101 Uses for a Dog

There are a myriad of breeds, but not surprisingly given their popularity and photogenic qualities, golden retreivers and black labs are most heavily represented. (This was fine with me, since we own one of each.) All different sizes and ages appear, and in fact one of the really nice pairings is the juxtaposition of "someone to grow up with" followed by "someone to grow old with". Some of the other entries familiar to any dog owner or fan are "gardener" (and the related "landscaper"), "exercise partner" and not surprisingly the classic "rescuer". (Guess which breed?) There are also such clever poses as the "weathervane" and the "water quality specialist". It is hard to choose a favorite, but I would probably chose "surrogate sister" although the "lookout" , the "bellhops", the "partners-in-crime " and "playing hide and seek' are close runnersup.

This is a wonderful book to keep on a coffee table or in a reading basket. Your guests will enjoy perusing it and you will want to just pick it up from time to time when you want to look at something that will quickly elict a smile. Note that is very small, but the size is appropriate for the format. As noted above, my only complaint is that it is overpriced if you pay full price. It is clearly meant to appeal to people as an impulse purchase or small gift item; I picked it up next to a cash register at a gift shop while on vacation, and I was entranced enough that I decided to buy it but felt as if I was being overcharged (similar to many other items in the store). However, I am glad that I purchased it - the pictures have been a source of frequent joy since then. It would certainly make a wonderful gift for any dog lover who you know, it is appropriate for all ages.

Tucker Andersen


Wonderful Gift Book for the Dog Lover on Your List   December 31, 2002
Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a cute picture book that features dogs doing what they do best, being man's best friend. Every page features a different picture with a different dog and a one or two word description. Uses range from the fun (pillow and secret sharer) to the more useful (paper boy) with a few serious thrown in for good measure (search and rescue). The pictures are so cute that any person who loves a dog will smile the entire way through.


Not reallly worth the price   November 14, 2001
5 out of 8 found this review helpful

I bought this book as a gift, but being a dog lover, read it first. I was disappointed because, the book is small and just "okay"--it was mildly humorous, but certainly nothing laugh out loud. I'd pay (less) for a book like this, so I'm returning this one to put my money to better use...