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The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout
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The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout
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The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout
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The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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About this ebook

An instructive and marvelously entertaining chronicle of a puppy's first year, by the executive editor of The New York Times

One sparkling summer day, Jill Abramson brought home a nine-week-old golden retriever named Scout. Over the following year, as she and her husband raised their adorable new puppy, Abramson wrote a hugely popular column for The New York Times's website about the joys and challenges of training this rambunctious addition to their family. Dog-lovers from across the country inundated her with e-mails and letters, and the photos they sent in of their own dogs became the most visited photo album on the Times's site in 2009.

Now Abramson has gone far beyond the material in her column and written a detailed and deeply personal account of Scout's first year. Part memoir, part manual, part investigative report, The Puppy Diaries continues Abramson's intrepid reporting on all things canine. Along the way, she weighs in on such issues as breeders or shelters, adoption or rescue, raw diet or vegan, pack-leader gurus like Cesar Millan or positive-reinforcement advocates like Karen Pryor.

What should you expect when a new puppy enters your life? With utterly winning stories and a wealth of practical information, The Puppy Diaries provides an essential road map for navigating the first year of your dog's life.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 11, 2011
ISBN9781429996921
Author

Jill Abramson

Jill Abramson is a senior lecturer at Harvard University. She also writes a biweekly column for The Guardian about US politics. She spent seventeen years in the most senior editorial positions at The New York Times, where she was the first woman to serve as Washington bureau chief, managing editor, and executive editor. Before joining the Times, she spent nine years at The Wall Street Journal. The author of Merchants of Truth, she lives in New York City.

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Reviews for The Puppy Diaries

Rating: 3.4571428571428573 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Puppy Diaries was pretty much as I expected. It had its beginnings as a popular series of columns written by Jill Abramson, who is a writer and editor at the NY Times. She and her husband are empty nesters who, having recently lost their Westie, were ready for a new pup. The book recounts the ups and downs of the first year in the life of their golden retriever, Scout, named after, well, Scout, of To Kill a Mockingbird. Abramson is not a dog expert and she doesn’t pretend to be one; in fact, some of her comments seemed a bit clueless to me. There was nothing especially outstanding about that year, aside from an adorable new puppy, and that may have been part of the charm of the story. It struck me only after I’d finished it that it was really a relief not to hear about wild exploits, a la Marley and Me, or relentless bodily functions, as in the odd My Dog Tulip, or the overcoming of physical handicaps of Homer’s Odyssey, or the tear-jerking final years of Good Dog. Stay. This is just a straight up dog and owner memoir of the first year. And a lot of their first year mirrored the first year of my golden retriever’s life. As I read it, I spent a lot of time smiling at a memory or nodding my head in agreement. Like us, and I’m sure many, many other families, she searched for a breeder and waited for approval, wondered about the right foods, worried through illnesses, dealt with working at home, obsessed about behavior issues and trainers, and thought her puppy was the prettiest, most darling puppy possible. We didn’t live part-time in Manhattan, though, and I’ve always wondered about the unique issues facing dog owners in the city. And her position enabled her to speak with the likes of Temple Grandin and Cesar Millan. (We have a photo of our dog with Mario Lopez but that’s the extent of any quasi-celebrity meet-ups.) This is an easy, not especially compelling read, but truly a sweet story for dog lovers. It would be a good book for someone waiting on their first puppy.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a book for the novice and those who are on their zillionth dog. The book is part memoir/diary and part pet primer, with lots of information that the author gleaned while raising and training Scout. One of the things I learned in this book is that British standard is a type of Golden Retriever which is almost white. You'll also learn about choosing a dog; how and what to feed your dog; how to train your dog--there are at least two schools of thought, of course; exercise; pet care; and health insurance. The reader will learn, among other things, that there are a lot of choices to be made!

    Abramson begins with the loss of her beloved Buddy and the reluctance to try to replace him. Her investigations into pet food and training, etc. are helpful to not only the novice, but those who aren't aware of some of the current choices--and trends.

