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Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats
Some pairings are just meant to peanut butter and chocolate, yin and yang, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. So it was only a matter of time before the stars in the universe lined up and suggested the collaboration between New York Times best selling author Bradley Trevor Greive and award-winning photographer Rachael Hale. Teaming up on their first collaborative effort, Greive and Hale explain once and for all Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats . Now, before all you cat lovers find your fur standing on end, Greive is quick to stress that he is simply "prodog, not anticat. The purpose of this book is not to criticize cats or their owners, but to champion the many exceptional virtues unique to dogs." What are these unique attributes that make canine companions superior to their feline fiends? (Oops, we meant friends.) Consider the Put * Dogs are social. Cats are sociopaths. * Dogs match up to people. People must match up to cats. * Dogs teach us patience. Cats test our patience. * Dogs give and give. Cats are the gift that keeps on grifting. The bottom line is Dogs want love. Cats want fish. Although Greive admits that there is something to be said for "soft, warm, and sleepy" (a.k.a. cats) as captured in Hale's cuddly feline photographs, he concludes that dogs would be the only ones with character enough to admit this fact, thereby once again positioning themselves as the superior pet, confidant, admirer, and friend.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Bradley Trevor Greive
51 books93 followersBradley Trevor Greive (BTG) is one of Australia's most prolific and successful authors. He has written 20 books which have been translated into 27 different languages, and have been sold in 115 different countries. Several of which have appeared in the New York Times bestseller list. Greive's work has won multiple awards worldwide and has sold more than 20 million copies. He lives mostly in Tasmania, Australia.
Greive rose to prominence as an author in 2000 with the release of his hugely successful Blue Day Book, a collection of amusing animal photos and inspirational text designed to "lift the spirits of anyone who has got the blues." Since then he has published in excess of 20 books and has won numerous awards for his work, including the ABA Book of the Year Award (2000), the APA Best Designed Children’s Non-fiction Book Award (2003) and numerous #1 placings in bestseller lists across the world. Greive's work has been published on 6 continents and has sold in excess of 20 million copies to date.
Greive rose to prominence as an author in 2000 with the release of his hugely successful Blue Day Book, a collection of amusing animal photos and inspirational text designed to "lift the spirits of anyone who has got the blues." Since then he has published in excess of 20 books and has won numerous awards for his work, including the ABA Book of the Year Award (2000), the APA Best Designed Children’s Non-fiction Book Award (2003) and numerous #1 placings in bestseller lists across the world. Greive's work has been published on 6 continents and has sold in excess of 20 million copies to date.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 22, 2022
Turbūt kiekvienas šeimoje ar tarp draugų turi bent po vieną tokį žmogų-orlauską, kuris, bent jau savo įsivaizdavimu, yra "linksmų plaučių žmogus, biškį prie bajerio", o išvertus į normatyvinę lietuvių kalbą tai reiškia, kad su juo susitikus, pirmas penkias minutes dar atrodo pakankamai adekvatus žmogus, po sekančių penkių minučių pradeda erzint, dar po penkių minučių - vargint, o po pusvalandžio norisi arba nuo jo pabėgti, arba trenkti per galvą lygintuvu ar kitu panašiu bei, pageidautina, sunkiu daiktu? Tai va, šita knyga iš esmės primena tokį žmogų. Prasideda normaliai, po kiek laiko nuolatiniai bajeriukai pradeda biškelį erzinti, o dar vėliau - atsibosta.
Gerai, kad bent autorius - savikritiškas ir savo literatūrinį lygmenį labai tiesmukai ir objektyviai įsivertina kaip "saldaus limonado klizma". Negali su juo nesutikti. Tiesa, epilogą žmogus parašė labai rimtai, be jokių chichi-chacha: kaip išsirinkti šunį, kas svarbu, kam nusiteikti, kaip reikia ir nereikia rinktis veisėją ir t.t. Informacija gera ir naudinga. Ir, be abejo, nuotraukos, kurių čia apstu, nes kaip ne kaip čia ne tiek knyga, kiek fotoalbumas su prierašais ir kurios tiesiog bezbožnai fainos, todėl 3*.
P.s. - Taip, šunys geriau už kates.
