“Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly” Is A Great Book For Dog Lovers

The relationship between a dog and its human(s) is something rather special. My relationship with my dog is such that I’m not sure I could adequately articulate the type of joy, and sometimes frustration, that comes with having a Husky. Unless you are, or have been, a dog owner, I think it’s difficult to understand that special bond; a bond that helps us get through the more difficult aspects of being a dog’s human.

Because the bond with our dogs is something unique, I never thought it was possible to relay to others exactly what it means to be loved unconditionally by a non-human without sounding like those new parents who share unsolicited pictures of their new baby, and don’t stop talking about their baby’s first poos, gurgles, smiles, burps, farts, and everything else that every other baby does. I’m a parent and a dog owner/lover, and even I can find it annoying.

Then came along Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly by Mark Ulriksen, published by Goff Books.

Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly is a wonderful not-for-children children’s book, filled with delightful illustrations and succinct, yet humorous and heart-warming, traits and quirks that we, as dog lovers, adore in our dogs. Also, let’s be honest, some of these traits can also drive us mental but we happily endure the frustration because it’s nothing compared to the joy of being owned by a dog. (Click on the gallery for some examples of the delightful illustrations.)

The reason I call Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly a not-for-children children’s book is because even though it looks and feels like a children’s book, it will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. All of the illustrations are very child-friendly. The text is also child-friendly and easy to understand. That said, a little warning: There may be some parents who use other words for “crotch” and “hump,” and may not want to explain those words to their smaller children.

It doesn’t matter if you are small dog lover, or a big dog lover, there are some universal experiences we each share. Though, when I read the following, I did say to myself, “Mark obviously hasn’t owned a Husky.”

Each of my dogs had their own favorite meal.

HENRY the chocolate Lab = Bananas

TED the chocolate Lab = Toast

DOOG the Poodle = German chocolate cake

CLEO the St. Bernard = Whole chicken, uncooked

TIGER the mutt = Mom’s cheesecake

SABER the Springer Spaniel = Leather

Thought I’ve yet to meet a dog that’s a fussy eater.

Huskies are known to be very fussy eaters. But, I think they are the exception to the rule.

As I was saying, whether it’s having to avoid words like P-A-R-K and W-A-L-K; exercising patience when we take our dogs to/on the aforementioned things; dealing with the variety of messes dogs can and will make; there are also all the benefits of having a dog, especially the unconditional love and the lengths they will go to cheer us up when they sense you are upset. The joys of dog ownership are such that Ulrkisen used 144 pages to illustrate and relay exactly how Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly.

While reading Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly, I laughed, a lot, I nodded knowingly, and I got a little bit emotional.

If you are a dog owner, you’ll absolutely want to own Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly. If you are not a dog owner, but have one in your life, this book will make the perfect Christmas, birthday, and/or “just because” present.

Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly available now on Amazon (ignore the release date on Amazon), and will be available October 7, 2014, at Chapters/Indigo and Barnes & Noble.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Dogs Rule, Nonchalantly will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. The intuitive, colorful paintings communicate a depth of understanding of the quips and quirks of our canine companions that will bring a smile to the faces of children, while the sophistication and nuance of Mark’s artistic expertise and his acute observations will resonate with anyone who has ever had a dog.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Ulriksen is a San Francisco-based artist and illustrator whose instantly recognizable portraits and whimsical take on life have led to projects for a variety of major clients. He specializes in figurative work that blends humor and darkness with psychological insight. After initially working for thirteen years as a graphic designer and magazine art director, Mark gave up a world of monthly deadlines for a world of weekly ones, pursuing a new career as a freelance illustrator and artist. His editorial illustration work began in the mid-nineties, and since then his paintings have appeared in many of America’s leading magazines and newspapers. Ulriksen is best known for his work for The New Yorker, where he has been a regular contributor since 1993.

A copy of this book was received for the purposes of this review.