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The Particulars of Peter: Dance Lessons, DNA Tests, and Other Excuses to Hang Out with My Perfect Dog
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Humor (2021)A journey through the odd corners of obsessive dog ownership and the author's own infatuation with her perfect dog Peter.
The author met Peter in the spring of 2017. He -- calm, puppy-eyed, with the heart of a poet and the soul of, also, a poet -- came to her first as a foster. He was unable to stay with his previously assigned foster for reasons that are none of your business, but which we will tell you were related to frequent urination. The rescue needed someone free of the sort of responsibilities that would force her to regularly leave the house for either work or socializing, and a writer was the natural choice. Thus began a love story for the ages.
The Particulars of Peter is an exploration of the joy found in loving a dog so much it makes you feel like you're going to combust, and the author's potentially codependent relationship with her own sweet dog, Peter. Readers will follow Peter and his owner to Woofstock, "the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America," and accompany them to lessons in Canine Freestyle, a sport where dogs perform a routine set to music, creating the illusion that they're dancing with their owners. From learning about Peter's DNA, to seeing if dogs can sense the presence of ghosts, The Particulars of Peter will give readers a trip into the little world of dogs.
The author met Peter in the spring of 2017. He -- calm, puppy-eyed, with the heart of a poet and the soul of, also, a poet -- came to her first as a foster. He was unable to stay with his previously assigned foster for reasons that are none of your business, but which we will tell you were related to frequent urination. The rescue needed someone free of the sort of responsibilities that would force her to regularly leave the house for either work or socializing, and a writer was the natural choice. Thus began a love story for the ages.
The Particulars of Peter is an exploration of the joy found in loving a dog so much it makes you feel like you're going to combust, and the author's potentially codependent relationship with her own sweet dog, Peter. Readers will follow Peter and his owner to Woofstock, "the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America," and accompany them to lessons in Canine Freestyle, a sport where dogs perform a routine set to music, creating the illusion that they're dancing with their owners. From learning about Peter's DNA, to seeing if dogs can sense the presence of ghosts, The Particulars of Peter will give readers a trip into the little world of dogs.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2020
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8151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 9, 2020
What did I do before Peter? I’m trying to remember. I have to imagine there were things. I did computer, I guess. Typed. Sat alone. Shuffled around the apartment in stockinged feet. Made dinner and ate it while doing, what? Looking at the wall? And who did I feed a noodle to? No one?
It's almost too gruesome to recall.
The author, Kelly Conaboy, a journalist, decides to foster a dog after spending some time volunteering as a dog walker, under their strict regulations that fosters may not adopt a dog that they foster. After many tearful requests, and fear-filled days of losing this little dog that has won her heart completely, he comes to live with her permanently.
’I know a person can exist without the ability to make a creature they love thrash with uncontrollable joy, wild-eyed and ecstatic, at the mere mention of din---; hush, that’s enough, they’re already excited. I know you can watch TV without a dog resting his paws and head on your leg, breathing quietly, warming you and allowing you to feel like you’re having a real human experience rather than idly ingesting The Sopranos. I know you can go to sleep without a dog in your bed and wake up without a little face staring down at you, whiskers in your eyes, and a nose dripping onto your skin, waiting for you to take him outside so that he might urinate. But...why? Why even wake up at all?
I began reading this, and knew almost immediately that I wouldn’t want to put it down until I finished it, which I managed to do. Alternating between laughter, smiles and a few tears when I paused my reading, momentarily, to look up a YouTube video she mentions, I read through her journey from contemplating the merits of fostering, to adopting, to falling head over heels in love with her dog, Peter Parker. One might say there is a bit of an obsession she develops about Peter over time, admitting early on that after his adoption, that he became all she wanted to write about. He replaced anything I previously found curious, and anything I was previously interested in. He is my great love and my obsession. But there is so much more to this memoir than that, there are physical journeys - one of which was her drive from NYC to Woofstock in Toronto. Having been to Woofstock, although not in Toronto, but in Hudson, Massachusetts, I smiled at the memory of being surrounded by so many dogs of all sizes and breeds and remembering how much my Halle loves going there, and reading how much they enjoyed their visit to the one in Toronto. There are also the fears of sharing your life with a dog when they are hurt or ill, and the stress that ensues until all is well.
