The Wolf in the Parlor: How the Dog Came to Share Your Brain

It became our morning ritual during the 11 months I was unemployed. First I felt a cold nose on my leg as I sat at the breakfast table. Next, I heard a faint whimper. Then ...WHAM! ... a dog's head crashed through my newspaper and came to rest on my lap. The message was clear. "It's time to go for our walk." Until I read the new book by Jon Franklin, The Wolf in the Parlor (Henry Holt and Company), I thought our walks were all to please Tyrone. Now, I realize that maybe he understood that I needed them as much as he did. If so, he was right. It was difficult to adjust after going into the office almost every day for 39 year. The walks focused my thoughts and reduced my anxieties. And I've lost 20 pounds. But Franklin's outstanding book goes even further outlining the significance of this relationship between man and his best friend.The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author and University of Maryland professor spent more than two decades researching what he calls "the eternal connection between humans and dogs." His conclusion: Dogs, or their ancestors, helped us become better people. Just as Tyrone helps me. I'm working again now. In fact, I now have two jobs. So I'm worried that Tyrone will be upset if that cuts into our walking time. Then, again, he may be having the same concerns about me. "Just remember," Franklin said, "there's an animal on both ends of the leash."

When his new wife bought home a puppy, Franklin realized he was going to have to live with a dog. One day he asked himself, "Why is there a wolf in my parlor?" The question wouldn't let him go. Franklin writes: "...while dogs were everywhere one looked, humans gave them no serious notice--and what's more, didn't see anything odd about this arrangement. It was as if we were deliberately ignoring dogs and that is the kind of thing that catches the attention of psychiatrists. And, of course, science journalists." Franklin, a Pulitzer prize winning writer, became obsessed with answering the question. He eventually found an answer but it took him ten years. His search for an answer took him everywhere from universities to dog shows and led to meetings with a series of fascinating characters including dog breeders, dog owners, anthropologists, university professors and dog catchers. Franklin obviously loves dogs and the book is also a moving account of his relationship with Charlie, the full size poodle that his wife Lynn brought home as a puppy. His description of living with Charlie brought back emotional memories of the dogs that I have owned and loved. My only regret is that I bought this book as a Kindle e-book. Now I have to buy a second hardcover copy. This is a book I want on my bookshelf. Recommended for dog owners and potential dog owners -- including parents who are thinking about getting a puppy for their children. I also recommend the book for nonfiction writers. Franklins account of his search is a detailed, highly readable account of how a classic nonfiction book is written. Every library should own a copy.

WOLF IN THE PARLOR is one of those books that crosses genres and engages a reader on multiple levels. It's nonfiction, with fascinating facts and logically drawn out conclusions that will have you shaking your head and murmuring, oh, yeah, I can see that - while at the same time you're turning the pages as if it's a spell-binding mystery. Which it is. This is truly a thinking man's story. One of those books that, if you can put it down, will keep you engaged mentally and emotionally and looking at your pet, the dog next door and the dog down the street in a whole new way. I was reluctant to reach the end of my first reading of WOLF IN THE PARLOR, but also excited to share it with friends and fellow readers, and to pick it up again to read and savor more slowly. Thank you Mr. Franklin for creating a book that's a classic!

This thoroughly enjoyable book shows the power and joy that can be had from well-written nonfiction. The author's search for answers to an enigma is as gripping as the "whodunits" that I like to read. Yet, truth is more fascinating than made-up stories. A photo of a 12,000-year-old skeleton reaching out to the skeleton of a small dog entices Franklin on a quest that takes him from ancient caves guarded by wolf skulls to his own hearth where a Standard Poodle puppy named Charlie turns his world upside down. In this nonfiction mystery, Franklin sets out to discover why dogs are such an integral part of all societies, not only here in the U.S. This is more than a book about dogs; it is a book about what makes us human. It will appeal to anyone wanting to learn more about the world in which they live.

As a librarian, I read tons of books; however, most of them tend to be either related to music, my specialty, or science fiction. I picked this up on a whim, because I love dogs and the author seems to have a fine pedigree (no pun intended!). After reading this, I am so thankful that I decided to go outside of my normal reading! Jon Franklin, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning science writer, does an amazing job of exploring why humans and dogs have such an intense bond. Franklin takes us along on his personal journey as he changes from a man that doesn't particularly care about dogs to one where Charlie, his poodle, becomes an integral part of his life (thanks in large part to his wife). As time flows by and Charlie worms his way into the author's heart, Franklin, the ever curious science writer, tries to figure out exactly why humans and dogs seem to complete each other. What impressed me most about this book was the author's ability to deftly intertwine his own personal narrative, along with both scientific research and his own theories. He adds just enough of a personal voice that one doesn't feel like they are reading a text book, but it doesn't devolve into a rambling diary. Franklin does an excellent job of explaining advanced scientific concepts and ideas, although he does assume that the reader has about a high school level knowledge of science. I highly recommend this book to any dog people as it will definitely make them think a little (and hopefully appreciate even more) their relationship with man's (and woman's) best friend. Cat people, you should also pick this one up too and see how the other half of the world lives. To people who don't like any animals, read this and you might find yourself wanting to see what life would be like with your very own "Wolf in the Parlor."