Tuesday, June 29, 2010

REVIEW: Oh My Dog

Oh My Dog: How to Choose, Train, Groom, Nurture, Feed, and Care for Your New Best Friend
by Beth Ostroksy Stern
Paperback: 503 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (May 4, 2010)

63564999

Whether you're an experienced pet parent or still searching for your first furbaby, Oh My Dog is the book you'll want to add to your essential summer reading list.  A straightforward, accessible guide to take you through every step of dog ownership, Oh My Dog is as fun as it is practical to read.

Oh My Dog takes us through the entire process of dog ownership, starting with "So You Want a Dog?" and ending with "Emergencies, First Aid and Saying Goodbye."  In between you'll find chapters on Training & Behavior, Health, Nutrition, Grooming and Bonding.  While some of the discussions may seem a bit trivial, even comical, to experienced dog owners, I think Oh My Dog has something to offer for all pet parents. 

Author Beth Ostrosky Stern teamed up with multiple experts in the animal world to put together this comprehensive guide that is bursting with informative side bars, questionnaires, to-do lists and so much more!  Although, Beth certainly does not claim to be any expert, nor expect you to take her book word-for-word.  I was impressed to read this as part of her introduction: ".. in no way do I intend to replace or undermine the roles of vets, trainers and other schooled experts.  I'd actually feel relieved if you'd consider this book an informed starting point for continued conversation with someone who holds a degree in aniaml care."

Beth goes on to say, "I've always loved dogs and the community they promote... Each one brings its own special charm to our lives, especially when we keep an open mind and realistic perspective.  So determine what you need from this book, ignore what you wish, and most important, enjoy the process.  In no time, you'll be doling out advice to clueless owners too."

So pick up a copy for yourself or give one as a gift to your friend who's trying to decide on just what type of dog to adopt this summer.  Chuckle along with Beth as she tells you about her own dog, Bianca Romijn-Stamos-O'Connell-Ostrosky-Stern (just don't try to say that one ten times fast!)... and smile and nod while you read along thinking "yes!" and "so true.."

About the Author: Beth Ostrosky Stern is a spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League of America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. She is also involved with The Wildlife Rescue in The Hamptons and English Bulldog Rescue on Long Island. Ostrosky Stern has graced the pages of many magazines and appears regularly on network morning and daytime talk shows.  She lives in New York with her husband, Howard Stern, their dog, Biance and their recently adopted cat, Apple.  Visit her at http://www.betho.com/

1 comment:

SissySees said...

Is there a chapter or three on nutrition and/or food allergies?

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