The Hidden Life Of Dogs [Paperback]

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

In this beautiful account, based on thirty years of living with and observing dogs, wolves and dingoes novelist and anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas brings us a completely new understanding of dogs. We meet Misha, a friend's husky, whom Thomas followed on his daily rounds of more than 130 square miles, and who ultimately provided the simple and surprising answer to the question What do dogs want most? Not food, not sex, but other dogs. We also meet Maria, who adored Misha, bore his puppies, and clearly mourned when he moved away; Bingo, a brave asthmatic pug; and many more fascinating individuals in this unforgettable chronicle, which "brims with insight and respect" (Emily Mitchell, Time International).

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thomas's multifaceted discussion of canine life was a 28-week PW bestseller.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Novelist/ethologist Thomas may be well known to readers for her novels Reindeer Moon (LJ 1/87) and The Animal Wife ( LJ 7/90). This work, however, takes a much different tack in that it provides a readable account of how, over a a span of years, her family dogs were transformed into a family unit not unlike a wolf pack. Thomas is a firm believer that animals think and express emotion and is not ashamed to be "anthropomorphic" in her particular analysis of dog behavior. Her intention is to find out, by observing her own animals, what it is that dogs "want." The dogs were free to make their own decisions; Thomas fed them, sheltered them, and provided medical care but otherwise didn't train them or direct their activities. The observations she makes are entertaining and amusing to anyone who has owned a dog. Her conclusion is that dogs want each other, and people are merely substitutes for other canines. Although Thomas draws on her knowledge of philosophy and the theory of animal consciousness, this book never bogs down in theory and remains very readable. A title worth considering for libraries where there is client interest.
- Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Gallery (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671517007
• ISBN-13: 978-0671517007
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,107,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars FOOD FOR THOUGHT June 20, 2009

By Dan Nitro Clark

Format:Paperback

When I read this book 12 years ago I was fascinated by the story. I was also very intrigued with her observations about her dogs and the emotional journey she took with them. I even found myself weeping when one of her dogs had passed and how the other dog mourned for it's dead companion. I was excited about leaving a review for this book, but after reading all the negative reviews... it's easy to now look back on this book in a negative light. It was a different time/era when she wrote this book. It was published in mid 90's meaning she observed the dogs in late 70's and 80's. That was a time when in small neighborhoods dogs did roam a little more free and not everyone spayed their dogs. It was also a time when my parents would tell me to "go outside and play, but make sure your back by dark." As a parent now, I'd never do that, just like I'd never not get my dog spayed -- but back then it was quite normal. I guess what I'm saying is that we may need a little perspective when reading this book and realizing, as said... it was a different time. If you take that into consideration -- and put down your present-good-dog-owner cap -- this is quite and enjoyable, emotional read.

68 of 82 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Very, Very Bad, Disappointing, and Disgusting July 14, 2005

By Joey Desmidt

Format:Paperback

I have to say this is the first book review I've writen, I just haven't been compelled to write any reviews. After reading this book I changed my mind. I was so utterly DISGUSTED by this author's total irresponsible treatment of her dogs. I have read many books about dog behavior and I thought I would get a little more insight from this book. How wrong was I? I finished the book out of sheer determination. I read all the reviews written for this book and all of the negative ones are true. She let her dogs run wild through busy streets, she did not spay or neuter any of her dogs, had many unwanted puppies (which she allowed her dogs to kill), and the list goes on. This was not a scientific experiment it was neglect and abuse. If you would like an insightful/refreshing book about dog behavior that does not involve irresponsible ownership/guardianship buy Patricia McConnell's "The Other End of the Leash."

68 of 82 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable nonsense January 21, 2000

By Bill

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I was flabbergasted when I read this book. Bluntly put, the author is an idiot, and should not own dogs at all. The first part of her book describes how she is taking care of a friend's dog, and lets it wander all over town. Instead of making sure he can't escape from the yard, she makes a habit of following him... that is, unless he CROSSES THE HIGHWAY, in which case she turns back. Personally, I'd want anyone watching my pet to have at least a small amount of responsibility and common sense. She describes problems she has with the police and her neighbors because of her 5 (sometimes more) dogs; she describes how she lets her un-spayed/neutered dogs breed out-of-control. The travesty just goes on and on. The part that made me laugh is that, at the end, she seems to be impressed that the dogs don't seem to pay any attention to her anymore; she seems to have missed the point of having pets. Her conclusion that dogs primarially want the company of other dogs should include the caveat "in the absence of any human attention."

The author does not appear to be an expert on dogs, dog behavior, dog training, or dog care. She does, however, have some good tips on being a public nuisance. I'm amazed that anyone would write such an account of irresponsible behavior.