Photographic Tribute "To the Dogs"

I am fortunate that my dear neighbor Bill is a book seller. Tonight he knocked on my door to hand me a beautiful hardcover coffee-table book called, To the Dogs by Peter Culley.

The book features 150 full-page photographs, including 50 in color - images are extremely varied. Some shots include local dog shows, a Moscow circus, a dogfight in Sarajevo, and a dog hotel in Japan. My favorites include, "Alchoholic Living Alone with Dog" - it captures the bond between the bedraggled, old man and his skinny greyhound as they exchange a kiss; and "Wheeler" - Man and dog on rail cart trip from Shelton to Nome, Alaska, 1912.

A description of the book is as follows: "The history of the relationship between canines and humans is more complex than one would think. From Sparta to Stalingrad, the dogs of war, cleanup, guard duty, and companionship have been at our side; their loyalty knows no bounds, whether they are beloved pets or guardians of riot police or unsavory fight fans.
From companion to full-fledged member of the tribe, the dog has irrevocably moved into our homes, hearts, and minds to such an extent that the boundaries between “owner” and “pet” have dissolved. The historical and contemporary photographs of To the Dogs explore this human-canine connection in ways that are alternately surprising, endearing, disturbing, and beautiful."

A wonderfully written essay accompanies the photos. Written by poet Peter Culley, "it explores the international citizenry of dogs, and why they can tell us more about ourselves and our culture than we care to admit."

To the Dogs is currently on sale at Amazon.com - reduced from $32.95 to $24.05. A lovely addition to any book collection or the perfect holiday gift.