Bark magazine sends up riotous Howl
Thursday March 31st, 2011
When the husband-and-wife team who run Bark magazine came out with their first collection of essays about dogs, they didn't have to wait long for an audience. Dog is My Copilot was featured on NPR's Morning Edition and that same afternoon the book climbed out of oblivion to reach number three on Amazon's list of daily best-sellers.
Four years later, an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 books have been sold, making it among the first of a recent spate of dog titles to thrill publishers. Another one, Marley & Me: A Dog Like No Other (2005), was so successful, with more than 2.5 million books sold thus far, it has guaranteed the world will never run short of new dog books. (See DogTime's recommended dog gift books.)
"People like to see themselves reflected in what they're reading," says Kawczynska, in explaining the broad appeal of dog books. "They like to read stories that focus on the incredible bond between human and dog, and they can't get enough of it when it's well written."
Dog people have their say
Kawcynzka and Woo's most recent book is betting that same winning formula will propel sales of their newest book. Howl, a collection of the best contemporary dog wit, debuted in October and contributors include Al Franken, Margaret Cho, Erica Jong, and other well-respected comics and writers with a soft spot for dogs. "These are all dog people," says Kawcznska, "not dog writers." But none of them had any trouble writing about what she calls their "daily muse."
"Dogs are important part of people's lives," she says, "You generally don't share your day to day life with a human. It's your dog who stays with you. It's your dog who won't interrupt your train of thought."
Celebrating 10 years of dog
About one quarter of the essays originally appeared in Bark, the award-winning Berkeley, California- based magazine started by Kawcynska and Woo 10 years ago. In January, Bark starts a year long review of the most important dog-related issues to emerge over the past decade, among them that more people than ever are taking the time to train their dogs, cook for them, and take them on outings rather than leave them at home--none of which would surprise today's rapidly growing population of dog enthusiasts.
Kawcynska and Woo, who've been married 15 years, joined that crowd when they adopted Nellie, a spaniel mix, and it took almost no time for her to completely change their lives. She inspired Kawcynska, who was working as an economic consultant, and Woo, a designer at Autodesk, to start an advocacy newsletter on off-leash recreation and responsible dog ownership. Out of that modest start, Bark was born.
Nellie, whose photogenic mug adorned several Bark magazine covers as well as Dog is My Copilot, recently died at age 13. Kawcynska and Woo decided the best cure for their grief was to get another dog. So they adopted a puppy they named Lola from a rescue group in Yuba, California, and she has become one of the office dogs, along with Lenny, their aging terrier mix.
Better networking through dogs
It's not easy running an independent magazine in today's ever consolidating publishing world. But they believe there'll always be a market for a good magazine about dogs. "The market will continue to grow regardless of the economy," says Woo, "because people love their dogs. That never wavers."
"For most people," Kawcynska adds, "social networking isn't enough. They need something to take them out of themselves and into the world. Dogs give us the key to do this by joining us in the exploration of who we are. And dogs are so sociable they get us to talk to one other."
Visit the Bark for more information.
Thinking about getting a dog?
March 31st, 2011
It can happen to anybody. You see this great dog that's looking for a home and gives you that big-eyed look that says "pick me". Before you know it, you're buying dog food and treats at your local...
Project puppy: mixed breed or purebred?
March 31st, 2011
Mixed Breed or Purebred? I was quite pleased to find that all but one of the dogs that had been called in to audition as a spokesdog was a mixed breed. While I adore dogs of all shapes and sizes, and...
Finding the right family-friendly dog for you
March 31st, 2011
For many kids, the family dog is their best friend--a companion who teaches them about friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and empathy as well as providing unconditional love. If you treat your dog...
|
Bark Magazine makes me Howl! almost 4 years ago by Anonymous |
|
|
anyone out there read Howl? is it as funny as Dog is my Copilot? about 4 years ago by Anonymous |
Recent conversations on these topics
-
PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
MY BEAUTIFUL 10 LB. 3 YEAR OLD SHIHTZU (PIPPI)HAD PANCREATITIS A FEW WEEKS AGO. SHE SPENT NEARLY 3 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS BESIDE MYSELF. THE VET DIDN'T KNOW HOW SHE GOT IT. PANCREATITIS CAN BE DEADLY. FROM ALL MY RESEARCH, THERE WAS ONE COMMON THREAD: IT USUALLY HAPPENS IN MIDDLE AGE AND FROM A HIGH FAT DIET WHICH BASICALLY MEANS TABLE SCRAPS. PIPPI HAS NEVER HAD TABLE SCRAPS. I ALSO FEED HER"HEALTH WISE" WHICH HAS NO PRESERVATIVES. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD A DOG YOUNGER THAN MIDDLE-AGE WHO HAS HAD PANCREATITIS? I AM STILL SO SCARED THAT I WATCH HER ALL THE TIME. LUCKILY I HAD PET INSURANCE SO MONEY WAS NOT A PROBLEM. (NOT THAT I WOULD EVER LET MONEY GET IN THE WAY.