Filled primarily with sweet and funny moments, the author tackles so many avenues to bond with Peter that offer some pretty hysterical moments, and others that are awww-somely sweet, but overall this is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud tale of a dog that finds a new life with a somewhat neurotically obsessive new life-partner. This calm, puppy-eyed, with the heart of a poet and the of, also, a poet… dog has found a new forever home, and someone to not only love, but to be loved back in return. A love story that includes some truly entertaining moments, a search that ensues for answers to timeless questions, lessons in Canine Freestyle, determining if Peter can sense the presence of ghosts, and many more amusing to hysterically funny moments, and some charming, sweet moments, as well.
Published: 8 Dec 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Grand Central Publishing
March 3, 2022
This book was really sweet. Kelly loves her dog Peter so much. It made me laugh about the Halloween Costumes and other silly things we do to our pets. Of course, my dog gets to sleep in my bed on my down comforter just like her dog does. It is amazing how attached you become to your dog. The book did go on a bit long. There were some chapters that just seemed unnecessary. Still, the overall message is how much joy dogs bring us and how we give that back to them just spending time with them. A very happy message. 🙂
December 15, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
It's no secret that I love dogs. There is just something I cannot resist when it comes to these furry little (or not so little) beings. I am lucky enough to live with three of these wonderful animals and my life revolves around them. It probably is no surprise that I felt like I needed this book in my life. I found this to be an enjoyable and sometimes rather humorous book.
This book is a collection of short essays dedicated to the author's dog, Peter. The author's love for her pet was very clear throughout this book. I was able to relate to so many things in this book. We have a large collection of chewed up pieces of dog toys in our house, similar to Peter's. I haven't tested the DNA of any of my dogs but I could understand her desire to do so. All three of my dogs are mixes and one dog is so mixed that the vet told me I could just pick a breed for the chart because she had no idea. There were also a few things that I couldn't see myself doing. Dance lessons would be a prime example. The world does not need to see me or my dogs trying to perform a dance routine.
There were some really amusing moments in the book. When the author described the sweater she bought for Peter and his reaction to it, I couldn't help but laugh. I liked the way that she tackled pet psychics and thought it was great that she really explored just about every possible aspect a dog owner might encounter. There were some more emotional parts of the book when the author was worried about her dog that really hit home for me as well
I would recommend this book to dog lovers. This is a lighter read that I found quite entertaining. I am happy to report that the book ends on a very positive note. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this author's work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing.
It's no secret that I love dogs. There is just something I cannot resist when it comes to these furry little (or not so little) beings. I am lucky enough to live with three of these wonderful animals and my life revolves around them. It probably is no surprise that I felt like I needed this book in my life. I found this to be an enjoyable and sometimes rather humorous book.
This book is a collection of short essays dedicated to the author's dog, Peter. The author's love for her pet was very clear throughout this book. I was able to relate to so many things in this book. We have a large collection of chewed up pieces of dog toys in our house, similar to Peter's. I haven't tested the DNA of any of my dogs but I could understand her desire to do so. All three of my dogs are mixes and one dog is so mixed that the vet told me I could just pick a breed for the chart because she had no idea. There were also a few things that I couldn't see myself doing. Dance lessons would be a prime example. The world does not need to see me or my dogs trying to perform a dance routine.
There were some really amusing moments in the book. When the author described the sweater she bought for Peter and his reaction to it, I couldn't help but laugh. I liked the way that she tackled pet psychics and thought it was great that she really explored just about every possible aspect a dog owner might encounter. There were some more emotional parts of the book when the author was worried about her dog that really hit home for me as well
I would recommend this book to dog lovers. This is a lighter read that I found quite entertaining. I am happy to report that the book ends on a very positive note. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of this author's work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing.
December 6, 2020
On behalf of my mom and me, Maggie pup, I want to share how delighted we were to receive not only a letter from Kevin, Dog of Maddie Caldwell, but The Particulars of Peter by Kelly Conaboy as well! My mom read most of this book to me while sitting on the couch. When I was tucked in snuggly next to her she kept laughing and stroking my head telling me I was the bestest girl. Mom says it's a puuurfect stocking woofer for the holidays if you have a puppers like me!
~Maggie
(Bestest girl to mama Tanja)
*Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sharing this awesome read with us!
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January 19, 2021
I have to say I really didn't like this much at all, but I do love dogs...so to honor that, I'll go with a 2 star rating! It really is much ado about nothing.....the author elaborates on a variety of things that really don't make much sense, & then often goes off on a tangent that doesn't really have much of anything to do with the original idea that she brought up. It almost felt like she was just going on & on, to get more sentences in.... at some points it seemed a bit of a word salad! The writing style is 'conversational'....like she's talking to the reader, which can be kind of annoying/weird at times.
I received an e-ARC of this book from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley, in return for reading it & posting my own fair & honest review.
I received an e-ARC of this book from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley, in return for reading it & posting my own fair & honest review.
December 17, 2020
Cute, funny, and light!
The Particulars of Peter is the informative, amusing, self-deprecating story of Kelly Conaboy’s adoration, experiences, and worries for her treasured dog, Peter.
The writing is witty and sharp. And the novel is a charming, entertaining tale of one woman’s journey as a new pet owner with the dog who stole her heart from the very first moment she met him.
Overall, The Particulars of Peter is, ultimately, part memoir, part love story that is full of tender moments and humourous mishaps that reminds us of the unconditional, outrageous fascination we often have with our pets.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Particulars of Peter is the informative, amusing, self-deprecating story of Kelly Conaboy’s adoration, experiences, and worries for her treasured dog, Peter.
The writing is witty and sharp. And the novel is a charming, entertaining tale of one woman’s journey as a new pet owner with the dog who stole her heart from the very first moment she met him.
Overall, The Particulars of Peter is, ultimately, part memoir, part love story that is full of tender moments and humourous mishaps that reminds us of the unconditional, outrageous fascination we often have with our pets.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2021
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves and owns a dog, and find yourself working to keep your dog, rather than keeping yourself ;)
The Particulars of Peter is a wonderful memoir about Kelly Conaboy's time with her dog Peter - and how she is utterly obsessed with him, as every dog mom should be with their best boy or girl.
I loved Kelly's writing - it's satirical, comical and self-deprecating in all the best ways, and I really liked how she could laugh at herself while at the same time looking down her nose at anyone who tried to tell her otherwise when it came to looking after Peter. I respect that.
Kelly believes Peter is the best dog in the world. I agree to disagree (title is jointly taken by my Dezzie and Roci of course).
This is lighthearted fun, and one you can pick up, read a chapter or two off, laugh and then go for a walk with your dogs before returning. I thoroughly enjoyed this and if you are a dog-obsessed loon like me, please give it a go.
The Particulars of Peter is a wonderful memoir about Kelly Conaboy's time with her dog Peter - and how she is utterly obsessed with him, as every dog mom should be with their best boy or girl.
I loved Kelly's writing - it's satirical, comical and self-deprecating in all the best ways, and I really liked how she could laugh at herself while at the same time looking down her nose at anyone who tried to tell her otherwise when it came to looking after Peter. I respect that.
Kelly believes Peter is the best dog in the world. I agree to disagree (title is jointly taken by my Dezzie and Roci of course).
This is lighthearted fun, and one you can pick up, read a chapter or two off, laugh and then go for a walk with your dogs before returning. I thoroughly enjoyed this and if you are a dog-obsessed loon like me, please give it a go.
April 22, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHATS THE PARTICULARS OF PETER ABOUT?
It is, quite simply, about Peter. Well, it's more about Conaboy's obsession with Peter and the things she'll do to foster the relationship between them as well as all the things she's willing to do with/for him for the sake of her writing.
She begins by talking about how Peter came into her life, going to Woofstock with him, trying to get into agility training, dance classes, and so on. She gets a DNA test, goes ghost hunting, consults a pet psychic, and more.
Each chapter is filled with jokes, amusing anecdotes, and useful information on a particular subject/experience, told with a lot of humor (some-self deprecating).
