000			01811n a2200253 a 4500
001			063642
005			20231009193141.0
008			130402s2012 nyu b 001 0 eng
010			_a2012009278
020			_a9781594205156
042			_apcc
050	0	0	_aSF426 _b.H63 2012
082	0	0	_a636.7 HOM
100	1		_aHomans, John
245	1	0	_aWhat's a dog for? _b: the surprising history, science, philosophy, and politics of man's best friend _c/ John Homans.
260			_aNew York _b: Penguin Press _c, 2012.
300			_a258 p. _c; 25 cm.
504			_aIncludes bibliographical references and index.
520			_aWith deep intelligence, a little humor, and compelling reasoning, Homans (executive editor, New York magazine) thoughtfully examines the complex world of dogs and how their bonds with people have evolved in modern times. Even in the past 40 years, dogs are treated more like family members than livestock, with careful attention given to their comfort, diet, exercise, and emotional and intellectual stimulation. Quoting Charles Darwin, James Thurber, and John Updike and drawing from books such as Alexandra Horowitz's Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know, Homans pulls together a cohesive exploration of what science has learned about the culture (both human and canine) of dogs, from their ancestral beginnings to their diverse physical and cognitive status today. He also draws on international scientific studies to bolster his discussion of the rapid paradigm shift in human attitudes toward dogs and how this influences the politics of puppy mills, kill shelters, dog shows, property rights, dog fighting, and even dog food.
650		4	_aDogs _x-Social aspects
650		4	_aDogs _x-Psychology
650		4	_aHuman-animal relationships _z-United States
942			_cMO
999			_c262321 _d262321