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Good Dog (Preview Edition): True Stories of Love, Loss, and Loyalty

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Inspired by Garden & Gun magazine’s popular “Good Dog” column, a rich collection of true stories celebrating the unique relationship between humans and their canine companions, penned by some of today’s top writers, including Jon Meacham, Roy Blount, Jr, Dominique Browning, and P.J. O’Rourke. When Garden & Gun magazine debuted a column aptly named “Good Dog,” it quickly became one of the publication’s most popular features in print. Now, Editor-in-Chief David DiBennedetto (proud owner of a Boykin spaniel) and the editors of G&G have gathered the most memorable stories, as well as original pieces, in this collection of essays written by some of most notable dog owners in literature and journalism. Good Dog offers memorable, beautifully written stories of dog ownership, companionship, friendship, and kinship. From the troublemakers who can’t be fenced in to the lifelong companions who won’t leave our sides, this poignant anthology showcases man’s best friend through all of his most endearing—and sometimes maddening—attributes. By turns inspirational and humorous (just like the dogs we love), Good Dog is a must-have collection for dog lovers everywhere.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

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About the author

David DiBenedetto

8 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Terri.
703 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2014
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

** I received and advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is October 21st, 2014**

This is a great collection of stories for those of us who love dogs. It features several different stories from several different writers about their experience with their family pet. Although a lot of the stories feature hunting dogs (which makes sense considering who published it) the theme that is prevalent throughout is the love for their pet.

What I enjoyed is the fact that regardless of how good or how "bad" the pet was that there was an underlying affection no matter what. Those who are not dog lovers or never had a dog would never understand. We love everything about our pet regardless of what bad habits they may have. A dog gives so much more than we can ever give back and that make sus accepting of the fact that perhaps they may chew up our favorite very expensive shoes.

I won't go in to detail on this story other than to recommend it for those dog people out there. The fact that it is numerous short stories allows the reader to either read it all in one sitting or read a little bit at a time. I will say that my adorable Golden Retriever got a few extra cuddles while reading this book.
Profile Image for Thelma.
598 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2017
an average collection of hunting dog stories
Profile Image for Cindy.
411 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2019
Precisely as advertised. These articles are better as occasional appetizers than collected into one big spread.
Profile Image for Shazza Maddog.
1,375 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2015
A collection of wonderful short stories about dogs, and the impact they have on the people who care for them, and those who watch them from next door, or across the road, or...

The collection is divided into categories: "The Troublemakers", "Into the Field", "Man's Best Friend", "Family Ties", and "Life Lessons", and you meet at least five dogs and their people in each section. All stories were published in the magazine, Garden & Gun, so many, though not all, stories deal with the peculiarities of hunting dogs and the people who partner with them.

I very much enjoyed these stories, but they're definitely for dog people.
Profile Image for Pam Ferderbar.
Author 3 books1 follower
June 6, 2015
More than just cute dog stories, this collection really does explore the layered and nuanced relationship we have with our dogs. Although the situations vary, one thing is clear, and that is how interdependent we are - human and dog. But I secretly think we're more dependent on them than we like to think. This is a wonderful, unexpected book for anyone who has a dog, has never had a dog, has loved or lost a dog.
Profile Image for Carol Johnson.
167 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2015
This book has secured a spot on my Best Books Ever list!!! It's a collection of essays about dogs from the magazine, Garden and Gun. All the contributors are writers so whether you are a dog person or cat person you can appreciate the extraordinary writing! But for dog lovers, this is a heavenly treat! This is one I will read again and again!
Author 1 book9 followers
March 25, 2015
Collection of dog stories from Garden and Gun magazine. Dog lovers will greatly enjoy reading these essays. My only quibble is there were too many "hunting" dog stories… but it is, after all, Garden and Gun.
Profile Image for Jen.
274 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2016
Dog lovers will love this collection of short stories. They bring you to tears, laughter and warmth in your heart. Hats off to "Garden and Gun" for compiling all their best canine adventures into one book!
1 review
October 13, 2014
Good Dogs, indeed

Very nice collection. Each story reminded me of a beloved pet from my life, which now covers sixty years of loving dogs.
Profile Image for Cara.
546 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2016
Anyone that loves a dog, needs to read this book. Shoot even if you just like a dog, you should read this book. Charming stories of love and loyalty that will make you alternatively laugh and cry.
Profile Image for Janelle.
24 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2016
Great stories about dogs in this one. Lots and lots of short stories.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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