You Tell Your Dog First

by Alison Pace

You Tell Your Dog First…

About the date you just had…about the questionable results of a medical test…about the good and the bad…about everything.



For years, award-winning author Alison Pace was a dog person without a dog. And then, she got Carlie—a feisty and fluffy West Highland white terrier. She could weed out bad boyfriends with a sniff of her button-black nose and win the hearts of lifelong friends with an adoring gaze. Suddenly, Alison had a constant companion and confidante, who went with her on long morning rambles in Central Park, on trips to the country and the beach, and on her search for inner peace, love, and happiness. Through Carlie, Alison found herself connected to the world as never before.



With her trademark warmth, wit and humor, Alison shares her stories…the tales of a dog person who found her dog.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Memoir, Adult, Animals

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2012

About the author

I'm the author of the novels If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend, Pug Hill, Through Thick and Thin, City Dog and A Pug's Tale . My essays have been included in several anthologies including Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, and Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit.

My memoir, You Tell Your Dog First, just came out.

I live in New York City where I teach creative writing. I'd love to hear from you at alison@alisonpace.com.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of essay collections, delightful is not usually the first word that springs to mind, but it was the first one that popped into my head when I sat down to write this review. You Tell Your Dog First is delightful, and, I might add, smart, funny, and insightful. It also deftly sidesteps the number one peril of essays collections: unevenness. I enjoyed every single essay—I read them doggedly! Wonder-Westie Carlie makes a fine and intrepid hero, and the details are expertly selected and telling, whether it’s the color of a collar or the telltale gesture that reveals a man to be that most loathsome of creatures: a non-dog-person. All in all, I give it 5 out of 5 biscuits.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dog is more than man’s best friend. They become an extension of their owner. Every dog comes with a guarantee of continuous and an abundance of joy (and yes maybe a little bit of a headache, but it’s worth it). Dog people are usually happier people. (See more benefits here: 10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet). In this touching and witty collection of essays inspired by dogs, Alison Pace shares how she herself has changed her outlook on life from the moment she owned her first dog.

For years, award-winning author Alison Pace was a dog person without a dog. And then, she got Carlie—a feisty and fluffy West Highland white terrier. She could weed out bad boyfriends with a sniff of her button-black nose and win the hearts of lifelong friends with an adoring gaze. Suddenly, Alison had a constant companion and confidante, who went with her on long morning rambles in Central Park, on trips to the country and the beach, and on her search for inner peace, love, and happiness. Through Carlie, Alison found herself connected to the world as never before. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.com.)

You must understand (and some of you already know) that I’m a HUGE dog lover. I can be in such a bad mood, but the minute I pass a dog on the street, my spirits are completely lifted. I have to stop and say hi to every single dog I pass, no matter where I am. This tends to annoy my husband at times, especially when we are running late and have to be somewhere. I tell him it’s an addiction and "too bad!"

At the end of chapter eight Alison says: “Someone told me once that a camera allows you to slow down, to pay attention, to see how beautiful things in the world are, to see how beautiful the world can be. Here’s the truth: The same, verbatim, can be said about a dog.” In many ways Carlie helped Alison connect to the world. Alison met a woman, (who also has a Westie) in Central Park, where she walks Carlie every morning. It turns out that Carlie and this dog have the same father. Who would have thought right? In addition Carlie is able to pick out the good guys from the bad, help her make friends (with people she’d actually like to be friends with), and connect her to all of the joy around her.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alison during BookExpo America week in June. I wish I could meet with her again and spend time “talking dogs.”

You Tell Your Dog First is a charming, light and heartwarming read where Alison shares with the reader funny anecdotes as to how man’s best friend make our lives that much more wonderful and fulfilling. This would make a great holiday gift for all dog lovers!

[Orbs n Rings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for all ages, especially dog owners.



Is it a memoir? Is it a dog biography? Not sure, but what I do know is that this book was lots of fun to read and I totally loved passing the time with Pace. If you are a true dog lover than you will totally enjoy the antics of Alison Pace as she first goes through life at first totally dog-less and in her search of the perfect dog friendly apartment in New York City. You see Alison grew up in a household with lots of dogs, yet now that she is living on her own she struggles with the idea of adopting her own dog. But that doesn’t stop her from enjoying the company of other dogs in the neighborhood, and especially those of her parents who she has a close relationship with.