P.p.s. - jei knygos turinį ir toną reiktų prilyginti vienai šunų veislei... Kas šunų giminėje yra saldaus limonado klizma, atsakymą turbūt visi žino? :)
Gerai, kad bent autorius - savikritiškas ir savo literatūrinį lygmenį labai tiesmukai ir objektyviai įsivertina kaip "saldaus limonado klizma". Negali su juo nesutikti. Tiesa, epilogą žmogus parašė labai rimtai, be jokių chichi-chacha: kaip išsirinkti šunį, kas svarbu, kam nusiteikti, kaip reikia ir nereikia rinktis veisėją ir t.t. Informacija gera ir naudinga. Ir, be abejo, nuotraukos, kurių čia apstu, nes kaip ne kaip čia ne tiek knyga, kiek fotoalbumas su prierašais ir kurios tiesiog bezbožnai fainos, todėl 3*.
P.s. - Taip, šunys geriau už kates.
P.p.s. - jei knygos turinį ir toną reiktų prilyginti vienai šunų veislei... Kas šunų giminėje yra saldaus limonado klizma, atsakymą turbūt visi žino? :)
April 17, 2023
One of the reasons I started reading so many books on dogs is to come up with my own list of the ‘best’ books on dogs. This is one of those books.
Wesley Banks has a website for the ‘100 best dog books of all time’ that he says he created using an algorithm. I don’t always agree with him but will forever appreciate that for getting me wanting to find my own best books on dogs (by reading them all.) I have read 448 books on dogs so far, looking for the ‘best’ and so far, have only added 51 books to my shelf ‘dogs-favorite-books.’ I am ecstatic to make this book number 52.
This book made me laugh out loud. Often. The pictures are also among the best I have seen of both dogs and cats. (Feels like there is an even number of pictures of both dogs and cats, all great.) I like to collect quotes and excerpts from books, and I felt like I would like to copy out to save everything written in the book. I also felt at the end of the book, that I wanted to start all over again and read it all over again. I have maybe 40+ books I would consider ‘coffee table’ books, and this is the one I would want to have on my coffee table. For dog lovers, and especially those with dogs and cats together, this book is probably the top of my list for a book to get someone as a gift.
Let me explain my thoughts on cats. I was not a cat person. One of my favorite jokes is that cats are great……………………………………………………………………………. exercise for dogs. Then my son got one, and then later he moved in with him. Granted, Rocky is the best cat in the world, but he has won me over to cats. I still think dogs are better, but I do appreciate cats and all the good that they are, even if they are little killers.
Hopefully most of us people appreciate the good qualities of both dogs and cats. The rivalry between fans of each can be fun, or it can be mean-spirited. I don’t think the book is mean-spirited toward cats, but I do recognize where it goes a little too far, but I take it for just good fun. A really big cat lover would probably grumble some. I know that cats can be trained, remembering the trained cats in an animal show I saw at SeaWorld. I know they can be affectionate, and sometimes come when called, (but rattling the treat box usually works better.) So, when some generalized statements go a little far, I recognize it and know it isn’t ALWAYS true.
There is a lot I can say about this book, but will start with the chapters so you get an idea of what is in it:
• Overture
• There is a dog for everybody
• Dogs are man’s best friend
• Dogs are social: cats are sociopaths
• Cat people and dog people: a study in contrasts
• Cats are not without their charms
• In praise of dogs
• The downside of dogs
• The best and worst thing about dogs
• A breed apart
• Epilogue
• Notes
I think you can imagine what is in most chapters but want to mention two. As you are reading the books, often there are numbers below some sentences or paragraphs. I thought it was for citations. Turns out these are for the notes. It is like the author looked at the funny part he wrote before and thought of something else funny to go with it. I will give one example of a note to go with what is written in a quote I add below. Then I also want to mention the epilogue, where he talks about ‘not everyone should have a dog, no matter how much he or she may want one.’ Then he gives a six-point checklist to chew on before you carry a puppy over the threshold and into your life. Within that epilogue it also says to do the right thing and buy your dog from an ethical breeder or a shelter.
Ok, while I found everything in the book greatly entertaining, I did copy out a few of my favorites. The book starts with the first quote which I had not run across before.
I am not a cat man, but a dog man, and all felines can tell at a glance – a sharp, vindictive glance. – James Thurber
One dark day we will wake to find a suffocating blanket of cats has covered the entire globe like a mewling funeral shroud.
Caring for a dog, on the other hand, requires a great deal more effort. It’s not nearly as challenging as raising a child, but it’s a whole lot harder than making pizza from scratch. The rewards are far greater, but so is the mess.
