Review by Choice Review
In considering the nature of humans' long-standing relationship with dogs, Hobgood-Oster (Southwestern Univ.; The Friends We Keep, CH, Aug'11, 48-6842) traces the history of human-canine interactions and the ever-changing roles of dogs in human culture, from the dawn of their domestication through modern times. In doing so, she provides context for society's varying perspectives on the inherent value of dogs--ranging from serving as trusted companions and family members to useful and obedient tools. In-depth discussion centers on aspects of domestication; military war dogs; dogs in mythology and religion; breeds, breeding, and breed-related maladies; puppy mills; the canine footprint on global ecology; the human-animal bond; and the spiritual/religious impact of dogs in contemporary society. Although Hobgood-Oster offers detailed historical information on these various issues, virtually nothing is mentioned about the activities of police K-9 units or the varied and important roles of canine service animals. Discussion of their widespread use in biomedical research is also conspicuously absent. The underlying theme of the book is the intimate coevolution of humans and dogs, and the role each has played in shaping the other. This interesting, informative, and well-written book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including sociologists, anthropologists, and, of course, dog lovers. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Dog lovers will be fascinated by this history of the relationship between canines and humans by Hobgood-Oster (religion and environmental studies, Southwestern Univ.; The Friends We Keep). Despite the book's short length, the author covers a lot of ground. She begins by looking at the initial domestication of canines approximately 15,000 years ago, noting that the canines stood to gain as much from people (e.g., eating food scraps early humans threw away) as people benefited from the protection and company of canines. She goes on to explore the role dogs played in religious rituals, war, and medicine throughout human history and convincingly argues that unlike other domesticated animals, dogs occupy a unique place, whether curling up next to their master's feet or fighting alongside soldiers in World War II. The final chapter argues for the continued respect and care of dogs, particularly those breeds seen as "pariahs" or "monsters" in our culture (she explores at length the negative reputation pit bulls have acquired in our society as violent and unstable animals) and reminds the reader, "Humans are who we are in large part because dogs have shared this life with us." VERDICT This quick, easy read will delight dog and animal lovers of all ages as well as those interested in anthropology and history.-Jennifer Stout, Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Lib., Richmond (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
