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ellythorsen's review against another edition
4.0
Love the concept of this book and the photographs. My one complaint is it got needlessly dark and depressing at times: many mentions of animal abuse and even a brief blurb about a baby with a gun in its mouth and a man threatening to pull the trigger.
wanderaven's review against another edition
5.0
You might tend to want to pick up this book for the cover and you certainly wouldn't be off in that decision but make sure you stick around for the narrative as well, including the introduction. I think it's rare that one can find a book where the photography and the verse are equally matched (honestly can't remember one before this - usually one is better than the other) and when you see how absolutely astonishing these photographs are, you'll see why it's such a compliment to the words.
Yes, I'm biased. I've just lost the most amazing 'old dog' that the world has ever known. Because he was so unique and because each of the dogs in this book are so unique (made eloquently clear by the narratives), I found myself surprised to see, time and time again, the same wisdom, calmness, love in their eyes as I saw in my own beloved companion's blind - yet still incredibly perceptive - eyes. I saw the stance that reveals the age and pain in a dog's hips, witnessed the texture in the elderly fur that is more inviting than a puppy's fluff. It's not because these are dogs, a species sharing similar traits, nor even completely due to the excellent photography. I saw these things because these are old dogs and only old dogs deserve the honor of being this brilliant and beloved.
Yes, I'm biased. I've just lost the most amazing 'old dog' that the world has ever known. Because he was so unique and because each of the dogs in this book are so unique (made eloquently clear by the narratives), I found myself surprised to see, time and time again, the same wisdom, calmness, love in their eyes as I saw in my own beloved companion's blind - yet still incredibly perceptive - eyes. I saw the stance that reveals the age and pain in a dog's hips, witnessed the texture in the elderly fur that is more inviting than a puppy's fluff. It's not because these are dogs, a species sharing similar traits, nor even completely due to the excellent photography. I saw these things because these are old dogs and only old dogs deserve the honor of being this brilliant and beloved.
laneamagya's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a sucker for dogs and a big fan of Gene Weingarten, so I read this in the car on the way home from the bookstore. I was not driving--I should point that out. This is a little book of beautiful photos and lovely writing about old dogs. I love it.
zhzhang's review against another edition
5.0
Such a joyful and beautiful book, even though I cried reading the first story of one of the author's dogs. While reading each dog's unique story, most of the time I could not help laughing, but sometimes their sickness and aging made me sad at the same time. Should have published more books like this. LOVE both words and photographs!
lanikei's review against another edition
4.0
Bought this to give to my parents since we just put our dog to sleep. I had read the introduction online, while our mutt was in his decline, and it was really fitting. Weingarten's humor writing doesn't usually entertain me, but he has written some of the most heartfelt articles I have ever read. When he's on, he really sticks with me.
The introduction and first bit are about Weingarten's own old dog, and is the longest bit. The rest of the book are short snippets about various old and special dogs with accompanying photos. Some are more endearing than others, and it is a fairly generic coffee table book after those first 10-20 pages of Weingarten's personal story.
Still, enjoyable, and timely for my family. I think anyone who has had an old dog will enjoy it and be touched. We love our dogs, and we can see a little of our dogs in each of the ones featured.
The introduction and first bit are about Weingarten's own old dog, and is the longest bit. The rest of the book are short snippets about various old and special dogs with accompanying photos. Some are more endearing than others, and it is a fairly generic coffee table book after those first 10-20 pages of Weingarten's personal story.
Still, enjoyable, and timely for my family. I think anyone who has had an old dog will enjoy it and be touched. We love our dogs, and we can see a little of our dogs in each of the ones featured.
tashabye's review against another edition
5.0
A great little book. Especially heartwarming if you've ever had, or known, an old dog. So sweet. Loved the photos and the funny, endearing comments tailored for each dog. I only wish the author could have met my sweet, old boy Bear.
liabye's review against another edition
3.0
A very short and sweet book showcasing beautiful old dogs and their unique personalities. I rated it 3/5 stars because I think it was perfect for what it was, but looking from a big-picture perspective it is not anything outstanding. It only took me 2 days to read because the pages were small and it's so sweet that I could barley put it down.
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