Tavi Tails - The Diary of a Dog: Life Through the Eyes of a Master Human Trainer

by Tavi Richman, Lisa Richman (Editor)

At seven weeks, Tavi was already opinionated, confident he had important ideas to share. That was a bit tricky because humans are quite bark-challenged. After lots of training, this expressive puppy taught his mom to see the world through his eyes, proof indeed he is a Master Human Trainer.

Tavi understood the importance of communication when his mom came home from school full of sorrow because a student there Left Forever. He whined, confused and sad too. He loved all his minutes and seconds, and he could not understand why someone would choose to Leave Forever. He knew then that his job was to share everything he learned, hoping that no matter how sad they might be, humans will pick to stay.

Along with his duck chasing Lab, his protective Collie, and their humans, Tavi delights in life's adventures and faces its challenges - from Bad Guy Leash and the power of Butt Plop Wide Paw, to the courage it takes to be a Flying Duckdog, to the scary responsibility of teaching his Puppy. He learns that dogs can be Here, But Not Here, that humans can get lost, and that if he has his Pack, he has all he really needs.

While translating from puppy to English is not an exact science, this book reflects Tavi's experiences in his own voice. Tavi Tails will touch hearts and funny bones, and will offer readers the chance to learn about, and laugh at, our world from a unique perspective.

292 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2020

Reviews

[Cindy Hargarten]

Lisa is truly an awesome dog mom. She reads her pack’s thoughts well! When it comes to writing them down, she will make you understand the world through the eyes of Tavi, an amazing Golden Retriever! Thank you Lisa for a much needed escape into Tavi’s world!

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book)]

📚 Hello Book Friends! Tavi Tails: The Diary of a Dog by Tavi and Lisa Richman was a delight to read. This is the story of Tavi, told in his words. It is fun and so interesting to see how Tavi discovers everything from his own perspective. I love the words he used to name some of the objects around him: “the bad door” which is used by his parents to go to work, the “Goforaride” which is used for the car, the “big water bowl” which is used for any large bodies of water. It is a fun read, no sad ending guaranteed. If you love dogs, you will love this book.

Thank you, Tavi and Lisa Richman, for sending me a copy of your wonderful book. Tavi Tails is available at your favourite bookstore.

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[Sasidharan]

Tavi is the most wonderful dog :) I love you Tavi

[Terrie]

I've been following Tavi on Facebook for years. Now I hear Lisa is writing a book in which the central character is based on another dog, her heart dog, Arthur. Lisa is a master of translating the dog's actions and facial expressions into their thoughts and putting those thoughts into words for us to enjoy. I can't wait to read Lisa's next book.

[Anne Rodgers]

Dog lovers will devour this book. It is cleverly presented by Lisa Richman (as the mom of Tavi, a English Cream Retriever). All the "diary" entrees are told from the point of view of young Tavi, starting with the time he is born and lasting until he's about 18 months old.
Lisa Richman creates an enthusiastic, authentic "voice" for Tavi and it's pretty darn engaging. Dog owners all tend to accord their dogs a voice and personality, and this author builds us a darling portrait of an exuberant, eager-to-learn puppy.
Many clever touches can be found throughout: Tavi calls cars Goforarides, he describes his fluffy toys as "leaking" when the stuffing comes out and labels his leash as Bad Leash, because he cannot seem to train it to let him go where he wants.
Tavi is consistently optimistic, cheery and lovable. When he sees an adventure coming up, he always tells the reader, "So fun!" Soon, you catch his wave of happiness and are delighted to be along for the journey, as he navigates life in a family utterly devoted to its canine members.
As someone who believes dogs enhance our lives immeasurably and deserve loving, adventuresome lives, I was really satisfied with this book. Tavi and His Lab and His Collie (as he calls his siblings) have the kind of lives I believe all dogs are entitled to.
Highly recommended.

[Kenneth Kline]

This is a fun, insightful and compelling read. The protagonist is Tavi, an English Golden Retriever puppy who takes on the challenge of guiding humans to a better life and communicates his thoughts and advice to his Mom, who has recorded them in this book. Tavi has a rich life. He lives with a psychobonking, duck-obsessed Lab, a dignified Collie who has personal space issues and uses his high-pitched, squeaky voice to try to keep their Pack together, and two humans – his Mom and Dad. We follow Tavi through his puppyhood as he explores the world and learns (and shares) life lessons. Tavi introduces us to inventive and spot on vocabulary. Who would not want to encounter Hi-sayers and go adventuring in a Goforaride. Who would not want to join Tavi Up North as he races down sand dunes to a Giant Water Bowl for Stickrescuing. In these scary times, what advice would Tavi give us? Cherish your Pack, find your Courage and soldier on.

[Ava Donato]

This was a really cute story. There were lots of small and large conflicts. He felt some sadness when he lost a few friends. It was good how he made friends, and friends helped him when he was in dire straits. All the dog characters were well-developed. I enjoyed the story. The apocalypse ended with a good resolution. Happy dogs in the end, and a place to call home. I recommend this story to anyone with a fondness for dogs.

[Sue Stankiewicz]

Awesome book! One of the best books I have ever read! I had a Golden and I imagine she was thinking most of these same thoughts about her life. Some tears, but much joy as I was reading this book. Lisa does a really good job of speaking Tavi.

[jane thompson]

Love Tavi!

I love Tavi's outlook on the world around him. I first came to know Tavi on Facebook, and found that he had written a book! It has given me a better understanding of my golden Hazel, who is an excellent trainer herself.