Book Review: Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs

The book I was 'reading' in yesterday's post was Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote and it is a must read for dog-lovers, dog-owners and anyone thinking of getting a dog.

Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs follows author Ted Kerasote's journey to find his new canine companion while answering the question: 'Why do they (dogs) die so young?'

It's not just a question Mr. Kerasote asked after the passing of his beloved dog, Merle, whom we read about, intermittently, throughout Pukka's Promise.  After the publication of his previous book, Merle's Door, hundreds of his readers wrote to him asking just that - in addition to 'why is my dog dying of cancer at three' and 'why is my dog going blind' and so on. 

In my opinion, Mr. Kerasote had the tenacity of a Terrier (and Terriers Rule, Mr. Kerasote, despite your affection for Houndy Labs) as he set about researching not just the why dogs die so young but the what, where and how as well.  He writes:

"I knew that at some point my heart would heal and I would long for another dog with whom to share my life.  I wanted to make sure that the care I would give my new dog helped him to live a long, healthy life, longer than Merle's, if possible."

Mr. Kerasote's research is comprehensive.  He read scientific papers, spoke with veterinarians, met with scientific researchers, and visited shelters and rendering plants.  (Like I said, tenacity...and of course the resources to travel the world to conduct such research.)  Reading Pukka's Promise, I found myself enthralled with the friendly, conversational tone of the book as well as inquisitively typing on the computer looking topics up - not because I didn't understand but because, so too, was my curiosity piqued. 

Presented in Pukka's Promise are thoughtful questions and insights on:

Inbreeding
(It's not just for puppy mills.)  I think we would all agree that inbreeding has led to a lot of health problems in dogs but I bet many would argue that purebred dogs are still 'healthier'.  Yet purebred dogs are also inbred, if you consider that 'purebred' and 'show' dog breeders select the mated pair and quite often, breed that pair numerous times to each other and to their own offspring thereby "narrowing the gene pool".   

Never mind, as Mr. Kerasote's research shows, that breeders are not always selecting for "function" (speed, scenting ability, tenacity) which a breed was known for but are selecting for "aesthetic qualities " (long/short nose, fur color and texture).  These selections change the dogs and not always for the healthier.

Vaccinations
Did you know that the efficacy of some vaccines are 5-7 years, not 1-2 years as we are programmed by our veterinarians?  (I am lucky.  My vet believes in discussing what I do, where I go, where I live - etc. - before deciding to administer a vaccine.  Thank you Dr. Z!)

Think about it: humans are not vaccinated every year.  Why then are dogs?  We know that most vaccines contain the attenuated virus to promote an immune response, but what about all the 'inactive' ingredients of the vaccine?  Are these affecting the health of dogs, possibly causing illness or disease?

Diet
Kibble or raw?  High protein or high carb?  (Gasp! Vegetarian?)  Many will argue that dogs are not far descended from their wolf ancestors and thus are carnivores and should eat a high protein ddiet.  Others contend (mostly the pet food industry?!?) that grains are a necessary addition to a dog's diet (never mind that it sure is cheaper to make).

Spay, Neuter, Sterilization
Is it really necessary to spay or neuter?  Is it healthier for dogs to just be sterilized (tubal ligation, vasectomy) so they can maintain proper levels of sex hormones?  Why is the US, unlike its European cousins, so determined to spay/neuter every dog and cat?

And so much more!  I could go on discussing these topics but why ruin it for you?  You need to read Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs. 

I know you will give, as I have, Mr. Kerasote *high paws* for his ability to weave a heart-warming, personal journey with wide-ranging research that impacts all our lives, human and canine.

Note:  I accept no monetary compensation for reviews, though I did receive the book for free.  This review is not sponsored by the publisher and the opinions contained herein are all my own.

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Do you want to read Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer Lived Dogs (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, February 2013) by bestselling author Ted Kerasote? 

This great book is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.  (These two links will take you directly to the book on the respective site.)

I am also willing to lend you my copy if you are unable to purchase the book (though after you read it, you will definitely want your own copy).  Please leave a comment on this post to tell me of your interest in borrowing the book.  I have a plan and will share it with you very soon.