> >
Tales of Life with Dogs a Treat for Parents of Pampered Pets
New Book Makes a Howling Good Holiday Gift
For a printable version of this release, please click here.
October 1998 - What kind of parent never has a "birds and bees" discussion with their child, visits an orthodontist or worries about saving for college? It's the parent of a pampered pet says Karen Dowell, a self-described "dog mom" and author of a new illustrated book titled Cooking With Dogs (Two Dog Press, $19.95), which celebrates of the companionship, comfort and karma of canines.
Dowell says "dog moms" and "dog dads" are a growing demographic of individuals and couples who treat their pets like children. "People parents wipe fingerprints from the windows of their minivans, puppy parents wipe nose prints off their trucks and SUVs," says Dowell. "We're not that far apart in the experience department. Cooking With Dogs taps into the joys and challenges of being a dog parent."
Statistically speaking, similarities between little Robbie and little Rover are closer than one might think. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, as of 1996, 31% of U.S. households owned a dog, representing a dog population of 52.9 million. When USA Today reported on the habits of dog owners, they noted that 61% of dog owners believe caring for their pet fulfills their need to parent, 62% sign cards and letters from themselves and their dogs; and a whopping 79% give their dogs holiday or birthday presents.
Sure to get more than a few tails wagging, Cooking With Dogs is filled with anecdotes and observations detailing the "Kibbles 'n Bits" moments of life with dogs. Dowell marks her territory well covering everything from eating and sleeping with dogs to dogs who love their toys too much. One humorously far-fetched selection called "Dog Phone" tells the story of an owner who, before leaving for work, places a cell phone around her pup's neck so that the animal can call 911 in an emergency. The owner returns home later only to find the dog has called for take-out pizzas and rawhide treats.
But what does this have to do with cooking? "Anyone with a dog probably has had it underfoot in the kitchen," says Dowell. "My labs always position themselves between the stove and refrigerator in anticipation. Food is one of their favorite subjects -- which is why it's a recurring theme in this book."
Accompanying the written selections are whimsical color illustrations by eight different artists from across the country. Two are by San-Francisco-based illustrator Ward Schumaker, who says he likes to draw dogs because he has a cat.
The Midwest Book Review notes "Cooking With Dogs is a must for all dog lovers." And USA Today says "This is a howling good holiday gift. (If you can wait 'til then to share it.)"
Cooking With Dogs is available now in bookstores and online stores. For signed copies, contact the publisher directly at P.O. Box 307, Deer Isle, ME 04627; Toll-free 888 310 2DOG; Tel 207 348 0916; Fax 207 348 6016. Or order online at http://www.twodogpress.com. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to dog rescue organizations, animal shelters, and humane education.
Note to Editors: To preview selections from the book, including cover and interior artwork, see http://www.twodogpress.com/cooking.html.
Karen Kaiser
Two Dog Press
207 348 0916
human@twodogpress.com
http://www.twodogpress.com
|
