The Social Lives Of Dogs Book

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas shares stories about 5 dogs in particular (Sundog, Misty, Pearl, Ruby and Sheilah) along with stories about the rest of the multi-species household consisting of dogs (as much as 7 dogs at a time), cats and parrots in her attempt to understand animal thinking and reasoning and the social rules and norms that exist between them.
The household is not the normal animal family in many ways. For instance, the amount of animals and that they have dogs and cats and birds existing alongside each other. But mainly, because she doesn't believe in controlling every last bit about her dogs so even though they learn to answer to their name and to sit down when they go out walking and a car comes by, she still allows the dogs to have their own life and acknowledges that sometimes, things are so important in the dog's eyes that it's okay not to come immediately when called.
Her dogs are not normal, pure-breed dogs either - she thrives on having dog with personality and especially dogs with dingo-like qualities or street dogs; dogs she can learn from.
All this makes for a very interesting book that any dog person will like with it's five very different star dogs. Sundog who is so very obedient when he comes into the family that he just stays on the porch where he was (probably) told to stay for several days until he is invited inside and turns out to be a very clever and intelligent dog with almost human-like qualities. Misty who is so anxious to be Second dog and who spent the first months of her life living in a crate so she has to learn to walk through grass because she stumbles in it. Pearl - the sweet earth mother who is so clever in solving social problems among the dogs. Ruby - the bad and disobedient dog, cat chaser and urine leaker who still turns out to be so very special. And finally Sheilah, the incredible clever New Mexican streetdog.
Five very special dogs that will touch any heart. An easy and enjoyable read for any dog lover, perfect to cuddle up with in front of a fireplace together with your own furry friend.