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
It's probably easier to think of this as a collection of essays rather than a cohesive book, and as such, there are going to be some chapters that stand-out above the others. I think the first two chapters—about adopting Peter and getting a DNA test were the best—with the chapter on where the dog should sleep as a close third.
The chapter on Dog Dancing was, on the whole, not that interesting for me until she dropped the jokes and got to a hard story about Peter and a medical problem. It probably became the strongest chapter in the book at that point.
ON THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM
There were a couple of chapters that did nothing for me—training Peter for Ghost Hunting and then trying to communicate with him using pet psychic just bored me. I couldn't get into them, but I could see where someone would find it interesting.
The rest of the chapters were a good mix of things I thought were great and then a page later made me wonder why I tried the book.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE PARTICULARS OF PETER?
There was something in the preface, that made me wonder if I'd made a mistake and I was going to end up annoyed with this book, but I wasn't quite sure. Then I got to the paragraph I quoted above—the third in the book, and realized that yeah, this book was for me.
I'm not going to tell you that this is the best book about living with a dog that you're ever going to read. I'm not saying that every chapter was worth the time. But there's just so much heart displayed in every chapter, that you can't help but cut her a lot of slack for whatever shortcomings may appear.
And it's a funny book. I chuckled and laughed a few times, I enjoyed an eye-rolling smile a few times, a more than a few times I grinned and made not of a fun line. I fell in love with her habit of writing a parenthetical remark to get a punchline into something, and then immediately following it with another parenthetical joke—naturally, I didn't write down any examples of that, because why should I make it easy for me to explain the quirk.
Basically, this was a fun book about one of my favorite topics—of course, I'm going to recommend it.
---
I think once a person has a dog the idea of not having one quickly becomes absurd. I know there are other ways a person can fill their time—golf, et cetera. I know you can Hula-Hoop. You can pan for gold, or “do some work at a café.” I know a person can exist without the ability to make a creature they love thrash with uncontrollable joy, wild-eyed and ecstatic, at the mere mention of din—; hush, that’s enough, they're already excited. I know you can watch TV without a dog resting his paws and head on your leg, breathing quietly, warming you and allowing you to feel like you're having a real human experience rather than idly ingesting The Sopranos, I know you can go to sleep without a dog in your bed and wake up without a little face staring down at you, whiskers in your eyes, and a nose dripping onto your skin, waiting for you to take him outside so that he might urinate. But... why? Why even wake up at all?
WHATS THE PARTICULARS OF PETER ABOUT?
It is, quite simply, about Peter. Well, it's more about Conaboy's obsession with Peter and the things she'll do to foster the relationship between them as well as all the things she's willing to do with/for him for the sake of her writing.
She begins by talking about how Peter came into her life, going to Woofstock with him, trying to get into agility training, dance classes, and so on. She gets a DNA test, goes ghost hunting, consults a pet psychic, and more.
Each chapter is filled with jokes, amusing anecdotes, and useful information on a particular subject/experience, told with a lot of humor (some-self deprecating).
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
It's probably easier to think of this as a collection of essays rather than a cohesive book, and as such, there are going to be some chapters that stand-out above the others. I think the first two chapters—about adopting Peter and getting a DNA test were the best—with the chapter on where the dog should sleep as a close third.
The chapter on Dog Dancing was, on the whole, not that interesting for me until she dropped the jokes and got to a hard story about Peter and a medical problem. It probably became the strongest chapter in the book at that point.
ON THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM
There were a couple of chapters that did nothing for me—training Peter for Ghost Hunting and then trying to communicate with him using pet psychic just bored me. I couldn't get into them, but I could see where someone would find it interesting.
The rest of the chapters were a good mix of things I thought were great and then a page later made me wonder why I tried the book.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE PARTICULARS OF PETER?
There was something in the preface, that made me wonder if I'd made a mistake and I was going to end up annoyed with this book, but I wasn't quite sure. Then I got to the paragraph I quoted above—the third in the book, and realized that yeah, this book was for me.
I'm not going to tell you that this is the best book about living with a dog that you're ever going to read. I'm not saying that every chapter was worth the time. But there's just so much heart displayed in every chapter, that you can't help but cut her a lot of slack for whatever shortcomings may appear.
