Dog Works: The Meaning and Magic of Canine Constructions (Paperback)

Why does a Golden Retriever arrange sticks in the form of a pyramid? Why would a Hungarian Vizsla mound up piles of autumn leaves in the shape of a cross? Such canine phenomena have left animal behaviorists baffled for centuries. Are dogs erecting these structures as a result of primeval impulses, or are they responding to otherwordly forces we humans have yet to comprehend? Like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, some phenomena of man and beast feline aesthetics with WHY CATS PAINT, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to publish the landmark DOG WORKS: THE MEANING AND MAGIC OF CANINE CONSTRUCTIONS. In this enchant and confound us in their enigmatic silence. Having staked out brave new theoretical ground in the field of exhaustively researched, lavishly illustrated study, author Vicki Mathison explores the spiritual yearning that lurks beneath canis familiaris's facade of contentment and obedience. Beautiful, insightful, and intriguing—and certain to send shock waves through universities around the world—DOG WORKS will ensure you'll never look at how a dog buries a bone in the same way again.

VICKI MATHISON is an artist, teacher, journalist, and dog obedience trainer. She holds a degree in psychology and has spent years studying the special bond between dogs and humans. She lives in New Zealand with a variety of equine and canine companions.