    3.5 stars for a light, enjoyable read. You'll love the book even if you don't have a dog.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Jill Abramson gave herself an unwinnable task when she set out to write an interesting book about a golden retriever. Goldens may be many marvellous things, but interesting is not one of them. I have had two goldens, and though much loved, I could tell you all that is worth sharing about them in five minutes or less. When it comes down to it, the real challenge for the author of a dog book is to use art to prevent the dreaded "but it's just a freakin' dog" thought from entering the reader's head. Certainly one's own dog is never "just a freakin' dog", however the reader who must sit through a few hundred pages about someone else's dog, is very susceptible to having this very thought. I confess that I had it multiple times while I was reading The Puppy Diaries. Some dog books succeed brilliantly in getting at the heart of why dogs, strangely but wonderfully, mean so much to us. Colter by Rick Bass, comes to mind, and to a lesser extent, Following Atticus by Tom Ryan. As for The Puppy Diaries, it doesn't even come close.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I liked the book, Was very informative. Didn't care fo rthe style much.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    New York Times editor Jill Abramson chronicles the first year of her golden retriever's life. Scout is a very blonde golden from British lines. Abramson's previous dog was a Westie, and she seemed to have difficulty bonding with this new dog, who was really purchased by her husband. By the end of the book, the bonding is complete. For someone who was a long-time dog owner, Abramson seemed a little clueless when it comes to puppy raising and training. Maybe this is typical of the population as a whole, but for someone who trains dogs to read about it, I found it a little discouraging. Nonetheless, this is a nice, feel-good tale that's a light, wholesome read. Don't expect any real help with dog or puppy training, but I suspect that was not the intent of the book at all.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I pray that you and Scout last a long time! I had Missy a Chocolate lab for 14.5 years reading your book sure brought back great memories thanks!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not much substance to this book - ok story. More than anything I enjoyed learning a bit about the author since I did not know much about her.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received this book through Early Reviewers. Dogs were part of my life while growing up. Scout is an interesting part of the authors' family and we read what's it like during her first year. It's as if the dog and the owners grow up at the same time. I didn't care to read 3 pages of the food they found her to eat or the various toys that she played with.My mom has a dog(Pomeranian)and he's in his second year. It was interesting to read someone else's trials and tribulations during the puppy years. There were a few things I learned from this book: 1. adolescence during the first year 2. 'bowing down' when they were ready to play.I feel as if this is an informative book; not an emotional one.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I liked the book, Was very informative. Didn't care fo rthe style much.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Being an animal lover I love all books about animals: so I'm a bit biased right from the word go... While this was a good book there was a bit of an emotional disconnect for me. I think Abramson is a great writer, but that she's a great article writer. It felt to me like she was presenting the facts, as you would in a news article. The emotional connection, even when she was talking about how she felt, seemed to be lacking. The story itself is pretty good and I liked getting to know Scout. He is such a puppy! Tearing things up, misbehaving, being goofy, all the things we love are pets for (even when we want to be angry at them.) I know there are TONS of stories about pets out there, and I've heard criticism that there isn't really much that sets them apart. But I beg to differ. I think that every animal is unique and therefore has a unique story to be told. Scout's story is unique and is very different from every animal book I've read. Despite the emotional disconnect I had with this book I really liked it. There were quite a few things that I learned. I like when I can read a good story and learn something from it too! It's like getting a bonus (and I'm all about the bonuses.)So if you love animals and like to read about other animals that misbehave (believe me it's not just your pets that misbehave) pick this one up. I think it was well worth the read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Puppy Diaries was pretty much as I expected. It had its beginnings as a popular series of columns written by Jill Abramson, who is a writer and editor at the NY Times. She and her husband are empty nesters who, having recently lost their Westie, were ready for a new pup. The book recounts the ups and downs of the first year in the life of their golden retriever, Scout, named after, well, Scout, of To Kill a Mockingbird. Abramson is not a dog expert and she doesn?t pretend to be one; in fact, some of her comments seemed a bit clueless to me. There was nothing especially outstanding about that year, aside from an adorable new puppy, and that may have been part of the charm of the story. It struck me only after I?d finished it that it was really