And it's a funny book. I chuckled and laughed a few times, I enjoyed an eye-rolling smile a few times, a more than a few times I grinned and made not of a fun line. I fell in love with her habit of writing a parenthetical remark to get a punchline into something, and then immediately following it with another parenthetical joke—naturally, I didn't write down any examples of that, because why should I make it easy for me to explain the quirk.
Basically, this was a fun book about one of my favorite topics—of course, I'm going to recommend it.
September 28, 2020
Read if you: Want a funny and charming pet memoir.
Although some of the asides and meanderings became a bit annoying, I had a fun time with this sweet and funny account of the author's love (and obsession!) with her dog.
Librarians/booksellers: Purchase if dog books are a hit with your patrons/customers.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Edelweiss for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although some of the asides and meanderings became a bit annoying, I had a fun time with this sweet and funny account of the author's love (and obsession!) with her dog.
Librarians/booksellers: Purchase if dog books are a hit with your patrons/customers.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Edelweiss for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2021
The book started off strong, soon devolved into entire chapters of rambling nonsense. I have a dog that I love very much. I love dogs as much as anybody else. I love a good dog story. What I don’t love? Nonsense. What I call nonsense when referring to this book, some people call zany, joy, delight. So there you go, you decide.
January 9, 2022
Such a treat. This is written in the familiar dialogue that any neurotic dog parent has running their thoughts. Super relatable to anyone who has loved a dog. If you’ve ever cried over how much you love your dog, this is the book for you. Funny, witty, and altogether redeeming for people who spend way too much time and money obsessing over their dogs. Obviously my dogs are the best in the whole world, but it was just so cozy to hear about someone else who thinks the same way about their dog.
December 27, 2020
This was a fun book about Kelly and her love for her dog, Peter. Each chapter discusses different thoughts or ideas we have had about our beloved pets, which I can guarantee most pet owners have also gone through.
A few chapters that stuck out were the ones about checking your pets DNA and the insane amount of toys your pet accumulates! I have thought about buying a DNA test for my cats, but haven't quite pulled the trigger on that one. I also recently went through their unused cat toya and threw them away!
There was a chapter about thoughts on pets sleeping with you, and I was actually surprised by the results from Kelly's survey! I have always had my pets sleep with me, and I have never thought about it being unhygienic! The only reason I wouldn't have had my big dog sleep with me was because of lack of sleep, but I do cuddle with my cats every night and wake to them sitting on my chest waiting for me to feed them.
This is a fun, great book for any pet owner/lover! I highly recommend this light-hearted read!
Thank you Grand Central Pub for my gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.
A few chapters that stuck out were the ones about checking your pets DNA and the insane amount of toys your pet accumulates! I have thought about buying a DNA test for my cats, but haven't quite pulled the trigger on that one. I also recently went through their unused cat toya and threw them away!
There was a chapter about thoughts on pets sleeping with you, and I was actually surprised by the results from Kelly's survey! I have always had my pets sleep with me, and I have never thought about it being unhygienic! The only reason I wouldn't have had my big dog sleep with me was because of lack of sleep, but I do cuddle with my cats every night and wake to them sitting on my chest waiting for me to feed them.
This is a fun, great book for any pet owner/lover! I highly recommend this light-hearted read!
Thank you Grand Central Pub for my gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.
December 5, 2020
Do you love your dog? Do you like memoirs? How about laughing? Well this book is a funny look at the Author’s love/ addiction with her dog Peter. I found myself relating in almost every story and I knew then that dog lovers everywhere had to read this book. From sleeping with your dog, to DNA tests, traveling and other people’s opinions on how much we coddled our pups; she hits the nail head on what every dog lover is thinking or has done themself. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. And I credit my Nala for being such a voguish model posing for this picture.
January 17, 2021
I’ve been a fan of Kelly’s writing for years and preordered this book immediately, and boy did it deliver. Kelly beautifully captures what it’s like to be completely obsessed with your dog—the joy of taking care of them, the structure they give our lives, and the fear of what we’ll be left with when they’re gone—and makes you laugh aloud constantly along the way. Best enjoyed with a dog nudging their nose in the way every two minutes or so.
