As a person completely, totally, and irrevocably in love with her dogs, I had to read this book. Horowitz gives the dog lover an insightful picture of why dogs do what they do, and suggests reasons behind their behaviors, based on hours of observation and research. For example, licking the faces of people they love is indeed a way for dogs to show affection, though it stems from a centuries-old instinct: the instinct to lick an adult wolf, in the hopes that food will be regurgitated. (Yuck. But sweet that it translates into love for people.)

It was a relief to know that my dogs aren't necessarily depressed when alone all day, and it's helpful to know how to act around a strange dog one doesn't know. Horowitz includes brief descriptions of the behaviors of her own dog, which are touching, because they demonstrate even more than Horowitz's research and observations how deeply her own life has been affected by owning dogs. Living without my dogs on a daily basis is a difficulty I don't intend to continue with once I live somewhere that allows pups. They are one of the best parts of life; dog owners, you understand, but folks without dogs, please, go out and spend some time with one. It'll change your life for the better.