Living with Dogs: Collecting and Traditions, at Home and Afield

Man's relationship with the world of dogs is not only universal, but also frequently all-encompassing, influencing how we live, what we collect, and how we spend our leisure time. Living with Dogs explores the multitude of ways that dog owners share their lives with their pets. In 26 delightfully written stories, a witty, admiring text, and 400 full-color photographs, the authors of The Sporting Life and A Passion for Golf capture the experiences of dogs and people--at home, in the country, in the city, and even at work, with a special focus on the nostalgic memorabilia that remind people of their devotion to their pets.

The authors visit passionate owners, breeders, trainers, and collectors across the country and offer a look into their dog-filled lives. Profiles include an interior designer who has amassed a lifetime of canine art; a collector with a house full of four-legged porcelain figurines; a bibliophile with an outstanding assortment of dog-literature first editions; an artist who specializes in dog portraits; and a veterinarian who proudly displays antique tools of his trade. The authors also focus on other aspects of dog devotion, including the Philadelphia All-Terrier Show; a hotel decorated with canine appointments; a New England camp exclusively for dogs; a boutique devoted to canine accessories; the American Kennel Club; and a Manhattan gallery specializing in 19th-century dog art.

Whether they are devoted to a particular breed or have simply fallen in love with dogs in general, the people featured here have succumbed to the "Slipcover School of Dog Management,  allowing their dogs the complete run of their lives  as well as their hearts.

With an extensive resource list that includes dog art galleries, dog shows, kennel clubs, breeders, supply houses, and more, Living with Dogs is the ultimate tribute to canine companions.

In 26 stories and 400 full-color photographs of homes, collections,  galleries, meets, shows, kennels, and camps, Living with Dogs celebrates the devotion and passion of the millions of Americans for whom a life without dogs is not worth living.

Laurence Sheehan is a freelance writer who has contributed to Outside, Travel & Leisure, Coastal Living, and other magazines and has written extensively for cable television. He and his wife, Carol, live in western Massachusetts with their two dogs, an Australian shepherd and an English setter.

Carol Sama Sheehan is editor-in-chief of Country Home and Country Gardens magazines.

Kathryn George Precourt's freelance designs and editorial work have appeared frequently in magazines. She and her husband have two Dandee Dinmont terriers and three rooms at home totally dedicated to dogs.

William Stites is a widely published photographer whose work has appeared in numerous magazines. He lives in the Florida Keys with his wife, two daughters, and a Labrador--golden retriever mix.