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Stephen Huneck's labrador, Sally, makes her inimitable publishing debut in these woodcut prints that illustrate the enduring concerns, pleasures, and existential dilemmas of dogs--and of their human relations. Sally is sensitive, loyal, and loving--but also a realist. Faced with the deep moral quandaries of a dog's life--shall I sleep on the sofa, snag a morsel from the kitchen counter, or stick my nose into other people's business?--she favors immediate gratification. After all, a dog's virtue can only endure as long as its owner doesn't bark too loudly or withhold the affectionate scratch behind the ears. Sally's human may be feted for his charming illustrations, but Sally--sleeping with her eye half open--is an immortal canine everydog, whose pictures make a gift to warm every dog-lover's heart. Stephen Huneck is an internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor, whose work often incorporates animals. His work has been widely exhibited and is included in important museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of American Folk Art. As he explains in his Introduction, Huneck began the series of woodcuts after suffering a near-death experience in which the very desire to make the prints, as well as the life-affirming messages they convey, figured profoundly in his recovery. He lives in Woodstock, Vermont.
Customer Review: Enter Into The Canine Psyche
This book features Stephen Huneck's brilliant canine wood block prints. The book is colorful and suitable for all ages: kids will love the whimsy it offers, while adults will enjoy the sly insights into canine mental processes. The introduction of the book explains how Huneck overcame a nearly fatal illness with the help of his dog, a black Labrador Retriever named Sally, setting the tone for his deep appreciation for dogs. The prints are very entertaining and thematically fall into sections called "The Parts of the Brain," "The Two Hemispheres of the Brain," and "The Powers of the Brain." While I loved the whole book, I really liked "The Powers of the Brain," as I think it has the most insight into the minds of pets, and dogs in particular. I especially appreciate the prints "They sense when you are going away," and "They know when you need love." This is a great book not only because it's fun, but because it deals with the bond between people and their pets so effectively. I highly endorse this book and give it five unequivocal stars.
Customer Review: Fun, interactive helpful read
I use this book in my work doing animal assisted interventions with at-risk children. The kids love learning how a dog's brain works - or more likely how dogs are driven to pleasure-seeking behavior. The pictures can also be pretty powerful - particulary the page "good dog" and "bad dog" with the split brain - this is very helpful teaching children about how our brain actually divides itself at times under stress. When I explain this in the picture - the kids feel so much better about themselves. Great work!


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