Dogs have been noble companions to both the rich and the
poor. One of the characteristics that make them so popular is the loyalty and
love they shower on the owner. Because of the power of such devotion, many
consider their animal much as they would their children. The devotion goes in
both directions, often in ways that may seem strange to those who have never
had a pet, or that have not connected in such a way.
In The Great Grisby by Mikita Brottman, we follow the
history of such bold tales of the love of these creatures, from kings and
princes, to artists and philosophers. Women as well as men tell the tales of
love and throughout the telling we are also given snippets of the author about
her own companion, Grisby. There is an amazing array of information, much taken
from journals and even news of the day. The feelings are jettisons around the
globe through letters between friends and family, all extoling the virtues and
care of their companion.
While each story is different to the other, there is the over
lying dependence on these creatures for that devotions often lacking elsewhere
in their lives, or in some cases just and addition of devotion. When the
animals age and pass one, there is such a tragedy of feeling, and when the
grief has passed and with the addition of a new dog, in many cases this animal
may actually be names exactly the same as the deceased.
You will find many of the antics and stories somewhat odd
and even occasionally over the top, and yet if you know any dog lovers you
already know that there is a special bond, that is shared between the pet and
their owner. Often tongue in cheek, the author gives us glimpses into her own
feelings, and we find ourselves wondering what Grisby is up to as we follow the
history of dogdom through the ages.
If you love animals and are an aficionado of dogs this is a
wonderful look at the trials and tribulations of those in the past as they come to
terms with the differing personalities of the pets they call their own.
The antics and the treatment seem sometimes over the top,
and to an unwary dog fan you may mutter a few ewes. The true dog person does
not find any of the situations that you read about as out of the ordinary, and
yet I believe there are certainly degrees of dog people. There is a spectrum of
behaviors from both the animal as well as their owner. You will find yourself
interested in the differing patterns and attitudes that become oddly entertaining
on closer inspection.
If you enjoy history and animals you will find this to be an
unusual treat. This would be a great book for a discussion group, giving rise
to questions and answers, as well as antidotes from those in the know of how
the animal is often the real owner and not vice versa.
Rating 4/5
This book was received free from the authors publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
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