Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63365 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-31
• Released on: 2009-03-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780805087116
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From The Washington Post
From The Washington Post's Book World/washingtonpost.com Reviewed by Jonathan Yardley Six of 10 U.S. households own pets, up 12 percent between 2000 and 2006. Spending by Americans on their pets more than doubled from $17 billion in 1994 to $41 billion in 2007 and is expected to rise at an 11 percent clip over the next two years. No doubt most of that spending is for routine stuff, but as Michael Shaffer recounts in his informative, entertaining and sobering book, our most privileged pets "live in a world of dog walkers and pet sitters and animal trainers and canine swim therapists and pet Reiki masseuses. . . . [a] baroque and endlessly subspecialized array of service providers." That is the world into which Schaffer plunged while writing "One Nation Under Dog." The title was dreamed up by his wife, he says, but he seems to have failed to consult the Googlesphere, which would have alerted him that it's also the name of a company that sells dog-themed plaques, bracelets and T-shirts "inspired by our love of animals." This coincidence merely underscores the point of Schaffer's book: that doggiemania constitutes very big business, and often very strange business as well. Much of it "can be explained," Schaffer writes, "by a popular term I first heard at a Global Pet Expo: fur baby." For millions of Americans, dogs are members of the family, frequently substitutes for children they never had or who grew up and moved away. This marks a singular change in American attitudes. In the past, parents frequently acquired pets as companions, rewards or palliatives for their children, and of course some still do, as the Obamas have reminded us. They also acquired pets -- dogs, mainly -- as guards and often left them to sleep outdoors in doghouses or less inviting chambers. By 2001, in rather alarming contrast, "83 percent of American pet owners referred to themselves as their animal's 'mommy' or 'daddy,' " a reflection of "the centrality of dogs in the lives of ordinary people." A recurrent theme in "One Nation Under Dog" is that all of this isn't actually about the animals, but "about the humans." To quote Schaffer: "A historian from the future, with no surviving evidence to go on save the inventory of a Petco superstore, would have a relatively easy time figuring out the tastes, needs, and neuroses of our human society, from contemporary takes on health and nutrition (all those novel 'all-natural' vitamins and supplements suggest our wallet-emptying passion for wellness is tempered with a certain suspicion of traditional medicine) to modern concern with home aesthetics (you'll never go broke selling products that hide litter boxes in sleek-looking side tables, purport to reduce kitten fecal odor, or promise to keep your dog permanently off that nice new sofa)." Doubters are referred to page after page of advertisements for pet-related products in Sky Mall, the magazine for bored (and generally affluent) airplane passengers. The sky, literally and figuratively, is the limit. People who see their pets as extensions and reflections of themselves apparently have no hesitation about laying out significant sums to give those pets the best (i.e., the most expensive) food, accoutrements and veterinary care. With regard to the latter, veterinary medicine is undergoing numerous and far-reaching changes. What was previously a profession that in great measure served farm and working animals has become "suburbanized, pet-focused," almost unbelievably specialized and increasingly dominated by women. "Instead of dealing with clients who view each animal as an economic unit -- and thus might treat the vet like a tractor repairman," today's vets often deal "with clients who loved their animals for their own sakes and proved increasingly willing to act on that love by ordering up previously unimaginable medical interventions." That's only part of the story, though a significant one, considering that pet owners in the United States spend about $10 billion a year on veterinary bills. Schaffer writes about a woman in New York City who has become "the key interpersonal connector for a burgeoning canine social scene" that involves, among other things, regular monthly meetings of the Manhattan Chihuahua group. The human members of the group, it goes without saying, are a lot more interested in socializing and networking than the dogs are, so they have Christmas parties and Circle Line cruises and other events at which the dogs serve as excuses for the people to get together. Apart from products, services and social events, the meteoric rise in the popularity of dogs has brought less amusing, more vexing matters into the arena. Schaffer describes the vitriolic controversies in San Francisco over dog parks and other issues that "have convulsed the city's politics, leading to several federal lawsuits, a 1,500-person march on city hall, and an array of allegations that one or both sides of the conflict are guilty of racism, pollution, homophobia, environmental extremism, child endangerment, Big Brotherism, and puppy hatred. Not to mention the failure to pick up poop." In light of that, it is no surprise that "the world of animal-focused attorneys has seen a population explosion, with lawyers hashing out tricky questions involving public ethics (anticruelty legislation, dogfighting prosecutions), public safety (dog-muzzling laws, bans on allegedly antisocial breeds), and the needs and neuroses of the pet-owning public (liability lawsuits, animal estate law, and custody rulings on pets in divorce)." In the past two decades, animal-law classes have been established in 89 law schools, and no doubt more have been added since Schaffer wrapped up this book. On and on it goes: puppy mills, pet shops, shelters, euthanasia, tainted pet-food ingredients from China. Our fur babies may be lovable and cuddly, but they've also confirmed us in many of our worst human instincts: to confront and litigate, to climb the social ladder and flaunt our high position once we've reached it, to become wholly absorbed in our own precious selves, to flatter ourselves with luxury and excess. As the man says in this terrific book, it's not about the dogs, it's about the people. yardleyj@washpost.com.
Copyright 2009, The Washington Post. All Rights Reserved.