June 1, 2021
I tried. I am a dog lover and enjoy reading humor about other dog lovers, so I tried. But it was just too trite. Or the narrator's voice too annoying. Or something. This was a DNR. Maybe I will give it another chance, but not right now.
March 18, 2025
The writing was good but she was wayyyyy too obsessive over her dog. Even mentioning SEVERAL times wanting to marry her dog??
September 29, 2021
If you are a dog lover, you will love this book. Conaboy is an hilarious writer, her dog Peter sounds adorable and the whole thing made me feel even more tender towards our current pooch, Pumbaa. Very sweet read.
December 14, 2020
Kelly Conaboy loves her dog, Peter, so much that she wrote a book about him. She obsesses over him and writes about him in a humorous and touching manner that few of us could match.
Peter is the epitome of canine perfection. When Conaboy agreed to foster him, she wasn’t sure she should actually adopt a dog. The rescue was adamant that fosters are not allowed to adopt their foster dogs. But Conaboy fell in love with Peter, which she describes as both inevitable and the best thing that ever happened to her. The first chapter, “How Did We Get Here?” outlines how she begged and pleaded and finally was able to adopt Peter, the cutest dog in the universe (at least in her eyes).
Conaboy describes Peter as her “great love and my obsession” and “sweet number one man.” She explains her guilt that, as she is writing about her favorite topic, she is getting paid to do so. She judges people who use their dogs for fame- or money-grabbing purposes on social media and cringes when people talk “baby talk” to their dogs. She did some activities with Peter so she could write about them and says, “I’m so sorry to take you down all of these horrible paths of self-obsession, please feel free to skip ahead --- it’s guilt-making to be a writer when undergoing experiences. I always hate admitting that I’m doing something to write about it to those who are doing it simply for the experience of doing it. It makes people suspicious, like I might have some sort of cruel ulterior motive, and it makes me feel like a phony.” But in writing this, Conaboy reveled in the fact that she got to hang out with Peter and “think about him all the time, and write about him all the time. I wanted to spend time getting to know him. I feel so lucky that I was able to do that, to make him into work. What an incredible scam.”
If you’ve concluded that Conaboy's writing is naturally conversational and filled with wry humor, you would be correct. She is self-deprecating as she makes fun of her anxiety about taking care of Peter, always doing the right thing for him, and making sure that his life is as wonderful as it can possibly be.
We learn about Peter’s DNA test and why she picked the one offered by a company called Embark. Spoiler alert: It was the most expensive one, and she wasn’t paying for it! She reached out to the rescue group that had saved Peter from a high-kill shelter in the south, and as most of us who have rescue dogs already know, there was precious little known about the first three years of his life. And Conaboy is up front about her sadness that she couldn’t protect him during that time.
Luckily for us, Conaboy often veers off topic. In the chapter about doggie festivals, she describes driving to Canada to attend what was billed as the largest dog festival in North America. She then digresses and discusses seat belts for dogs. After learning that dogs should be restrained in moving vehicles, she bought a dog vest and dog seat belt that is anchored to the backseat headrest. She continues, “[P]lus I got a net for between the back and front seats that will definitely do nothing in an accident but still provides the level of mental comfort that spending money on something unnecessary can provide.” Her narrative about the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo is priceless.
You won’t learn anything important about how to care for your dog by reading this book. There’s nothing here about the best dog food or grooming tools that are a “must have.” Most of us know the answers to the questions that make up the titles of each chapter, such as “Should my dog play a sport?” and “Should I sleep in bed with my dog?” In my opinion, the latter depends on several factors (number of dogs, size of bed). Conaboy only has one dog, so yes, Peter sleeps with her. She tells us, “When it’s time for bed I’ll ask Peter, ‘Do you want to go to bed?’ He doesn’t really have any agency in the situation, since he is technically my prisoner, but I like to offer him the illusion.”
