Dog Works: The Meaning and Magic of Canine Constructions

by Vicki Mathison

Why does a Golden Retriever arrange sticks in the form of a pyramid? Why would a Hungarian Vizsla mound up piles of autumn leaves in the shape of a cross? Such canine phenomena have left animal behaviorists baffled for centuries. Are dogs erecting these structures as a result of primeval impulses, or are they responding to otherwordly forces we humans have yet to comprehend? Like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, some phenomena of man and beast feline aesthetics with WHY CATS PAINT, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to publish the landmark DOG WORKS: THE MEANING AND MAGIC OF CANINE CONSTRUCTIONS. In this enchant and confound us in their enigmatic silence. Having staked out brave new theoretical ground in the field of exhaustively researched, lavishly illustrated study, author Vicki Mathison explores the spiritual yearning that lurks beneath canis familiaris's facade of contentment and obedience. Beautiful, insightful, and intriguing—and certain to send shock waves through universities around the world—DOG WORKS will ensure you'll never look at how a dog buries a bone in the same way again.

Genres: Animals

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dogs in this book and the installations they build are far more captivating and interesting than the lame explanations and half-baked theories given by the two "experts" consulted in the text.

Vicki Mathison gives a simple background of each dog, and a description of his/her artistic installations. Photographers Tim Dodgshun and Trudy Nicholson beautifully capture the mystery of each canine construction.

The theories of origin and meaning provided by psychic Penelope Winter and Canine Cultural Heritage Researcher Dr. Raymond Blake left me cold. I'd much rather marvel at the mysteries than give much credence to their explanations. Still, a fascinating book.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to take it with a grain of salt, but the entertainment value is definately there. I enjoyed the photographs and was impressed with these dogs, no matter the reason for their canine constructions.