{"product_id":"9780062020499","title":"Show Dog : The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eShow Dog\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor(s): Josh Dean\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJournalist Josh Dean tells the story of a loveable Australian Shepherd, Jack, on his novice tour through the exciting world of professional dog showing, following Jack from his first competitions in local school gymnasiums all the way to the great granddaddy of them all, the Westminster Dog Show. A veteran journalist, Dean shines a warm, steady light on the trials that Jack and his plucky, dedicated owners come to face, and uses their story to explore the larger histories of dog shows themselves; the fascinating and sometimes bizarre history of purebred dogs; and our complex, heartfelt relationships to the pets we grow to love. For dog lovers, readers of \u003cem\u003eMarley \u0026amp; Me\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMerle’s Door\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eOogy\u003c\/em\u003e, and fans of \u003cem\u003eBest in Show\u003c\/em\u003e, Dean’s \u003cem\u003eShow Dog \u003c\/em\u003eis an irresistible instant classic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview(s):\u003cbr\u003e“A wonderful, charming look at the sport of dogs and dog shows and an absolute must read for anyone looking to get involved.”\u003cbr\u003e“A hilarious chronicle of blow-dried poodles, diva trainers and egregious canine puns. Above all, though, this is an irresistible story about the wondrous bond between humans and animals.”\u003cbr\u003e“Filled with heart and humor, bringing to life extravagant characters, pampered pooches, and over-the-top humans without falling prey to tired stereotypes. That’s because it’s not really about animal beauty pageants; it’s about the unyielding bond between people and dogs and what they’ll do to make each other happy.”\u003cbr\u003e“As I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine- drama behind the show.”\u003cbr\u003e“Fascinating and funny...as I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine-drama behind the show.”\u003cbr\u003e“A well-written, entertaining and accurate look at our great sport of dog shows . . . Dean makes you feel like you are right there with a brush or a show lead in your handa . . . a great accessory for anyone who wants to know more.”\u003cbr\u003e“Terrific”\u003cbr\u003e“Superb”\u003cbr\u003e“Excellent”\u003cbr\u003e“If you don’t know your toy group from your terriers, pick up this beguiling nonfiction account that follows Jack, a lovable, handsome Australian shepherd and an aspiring Best in Show.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN:  9780062020499\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e ","brand":"It Books","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":41071271346382,"sku":"9780062020499","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/7029\/7806\/products\/9780062020499.jpg?v=1648610590","url":"https:\/\/pickwickbookshop.com\/products\/9780062020499","provider":"Pickwick Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}