There is only three days left to win a copy of Snow Heroes: A Christmas Tale by Robert McCarty. The exciting story of how the dogs, from Planet Of The Dogs, helped saved Christmas.

This charming book from the Planet Of The Dogs series would make the start to a wonderful family tradition.  Spend special time with your kids, fur or furless, reading it together.

To enter, leave a comment about a dog book that you like on  the original posting, under the comment section.  I will pick a winner on Monday, November 3rd.

There is a wonderful series of books called Planet Of The Dogs, written  by Dogster member Robert McCarty. His wife, Stella Mustanoja McCarty, creates the beautiful illustrations.

The books revolve around the dogs who live on a planet on the other side of the sun, who come to earth to teach people about love.

The latest in the series is Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale.  It is the exciting story of the dogs from Planet Of The Dogs who come to earth to help save Christmas.

I had the pleasure of getting to interview Robert and find out more about the series and how it began.

HH: What was your inspiration for this series of books?

RM: The Planet Of The Dogs came from one of those conversations revolving around the notion that the world would be a better place if people were more like dogs, especially, as regards the qualities of unconditional love and loyalty.

HH: How did you come up with the characters in your books?

RM: All the principal dog characters are based on dogs that have been part of our lives or belonged to family members.

HH: What is the age range for your books?

RM:The age range of kids who really like the books has been contrary to establishment parameters. We actually have very enthusiastic comments by kids and or parents from ages 4-12…obviously some kids are more advanced etc…but the unifying element, in my mind, has more to do with the love of dogs and human/canine bond.

Dogster’s group Dog Eared Book Club has chosen Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale as their November book of the month.  Having recently read the book I can understand why it was chosen.

While I’m well out of the 4-12 year old range I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  The book brought me back to my youth, a time when it seemed my imagination was endless, something that gets lost in adulthood.

The holidays are right around the corner and Snow Valley Heroes would make a great stocking stuffer.  Thanks to Robert McCarty you have a chance to win your very own copy of the book.  To enter just share what book about dogs you like, in the comment section, and you will be entered to win.  The contest starts today and ends Monday, November 10th when one winner will be chosen at random.

If you would like to ask Robert McCarty a question, stop by  his pup Dafi’s homepage or the Dog Eared Book Club.

Calling all Westie lovers, and/or book lovers, for a live Dogster event this Saturday.

When: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Where: DOGSTER FORUM FOR BOOKS AND MOVIES

Time: 9:00 p.m. EST

Book being reviewed: “City Dog” by Alison Pace

Alison’s Westie, Carlie, is a member of Dogster and WU.

Some of you may already know Alison. She has published many books with dogs having roles in the books:

MINATURE SCHNAUZERS:
“IF ANDY WARHOL HAD A GIRLFRIEND”

PUGS:
“PUG HILL ”

MINIATURE DACHSUND-TERRIER MIX
“THROUGH THICK AND THIN ”

We hope you can join us at this fantastic event.

See you there this Saturday!

If you have any questions please p-mail Atticus Finch.

If you live in Massachusetts you probably already know there are an abundance of hiking trails.  The problem is that not all trails for humans are necessarily good for our furry friends.

If you want to find the best dog friendly hiking trails check out Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston & Beyond by Jenna Ringelheim, the only book devoted entirely to hiking with dogs.  The book has a great mix of urban and rural trails with trail descriptions that detail leash laws, directions, maps, distance (hike’s total mileage), and elevation levels.  It covers trails for active and senior dogs so no pup will feel left out.

The book also has some great tips on canine trail etiquette, hiking with dogs and their special needs, what to do when you meet other hikers, and unique skills for preparing your dog for the Massachusetts mainland and island terrain.

Win yourself a free copy of Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston & Beyond by simply leaving me a comment in the comment section on why you like hiking with your dog.  I will pick one winner at random on August 25th.  Happy trails to you.

Poor little Alfred has some confidence issues. Like many others in today’s body-conscious society, he’s a little obsessed with his appearance—specifically, his nose. He can’t rush off for plastic surgery, though, as he’s an adorable little French Bulldog.

A new book by Vivienne Flesher, Alfred’s Nose chronicles one doggie’s journey to find the perfect, true-dog nose. He tries costumes and masks, and ultimately comes to accept himself for the perfect pooch he is. The book will induce giggles and inspire children, but it’s plenty of fun for grown-ups too, with its homegrown photos of Flesher’s dog in a gaggle of fake noses (elephant, cow) and disguises.

This book is short and sweet. Take a peek at Alfred’s own website: alfredthebulldog.com.

For information on 300+ more dog breeds as well as the Frenchie, check out our exclusive Dog Breed Info pages.

The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook should come with a warning — don’t read while hungry! These recipes sound so good I couldn’t help but get hungry as I read through them.

Author Liz Palika has put together a collection of tasty treats for all kinds of events and dogs. Looking for cookie cutter treats or special goodies for special occasions. The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook has got it covered. Do you need recipes designed for dogs with special needs? You’ll find yummy meat-free, grain-free, wheat-free and reduced-fat treats here.

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Don’t you love it when non-fiction is so well written it reads like good fiction? Dogs: A Natural History is one of these books. It has lots of information written in an engaging flow. Author Jake Page has the uncommon ability to make history and science understandable and fascinating.

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101 Best Businesses for Pet Lovers is the book for all of us who’ve had some version of the following scenario —I’m sitting in a meeting with clients and as another client flunkie makes another inane comment about marketing all of a sudden I’m wondering if there isn’t something I could do that would keep me away from these kinds of humans and let me spend more time with dogs and other doggy humans. I bet you’ve been there too, haven’t you?

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Not only are Dogster’s great people and pawples, they’re talented too! Jackpot’s Tail: Lost in Las Vegas was written by one of our Dogsters (okay, she let her furmom get the credit). Not only that, but it’s really GOOD, too!

Are you looking for a well-written, fun book that helps kids understand what happens to dogs who go through the rescue systems? Have you recently adopted a furry family member and want to let your not-so-furry young ones know more about how their new furbrother or sister came to join your family? Then Jackpot’s Tail may be just the book for you!

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There are MANY excellent training books for humans working with dogs but Tess of Helena (a four-footer herself) has penned a fun and helpful training guide for dogs trying to get the best from their humans. Training Humans combines a touch of satire with a large helping of canine insight into a literary recipe that offers useful information with a twist.

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