Review

"Informative, entertaining.... As the man says in this terrific book, it's not about the dogs, it's about the people."—Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

"A Fast Food Nation for dog lovers, this astute and amusing investigative report offers a ‘journey into the $41-billion-a-year world of the modern American pet.’… Reminiscent of Tom Wolfe's New Journalism essays on the sociology of pop culture.… Essential reading for anyone whose dog has become hooked on Kong bounce balls."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Combines research and great … anecdotes for … sociological insight into the obsessive world of dog ownership.”—Philadelphia Magazine

"Doggone entertaining."—Kirkus Reviews

“What makes this book so great is that it neither preaches nor rationalizes - it just explains…. He alternates easily between research and laugh-out-loud tales of his runty St. Bernard, Murphy, and cat, Amelia. And with a historical sweep, he shows us how we got to this place. Ultimately, One Nation Under Dog is not about our pets - but about ourselves.” —The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)

“In the wake of Marley mania… Schaffer explores the rapidly expanding dimensions of America's pet mania - Mr. President, a must-read before you pick the pup!”—Carlin Romano, Philadelphia Inquirer

"A surprising, often hilarious view of the American pet scene."—Star-News (Wilmington, NC)

"In a finely tuned voice full of wit and grace, Michael Schaffer takes an incredibly smart look at an important cultural phenomenon that too often is dismissed as a four-legged sideshow. I couldn't stop reading, except to repeat to whoever was around some stunning fact or anecdote about Fur Baby America. If you want to understand how we live now, One Nation Under Dog is essential reading."—Benjamin Wallace, author of The Billionaire’s Vinegar

"One Nation Under Dog is a masterwork of comic sociology: The pooch set has found its Max Weber. With witty analysis, great storytelling and a generous spirit, Schaffer has done more than provide a window into our dog obsession; he has provided a portrait of American life."—Franklin Foer, author of How Soccer Explains the World

"Michael Schaffer’s terrific One Nation Under Dog is long overdue. Schaffer understands that the mushrooming love affair between Americans and their companion animals - especially dogs - is one of the most fascinating cultural phenomena in recent history, and that this shows no signs of abating even in hard times. As pets have moved to the center of our families and our emotional lives, One Nation Under Dog - well written and thoroughly reported - explores how and why they have become mirrors of our society."—Jon Katz, author of Izzy and Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me and A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs and Me

"Michael Schaffer has written a thoroughly researched, jaw-dropping, laugh-out-loud exposé of our love affair with the pets in our lives. Go find yourself in One Nation Under Dog!"—Nick Trout, author of Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon

"Simultaneously amusing and eye opening, One Nation Under Dog holds a mirror to our pet-obsessed culture, wherein even we cat lovers will see ourselves reflected.  Astutely illuminating the political, social, and economic aspects of our devotion to our animal companions, Michael Schaffer makes us chuckle – and sigh with recognition." —Kathryn Shevelow, author of For the Love of Animals: The Rise of the Animal Protection Movement

About the Author

Customer Reviews

interesting, but lacks significance
This book is an interesting look at pets (mainly but not exclusively dogs) in modern American culture. This book covers a great breadth of information, but the author's knowledge is not deep. This makes the book more amusing than greatly informative. A great casual read, it's fun, but you'll have to go elsewhere for a serious look.

