Autumn is also traditionally the season during which publishers release new books, and in this issue, we present a cornucopia of dog-centric works; the publishing world really can’t seem to get enough of their love. Our Dogs, Ourselves is bestselling author-researcher Alexandra Horowitz’s newest, and we jumped at the chance to talk with her about it, and about its focus on the human side of the dual-species bond. We chat with Patrick McDonnell, Bark’s favorite cartoonist and the man behind the MUTTS comic strip, about his newest collection and 25 years of bringing us the inimitable cast of characters we’ve long loved.
Paul McGreevy, a vet and animal behaviorist, teamed up with fellow scientist Melissa Starling to produce their insightful and entertaining guide, Making Dogs Happy. In the UK, we tag along with Molly, a talented Spaniel, and Colin Butcher, her sleuthing partner, who locate lost cats; their story is a delightful read. And our long-time art-aficionado pal, Susie Green, has a new book, Dogs in Art, that’s chock full of gorgeous, masterful works.
Recent advances in the field of shelter care and management are covered by Karen London. While she reports that great strides have been made, far too many animals are being killed because there doesn’t seem to be enough space, or new homes, to accommodate them. While this is challenging in all parts of the country, it seems to be even more pressing in the South. Cara Sue Achterberg tells us about an effort that to turn that tide, or at the least, to inspire others to do so.
Don’t miss Courtney Sexton’s perceptive essay, “The Longest Love Story,” on how dogs and humans coevolved. Another way of looking at that bond and the way can influence our behavior, our fiction selection, “Vigilantes” by Bonnie Schroeder, will surely resonate with many of our readers.
Looking ahead, we encourage you to keep shelters and rescue organizations in mind. Adopt, foster, volunteer, contribute—there are many ways to pitch in. We hope you take time to engage with your local organizations and learn how you can help.
Now, as trees shed their leaves and the days grow shorter, we invite you to jump into this issue, ideally, with a dog at your side.
FEATURES
Comic Arts
Dogs: If you made a list of all the dogs you have ever known. By Lynda Barry
The Longest Love Story
How we became human—an ongoing exploration. By Courtney Sexton
The Economics of Animal Rescue
Business plans could help more shelters save more dogs. By Cara Sue Achterberg
Fiction: Vigilantes
A neighborhood comes to the rescue, sort of. By Bonnie Schroeder
FALL BOOK ROUNDUP
The Art of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
MUTTS celebrates its silver anniversary—Earl and Mooch are 25!
Our Dogs, Ourselves by Alexandra Horowitz
In her new book, the author of the best-seller Inside of a Dog takes a look at the human side of the equation.
Making Dogs Happy by Paul McGreevy and Melissa Starling
A guide to how dogs think and what they want.
Molly by Colin Butcher
The true story of the amazing dog who rescues cats.
Dogs in Art by Susie Green
Hefty new book captures the canines who’ve romped through art across the ages.
Doctor Dogs by Maria Goodavage
Dogs are good medicine, in so many ways.
Stormy by Guojing
A children’s book that doesn’t need words to convey a big message.
DEPARTMENTS
SERVICES: DogBoy’s Dog Ranch
A good place in Texas to sit & stay. By Kathryn Haueisen
WORKING DOGS: Helping the Helpers
A new breed of service dog supports first responders. By Crissi McDonald
TRAVEL: Pet Sitters in Paradise
How to see the world and indulge in dog love, too. By Jill Draper
HUMANE: Trend Spotting
10 ways animals shelters are upping their game. By Karen London, PhD
ADVOCACY: Just Say No to Puppy Mills Q&A with Rory Kress.
BOOK REVIEWS: Where the Lost Dogs Go; Dog Is Love; Heart of Darkness; Bark of Night
ENDPIECE: A New Lady Friend By Maribel Steel
DOGPATCH
Guest Editorial: Furever We Love Dog Rescue, by Mike Clark
Dogs to Our Rescue
Pet Leasing; No-Kill State
Campaigning for Humane Welfare; Winter Safety Tips; Coastal Travel
Film Reviews: Three Picks
Give a Book: Three Charming Gems
Gift Guide: Thoughtful Holiday Giving
Smiling Dogs: Autumn’s delightful winners
Poetry Margaret Bendow, C. Christine Fair, Jane Robbins