If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You: True Portraits of ... (ISBN 0821228307)

Amazon.com Review:
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."

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!

great book for any dog lover!:
great book for anyone that loves dogs, excellent gift, hilarious quotes written through a dogs perspective. I gave it as a gift and it was very well received. buy it!

Stunning book.:
One of the most lovely and sensitive portraits of canine emotions. Very sweet. Now I even let my dog smell my socks. It's a little thing, but it makes him happy.

Had me at....:
The one about going off to college nearly drew a tear in my eye. I didn't want to put this book down. I have a jack russell, and hence, know that my dog would talk if he could. Love it!

A Well-Done Canine Photo-Essay:
The writing and photography in this book was just wonderful and covered the entire range of emotions from light and fun to sad and emotional. It was very sweet and endearing to me as a dog-lover.