealand with a variety of equine and canine companions.

Customer Reviews

Truly Stunning
I found this book to be a truly stunning example of combining text and photos in a smooth and enjoyable storyline. The text was a combination of enjoyable stories told with a slight "tongue in cheek" attitude. When accompanied by the high quality of photographs it makes a book that would sit well in any home and would create a conversation if displayed in a prominent position. Very enjoyabe .....I would recommend this book to all people - whether they are dog-lovers or not - it has elements for all to appreciate.

It's just fun
I enjoyed this book and have bought it as a gift. It's a fun book and I don't care if the dogs really built the works listed or if someone decided it would be fun to pretend that they did. As a dog owner, I know that dogs can do some funny little things, like lining up chew toys in a special order and it piqued my imagination that perhaps the little things I've seen mine do mean that dogs are not too far off from creating something bigger that has meaning to them. Don't let the issue of hoax vs real keep you from enjoying this book.

Have a little faith !
So many disbelievers out there! I feel so sorry for you: no magic left in your dull and predictable worlds? Of course this book is on the level. While my dog Ernestine does not build art pieces as such, she's a pretty good cook and a crack shot. So why not dog artists? The review of dog art is a little species-centric, however. Most of the dog artists I know use faecies or urine to construct art, or engage in performance pieces: "Rooting The Leg"; and "Licking The Balls" spring to mind. Dog culture can be appreciated by humans but is not the SAME as human cuture. So a little less chauvanism please Ms Mathison!