'This collection is a printed version of the hours people spend absorbed in talking of their dogs ... a celebration of a bond that is full of fun, and moments comic or poignant. A relationship with a beloved dog is among the most passionate, intimate and powerful that any human being experiences, and in describing it these essayists delve into the deepest parts of themselves. ... Reading this book I felt I was in the company of friends who were Labradors and Retrievers, Road Asians and Bhimtailians, all of whom were making me smile for no reason other than their infectious instinct for happiness.' -Anuradha Roy, Biblio

'An ode to canine companionship ... an interesting compilation, with each author bringing a unique perspective to the relationship between man and canine. The book is like a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, perfect for dipping into, with each visit giving a different experience.'
-The Book Review

'This isn't just another pet book. It is a book of relationships ... about the love, affection and fondness between dogs and humans that have existed forever. Nuances of this bond have been brought to life through personal accounts of dog owners and dog lovers - rich with anecdotes. ... A labour of love. The character, charisma and the fuzziness of all the canine protagonists of The Book of Dog may convert you into a dog lover even before you hit page 100.'
-Outlook

'The Book of Dog is an ode to all the wonderful times that dogs have gifted us and changed us for the better. ... Remarkable, funny, introspective ... [It] chronicles the lives of man's best friend through personal essays, poems, haikus, and photo essays. Written by dog lovers (who also happen to be some of India's popular public figures), each piece is a celebration of the deep abiding love between canines and their humans.'
-Scroll

'Some of the country's leading writers, new voices as well as individuals who have dedicated their lives to animal welfare, write movingly about the dogs that have in big and small ways changed their lives ... [T]houghtful pieces that make up this delightful collection.'
-Mid-Day

'In the pages of [this book], I found people who laughed at their pets' silly antics, shed tears when they fell sick, indulged in their every whim, wrote them poetry, and treated them better than they did themselves. ... This collection, edited by Hemali Sodhi, has 45 pieces from writers whose work I have enjoyed reading: Ashok Ferry, Jerry Pinto, translator Arunava Sinha, Nilanjana Roy, Anita Nair, and Gulzar. Each of them writes reverently about their dogs.'
-Firstpost

'Funny, sad and sometimes astonishing ... [a] must-have. Written by people whose lives have been fundamentally altered by the sometimes absurd but often unbearable sweetness of furry, four-footed creatures.'
-India Today

'Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always touching, The Book of Dog celebrates a love that can never be measured.'
-HT Brunch

'Just like two dogs, no two essays in the book are alike. But they all deliver on emotions and will either leave you smiling or sniffling ... The Book of Dog is a book about love that has been made with lots of it too.'
-Deccan Herald

'Anyone who has had a pet would instantly connect with the tales of old soul Simba, mango bhakt Kafka, uppity Pali, wondrous Anokhi, sweet Kishmish and sensible Laika and their delightful canine buffoonery ... The journey through this book of magnificent tales unravels the incredible man-dog bond.'
-Tribune

'Loving an animal opens up corners of your heart you never suspected existed. ... The Book of Dog [does] a wonderful job of putting some of these stories together. Each essay and story brings alive a special relationship, and not always one of joy and humour and unconditional love-though there is all that too. Each piece ... is to be savoured, re-read and shared, for even though they may not all be perfect, they all come from a true and honest place.'
-MintLounge

'Engaging, personal, interestingly written ... [this book] will make rewarding reading: there's literary merit, originality, some very interesting characters (canine, feline and human) and an insight on how these animals can insert themselves into, and change, our lives and hearts forever, usually in the best, happiest way possible.'
-Open

'The Book of Dog is a celebration of the bond dogs form with us and make us feel alive even in our darkest hours. An ode to a never-ending friendship.'
-The Chakkar

'[The book] captures profound moments of life with dogs.'
-PTI

Hemali Sodhi is the founder of A Suitable Agency, which represents writers, and advises on communications and brand strategy. A dog person and a pet parent, Hemali describes her best days as those spent in the company of dogs. She is passionate about books and travel, and lives in Gurgaon with her husband – and three of the most wonderful dogs on the planet.

Hemali can be reached at [email protected].