It doesn’t take long before Alison is on a mission to find her own dog, that perfect bundle of joy every dog lover dreams of. When Alison finally decides on the breed of West Highland terrier, the reader gets to share in the joy of her search and then bringing her puppy home, which she names Carlie. Throughout the book you easily get a sense of what Alison goes through as a new dog owner, to me it is all so familiar. Sometimes you feel as if Alison is getting a little OCD when it comes to her new dog Carlie. Yet those thoughts for me flew out the window quickly when Alison begins dating and her first date is a dog owner from hell.

Throughout You Tell Your Dog First you will find a little bit of everything Alison, her past which consists of jobs, dogs, family and friends. But in the end it all leads up to her life in the city of New York with her dog Carlie and everything that comes with dog ownership. I found this book very entertaining and quite personal. Alison puts it all out there for the reader, leaving me to feel like she is now one of my best friends. A great read for all ages but especially more so if you are a dog owner like Alison.

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy
You guys. If you follow me on social media, it has to be obvious that I was going to want to read this book. I have a dog, a Vizsla named Aries, and she is my best friend and brings me such joy. I share her pictures all the time and I’m always talking about her latest antics. When I saw this book, I just thought YES! I get it. I tell my dog first about a lot of things, because it’s me and her all day at home. I don’t care if that makes me crazy. She makes me happy, and that’s all I care about!
I have read other Alison Pace books before, and most of them revolve around dogs. I didn’t realize when I picked this up that it’s actually non-fiction. Alison has a forward and she talks about how she got inspired to write this book and how it was about her life and her journey with dogs.
Now, with that being said, the beginning was very slow to me. As we’re getting her back story on all the dogs she had owned, I didn’t really understand what was going on or why it was needed. But, after she moved to New York City and finally, finally got a dog of her own, I started to fall in love with the book. If you’re a dog owner or maybe even a pet owner, you might understand certain parts. Like when she meets another dog of the same breed, and her and the owner bond, like they are in the own special club. I’ve actually shared a blog post on my author blog about that exact same thing. And the moment Alison realized she was a “crazy dog lady” – I’ve been there! I remember that moment happening too. So after the slow beginning, I ended up loving this book. Dog owners, you need to read this, and I’m sure plenty of others can enjoy it too!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Pace has made a name for herself in the literary world by writing novels that revolve around dogs (my favorites being Pug Hill and A Pug's Tale for the obvious reason that I'm a pug owner). In You Tell Your Dog First, Pace takes her love for dogs and creates a personal series of essays that give her readers a better idea of why dogs are such an important part of her life and writing career.

With her trademark wit and humor, Pace not only shows that she gets dogs, but she gets dog-people too. In fact, I think I might be so bold as to call her the quintessential dog-person.

Despite her often self-deprecating humor and the assumption she makes that much of what she does for her dog would be considered loony to non-dog-people, Alison comes off as quite reasonable and charming. She is not the dog equivalent to the "crazy cat lady", but you get a small sense that she feels that way about herself . I, however, found her to be quite endearing and amiable, someone everyone would want to be friends with.

Read the rest of my review on my blog.

[Laurel-Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dog person without a dog, Alison Pace set about to change the texture of her life to include one. She had grown up with numerous dogs, but in her first NY apartment, dogs were not allowed.

Told in an anecdotal style that leads the reader through the various tales of her life, "You Tell Your Dog First" is a funny, poignant, and inspirational read that hooked me immediately.

The first dog in the author’s adult life is like a touchstone, telling her a lot about potential friends, dates, and even activities. As a writer, she had a lot more flexibility to her days until that time when she decided to work in an office three days a week. Then we watch as she diligently searches for just the right daytime companionship for her Westie named Carlie.

I have enjoyed several of the dog stories from this author, like Pug Hill and A Pug’s Tale. I’ll be watching for the next novel from this extremely engaging author. Five stars.

[Marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to laugh,specially for those pet parents out there, and feel part of that growing number of people that talk and even interpret a dog's body language, this is the book to read. Alison writes beautifuly. I've read books where there is a whole page dedicated to the description of the apartment, hospital, school, etc., and I am about to fall asleep, but Alison kept it short and included it only when needed. Loved it.
There is a a part in the book in which Alison is writing about Carlie's hair cut and how indignant Carlie is about it, "Then I looked down at Carlie, and I asked her, softer than I usually do, How's my gorgeous girl? Carlie looked up at me, annoyed. And fierce." Oh my God, I laughed so hard because I can relate so much with her due to the fact that every time I make Alex, my doggie, wear a sweater she looks so bothered.
For those of us with dogs, this is a funny and entertaining book to read.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a dog lover. Or course, though my love usually is for the bigger dogs like the Labrador, wolf hybrid, the mutt, and the pit bull. Not to say that I have some of the best smaller dogs have not graced my life as well like the mini daschund and toy poodle. This is why I wanted to check out this book by Alison.

This book was different in a good way. With this book, I was just expecting to read about Alison and her West Highland, Carlie. What I was not expecting was to get to a more intimate look into the author’s life through all the dogs that have come and gone in her life.

This book is something that I could see myself putting together like a dog journal. A book that remembers all my dogs and my favorite moments with them. So glad that Alison shared her moments with readers with this book. Dog fans will enjoy this book and Carlie.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a compilation of essays written over four years by this author, but the book flowed effortlessly and was a light, good read.

My one complaint, which has nothing to do with the writing, is the strong focus on buying dogs from breeders. I am okay with responsible breeding, as it has it's place. However, it was challenging to overlook any mention of adopting a shelter dog, and the majority of dogs named in the story were purebred. As much as I did enjoy this book, I do feel that it marginalized the importance of considering shelter dogs. That being said, I understand that as this was her personal experience of dog ownership, purebreds might just be where her familiarity lies.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book in the traditional sense. It is a series of essays and short stories that sometimes involve Carlie, the author's Westie. Some of them are better than others. Some seemed a little forced. Some seemed to be totally about Alison Pace and not about dogs in general or Carlie in particular at all. I was expecting more dog, quite honestly, and less therapy and trips to Italy.

Two disclaimers:
One - I am TOTALLY a dog person. I have two Jack Russell terrier mixes. If I were more technologically savvy I would attach a photo of them to this review.
Two - I won this book as Goodreads giveaway.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast and fun read about a serious dog lover. I really enjoyed her essays, although it read more like journal entries in the life of a dog lover. As a child, I grew up with a plethora of dogs from age 2- 17. I highly recommend this for my friends who adore the canine set.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book- a love song for dog lovers and to Carlie- the dog in the book. Alison tells the stories with humor and flair and Carlie is a delight.

[Maralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Westies!

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Mknawrocki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first three chapters of this book , I laughed so hard that I cried, multiple times. If you are a dog lover you will enjoy this book.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I learned anything new about dog behavior, but the dedication to dogs is a noble thought.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world of cat people and dog people, Alison Pace is firmly in the dog camp.

Well, actually . . . that’s sort of underselling it. Pace, author of novels like Pug Hill and A Pug's Tale, is a serious dog person. In You Tell Your Dog First, a serious of canine-related essays, Pace recounts her fur-filled childhood, creation of a life in New York City, writing career and -- eventually, quite happily -- the adoption her own West Highland White Terrier, Carlie. It’s heartwarming non-fiction with chew toys, cute guys and dogs roaming free in Central Park.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m also in the dog camp. I grew up with dogs, love dogs, get excited at the prospect of visiting a friend with a dog. When others coo over adorable babies, I’m reaching for the squirmy mutt at their feet. If my boyfriend had a dollar for every time I squealed, “Oh my God, look at that dog,” he could retire quite happily, get a bunch of cats and leave my dog-hair-covered self in the dust.

So for someone like me? Someone who, as Pace’s title suggests, tells her dog the big news first? I was all about Pace’s funny, cute look at life with canines. I loved her descriptions of growing up with a literal pack at the homestead and could relate to her feelings of being a dog person without a dog. Living in New York City, Pace’s options regarding pet-friendly rental buildings are complicated. And when Carlie, a former show dog, comes into her life? Well, Pace will move mountains to find a good living situation for them both.

If you’re not nutso for pets, I can see readers rolling their eyes at some of the antics -- but the charming thing about Pace is that she never takes herself too seriously. Aware that some of her behavior could be seen as excessive, she often pokes fun at herself and reminds Carlie that she knows “Mommy is acting crazy.” It’s funny, and I understand. I’m not above dog-talk myself. I mean, my dog has a theme song.

