Thursday, February 7, 2013

Book Review: Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs

The book I was 'reading' in yesterday's post was Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote and it is a must read for dog-lovers, dog-owners and anyone thinking of getting a dog.

Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs follows author Ted Kerasote's journey to find his new canine companion while answering the question: 'Why do they (dogs) die so young?'

It's not just a question Mr. Kerasote asked after the passing of his beloved dog, Merle, whom we read about, intermittently, throughout Pukka's Promise.  After the publication of his previous book, Merle's Door, hundreds of his readers wrote to him asking just that - in addition to 'why is my dog dying of cancer at three' and 'why is my dog going blind' and so on. 

In my opinion, Mr. Kerasote had the tenacity of a Terrier (and Terriers Rule, Mr. Kerasote, despite your affection for Houndy Labs) as he set about researching not just the why dogs die so young but the what, where and how as well.  He writes:

"I knew that at some point my heart would heal and I would long for another dog with whom to share my life.  I wanted to make sure that the care I would give my new dog helped him to live a long, healthy life, longer than Merle's, if possible."

Mr. Kerasote's research is comprehensive.  He read scientific papers, spoke with veterinarians, met with scientific researchers, and visited shelters and rendering plants.  (Like I said, tenacity...and of course the resources to travel the world to conduct such research.)  Reading Pukka's Promise, I found myself enthralled with the friendly, conversational tone of the book as well as inquisitively typing on the computer looking topics up - not because I didn't understand but because, so too, was my curiosity piqued. 

Presented in Pukka's Promise are thoughtful questions and insights on:

Inbreeding
(It's not just for puppy mills.)  I think we would all agree that inbreeding has led to a lot of health problems in dogs but I bet many would argue that purebred dogs are still 'healthier'.  Yet purebred dogs are also inbred, if you consider that 'purebred' and 'show' dog breeders select the mated pair and quite often, breed that pair numerous times to each other and to their own offspring thereby "narrowing the gene pool".   

Never mind, as Mr. Kerasote's research shows, that breeders are not always selecting for "function" (speed, scenting ability, tenacity) which a breed was known for but are selecting for "aesthetic qualities " (long/short nose, fur color and texture).  These selections change the dogs and not always for the healthier.

Vaccinations
Did you know that the efficacy of some vaccines are 5-7 years, not 1-2 years as we are programmed by our veterinarians?  (I am lucky.  My vet believes in discussing what I do, where I go, where I live - etc. - before deciding to administer a vaccine.  Thank you Dr. Z!)

Think about it: humans are not vaccinated every year.  Why then are dogs?  We know that most vaccines contain the attenuated virus to promote an immune response, but what about all the 'inactive' ingredients of the vaccine?  Are these affecting the health of dogs, possibly causing illness or disease?

Diet
Kibble or raw?  High protein or high carb?  (Gasp! Vegetarian?)  Many will argue that dogs are not far descended from their wolf ancestors and thus are carnivores and should eat a high protein ddiet.  Others contend (mostly the pet food industry?!?) that grains are a necessary addition to a dog's diet (never mind that it sure is cheaper to make).

Spay, Neuter, Sterilization
Is it really necessary to spay or neuter?  Is it healthier for dogs to just be sterilized (tubal ligation, vasectomy) so they can maintain proper levels of sex hormones?  Why is the US, unlike its European cousins, so determined to spay/neuter every dog and cat?

And so much more!  I could go on discussing these topics but why ruin it for you?  You need to read Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs. 

I know you will give, as I have, Mr. Kerasote *high paws* for his ability to weave a heart-warming, personal journey with wide-ranging research that impacts all our lives, human and canine.

Note:  I accept no monetary compensation for reviews, though I did receive the book for free.  This review is not sponsored by the publisher and the opinions contained herein are all my own.

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Do you want to read Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer Lived Dogs (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, February 2013) by bestselling author Ted Kerasote? 

This great book is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.  (These two links will take you directly to the book on the respective site.)

I am also willing to lend you my copy if you are unable to purchase the book (though after you read it, you will definitely want your own copy).  Please leave a comment on this post to tell me of your interest in borrowing the book.  I have a plan and will share it with you very soon.