a relief not to hear about wild exploits, a la Marley and Me, or relentless bodily functions, as in the odd My Dog Tulip, or the overcoming of physical handicaps of Homer?s Odyssey, or the tear-jerking final years of Good Dog. Stay. This is just a straight up dog and owner memoir of the first year. And a lot of their first year mirrored the first year of my golden retriever?s life. As I read it, I spent a lot of time smiling at a memory or nodding my head in agreement. Like us, and I?m sure many, many other families, she searched for a breeder and waited for approval, wondered about the right foods, worried through illnesses, dealt with working at home, obsessed about behavior issues and trainers, and thought her puppy was the prettiest, most darling puppy possible. We didn?t live part-time in Manhattan, though, and I?ve always wondered about the unique issues facing dog owners in the city. And her position enabled her to speak with the likes of Temple Grandin and Cesar Millan. (We have a photo of our dog with Mario Lopez but that?s the extent of any quasi-celebrity meet-ups.) This is an easy, not especially compelling read, but truly a sweet story for dog lovers. It would be a good book for someone waiting on their first puppy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    An enchanting tale of the trials, tribulations and joys of raising a puppy.In The Puppy Diaries you meet and get to tag along with the author Jill and her husband Henry as they raise their beautiful dog named Scout from puppy through early adulthood. Their story begins with their introduction of Buddy a feisty Westie, Jill's first dog. Scout however joined the Abramson's later in their life after they had raised their children and became empty-nesters. The story of Buddy left me teary eyed, as a dog owner I certainly could relate to having to watch a precious family pet suffer and it surfaced many memories for me. As every pet owner knows, eventually that dreaded day does come when for whatever reason or circumstances we must say our goodbyes to our beloved pet. After losing Buddy Jill struggles with wanting to adopt another dog. She has many worries. Will she love her next dog just as much as she loved Buddy? Jill feels it is to soon once friends and family begin to offer her ideas for acquiring another dog. However a couple years later Henry is soon in love with a certain breed, an almost snow white Golden Retriever and begins to lure Jill toward a breeder. Soon after Jill and Henry adopt Scout and an enchanting tale begins. I got to share in their joy as Jill and Henry get their pick from the litter, go shopping for those exciting first dog toys, treats and other goodies new dog owners just can't pass up. Just like bringing a new baby home a comparison Jill makes in her book many times. As all true pet owners know that pet excitement is short lived and the real responsibilities begin once that pup is brought home. First living in a country like setting in Connecticut then moving to an apartment in New York City Scout has to adjust to these changes. Jill takes us through all Scout's good and bad days, the chewing stages, socializing, walks, even puppy obedience class. All the joys, frustrations and mishaps that come with dog ownership are chronicled for the reader. All loving dog owners know we only want the best for our dogs but sometimes they can bring out the worst in us. Which leaves Jill wondering many times how she will make it through another day of Scout dragging her through the streets of New York City without getting hit by a taxi or other vehicle. The ironic part of this story is that Jill does get hit by a vehicle in New York City, actually a truck and ends up seriously injured but she was actually alone when this happens. Throughout the book you get to learn the quirks and habits of Jill and Henry and why Scout acts the way she does. There are many surprises along the way in this book and many I could relate to. Like the husband not watching the dog and the wife coming home to a mishap, while he is distracted, which ends up with the couple arguing. Sometimes this feels like the dog is driving a wedge between the couple, just like when a baby comes along. This book has so many similar situations like my own life with our dogs, which is why I loved this book so much from the beginning to the very end. I would recommend this audiobook to any dog lover or any one contemplating getting a dog. If you have or have had a dog you will easily relate to Jill's daily routines, rules and training approaches when it comes to her life with Scout. Including being dragged around when going for a walk with your dog, until you figure out what works to slow the race or finding out that their weight or size as predicted when you acquire the dog as a pup is not what you get once they are done growing.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book was okay. It was well written, but I couldn't connect with the lavish lifestyle of the author. I also couldn't get the sound of her voice (mildly annoying) out of my head as I read. . I have a puppy, but if I didn't, I would not have enjoyed this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Puppy Diaries is exactly what it appears and is marketed to be, a detailed accounting of the first year Scout and her owners spend together. Jill Abramson lays out all the questions, concerns, and problems that are part of having an active and intelligent puppy in the house. She also discusses the issues of raising a dog in the city and the dilemma of finding a training method that works for her particular dog and situation. Along the way she adds warm words about the value of a having a companion animal in your life.I found Puppy Diaries to be a pleasant, easy read. Jill's approach is a thoughtful and intelligent one and she comes across as someone I would like to know. There are no revelations here and the book is similar to many others on the same topic. I wouldn't necesarily recomend Puppy Diaries to someone who isn't a dog lover, but there are plenty of dog lovers (like myself) out there who will be happy to spend some time with Jill and Scout.