BookHounds Review SLEEPING WITH THE BEAST by DALE RYAN

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Sleeping With the Beast is not just another pretty book filled with pictures of dogs and owners romping in the fields. It is about a New England family that just happens to be comprised of a couple with two sons… five dogs–all cohabitating in one large farmhouse. In Sleeping With the Beast, Dale Ryan invites us into her home for a close-up view of what it’s like to live with dogs–from cooking to decorating to gardening to literally sleeping with the beast.

Sleeping With the Beast is a rather intimate book about dogs and their human partners. Furthermore, the book touches on legal, moral, and philosophical issues that confront our diversified families. The author also describes how dogs should be regarded not as 21st century accessories but should be respected for their multi-dimensional character. The term “beast” is used here in the most affectionate way. While the dictionary describes a beast as an animal other than a human, in a sense we are all beasts, whether two or four-legged. Humans have been domesticated and dogs have been as well, but rules are often broken. Gorgeously illustrated with four-color photographs of Dale and her family–especially the dogs.

About the Author
Dale Ryan has studied art and design and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education. She has been working on projects ranging from dog shelters, schools, and sustainable, local foods for hospitals. Dale lives in Connecticut with her family.

SOURCE: PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Photographer Dale Ryan has captured the joy of living and sleeping with her wonderful dogs. Her lovely home is packed with all sorts of amazing objects that are displayed with such care that it looks like a page ripped out of Home Beautiful. . This is a gorgeous book that should be left out on your coffee table for all to enjoy. I am so jealous of the author’s garden and dogs! I love that she allows her dogs to roam free throughout the place. They are part of her family and it shows. I do wonder how she can get any rest with those three big Shar Peis in bed with her. I would love to kick the dachshund out of my bed, but she is just too smart and can sneak back in whenever she likes.

Ryan used complimentary colors that hid all the pet hair, something I didn’t think about when I tried to do my own home in creams and whites. That just didn’t work out with two black dogs. I have since adjusted to more autumn colors, much as Ryan has used in her own home, and now have a dog that blends in so well with the furniture that she is hard to find at times. She makes things as pet friendly as possible for her dogs. There are lots of little tips to help make your home and garden as pet friendly as possible. I am going to treasure this book!