25 comments:

  1. First dibs on borrowing the book Oz...I'll even pick it up in pawson! ;) Momz has had to consider a number of these questions, including a beloved dog dying, too young, of cancer, so she's really interested in us reading it

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    1. You got it, Giz! We are just thinking and thinking about all that we read. We may be researching some topics further and using some of our posts to ask questions for fellow pet bloggers. You will LOVE the book.

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  2. I read and thoroughly enjoyed Merle's Door. Surprisingly, I tried to give it away on my blog and got no takers. I definitely plan on reading Pukka's Promise, so please put me on you borrow list.....

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    1. Taryn: you are officially on the list! Do you still have Merle's Door because I would love to read that, if you are willing to share.

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  3. Very comprehensive review.... thanks for that.

    Have a great day.

    hugs, Max, Bugsy, and Knuckles

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  4. Sounds like a great read. I honestly think Sephi died young for a couple of the reasons mentioned.

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    1. Dawn, it definitely was a great read. Read it in 3 days...couldn't put it down. You should get it! So sorry for your Sephi...but I am sure Sephi is watching over you from the Rainbow Bridge.

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  5. Hi Oz! Just looked and this book only came out 2 days ago here in HB. Either you have your nose to the ground on sniffing out good upcoming books or its been with you before us! Ma askes... it is a 'tear jerker'. She can't cope with dem *paw to forehead*. great review my furiend, specially as Ma just about to rescue a little boy Westie... *paw to forehead again* Lots of love AnnieB

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    1. OK...BOL Annie, we just had this conversation on Twitter. So everyone knows what I answered - it is not a tear-jerker though we did tear up when Mr. Kerasote visited the shelter. However, the rest of the book is very informative and filled with hope for the health of our dogs.

      I know you are going to buy it over in the UK, Miss Annie. You won't be disappointed. It is a great book!

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  6. Great review, it sounds like a great read i will have to see if it's on Amazon.

    Sheba.

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    1. Sheba...click the Amazon link and it will take you right to the book! It is a great book. And thank you for your compliments on my review (it was my first book review and I was nervous).

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  7. We've read several reviews of the book, and it definitely has our curiosity piqued! We'll look and see if there's an e-book version!

    Bunny

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    1. Hi Bunny. It is a great read. I'm sorry...I didn't even look if it was available as an e-book. BOL I am so old-fashioned sometimes.

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  8. Sounds like it could produce some interesting discussions. Might have to look it up!

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    1. I think it can, absolutely! I may be researching for myself and writing some posts about some of these topics...so we can discuss them. So much interesting information in this book!

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  9. A very excellent blog my pal.....of course i haz my own issues wiv helff and not livin as long as I had expected....we will ave a read of dat book for sure....

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    1. Oh Marley...I do miss you. I am so glad you can still visit the blog from Over the Rainbow Bridge. I think your family may like this book. It has lots of great information in it! I hope you get it!

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  10. Wow, that sounds like a terrific book. Thank you for this detailed review, Oz. We're going to add this to our "must read" list. :)

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  11. I haven't started reading it yet but I'll be reviewing Pukka's Promise too. Your review certainly has me intrigued.

    You may be interested to know that Burt Ward (tv's Robin from Batman in the 1960s) has done a lot of research in dog longevity. He rescues Great Danes, many of whom live to be 16 years old or more (about 2x the typical lifespan for a giant dog).

    Luckily terriers tend to have pretty long lives. :)

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    1. Hi Miss Pamela! Oh, just wait until you read it. It is a fantastic book! It has so much more than what I wrote in my post...I could've written a book about this book.

      I am lucky that I will (hopefully) live well into my late teen years but there has got to be hope for all dogs to live longer and healthier lives.

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  12. Sounds like a great book! I'm all for finding ways to have dogs lead longer, healthier lives.

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    1. Hi Marcie. It is a wonderful book. If youfor dogs living longer, healthier lives than you gotta read it!

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  13. Sounds like some pretty interesting topics and questions. Maybe one reason we opt for a full ovarian hysterectomy is that dogs don't get ovarian or uterine cancer when you remove the ovaries and uterus? I agree with the vaccine protocol thing!

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier