Dog years : a memoir

A Washington Post Book World Best Book of the YearWinner of the Israel Fishman-Stonewall Book Award for Nonfiction"Tender and amusing. . . . Doty brilliantly captures the qualities that make dogs endearing." -- The New YorkerWhen Mark Doty decides to adopt a dog as a companion for his dying partner, he brings home Beau, a large, malnourished golden retriever in need of loving care. Joining Arden, the black retriever, to complete their family, Beau bounds back into life. Before long, the two dogs become Doty's intimate companions, and eventually the very life force that keeps him from abandoning all hope during the darkest days. Dog Years is a poignant, intimate memoir interwoven with profound reflections on our feelings for animals and the lessons they teach us about living, love, and loss. Why Do Dogs Speak So Profoundly To Our Inner Lives? When Poet Doty Decides To Adopt A Dog As A Companion For His Dying Partner, He Finds Himself Bringing Home Beau, A Large Golden Retriever, Malnourished And In Need Of Loving Care. Beau Joins Arden, The Black Retriever, To Complete Their Family. As Beau Bounds Back Into Life, The Two Dogs Become Doty's Intimate Companions, His Solace, And Eventually The Very Life Force That Keeps Him From Abandoning All Hope During The Darkest Days. Their Tenacity, Loyalty, And Love Inspire Him When All Else Fails. This Is A Moving And Intimate Memoir Interwoven With Profound Reflections On Our Feelings For Animals And The Lessons They Teach Us About Life, Love, And Loss. Doty Writes About The Heart-wrenching Vulnerability Of Dogs, The Positive Energy And Joy They Bring, And The Gift They Bear Us Of Unconditional Love.--from Publisher Description. Entr'acte: On Sentimentality -- Entr'acte: On Being A Fool -- Entr'acte: The Photographed Dog -- Entr'acte: Smell Of Rain In The Field -- Entr'acte: Dogs And Their Names -- Entr'acte: Graveside -- Entr'acte: Ethical Fable -- Entr'acte: Ordinary Happiness -- Entr'acte: Old Photo -- Entr'acte: Zero Point -- Entr'acte: Questions About Time -- Entr'acte: Serotonin -- Entr'acte: A Show -- Entr'acte: Drugs For Arden -- Entr'acte: Second Wind -- Envoi: Toy Wolf. Mark Doty. Why do dogs speak so profoundly to our inner lives? When Mark Doty decides to adopt a dog as a companion for his dying partner, he finds himself bringing home Beau, a large golden retriever, malnourished and in need of loving care. Beau joins Arden, the black retriever, to complete their family. As Beau bounds back into life, the two dogs become Mark Doty's intimate companions, his solace, and eventually the very life force that keeps him from abandoning all hope during the darkest days. Their tenacity, loyalty, and love inspire him when all else fails.Dog Years is a remarkable work: a moving and intimate memoir interwoven with profound reflections on our feelings for animals and the lessons they teach us about life, love, and loss. Mark Doty writes about the heart-wrenching vulnerability of dogs, the positive energy and joy they bring, and the gift they bear us of unconditional love. A book unlike any other, Mark Doty's surprising meditation is radiantly unsentimental yet profoundly affecting. Beautifully written, Dog Years is a classic in the making.