Diary of a Dog Walker: Time Spent Following a Lead - Hardcover

Stourton, Edward

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0857520075 ISBN 13: 9780857520074

Publisher: Doubleday, 2011

Synopsis

Anyone who ever walks a dog will know that if you are accompanied by a dog you can talk to anyone, and anyone can talk to you - about anything. What is more, while we may know that a dog is just a dog, we continue to allow ourselves to speak and think of our dogs as friends, individuals with a full claim on our affections. 'The reward is that dog-walking becomes like reading a novel, or watching a play: disbelief is suspended and for an hour or so, we are given licence to escape ordinary life. Fantasy flourishes and really quite trivial moments in a dog's life become a source of wonder to be laughed about and even worried over..'

As Edward Stourton takes Kudu for his walk he finds himself considering the whole gamut of things canine: Just how well does he know Kudu - and can our dogs know us as well? Do dogs perceive ownership as we do? How devoted is a dog? Are dogs ever really guilty? And why are they a symbol of depression when so much of the time our dogs cheer us up... ? Along the way he finds himself exploring much bigger subjects - war, bravery; office politics, current affairs, all given sudden levity and a new sanity when viewed through the prism of walking the dog.

Funny, touching and surprisingly revealing - this is a sparkling source of amusement and comfort for dog-walkers everywhere.

About this title

Review

"Utter magic. Edward Stourton is civilized, charming, and writes like an angel. The dogs all spring to life but this is a gorgeous book for everybody - not just for dog lovers. I love it" (Jilly Cooper)

"Stourton is a genuinely warm and engaging writer who clearly loves his canine companion, despite his (relatively few) faults, and this little book is a tasty treat for dog owners and dog lovers" (Bookgeeks.co.uk)

"The sort of book that might convert even a cat-lover to the charm of canine company" (Jane Shilling Mail on Sunday)

"After a career setback at BBC radio, Edward Stourton took stock of his life with these imaginative meanders with Kudu his English springer spaniel, who seemed to have an angst-free life. This is the world conceived on a canine level, interpreted with intelligent humour and human interest by his affectionate owner" (Iain Finlayson Saga Magazine)

"A thoroughly enjoyable ramble through a diverse selection of topics which range from dogs of war and dog fighting to presidential pets and choosing the right name... In turn serious, funny, sad and light-hearted; it's a perfect mixture which is just right for the bedside table" (Karen Bush Your Dog)

Book Description

Based on the popular series of articles which appeared in the Telegraph, Edward Stourton muses on the meaning of life and all things canine as he walks his dog Kudu.

Edition details

• Publisher: Doubleday
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0857520075
• ISBN 13: 9780857520074
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192