Do you look at your dog differently now?

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Scott** » 03 Dec 2014, 19:05

Following is a discussion question from the author for the December 2014 book of the month, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.

Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently after reading this novel?

I do not have a dog, so for me it's a no. What about you?

gali · Post by **gali** » 04 Dec 2014, 07:56

I do have a dog and I don't treat him much differently, but then I have always considered him part of our family.

HoneyB · Post by **HoneyB** » 05 Dec 2014, 12:01

There was a moment where I looked at my dog differently. I know his mind isn't as complex as a humans, and we always treat him well and love him, but the book served as a bit of a reminder that he loves us too in his own way. Denny and Enzo were awesome! Great book. Never thought I'd read something from a dog's perspective.

lincolnp · Post by **lincolnp** » 05 Dec 2014, 12:41

I read this book approximately 2 1/2 years ago. I loved it and read the whole thing in about 6 hrs during our drive back home from my brother's (my brother in law had given me the book). I didn't really treat my dogs any different after reading the book. I have always treated them like humans (accept they pee in the yard and we don't, etc.) and part of the family. I too had never read a book from a dog's perspective but I ceased to think of that as I got further into the book. I think I may have to read that book again.

Artiste8 · Post by **Artiste8** » 08 Dec 2014, 13:41

I have two dogs and I don't treat them differently, they are like family to us. Enzo did remind me of a dog I used to have. It seemed my dog didn't know she was a dog and she thought she was human. It was very funny, I guess it's the way we treated her. I felt she knew what I was feeling and I always knew what she wanted. We understood each and had this connection. Dogs really are our best friends even if people don't always treat them like that.

Post by **bookowlie** » 09 Dec 2014, 09:42

Our dog has never seemed like a dog and has always been like our third child. Our previous dog, who lived 15 1/2 years, was more like Enzo and acted like he was human. He also liked to watch TV, which was pretty funny. He was just like a third child in the household and followed my boys everywhere. Even when they were babies, my dog stood at the door when I would get the stroller out to take the kids for a walk. He often jumped in the stroller first. I always felt he was highly intelligent and not like other dogs, who were just dogs

kio · Post by **kio** » 09 Dec 2014, 22:23

It makes me love my dogs a lot more. They do a lot of the same things. Now, it just amuses me

L_Therese · Post by **L_Therese** » 10 Dec 2014, 00:16

I don't have a dog, but you know what? I want one, and I think this book has more to do with it than I'd care to admit. I read it for the first time years ago, so I can't be sure how much it's influenced my thought process, dog-wise.

zoedecicco · Post by **zoedecicco** » 11 Dec 2014, 09:36

I feel the same it's just made me want a dog even more. I'm promised one once we move to the States in a few months - exciting!

Skillian · Post by **Skillian** » 11 Dec 2014, 10:16

I seriously doubt the thoughts that go through my dog's mind are nearly as complex as Enzo's. haha. I love her and spoil her, but no I don't think I look at her differently. I have always been conscientious of not leaving her home alone, etc. She is my little diva. Honestly, I kind of hope she doesn't have some of the thoughts Enzo had... it was really awkward for me at times.

Anacoana · Post by **Anacoana** » 15 Dec 2014, 15:35

I have two dogs and I've always believed that they have their own thoughts and personalities much like humans. So while it didn't make me look at them differently, it did give me some fun insight into things that they might think.

Dando · Post by **Dando** » 16 Dec 2014, 21:46

I don't have a dog anymore, but I do not look back at him any differently. I'm not sure why I would, the whole premise of Enzo's experience is entertaining, but totally ridiculous.

Lilapo9 · Post by **Lilapo9** » 18 Dec 2014, 10:33

I do not have a dog currently but there have been dog siblings and dog children in my life and I have always wondered just what they thought about or felt. The dog-souls that I shared my life with painfully passive to a fault. Never offering to harm, always happy to greet and just celebrate the simple things in life. They were also adept at manipulating us too. When I read about Enzo's orchestration to get Denny to let him go, I was reminded of several kind souls that had their own way of letting me know it was their time. I too could relate with Denny when he was telling his friend Mike about there not being a return trip. Letting go is often the hardest thing to do.

hareid03 · Post by **hareid03** » 19 Dec 2014, 19:32

The book made me think about how I treat my dogs, and reminded me that just because they're not people doesn't mean they should be treated that much more differently. I try to me more aware of how I treat my dogs and that I should spend more time with them and try not to get annoyed so easily if they do something they shouldn't because they're probably just are trying to get my attention. I try to be more loving towards them and I want to make sure that my dogs know that I love them, I don't want them to feel mistreated or like I don't care for them. I think of them more as little furry family members, not just animals that live in my house.

Little House · Post by **Little House** » 20 Dec 2014, 15:03

I don't have a dog but would like to get one. I think maybe this book sets up unrealistic expectations for a dog, but I haven't had a dog in 30 years, so I don't really know. I would like to think that dogs can think like Enzo.