Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 11-15 of 74
 One book I'll be reading over again. November 1, 2004
C. Ward (OK, United States)
In this book, Caroline Knapp writes about her relationship with her dog Lucille, as well as relationships between people and their dogs in this day and age. She had been through a lot in her life--breakups, losing her parents, alcoholism-- until one morning she woke and decided she was going to get a dog. She found Lucille at a shelter and her life was changed. Lucille brought her happiness, and caused her to examine the special relationship between people and their dogs. If you are a dog lover, you will be able to relate to her insights and won't want to put the book down.
The bond of unconditional love is forever March 1, 2003
Arlene Millman (Huntington, New York United States)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
Heartwarming story of the loving bond between a woman and her beloved pet dog. The consistency and strength of the bond is a true testimony to the value of unconditional love, the fact it lasts forever, and the potential for inherent pain. Saw myself in every page, and the loving bond I have shared with my pets. Most recently: the sharing of life and love with my Boston Terrier, Boomerang,,,, then the shattering pain of loss and grief. And finally, a spiritual resolution, loving acceptance and ultimate joy. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGYJ (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).
A beautiful book representing the canine-human relationship December 28, 2002
Heather (Kalamazoo, MI United States)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Knapp is a very gifted writer: engaging, humorous, insightful, and original. I didn't want to stop reading this book--it was simply delightful. Being a devoted dog lover, I was touched by the unique ways in which Knapp described why we love dogs and how they are so important to our well-being. I truly would recommend this book to anyone who has had a special relationship with a dog and cares about understanding and deepening their relationships with animals.
Dogs is dogs, but we love them August 1, 2002
Sabreur (Germany)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful
Pack of Two lives up to its subtitle--it is an intricate and subtle exploration of the relationships between people (mostly single) and their dogs (often plural). Knapp appears in the book to be working through her reservations about the strength of her attachment to her dog Lucille. There is some pretty convoluted introspection, but she eventually comes out with a very life- and dog-affirming position--in the best cases, we love our dogs for themselves, not as replacements for kids, partners, etc. Well, no kidding. I think she approaches, but does not look straight at, the possibility that the affirmation we receive from our dogs makes us stronger--because we have dogs, we don't need people as much, and may be happier to be without partner or kids--although she makes the point that dog people tend to be more sociable and have more friends (often other dog people)... Alone (if you call hanging with the mutts alone) more, but less needy. Not a bad way to be.One footnote. Knapp unfortunately confuses operant conditioning/positive reinforcement with no training/no discipline. In fact, operant conditioning/positive reinforcement training requires a great deal of discipline--it's just the discipline doesn't take the form of strangling your dog, pinching his/her ears, etc. People who don't train their dogs are really irresponsible. People who believe you have to hurt your dog to train it are either misguided or sadistic. Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash" makes these points clearly and forcefully.
"Pack of Two" July 10, 2002
Debra Ellis (Hightstown, NJ)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'm 3/4's of the way through this book. Wow, what a great read. Ms. Knapp certainly has made it clear to me that there is PLENTY to be said for the human, dog relationship. Anyone who owns a dog or has ever thought about owning one, should read this book. I'm giving this book as gifts to all of the dog owners I know. My thanks to Ms. Knapp for providing such great insight.
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