Book Review: Dogversations (What dogs say behind the scenes about their photos)

Dogversations: Conversations with My Dogs, by David Leswick (Friesen Press, 2020, 144 pages, $21.99) (available on Amazon and through the author at DogversationsBook.com)

What in Tarnation are “Dogversations” Anyway?

According to a future dictionary somewhere (and also according to author David Leswick on the Dogversations webpage), “dogversations” are:

     “The informal exchange of ideas by spoken word, either between a human and a dog, [or between a dog and a human,] or amongst two or more dogs (especially conversations that are lengthy, off topic, and fraught with good-natured misunderstandings and humour).”

Dogversations may remind you of Groucho Marx or Gracie Allen or Rowen and Martin or The Smothers Brothers. . . .Dogversations also go by the term, dogalogues (dog dialogues).

Dogversations is a collection of 68 delightfully perfect, finely-crafted family photos and the ensuing conversations that might have taken place as life was snapped to be saved in time and space.

Canine Conversations: The Stories Behind the Photos

Dog Stars Mr. Fluffernutter, NewPuppy's nose, Freckles (or Bruno, Aggie, Eva)

We all talk to our dogs but do you carry on a two-sided conversation with yours, perhaps on a walk where nobody can hear? Do you tell him the schedule for the day? When she comes to you with those big puppy-dog eyes, do you hate having to tell her that dinner is still an hour away? Do you and your dog chat as you are putting his paws in place for the perfect photo shoot – only to find he has moved them the instant before you clicked the camera?

If any of these are daily occurrences for you, then you are that person who wonders what your best friend would say if he started the conversation.

With Dogversations, you know! And for a sneak peak, check out the Youtube preview video here.

Some of the photos spark the imagination while others are obvious as to what the dogs are saying in Doglish, now translated for the reader.

And now you know - the rest of the story.

New Pup in the Family

Dogversations is a compilation of conversations between Dave, the human dad, and Eva, Bruno, and Agnes of the canine kind. The book opens with number one pup, Eva, a Brittany spaniel. She “ . . . is a brainy Brittany spaniel who has a talent for puppy dog eyes,

Puppy Eva's Puppy Dog Eyes
"Dave, why is this cardboard keeping me in the kitchen?"

laundry hamper fashion critique,

"Dave, love this soft laundry hamper but little Julia's cat pajamas have got to go!"

and garden-ornament bird watching."

But, dogs are like potato chips: you can’t have just one.

Enter, Bruno: A Second ‘New Pup in the Family’

When Eva grows up, the family acquires Golden Retriever pup Bruno. Eva decides to keep him as a toy because finally she has someone smaller than she is to play with (only later does she find out how quickly [and big!] Goldens grow!) 

Eva: I have so much bossing around planned for this puppy! Life is good!

Every dog training center should have a poster of Jailbreak (below): Bruno climbing out of his X-pen in the bedroom. It’s a good thing Bruno is so cute! 

Bruno: Dave, can't talk now. Busy escaping!

JAILBREAK*

     DAVE: Where are you going, Bruno?

     BRUNO: Jail break! No walls can confine me!

     DAVE: You're going to be an escape artist?

     BRUNO: Sometimes escape is the only option. Being locked in this cage is simply intolerable. It's like a horror show in here.

     DAVE: I thought it was an open exercise pen with carpeted floor, a soft towel, and a good view of the lake.

     BRUNO: Truly a substandard situation, Dave.

     DAVE: I think you may be setting your standards a little high. You're a new puppy who has yet to learn to pee outside and likes to chew electrical cords. Kennel training is apparently a good thing to help you learn the house rules. 

     BRUNO: Can't talk. Busy escaping.

     DAVE: And what is the plan when you do escape?

     BRUNO: Can't plan. Busy escaping.

     DAVE: And how does this fit in with the house rules of waiting patiently to be let out of your exercise pen?

     BRUNO: Rules, shmules. I view the rules more like loose guidelines. Sounds like we're done here. Now if you'll stop your chit-chat and excuse me, I have some escaping to do.

Bruno grows into “ . . .a classically handsome golden retriever whose hobbies include dock jumping [sic], hammocks,

Hammocking with Daniel and Julia: Who is who?

and being spectacular.” He is an eternal lap dog but “. . .intelligence seems to evade him at times: he often looks confused and toward the left while everyone else is excited about a bird or squirrel on the right.”

Then Along Comes Agnes

When Bruno is all grown up, along comes Agnes, “the genetically diverse rescue dog,” “a sweet good-natured rescue puppy. . .unless you are a squirrel.”

Puppy Agnes with Every Dog's Dilemma

One Spouse, Two Kids, Three Canines. Oh, and a Photographer/Writer Dad

And finally, after eight years of photographs and human-to-canine or canine-to-human conversations, the family is complete and ready to share their canine shenanigans with the world. The result is a book to keep, for kids and adults alike. You will display it on the coffee table and refer to it often.

But mostly, you will look at your own dog differently with new eyes (possibly canine eyes?) and start to write your own family’s dog book – a photo on one page with the ensuing conversation on the facing page. Even the kids can take part in selecting the photos and writing the ‘dogversations.’

Family Portrait

Who’s Your Favorite Dog Star?

With nearly a hundred photo-conversations to choose from, I just can’t pick my favorite – I have nearly a hundred favorites! And as for dogs, I am biased in favor of Golden Retrievers (since the author does not have a Lab), so Bruno is my fave - that is, next to little Agnes and number one Eva.

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Caveat: This book was sent to DogEvals for review.
*reprinted with permission of the author

(photos courtesy of DLeswick)