[.ca] If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You: True Portraits of ... (ISBN 0821224972)

From Amazon.com:
Who hasn't put words into their mutt's mouth? From "yes, the chicken-flavored treats are my favorite," to "no, I'm not quite ready for my bath," all dog devotees are guilty as charged--although not all do it in such a hilarious and endearing manner as writer Roy Blount Jr. and photographer Valerie Shaff in If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You: True Portraits of Dogs. Blount, humorist and author of Be Sweet, brings us closer to "understanding the 'inner dog'" through his use of Doggerel, a uniquely Blount brand of verse with the "canine measure somewhere between ordered and free." The effect of this puppy poetry--when paired with Shaff's truly remarkable duotone photographs of mixed and pure breeds--is comic genius. A Boxer coyly stares into the camera wondering, "What does that mean, 'expensive shoe'? / I ate it because it smelled like you," while a chubby-tummied bulldog declares "Good stick. / Got a good stick. / A real / good / Stick. / Getting all the good / Out of this good / Stick / That's in / This / good / Stick." You'll never be able to resist this entertaining and affectionate look at our canine friends as "they ponder the confusions, certainties, pangs, and pleasures of a dog's life."

Superb gift book:
Superb and hilarious. The ideal gift book for dog lovers and aspiring dog lovers. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).

Dogs and Their Poetry:
The reviewer who said the poetry in this book was terrible was completely wrong. The peopetry in this book not written by a person per se, but by a dog -- and maybe sometimes a dog's poetry does not rhyme - but at least it comes from his heart. Roy Blount, Jr., the author behind the dogs' poetry, even explains as much in the introduction. This book is about dogs and their poetry. Because of this, the book becomes even more enjoyable. The reader can look at the magnificent photos and read the poetry that that dog wrote for it. The dog's poetry is a "canine measure of somewhere between ordered and free," which shows the inner workings of all dogs. As in the poem, "Good Stick," you know exactly how the dog feels about his stick because - the dog itself wrote the poem. Dogs converse on baths, expensive shoes, treats - everything that is important to them. But the title of the book sums it up perfectly. Who wouldn't look at their dog (who may or may not have done something naughty) and find him replying, "If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You." This is a great book for any dog lover.

Dogs ARE People, Anthropomorhism Makes Good CoffeeTable Book:
Do animals think, have human emotions and consciously make human-like facial expressions? Certainly a question scientists will dwell on for likely centuries to come, but after you read this book, there will be no doubt in your mind - dogs ARE people. Anthropomorphism of course is the attributing of human traits to animals. When we see a dog smile, is he really smiling or just panting? When we see a dog give a surly glare, is he really surly or just tired? To most dog lovers, the answers to these questions doesn't really matter, because for us, dogs have at one time or another played an important role in our lives, as a pet while we were growing up or a best friend for someone living alone. We want to believe they understand us when we speak and want to believe they have the ability to communicate back in what creates a human-like relationship, lest we think of ourselves as simply a meal ticket and occasional play companion. Roy Blount's dog-speak verse is witty and moving - you will feel like you are hearing dogs' thoughts and feelings without a doubt. And Valerie Shaff's portraits and action shots amaze - one wonders how much film she had to take to get these shots. This book is a fine addition to your coffee table or for a gift. If after reading this book, you don't hug your dog or think about running out to the pet store, you're just not human...or at least not a dog lover.

Dog's Eye View:
After a preamble into historical doggie references & some personal history, Roy Blount proceeds to tell us exactly what he thinks the dogs in Valerie Shaff's portraits are saying. Charming sepia toned photographs & poignant, prosaic commentaries make IF ONLY YOU KNEW HOW MUCH I SMELL YOU a must for dog lovers. It'll make you look at your dog a little more intelligently!

Adorable doggies:
This book has some real cutie-pie pictures, but I found that some of the commentary was a little sad and depressing. Was hoping for more upbeat and goofy stuff, like the title, but that was not the case. Enoyed the photos, though... made up my own commentary in my head!