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    If' you're what author Abramson labels an ABBD, you'll probably love this book. Aging baby boomers with dogs will find this tome jammed with news-you-can-use information. True, "The Puppy Diaires" lacks the emotional punch that have made other pet tales instant classics (think Marley and Dewey). But this particular book covers a lot more ground than many other works in this genre. Abramson offers insights into everything from training techniques to dietary options. But this isn't a stuffy academic text. It's also sprinkled with interesting characters (meet CujoCop, the amiable dog trainer) and anecdotes. It even documents some fascinating trends. For example, who knew there was hydrotherapy for dogs? Abramson draws some parallels between growing dogs and human adolescents. She also provides some laugh-out-loud moments as she pokes diplomatic fun at folks who obsess over the quality of their pets' poop. True, it does drag a bit in some spots. Some readers will no doubt yearn for a stronger twist-filled "storyline." If you're looking for a riveting pet-centered drama, "The Puppy Diaries" won't cut it. But if you're searching for a useful self-help book that even manages to weave in dog behavorial theories espoused by such luminaries as Temple Grandin and Cesar Millan, you'll give high marks to this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As someone who loves to read about dogs, this book was right up my alley! I really enjoyed reading about Scout and all the things Jill went through in raising him. I loved the little details about Scout and his life in Manhattan and in the country. I just wish there were more pictures of him in the book especially in color! :) I will definitely reread this book when I want to relax and just think about dogs. I definitely recommend it!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Those who like to read books about dogs, (think Marley and Me) will love this newest addition to the market. The author tells her story of deciding to adopt a new member of the family despite or due to the empty nest that she and her husband find themselves in. Both she and her husband are fully employed, and she does a great job both informing and amusing the reader to the time constraints, perils and often pitfalls of raising a puppy. From chewing, to jumping, to pulling the leash the reader identifies with the author and along the way learns something about puppy training both techniques and philosophies. Great reading, and I would suggest that those who wish to read a copy of the book, pick up a paper copy even if an audio version comes out since you would miss the enjoyable and heartwarming photos.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Anyone who has ever had a puppy can relate to this book. It is a detailed account of a golden retriever's first year of life and the challenges that came with it. While some of the stories were heartwarming and cute, most of the book was your standard "puppy has this problem. This is how we fixed it" mantra. While the writing flowed from page to page, it was hard to get over how stereotypical this book was and it often had me stopping and wishing I could put the book down and start something else. That isn't to say the book was bad, it just wasn't original in any way, shape, or form.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have never been one to read books about pets - either raising them, owning them, or training them - but I am glad that this one was my first foray into the genre. By page twelve, Jill Abramson's book "The Puppy Diaries" had me hooked, with tears in my eyes remembering my own painful loss of my dog of 15 years.I thought that the book would be solely a memoir of life raising a puppy, but it was much more than that. Abramson weaves in tales of her first dog, her career, her personal injury, along with the healing power and challenge of welcoming in a new member of the family. The humor in the book is subtle, but enjoyable. I found myself reading sections of the book outloud to my husband, and finished the book within two days.I particularly love her style - it isn't overly elegant or wordy, but there is true emotion there, even as she is talking about something as simple as taking the dog to the park, to visit with friends, or to a trainer. As a pet owner, I can relate to her struggles, concerns, and affection for the whole process. It is easy to forget how hard those initial puppy stages are.For anyone who is thinking of getting a puppy, loves their own furry family member, or simply needs a book that is uncomplicated and devoid of politics, but rather a tale of the joy of dog ownership, I would recommend this book.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Scout is the antithesis of the yellow lab Marley in "Marley and Me". She is sweet and only runs into a few problems in adolescence. It is good for a dog owner, but kind of is boring in a book. It is a light easy read. And the dog doesn't die so I didn't sob all over the place...
