I’ve had three dogs in my adult life, so I found the first line of Jill Abramson’s
The Puppy Diaries – Raising a Dog Named Scout powerful: “The truth
about getting a new dog is that it makes you miss the old one.”
Still, I struggled with Abramson’s combination memoir/how-to guide which
chronicles the life she and her husband share with their blond golden retriev-
er. How he came into their lives is interesting and the joy he brings is palpable,
but not necessarily unique. I don’t want to disparage the connection she has
with her dog, but anyone who has played or lived with a dog will be familiar
with everything Abramson writes about. This may be a source of reassurance
for some dog owners, but for readers it is the book’s major flaw. What sets
the story apart, and is given only a casual nod, is the way dog ownership has
changed, and that the Abramsons are “aging baby boomers with dogs …”
Don’t get me wrong, I have immense respect for Abramson. She is the first
female excutive editor of The New York Times. Her journalism creds are both
impressive and intimidating to me, a former reporter. No doubt, her journal-
istic background provided access to the sources she doles out like special
treats.
Writing about dogs is a sure-fire way to evoke emotion among dog owners.
Most wear their passion for their canine pals like a collar of pride. Clearly,
Abramson is no exception, but then neither am I.
“The Puppy Diaries”
Two Bookmarks
Times Books, 2011
242 pages
The Blue Page Special 
So we are in Assisi and want to take a bus to Sienna and the ticket man says ‘un problema!!’ panic sets in thinking it is winter, Sunday, the bus is broken, but NO it is St. Anthony’s and the blessing of the animals ……. So every dog in Assisi is at the bus stop and there is a market devoted to every dog product imaginable!!!! Loving your dog is universal 🙂 the bus got through the crowd and the moment was priceless!!!
This is very funny. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip!