DOG'S LIFE - The Magazine for Today's Dog

A frolicking humorous book in magazine format

To my knowledge Heidi Ott is not a well-known author. Someone I met walking my dog on the beach in Santa Barbara referred me to her and she sent me this extraordinary book in magazine format. Unfortunately I have neither her wit nor talent, so any review I write can't possibly give you an idea of how extremely hilarious this is. Most humorous publications I receive for review bore me silly, or are just plain unattractive.

Dog's Life is in the style of a magazine such as The New Yorker, Vogue, or Good Housekeeping, replete with expensive and carefully crafted advertising. Not only is the writing pungent and extremely witty, but the photography, layout, and graphic design totally impress me. In appearance it's not a far cry from the prestigious "Santa Barbara Magazine."

To give you an idea of the flavor, the titles of some of the articles are "Leash-less in Seattle," "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Beggars," and "Giving Puss the Boot". All of these are written in first person by the Canine author. ALL THE PRESIDENT'S DOGS is on the other hand quite a scholarly article on the dogs that have inhabited the White House.

One of the funniest sections is entitled "The Mate market." Under "Dogs Seeking Bitches" you'll find entries such as "Roam-Antically Inclined - If you are a sly and foxy female who likes to roam the back alleys in search of garbage, we should meet. Guy." Then there is the tongue-in-cheek advice column by AFGHAN LANDERS. There's also a poetry page called Doggerel by Dogden Nash.

The full page ads are marvelous - my favorite is "LAB COATS - What the most popular breed in America is wearing." Three labrador retrievers are photographed in white shirts - "available at EDDIE BOWWOW".

A must for every human owned by a canine on your Christmas list. Available exclusively at All Our Pets and other fine boutiques.