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received Jill Abramson’s Puppy Diaries as an early reviewer. I thoroughly enjoyed her story of how Scout came to join her family. Ms. Abramson seems down-to-earth, and puts things in perspective when it comes to the sometimes overindulgent Manhattan doggie pampering. A light and enjoyable read.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Finally a happy story about a dog that does not die in the end. I got this book as an early reviewer. I have a 4 year old lab myself. Through out the whole book, I kept laughing, squealing and relating to almost everything that Jill talked about. There are GREAT tips and references for almost anything dog related. Not sure if I would read the book again, but will keep for references.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    "The Puppy Diaries" by Jill Abramson was a quick and easy read.  Based on her experiences of her puppy Scouts first year.  From walking, sleeping, eating and much more, it shows how much work a puppy is and how much its like have another child in some ways. Some of Jill's tales of Scout's first year remind me of when my dog was a puppy and I wish she had shared more stories though out the book.  "The Puppy Diaries" to me seemed like more of a self help book, which referenced many specialist / professionals who she either hired or knew who work with dogs, in which most people would not be able to spend on there pet or have the time for.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was thrilled to get this book as part of the Early Reviewers. I was smiling from ear to ear just looking at the cover and seeing that cute Golden. I've raised two Goldens and I loved reliving through this book the similar experiences I had with my dogs. Anyone who has raised a puppy can relate to the many trials and tribulations of raising a puppy this book shared. I loved the information about puppy training and all the research the author did to formulate the best training plan for Scout. It was an easy enjoyable read and a book I instantly shared with another Golden lover friend of mine.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Puppy Diaries was an enjoyable short read. It was well written, as it should be considering the author's background. Ms Abramson would be every puppy's dream owner. She demonstrated patience, tolerance, understanding, empathy, towards a scalawag that finally grew into her adult personality. It was evident this puppy came into the author's life at a time when she was very fragile from a serious accident. She took a number of risks when adopting Scout, physically and emotionally. The only negative I felt about the book was about the name brands, chain store names, etc., which received what felt to be gratuitous (hopefully) promotion. Though the book was full of helpful information about puppy training, it felt too much like an advertisement when these stores, products, people were referred to. Nevertheless, the book conveyed a warm feeling throughout towards dogs everywhere
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    New York Times editor Jill Abramson chronicles the first year of her golden retriever's life. Scout is a very blonde golden from British lines. Abramson's previous dog was a Westie, and she seemed to have difficulty bonding with this new dog, who was really purchased by her husband. By the end of the book, the bonding is complete. For someone who was a long-time dog owner, Abramson seemed a little clueless when it comes to puppy raising and training. Maybe this is typical of the population as a whole, but for someone who trains dogs to read about it, I found it a little discouraging. Nonetheless, this is a nice, feel-good tale that's a light, wholesome read. Don't expect any real help with dog or puppy training, but I suspect that was not the intent of the book at all.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I am a lover of golden retrievers, having raised three from puppyhood. I followed this blog in the Times when it was published, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about raising a puppy for the first time. Abramson is a thoughtful dog owner, and she gives a good accounting of the challenges that dog owners face in the first year, as well as the joys.A point she made particularly well as she explored the various popular method of training dogs, is that there is not one method that works for all dogs. Dogs have individual personalities, and people committed to raising a good dog should persist until they find what works. A quick and easy read. I enjoyed it, and it almost made me want to start a new puppy!