What you'll get out of this book is an appreciation for Conaboy’s complete and total adoration of Peter, and you'll smile and chuckle often while reading each chapter. I wish I could share more of the absolutely hysterical musings that she includes here, but there’s only so much space. Suffice to say that if you have a dog, you will laugh continuously at Peter’s antics and even more at Conaboy’s over-the-top devotion to Peter and his happiness.
Do dogs like music? Can they learn to talk? Can you communicate with them via a pet psychic? Can they hunt ghosts? Find out the answers (kind of) to these vital questions in THE PARTICULARS OF PETER. Get ready to look at your dog through new eyes. Be prepared to smile. Or give this book to someone you know who is obsessed with their dog. They’ll love it.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Peter is the epitome of canine perfection. When Conaboy agreed to foster him, she wasn’t sure she should actually adopt a dog. The rescue was adamant that fosters are not allowed to adopt their foster dogs. But Conaboy fell in love with Peter, which she describes as both inevitable and the best thing that ever happened to her. The first chapter, “How Did We Get Here?” outlines how she begged and pleaded and finally was able to adopt Peter, the cutest dog in the universe (at least in her eyes).
Conaboy describes Peter as her “great love and my obsession” and “sweet number one man.” She explains her guilt that, as she is writing about her favorite topic, she is getting paid to do so. She judges people who use their dogs for fame- or money-grabbing purposes on social media and cringes when people talk “baby talk” to their dogs. She did some activities with Peter so she could write about them and says, “I’m so sorry to take you down all of these horrible paths of self-obsession, please feel free to skip ahead --- it’s guilt-making to be a writer when undergoing experiences. I always hate admitting that I’m doing something to write about it to those who are doing it simply for the experience of doing it. It makes people suspicious, like I might have some sort of cruel ulterior motive, and it makes me feel like a phony.” But in writing this, Conaboy reveled in the fact that she got to hang out with Peter and “think about him all the time, and write about him all the time. I wanted to spend time getting to know him. I feel so lucky that I was able to do that, to make him into work. What an incredible scam.”
If you’ve concluded that Conaboy's writing is naturally conversational and filled with wry humor, you would be correct. She is self-deprecating as she makes fun of her anxiety about taking care of Peter, always doing the right thing for him, and making sure that his life is as wonderful as it can possibly be.
We learn about Peter’s DNA test and why she picked the one offered by a company called Embark. Spoiler alert: It was the most expensive one, and she wasn’t paying for it! She reached out to the rescue group that had saved Peter from a high-kill shelter in the south, and as most of us who have rescue dogs already know, there was precious little known about the first three years of his life. And Conaboy is up front about her sadness that she couldn’t protect him during that time.
Luckily for us, Conaboy often veers off topic. In the chapter about doggie festivals, she describes driving to Canada to attend what was billed as the largest dog festival in North America. She then digresses and discusses seat belts for dogs. After learning that dogs should be restrained in moving vehicles, she bought a dog vest and dog seat belt that is anchored to the backseat headrest. She continues, “[P]lus I got a net for between the back and front seats that will definitely do nothing in an accident but still provides the level of mental comfort that spending money on something unnecessary can provide.” Her narrative about the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo is priceless.
You won’t learn anything important about how to care for your dog by reading this book. There’s nothing here about the best dog food or grooming tools that are a “must have.” Most of us know the answers to the questions that make up the titles of each chapter, such as “Should my dog play a sport?” and “Should I sleep in bed with my dog?” In my opinion, the latter depends on several factors (number of dogs, size of bed). Conaboy only has one dog, so yes, Peter sleeps with her. She tells us, “When it’s time for bed I’ll ask Peter, ‘Do you want to go to bed?’ He doesn’t really have any agency in the situation, since he is technically my prisoner, but I like to offer him the illusion.”
What you'll get out of this book is an appreciation for Conaboy’s complete and total adoration of Peter, and you'll smile and chuckle often while reading each chapter. I wish I could share more of the absolutely hysterical musings that she includes here, but there’s only so much space. Suffice to say that if you have a dog, you will laugh continuously at Peter’s antics and even more at Conaboy’s over-the-top devotion to Peter and his happiness.
