Thurber Book About His Dogs and another dog book

 

The caption of this sketch by James Thurber says "He's in love with a beagle who moved away" and the dog has a tear falling. This sketch is in the book below.

What a fun book to read; stories by James Thurber about his dogs, and his simple whimsical drawings. The book is "The Dog Department: James Thurber on Hounds, Scotties and Talking Poodles", edited by Michael J. Rosen. I treated myself and bought a copy at thriftbooks online. A favorite story is The Thin Red Leash about how Thurber's Scottie puppy was insulted by some large and menacing workmen, while on a walk with Thurber. He thought that might be the day to die in defense of his pup, when an even larger man stepped in and loudly praised the pup. Thurber calls the man "the train lifter" because he looked strong enough to lift a locomotive from one track to another. 

Another Thurber sketch from the book and this one needs no caption.

 

I found the above book when reading "Dogs We Love", also edited by Michael J. Rosen. Jane Smiley, Armistead Maupin, Edward Albee, Ann Beattie and more contributed stories about their dogs. This book was a Christmas gift to me from my younger son, and has excellent photos in it.

If you love dogs and humor and essays about people's dogs you may enjoy these books as I do.

Books that I have recently captured

These book were recently free range books but I captured them with my net and brought them home.
I am looking forward to reading them. I think they also captured me.

This novel "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" sounds charming and I hope it is and that no cat has been harmed and no old man harmed either. Arikawa wrote this novel about an old man in Japan traveling around the country with his cat. That is all I know about the plot thus far, no spoilers please. It is translated from the Japanese and the dust jacket promises Nana the cat and his owner Satoru "will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love." Doesn't this sound good?

This one I captured today at the local Goodwill store: dogs, memoir, disastrous second marriage, and written by the author of one of the best books I've ever read "Enchanted April." Actually I started reading this one, and it seems to be just about her dogs, which makes sense, according to its title "All the Dogs of My Life."
I am glad I found a dog book and a cat book, a balance that will please my dog and cat. By the way, my cat discovered the heated cat house I bought her beginning on Thanksgiving and she finds it very cozy.

I read Anne Perry's first two novels about the Pitts who investigate murders and I like the books a lot. Someone mentioned Perry writes a Christmas novel each year and I bought this one as a Christmas treat for myself. "That clever young aristocrat and budding sleuth Vespasia Cumming-Gould, ... investigates the tragedy that is to darken this lighthearted holiday house party",

For another treat I have no. 21 in the brilliant Rebus series by Ian Rankin. I am reading these in order, as per usual for me with series. Rebus is settling in to an uneasy retirement and is drawn into a long ago unsolved murder case. I  finished reading "Rather Be the Devil" yesterday and give it the five stars I usually give to the Rebus books. I am concerned about Rebus' health problem and will want to read the next book when it comes out. Also Rebus has a lady love, good for him.
Do you want to share any books you are looking forward to reading? Any Christmas treat books?