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I thought this was a nice, light hearted book about the trials and tribulations of owning a new puppy. Ms. Abramson wrote from the heart when telling of the love she has for Scout, as well as previous dogs she has owned. I really felt the connection between her and Scout as she was sharing her insights. I found myself often laughing out loud and shaking my head in agreement as she told of the stubbornness Scout often exhibited and naughty puppy things she did. I felt my heart flutter when she said she wasn't sure she could love this new dog as much as her last, and felt the same relief when she realized there was a place in her heart for every dog. I appreciated the insight she offered from several "celebrity" trainers, as well as personal friends who were dog owners, but sometimes it got a little redundant with all of the name dropping and training techniques (Cesar Milan, the clicker!) This didn't really annoy me too much, but I imagine it could really aggravate some people. The book was a pretty easy read (took me about 4 hours total). The one thing that really stood out the whole book though, was that, Ms. Abramson, being a news reporter, made it often felt like it was being told from that point of view and in my opinion, the book didn't flow as well as a novel should. It felt as though I was reading a daily blog sometimes, and the funny memories were not all connecting like they should. But overall, it was funny, and fun to read, and I will recommend it to others.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Oh, puppy stories, hard to resist on the shelf, but rarely as satisfying in the delivery. Unfortunately, as other reviewers stated, this is a difficult book to relate to. There is interesting information about training, but the book is written somewhere between a style of memoir and actual reference material, making it difficult to enjoy. It seems as though the author wants to share relevant facts about the relationship between human and beloved dog by slipping said facts into the story, but it comes out seeming condescending, disjointed, and on occasion hypocritical. For example, the author notes that millions of animals are euthanized in animal shelters every year and immediately after describes how they so wanted a purebred puppy and so they bought a purebred. Apparently, adoption is for the proletariat, but expensive training programs and playgroups for White Golden Retrievers (seriously) are for rich Manhattanites. Altogether, the story seemed rather precious and self-indulgent. If you love dog stories and want to read a touching, funny, and informative book, try A Small Furry Prayer. THAT will make your heart swell.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Scout is absolutely charming, and she is very lucky girl to have been adopted by Jill Abramson and her husband.I thought one of the stronger themes in the book was the concern Ms. Abramson felt, and the many times she was unsure, as to whether she would be able to provide a loving and suitable home for her new puppy. At times she seemed to dwell on these issues, but she always worked through them with herself and Scout in mind. I applaud her for that, and I believe that any new pet parent (or potential pet parent considering adoption) might be comforted in learning that uncertainty is usually quite normal when one adds to one’s family. There is no one right way to handle all situations. Depending on individual circumstances, choices are presented and decisions must be made to optimize the lives of all involved, both canine & human. This is not always easy!In the beginning, I wanted more Scout and less Jill. Later in the book, I got my wish! I got to know Jill better, as she fell in love with her dog named Scout. I loved when Ms. Abramson wrote about high-priced choices she and her husband considered, and sometimes made, for Scout … yet I felt she seemed a tad too apologetic about the cost. Hey, I think it is great for Scout and for the owners of these doggie businesses who offer these fine, albeit expensive, services! Both dogs and business owners benefit from folks like Ms. Abramson. Sure, most people can’t afford to take their favorite pooch to a doggie-only swim facility. However, how fabulous for the dogs whose families can afford some of the luxuries Ms. Abramson describes in her book, and how marvelous for the proprietors of those businesses! I grew up in the city, and we had a kiddy pool on our roof where our dog and neighbors’ dogs could play. Different set of circumstances; different choices. To me, it is what makes the world go ‘round … and ever so much fun to read about Scout’s life.I don’t know if it was just me, and it is a minor point, but I was negatively influenced by the number of times Jill Abramson mentioned her own pedigree and that she has a high-powered career in the newspaper industry, with specifics about her job title(s) at certain well-know newspapers. I knew she was affluent by the places she lived and the choices she made for Scout; I did not need to read her personal job history which she mentioned several times. I realize this redundancy possibly could be due to the fact that the book originated as a blog or series of articles about Scout. Again, it was a minor issue. I mention it only because I think it may be a turn-off to some readers (moi!) to small degree.Above all … the book is a really enjoyable read!