Do dogs like music? Can they learn to talk? Can you communicate with them via a pet psychic? Can they hunt ghosts? Find out the answers (kind of) to these vital questions in THE PARTICULARS OF PETER. Get ready to look at your dog through new eyes. Be prepared to smile. Or give this book to someone you know who is obsessed with their dog. They’ll love it.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
July 11, 2021
If you are a dog lover, listen to this audiobook. You will probably relate. If you are not, move on, nothing to read here.
January 4, 2021
Those of us who have had dogs our whole lives have an awareness of the special place that these animals create in our lives daily. But do we take them for granted because they are always present? Are we so used to their antics and loving that we forget their exceptional ways? In The Particulars of Peter, by Kelly Conaboy, we go on a ride with someone who is adding a dog to their life for the first time. We experience the wonder and fun of someone who tries to capture the characteristics of her new pet and the unbelievable love that comes with him from first sight. I laughed out loud many times at Conaboy’s descriptions of her dog Peter. These actions I sometimes see every day in my dog but never thought as so super cute and thoughtful. In addition, the subtitle to this book: Dance Lessons, DNA Tests, and Other Excuses to Hang Out with My Perfect Dog, gives insight to her attempts at dog enrichment. Are these activities worth the time and money? Does the dog even care? Note a warning for strong language included, which reduces the amount of times I could use it as a gift. However, I mostly love her little comments on the fact that her dog and their relationship are the most special ever. Conaboy writes “The rest of us get to have lives full of friends and loved ones and all of these people who get to really know us, or at least attempt to, but our dogs pretty much only have us.” I think she’s got the right idea, and I highly enjoyed her take on pet ownership. I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
Totally bonded with this cute and funny story about the author’s attachment to her dog. Most chapters caused me to laugh out loud, causing my husband to repeatedly ask if I was okay.
December 29, 2020
If you love dogs, you will appreciate and enjoy this book.
I am easily pleased by books about dogs, but Conaboy's writing style (witty and conversational) catapults this to my list of favorites. It isn't a pet behavior guide or anything like that - it is a heartwarming and hilarious ode to Peter.
This is perfect for people who obsess over and love their dogs to a degree that causes them to create a playlist that is pleasing to their pup. It's also a nice read for their relatives who may wish to understand them better.
I am easily pleased by books about dogs, but Conaboy's writing style (witty and conversational) catapults this to my list of favorites. It isn't a pet behavior guide or anything like that - it is a heartwarming and hilarious ode to Peter.
This is perfect for people who obsess over and love their dogs to a degree that causes them to create a playlist that is pleasing to their pup. It's also a nice read for their relatives who may wish to understand them better.
June 6, 2021
This was such a fun and enjoyable book. I'm glad that I'm not the only person who loves her perfect dog so completely.
December 29, 2020
This book was an absolute delight! I loved it so much and laughed out loud to the point of tears on multiple occasions. I could relate so much to the author and her (what some might be considered a bit crazy) love for her dog. There were a few chapters in the middle that felt like a bit of added filler that lost some of my attention, but overall this book had so much heart and joy. I highly recommend it for any dog lover out there!
January 4, 2021
What a great book to start the year. It's heartwarming, hilarious, and highly relatable content. I've been a fan of Kelly since her Videogum days and absolutely love her writing style. Also I write songs about my cat in a very similar manner?!
February 14, 2021
This book was so much fun to read. Conaboy really loves her dog, Peter Parker, and you can't help but love him, too. You should read this if you've ever loved another creature so much it's kind of scary.
February 24, 2021
I feel so much better about my obsession with my dogs after reading this. This was a funny, entertaining, and adorable read for anyone who loves their dog (and if you have a dog, you love them...right? Right??!!).
February 8, 2021
Do not waste your time.
The worst book that I have ever read. I am a dog lover but this was inane. No real content, just babbling and baby talk about the dog Peter.
The worst book that I have ever read. I am a dog lover but this was inane. No real content, just babbling and baby talk about the dog Peter.
November 12, 2021
I loved this book! I kept taking pictures of paragraphs and texting them to Dylan like “this is us!!!”
April 5, 2021
Oh man was this book a joy to read. I love my dog like Kelly loves Peter. I was also reading this as my grandmother was dying, and it brought me a lot of soft, sweet happiness.
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