Architecture For Dogs

                   Logo courtesy of Architecture for Dogs

When you read the words "architecture for dogs", do you still envision a tiny, Snoopy-like dog house with an arched opening and an ironic beagle relaxing on the roof? If so, get ready to be surprised by a group of professionals' and their take on what the modern dog really wants. Architecture for Dogs is an association of architects, artists and other designers who "examined the relationship between dogs and humans to design and build habitats for man's best friend". They even provide blueprints for each of the 13 different dog-friendly environs in their first collection, so you can build them yourself.

An exhibit of their work is currently on display at the Long Beach Museum of Art in Long Beach,  California through September 1, 2013, its worldwide museum debut, before starting an international exhibition schedule.

Photo from the exhibit courtesy of the Long Beach Museum of Art.

Keep a look-out for this fascinating exhibit coming to a museum near you! We'd love to know how many of you handy folks will download a blueprint and give it a go...

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"What's A Dog For?"

Cool illustration by Peter Ourmanski, courtesy of  The New York Times

In fact, that's the title of yet another new book about dogs: What's A Dog For? The Surprising History, Science, Philosophy, and Politics of Man's Best Friend. and it looks like a winner to us. As stated in this recent NewYork Times book review, the book is "both a survey on the latest research on canine cognition and a memoir of his [the author's] years with his Lab mix, Stella. The author, executive editor at New York magazine, was curious to know "why so many of us bond with dogs and why dog ownership is on the rise."

Have dogs become more like humans? Are humans living more isolated lives and need some form of physical companionship, i.e., a warm body? Our best guess is that this book answers these questions and more in a thorough and entertaining way. With any luck, we'll be able to do a review and giveaway at some point soon-paws crossed!

Speaking of book reviews and giveaways, we've got a real treat coming up: On Friday, we'll review and begin our giveaway of a copy of the amazing book, Dogs of Courage by Lisa Rogak, so stay tuned!

And...we've got a book giveaway going on right now-thanks for reminding us to remind you... that it's not too late to enter to win an autographed copy of Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend: www.boccibeefs.com/2012/12/rin-tin-tin-life-and-legend-review-and.html

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A "Wino" And His Dog...

Illustration and story by Marshall Anisman, courtesy of The New York Times

We all know that dogs are man's and woman's best friend, and have helped us weather all kinds of dire situations through many a distant millennia, but this delightful little story brings us up to date and gets right to the point. Who doesn't need a little help now and then?

The New York Times publishes a column, of sorts, every Monday in its hard copy editions called Metropolitan Diary, where New Yorkers write in with stories meant to typify their life in the Big Apple. 

And since New Yorkers are widely known dog lovers, many of their anecdotes involve their canine companions. We thought this one was a real gem and hope you do too.

P.S. Stay tuned later this evening when we'll announce the lucky winner of the Walker's Shortbread "Scottie Dog" gift tin!

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