Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit

The best collection of dog anecdotes I've read Lord Byron was right about dogs possessing all of the human virtues without their corollary vices: beauty without vanity, intelligence without conceit, courage without ferocity and strength without insolence. We as a species are lucky that our canine quadruped friends, clearly superior beings, have anything at all to do with us bumbling, high-strung, self-important two-leggers. And you can add to Lord Byron's litany, humor without sarcasm. Yes, doggies do indeed have a sense of humor, not too terribly different from our own. This is without doubt the best collection of dog anecdotes I've ever read, from the people who publish the wonderful "Bark" magazine (whose motto, by the way, is "Dog is my co-pilot"). While all of the stories in this delightful anthology are captivating, my personal favorites are John Glaser's "Better Than You," Margaret Cho's "Dog Whores" and "Strange Bedfellows" by the irrepressible Kinky Friedman. No doubt, some 100 centuries ago when the first lupine proto-dogs got together and noted that - lacking opposable thumbs - they were most unlikely to evolve a technological civilization, a group decision was taken to hitch their wagon to the hominid star, thus ensuring a future of quality veterinary care, three squares a day and climate control. Not to mention, worshipful adoration! Smart, very smart, critters these loveable mutts. Perhaps, uncounted eons hence, when they become the dominant species on the planet, they'll be publishing anthologies of "funny human" stories. I wouldn't be a bit surprised. This is a wonderful book, howlingly funny, and I'd recommend it to any Dog person! As the immortal Groucho Marx once said, "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."

While I did not read "Bark", I very much enjoyed "Howl". It is a compilation of humorous animal stories from comedians, writers, actors, etc. Nice, easy (and very funny) reading!

The editors at the Bark sure do have an eye for the best dog writing out there. This collection was very very funny and would make a great christmas gifts for dog lovers who love a laugh. My favorite pieces were from Lee Harrington, Neal Pollack, and Kinky Friedman. The other anthology by The Bark, Dog is My Co-Pilot, was more soulful than this book. But this one is funnier! SO you need both. Let's hope they do more dog anthologies in the future!

Howl is a terrific ode to Man's best friend...and a reminder that in this cold, dark world, a true friend can be found...Writer's from all around the country share warm and witty musings on their relationships with that one creature that gives and gives a "howl"...terrific, well done and a good read on the beach or before bed...M. Grasso Santa Monica, CA

The Bark editors are always able to find the best writing on dogs, and they have crafted another winner with this follow up to the much beloved "Dog Is My Co-Pilot". Where "Co-Pilot" was more classic fare, focusing on the bond between people and dogs, this collection isn't so serious and enjoys poking fun at people and their dogs. It does so smartly, and with great wit, if not all out belly laughs. I didn't recognize all the contributors but some of the best pieces were from new (to me) voices: Cathy Crimmins hilarious take on her dog's sex life, David Malley's ruminations on number two, and Jon Bowen's myth busting of second dogs. Can't wait for their next collection ...