"Fogle may have produced the single best dog book of the decade. Written in a conversational tone, as if reader and author were just sitting around discussing dogs, and full of personal anecdotes drawn from Fogle's veterinary practice as well as about his own dogs, this is not only a reference resource but also a book any dog lover would happily read cover-to-cover. Introductory chapters on the evolution of dogs, dog breeds, and dogs' physical characteristics lead into the meat of the book, concerned with how dogs and humans form a pack, understanding each stage of a dog's life, and the most appropriate ways to train a dog at each stage. The chapter on how to choose a dog, which discusses the multiple questions potential owners must ask themselves and the breeders, is particularly insightful. The physical and behavioral changes during each stage of a dog's life and how an owner should respond to these changes culminates in a final chapter on the dignified end of life. From the cover shot of a noble Chesapeake Bay retriever to the back cover portrait of Fogle playing with a pup, the photographs and drawings further illustrate the message Fogle would like to leave us with, that dogs are our faithful companions, and we owe it to them to be their best friends."—Booklist (starred review)