One Nation Under Dog

Adventures in the New World of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food

Nonfiction, Home & Garden, Pets, Dogs, Science & Nature, Nature
Cover of the book One Nation Under Dog by Michael Schaffer, Henry Holt and Co.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Schaffer ISBN: 9781429962728
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication: March 31, 2009
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co. Language: English
Author: Michael Schaffer
ISBN: 9781429962728
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication: March 31, 2009
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co.
Language: English

A witty, insightful, and affectionate examination of how and why we spend billions on our pets, and what this tells us about ourselves

In 2003, Michael Schaffer and his wife drove to a rural shelter and adopted an emaciated, dreadlocked Saint Bernard who they named Murphy. They vowed that they'd never become the kind of people who send dogs named Baxter and Sonoma out to get facials, or shell out for $12,000 hip replacements. But then they started to get weird looks from the in-laws: You hired a trainer? Your vet prescribed antidepressants? So Schaffer started poking around and before long happened on an astonishing statistic: the pet industry, estimated at $43 billion this year, was just $17 billion barely a decade earlier.

One Nation Under Dog is about America's pet obsession—the explosion, over the past generation, of an industry full of pet masseuses, professional dog-walkers, organic kibble, leash-law militants, luxury pet spas, veterinary grief counselors, upscale dog shampoos, and the like: a booming economy that is evidence of tremendous and rapid change in the status of America's pets. Schaffer provides a surprising and lively portrait of our country—as how we treat our pets reflects evolving ideas about domesticity, consumerism, politics, and family—through this fabulously reported and sympathetic look at both us and our dogs.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A witty, insightful, and affectionate examination of how and why we spend billions on our pets, and what this tells us about ourselves

In 2003, Michael Schaffer and his wife drove to a rural shelter and adopted an emaciated, dreadlocked Saint Bernard who they named Murphy. They vowed that they'd never become the kind of people who send dogs named Baxter and Sonoma out to get facials, or shell out for $12,000 hip replacements. But then they started to get weird looks from the in-laws: You hired a trainer? Your vet prescribed antidepressants? So Schaffer started poking around and before long happened on an astonishing statistic: the pet industry, estimated at $43 billion this year, was just $17 billion barely a decade earlier.

One Nation Under Dog is about America's pet obsession—the explosion, over the past generation, of an industry full of pet masseuses, professional dog-walkers, organic kibble, leash-law militants, luxury pet spas, veterinary grief counselors, upscale dog shampoos, and the like: a booming economy that is evidence of tremendous and rapid change in the status of America's pets. Schaffer provides a surprising and lively portrait of our country—as how we treat our pets reflects evolving ideas about domesticity, consumerism, politics, and family—through this fabulously reported and sympathetic look at both us and our dogs.

More books from Henry Holt and Co.

Cover of the book Lassie Come-Home 75th Anniversary Edition by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book When I Was a Turkey by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Fear City by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book The Survival Game by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Christmas Eve Good Night by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Cornered by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book The Mirror & the Light by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book STOLEN! A Pony Called Pebbles by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book The Swan Maiden by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Prince Philip by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book The Day by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Marshfield Memories: More Stories About Growing Up by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Robin by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Ask Bob by Michael Schaffer
Cover of the book Pip & Pup by Michael Schaffer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy