Show Dog
&quot;[Dean] is just a big fan of dogs and he writes with an infectious style...If you're into dogs, this is a really, really fun read.&quot; -Julie Rovner,NPR &quot;Morning Edition&quot;&#8220;A wonderful, charming look at the sport of dogs and dog shows and an absolute must read for anyone looking to get involved.&#8221; (Pat Hastings, AKC Judge and author of Tricks of the Trade)&#8220;A hilarious chronicle of blow-dried poodles, diva trainers and egregious canine puns. Above all, though, this is an irresistible story about the wondrous bond between humans and animals.&#8221; (Mark Adams, author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu)&#8220;Filled with heart and humor, bringing to life extravagant characters, pampered pooches, and over-the-top humans without falling prey to tired stereotypes. That&#8217;s because it&#8217;s not really about animal beauty pageants; it&#8217;s about the unyielding bond between people and dogs and what they&#8217;ll do to make each other happy.&#8221; (Jim Gorant, author of The Lost Dogs)&#8220;As I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine- drama behind the show.&#8221; (John Hodgman, author of That is All)&#8220;Fascinating and funny...as I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine-drama behind the show.&#8221; (John Hodgman, author of That is All)&#8220;A well-written, entertaining and accurate look at our great sport of dog shows . . . Dean makes you feel like you are right there with a brush or a show lead in your handa . . . a great accessory for anyone who wants to know more.&#8221; (David Frei, Voice of The Westminster Kennel Club and The National Dog Show and author of Angel On A Leash)&#8220;Terrific&#8221; (Colin McEnroe, WNPR)&#8220;Superb&#8221; (Michael Solomon, The Guardian)&#8220;Excellent&#8221; (Benoit Denizet-Lewis, Cesar Milan blog)&#8220;If you don&#8217;t know your toy group from your terriers, pick up this beguiling nonfiction account that follows Jack, a lovable, handsome Australian shepherd and an aspiring Best in Show.&#8221; (Entertainment Weekly)&#8220;Show Dog is the real thing with focus, frustration, commitment, passion, ambition and a bit of celebration at times. In the process, it is remarkably informative while delivering vivid, priceless, behind-the-scenes snapshots and a few bizarre characters from small-town America to Manhattan.&#8221; (Ranny Green, Seattle Kennel Club)&#8220;Fascinating and often very funny.&#8221; (Star magazine)&#8220;Eccentric and really fascinating, sometimes treacherous, behind-the-grooming-stand look at the show circuit.&#8221; (Virginia Prescott, New Hampshire Public Radio)&#8220;The literary answer to that laugh-out-loud movie Best in Show.&#8221; (Craig Wilson, USA Today)&#8220;A spellbinding diary written by an outsider looking in, and it&#8217;s filled with intriguing observations and lessons learned. It&#8217;s also quite poignant at times. Think of the movie Best in Show and then dial it back just a hair.&#8221; (David Baker, Pet Adviser)&#8220;Amazing, absolutely amazing. No matter how much you think you know about dog shows, this is the real deal. It&#8217;s not just the whole history, so beautifully interwoven - [Dean has] really delved in and shown this world from every possible angle, and remarkably uncritically.&#8221; (Tracie Hotchner, DogTalk Radio)&#8220;Show Dog added greatly to my already over-the-top love for the subject.Josh has written an absorbing, intimate and good-natured journey into the making of a champion. If you&#8217;re like me, you&#8217;ll come for the dogs, but you&#8217;ll stay for the people.&#8221; (Mary Carillo, sportscaster, co-host 2012 Westminster Show)&#8220;With Dean, curiosity reigns, making it possible to enter this subculture without the fanaticism of a disciple or the condescension of a cynic. He delivers an earnest, wry, and humorous look into what possesses people to spend nearly all their free time and money [showing dogs].&#8221; (Wendy Toth, Petside.com)&#8220;A tale that represents the world of show dogs fairly and factually in a fashion that people outside our cloistered community will understand and appreciate. It may even persuade a few to join us.&#8221; (Billy Wheeler, Best in Show Daily)