Book Review: Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats

I’m not so sure Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats, by Bradley Trevor Grieve with photographs by Rachael Hale, is written just for dog lovers. It’s a fabulous coffee-table type book that, as a dog and cat lover, I really enjoyed. It takes a humorous look at why the dog has gained the reputation of being man’s best friend, while the cat seems to keep a lower profile. And, as a bonus, the photos by pet photographer Rachael Hale are fabulous! Nearly every page is graced by an image of a cat or dog that will melt your heart!

Some excerpts from the book:

Dogs match up to people. People must match up to cats.
Dogs teach us patience. Cats test our patience.
The bottom line is this: Dogs want love. Cats want fish.

[...]

To cats, virtually everything you say is background noise, including their names. they may turn to observe you dispassionately for a moment but, having established that no tuna tidbits are forthcoming, they will tune out quicker than a twitch of the tail.

If you talk to dogs, they listen.

You can talk about nothing for hours on end and they will keep on listening to you, ears cocked, eyes focused desperate to get the gist of what you are trying to tell them.

Regardless of whether you call yourself a dog person or a cat person, you’ll recognize your pets (and yourself!) in Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats. The author has done such a good job of describing the difference between the two species and the traits that make them irresistible to those who love them. Since I share my home with two dogs and a cat, I think this book is a real jewel. As I read it, it gave me one of those “awwww” feelings – making me know just how fortunate to love both cats and dogs.

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