You Tell Your Dog First is a quick read with insights as to how four-legged friends make our lives all the richer, and I really enjoyed Pace’s musings on the unconditional love and companionship of dogs like Carlie. If this book sounds like it’s up your alley, it probably is. A fun, light and heartwarming read -- would make a great gift for dog lovers, too.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very cute compilation of stories about dogs. As a dog lover I related to a lot of Alison's experiences and feelings towards her animals. All of her animals came across as having awesome personalities that I really liked hearing about. It reminded me of what it would be like to just listen to a friend talk about her pets and I did like that.

My favorite chapters were the ones that dealt with her dating adventures. Pace dealt with each scenario with men and Carlie in a way that was relatable and funny. I laughed out loud at descriptions of the not quite hairless dogs Keith had, and felt for her when she lost what seemed like a great guy because he wasn't interested in her dog.

There were a few chapters that I felt were irrelevant. I didn't understand why the story about archeology was included and the one that was told entirely in second person seemed off to me. But overall most of the essays flowed together very well. I will definitely look into reading her novels.

[Casee Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review on Literary Inklings

There are so many things to love about You Tell Your Dog First, most especially from the perspective of a dog person. Whether you own a dog or fawn over the ones your friends and family have, there comes a time when your love of the animal borders a bit on eccentricity (or so people tell you) and reading Alison’s essays evokes the feeling of camaraderie that alights between dog people: the sense that we understand each other, that we “get it”. In that way, You Tell Your Dog First is like sitting down with another ardent dog lover to talk about our shared passions; our dogs. Read more...

[Vanessa Wolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I would've liked it more if I'd read "Pug Hill," but the HUGE back-story became a messy parade of dog after dog. But I sympathized, you ever try to find a home for yourself and three cats in Seattle? Its comparable to Pace's difficulty and she had a Realtor. I related to every frustrated moment, which is painted in hilarious detail. And I got to chapter 8 and gave up.

There was a lot of tell and not a lot of show and frankly I've never liked the breed specific approach to adopting (I understand it, but relate better to those who go to rescues and shelters looking for the dog that's just right). I would recommend this book more to people who either want to or live in New York city than to people who like dog stories.

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm already a fan of Alison Pace's novels (favorite being CITY DOG), I didn't think I was going to pick up this book. I'm more cat person than dog person (though I did adore the Shih Tzu I had shortly!). A chunk of spare time and a dead battery in my e-reader led me to a bookstore, and I took a chance. I wasn't disappointed. It's a quick read and encompasses so much more than a history of the dogs the author has known, or cute stories about her current canine, Carlie. It was part biography of a New Yorker and part journey of a woman getting to know herself. It's self-reflective in the best way because it made me self-reflective too. I loved it!

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Alison Pace's writing voice and will certainly check out her novels. The essays here were charming and engaging. To my surprise, though, I'm apparently not quite enough of a dog lover to find every single story irresistible. The message, however, that dogs can enrich your life and connect you more closely to the world around you, was not lost on me.
I'm going to pass my copy along to a single female friend who owns a small dog. I'm pretty sure she'll love it.

[Lora Rives · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it is so relatable. I consider myself a "crazy dog lady", my dogs are my babies and life without them--well it wouldn't be life. A lot of the essays are cute but at the same time funny. Don't get me wrong, there is one particular story about loss that is sad but the author couldn't of told it better or more beautifully. If you consider yourself a "crazy dog lady" or just a dog lover, this book would be a good read for you!

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a borrowed book from Dougal's foster Mom and it was awesome! Ms. Pace certainly nailed the description of Westies and dogs in general and had me laughing so hard, I was crying. I will adding these author to my fun-read TBR pile for when I need a break from HF. Highly recommend for doggy owners that just want a feel good read!

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - The essays are a collection mostly about her dog and her life with dogs. There is one odd essay toward the end "You Are Here", I'm not sure why it was included because it had nothing to do with dogs. Some of the essays have repetitive elements as if they weren't part of the same collection. I enjoy her writing style and her contemporary books because they always include dogs.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little book, or collection of essays. I do wish these was more dog stories but overall everything flowed nicely and was enjoyable. The crazy dog lady in me cried a time or two as well.

[Staci]

unsolicited copy from Penguin 10/12/12

[Ashley FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was really cute (though the author is *really* dog-crazy, lol!!)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Alison's fiction, and it was nice to see this glimpe into her and Carlie's life. Lots of fun!