Chapter 1 discusses how much money is spent on pets in this country, and the vast array of products available. Chapter 2 discusses social networks and dogs. Much of this chapter relates to the material in The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell. Schaffer profiles one "connector" in the dog world, Ada Nieves, who hosts Chihuahua get-togethers and (for fairly significant money) dog birthday parties, among other dog-related activities. Chapter 3 discusses the conflict over leash laws and dog parks. The main case examined is the city of San Francisco, where the issue has been very hot politically. Chapter 4 discusses luxery spending on pets. Not that this hasn't been covered in the book already, and will yet be covered more (indeed, it's a major theme of the book), but this chapter focuses on it exclusively. Schaffer covers pet fashion shows and pet boutiques which sell fancy, expensive products with snob appeal. Chapter 5 covers how much money is spent on pet medical expenses. Modern veterinary medicine has opened up many options, some quite expensive, for those whose pets have medical issues. Schaffer profiles several owners spending significant amounts of money on new procedures that might buy their dogs some additional time. (Those who spend a lot of money on treatments which will likely bring about a cure are not the topic.) One bizarre example is a couple who spends about $10,000 on a 7 month old Boxer, when the treatment is not expected to buy the dog much time. The owner's statements seem more about the owner being impressed with his willingness to spend money on the dog than the owner's actual love of the dog. Is he doing this for the dog's sake or to impress himself or others? It left me wondering. Chapter 6 discusses some of the places which provide people with their new pet. Schaffer covers 4 sources -- puppy mills, show dog breeders, shelters, and designer dog breeders ($15,000 for a Jabari GD anyone?). Chapter 7 discusses legal issues involving our pets. Several cases are discussed, such as suing for the mental anguish of the owner when a pet is killed. This is now sometimes allowed, rather than just awarding the owner the "monetary value" of the pet. The melamine pet food poisonings feature prominantly in this discussion. Chapter 8 discusses the big business aspects of dog toys. The company making the Everlasting Treat Ball is profiled. (With my Lab, the "Everlasting" treats last about 5 minutes; but it is a GREAT product for some dogs.) The Kong company is also covered. This chapter also touches on latchkey dogs and why such toys are in greater demand now that many dogs are left alone for long periods. Chapter 9 discusses pet services, primarily dog walkers, kennels, and groomers. Pets with owners who are away much of the time benefit from such services. Chapter 10 is about the "war" between two different dog training philosophies -- using treats to reward desired behavior vs. "pack theory" (punishment based training). Oddly, this chapter seems more about the people who are profiled than the actual philosophies. Even if you know nothing about this issue, I doubt you will learn much, other than that is exists. However, for those who are unaware, I'm glad that the topic is brought up. Chapter 11 is about the different types of dog food and conflict over which is best. Schaffer discusses Ol' Roy, premium kibble, commercial raw diets, consumer prepared raw diets, and a hard gnawable commercial diet. This chapter isn't about how to judge which you should feed your own dog. It is about the issues involved in the debate. Interesting to me was the aspect of raw diets (either commercial or home prepared) being used as a way to claim that you care "more" for your pet. Chapter 12 is a great chapter discussing new and inovative ways to get people willing to listen to pet care advice. Major improvements have been made in this area. Near the end of the book is chapter 13, discussing the end of our pets lives. This covers euthanasia and pet cemetaries. The epilogue, titled "Our Pets, Our Selves" is another look at the main undercurrent of the entire book. Oddly, the book conflicts with itself. Much of the time is proclaims how people love their pets more now, as evidenced by how much they are willing to spend on the pet and what they are willing to provide it with. Yet other parts of the book point out the link between our behavior toward our pets and how it follows along with our behavior in general in today's culture. Really, does paying a lot of money for a blueberry facial for your dog (YES, this is covered in the book) actually demonstrate a greater love for the dog than someone who does not provide this for their dog? Or is it simply a reflection of the person and the culture of the person paying for the facial?

Dog Fans, Read On!
If you are fond of dogs, you'll enjoy this book. It will give you lots of information, lots of food for thought, and emotion as well. It is not, to me at least, hard to bear emotionally. Instead, it may help you think about how you live with your dog or want to live with a dog.

I did choke up a little when reading the chapter on dog death, but only a little. The tone of the book is informative and explorative. But of course if you are very close to experiencing a wrenching dog loss, you might react differently. Still, that is not the book's tone.

I found the book really fascinating. Schaffer discusses so many aspects of dog ownership/guardianship including selection, veterinary care, legal issues and how they have played, services such as dog walkers, dog training, and more.

I have been involved with dog training for many years and seen many changes. I found Schaffer's words on this subject interesting and even a bit delightful!

If you are into dogs, you are likely to find this book very interesting. It's well-written, and covers a lot. It's interesting to realize as I sit here that there is so much more--no limit, really, to what we could discuss about dogs. No wonder people have social events built around dogs (that's in the book, too!).

Great title! Even better book!!!
This is NOT just a book for dog lovers; it's also for the folks who think that people who dress their mutts up in designer clothes should be locked up somewhere. The author looks at dog culture from every angle and shows us the good, the bad and the ugly (Amish puppy mills!!!!). Surprisingly, ONE NATION UNDER DOG isn't really about dogs at all; it's about us. The book chronicles the way our society, culture and family dynamics have changed over the centuries, becoming more fragmented and solitary and how many of us have turned to pets to fill the ever increasing void we feel inside. We all "need to love" and to "be loved" and pets are increasingly becoming part of that equation.

So if you're a pet lover, read this book-you'll LOVE it! If you're not a pet lover, read this book anyway-you'll likely get a new perspective on our modern "solitary" society and it's effects on our nation as a whole.