DOG YEARS

In a blend of memoir, literary criticism, and reflections on dogs and death, Mark Doty recounts the making of his human-canine family. As his partner, Wally's, death becomes inevitable, Doty rescues Beau from an animal shelter, believing the golden retriever will ease his pain and become a companion for their aging black retriever, Arden. When Beau becomes ill, caretaking rescues Doty from depression, and Beau and Arden become his anchor to life. Doty's perceptions celebrate canine life forces and the connection that lets human and animals transcend tragedy and keep hope alive. Doty's reading has a singsong quality. At times, this complements the lyrical tone of this work, and other times it becomes too hypnotic. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]