-
Pro-Stop harness WARNING
has anyone else had a problem w/this product? my dog developed a swollen joint right where the leg straps are positioned and developed a bursitis in the joint as a result. i would caution against using this product when i contacted the Company..they told me the leg straps can be moved- but they show only the one position on their box & insert and gave no other indications or warnings :(
-
ken griff shoes
This article is impressive,I hope that you will continue doing nice article like this.And do you like <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">ken griff shoes</a>,I have collected many beautiful <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">griff shoes</a> these years, <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">the griff</a> are so popular, I think you also can shop one <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">ken griff</a> shoes online store.
-
Top Tips to Fuel Dogs Snow-Filled Adventures
GET THE THRILL OF THE CHILL: TOP TIPS TO FUEL OUR DOGS’ SNOW-FILLED ADVENTURES (TEWKSBURY, MA and ANCHORAGE, AK) – With abundant snow and extreme cold temperatures gripping much of the country, this year’s winter is more challenging than usual to many of us, and for our pets as well. Whether it is the challenges of dog walking on the slush-filled sidewalks of New York City, or running the trails of the Alaskan wilderness, winter brings special concern for our pets. Eagle Pack® Staff Veterinarian and 20-year volunteer for the Iditarod® Veterinarian team, Dr. Al Townshend says pet parents need to take special care of their dogs’ diet and exercise. A winner of the highly regarded Golden Stethoscope Award for going above and beyond on the Iditarod race trail, Dr. Townshend also helped to develop customized formulas for Eagle Pack, the Official Dog Food Sponsor of this year’s race. His work with champion sled dog mushers helped to elevate the standard and quality of nutritional foods for not only canine athletes, but also household pets. “Even though it is cold outside, dogs still need to get out and exercise. Less activity in the winter can encourage weight gain, decreased muscle tone and problems with the skin and hair coat,” he said. “From chasing snowballs to skijoring, there are lots of winter activities you can enjoy with your pet.” Snow shoeing or trail running with your dog? The colder the weather the more calories a pet will need in order to stay warm and maintain weight. “A good idea would be to step up to a higher energy diet during the winter,” Dr. Townshend explains. “Eagle Pack Power is an ideal diet for those outdoor active athletes during periods of increased activity given its higher levels of protein and fat, providing maximum calories. Eagle Pack Original Adult Pork Meal and Chicken Meal Formula also contains increased levels of calories for those dogs that spend time outside in colder climates.” Similar to the demanding nutritional needs of an Olympian, canine athletes also require a particular diet for optimum performance. Eagle Pack prides itself on providing Nutrition in Action®, naturally meeting the nutritional needs of active canine companions. Eagle Pack formulas for dogs and cats are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack dry and canned formulas come in a variety of flavors and sizes and are available nationwide at independent pet specialty stores. To find an authorized Eagle Pack retailer, please visit www.eaglepack.com. Follow Eagle Pack on Twitter - twitter.com/eaglepack Join Eagle Pack on Facebook - www.facebook.com/eaglepackpetfood Eagle Pack® – Nutrition in Action® For over 25 years Eagle Pack, a proud member of the WellPet family of brands, has energized pets everywhere by providing them quality natural nutrition without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack pet food delivers the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and omega fatty acids for results you can see in their shiny coats, bright eyes and energetic spirits. Eagle Pack’s naturally tried, trusted and true formulas have been performance-proven with backyard ball catchers, show ring winners and Alaskan sled dog racers too. Pet owners can count on Eagle Pack’s nutrient-rich foods to naturally fuel their pet’s daily adventures, both big and small. Visit www.eaglepack.com to learn more. # # # _italics_Media Contact: Christen Graham christen@warnerpr.com 207-829-6336_italics_
featured articles
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
Video: Dog help in the office
February 11th, 2012
eBay: Please stop enabling unscrupulous breeders
by Leslie Smith on February 8th, 2012
Former ‘Bachelor’ star to help control dog population
February 8th, 2012
Romney dog redux: Car stopped for suspected animal cruelty
February 9th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
March 31st, 2011
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
0 comments | leave your own comment