Dog's Book of Truths

Stunning photographs and poetry so true they make you want to hold your breath so the magic will stay. The message of this book can be summed up by one of Joseph Duemer's insightful phrases: "the wisdom of being fully in the world" next to a photo of a satisfied Aussie with snow all over her face. You can feel the joy radiating off the page.

I challenge someone to look through this book and not feel connected to these dogs. The author/photographer managed to capture these Australian Shepherds at their most carefree moments, when the soul of these dogs are truly present. If you haven't seen an "Aussie" before, you are missing out. They are the most beautiful, loving animals, and their eyes say it all. My favorite photo is where the Aussie and it's owner are hugging - because that is truly the relationship you develop with this breed. I'm thankful for this book, while it's not a photographic journal about my own Aussie, it is one the definitely represents the breed well.

Photographer Nancy LeVine spent the better part of a decade capturing images depicting her pair of Australian Shepherd sisters, LuLu and Maxie, in all kinds of settings, from romping on the seashore to riding in a car, and all kinds of moods, from frenzied activity to measured serenity. Her crisp duotone images are honest, natural, real moments, unlike the contrived artifices other animal photographers such as William Wegman employ.Hence, Ms. LeVine presents a deep yet subtle vision of how these dogs experience the world and interact with other dogs and with their humans. (If you have never owned an Aussie, it's possible you may not fully appreciate the genius of her photographs and her subjects.) Sometimes the "truth" shines in the dog's eyes or reveals itself in an image of a dog unabashedly having fun. I'm not sure if there are any high-minded lessons here, but something of the exuberance and intensity these dogs experience transcends the pages.Poet Joseph Duemer contributes extraordinary, insightful phrasing that melds seamlessly with the mood of each photograph and the combination celebrates fully the Zen of dogs. He offers just enough detail and form without trying to manipulate or dictate emotions and perceptions. Folks who do not share their lives with canines will find this book entertaining. Those who do will find it magical, and, among this group, those who have Aussies of their own will keep this well-crafted and well-designed book within easy reach.

I had always known that dogs were really sensitive human beings in fur coats, but I had never seen photographic proof until I saw this book. 'Ae, he mea 'ilio pono kela. These are wise dogs.

This tiny gem of a book is priced to give out like candy canes over the holidays! The profound images of photographer LeVine's miniature Australian shepherds serve to reflect places in the human heart that you may not even have been aware of. Poet Joseph Duermer's aphorisms - often amusing, always wonderful - spill through the pages. This is a stunningly crafted little book as well. Every detail - the use of duotone, the rich paper and binding, the beautiful choice of inks, the competent layout, the striking dust jacket--is perfect. Even the author's statement of purpose is beautifully expressed and sheds light on the fact that this book is about so much more than dogs or photography. This book is a masterpiece of elegance and wise grace.