Dogs consistently win the part of square-jawed hero and sympathetic ear, while cats compete vigorously with British character actors for the role of effete villain, whining sidekick, and insufferable snob. Is this grossly unfair? I think not. By deed and association, cats have won a most unenviable reputation due to their predilection for uncivil disobedience and conditional affection.
But not all cat lovers are pudgy, masochistic loners who lack energy and self-respect to have a dog. Some are simply evil.
Like well-adjusted children, dogs require significant training and supervision. They must be fed, watered, and exercised every single day. They need love, lots and lots of love, and they need to know you are there for them. In other words, caring for a dog is not a hobby or a part-time responsibility – it’s a real relationship.
(The note that goes with this one is-) This is somewhat true of cats, as well. The relationship maybe weirdly one-sided and kind of embarrassing, but you still have to turn up.
Under the chapter for the best and worst things about dogs it has this:
How could such adoration and devotion ever be a bad thing? Because so many dog owners are unworthy of it. We are shamed by our dog’s loyalty, and we know, deep in our hearts, we will never measure up to it. In a fractured, impersonal world like ours, such a precious gift should be treasured, and yet so many of us take it for granted. Worse of all, we turn it against our dogs, repaying loyalty with mistreatment and neglect.
A dog’s demonstrative behavior, far from indicating any inability to reason, is a measure of their enormous compassion, optimism, hope, and a capacity for forgiveness that should leave us all withered with shame.
In the USA last year, some ten million lost and forgotten cats and dogs ended up in shelters. The records tell us that stray cats are fifteen times less likely to be claimed from the shelters by their owners than dogs and are also at least 30 percent less likely to be adopted by new owners. As a result, cats made up most of the five million abandoned pets who never found another loving home and thus, after a short and terrifying period of confusion, were euthanized via lethal injection. There is no truer measure of our relationship with cats and dogs than this heartbreaking statistic.
There is so much more I would love to share about the book, but if you are a dog lover, you should get the book. If you are a dog AND cat lover, then you really should get the book.
Wesley Banks has a website for the ‘100 best dog books of all time’ that he says he created using an algorithm. I don’t always agree with him but will forever appreciate that for getting me wanting to find my own best books on dogs (by reading them all.) I have read 448 books on dogs so far, looking for the ‘best’ and so far, have only added 51 books to my shelf ‘dogs-favorite-books.’ I am ecstatic to make this book number 52.
This book made me laugh out loud. Often. The pictures are also among the best I have seen of both dogs and cats. (Feels like there is an even number of pictures of both dogs and cats, all great.) I like to collect quotes and excerpts from books, and I felt like I would like to copy out to save everything written in the book. I also felt at the end of the book, that I wanted to start all over again and read it all over again. I have maybe 40+ books I would consider ‘coffee table’ books, and this is the one I would want to have on my coffee table. For dog lovers, and especially those with dogs and cats together, this book is probably the top of my list for a book to get someone as a gift.
Let me explain my thoughts on cats. I was not a cat person. One of my favorite jokes is that cats are great……………………………………………………………………………. exercise for dogs. Then my son got one, and then later he moved in with him. Granted, Rocky is the best cat in the world, but he has won me over to cats. I still think dogs are better, but I do appreciate cats and all the good that they are, even if they are little killers.
Hopefully most of us people appreciate the good qualities of both dogs and cats. The rivalry between fans of each can be fun, or it can be mean-spirited. I don’t think the book is mean-spirited toward cats, but I do recognize where it goes a little too far, but I take it for just good fun. A really big cat lover would probably grumble some. I know that cats can be trained, remembering the trained cats in an animal show I saw at SeaWorld. I know they can be affectionate, and sometimes come when called, (but rattling the treat box usually works better.) So, when some generalized statements go a little far, I recognize it and know it isn’t ALWAYS true.
There is a lot I can say about this book, but will start with the chapters so you get an idea of what is in it:
• Overture
• There is a dog for everybody
• Dogs are man’s best friend
• Dogs are social: cats are sociopaths
• Cat people and dog people: a study in contrasts
• Cats are not without their charms
• In praise of dogs
• The downside of dogs
• The best and worst thing about dogs
• A breed apart
• Epilogue
• Notes
I think you can imagine what is in most chapters but want to mention two. As you are reading the books, often there are numbers below some sentences or paragraphs. I thought it was for citations. Turns out these are for the notes. It is like the author looked at the funny part he wrote before and thought of something else funny to go with it. I will give one example of a note to go with what is written in a quote I add below. Then I also want to mention the epilogue, where he talks about ‘not everyone should have a dog, no matter how much he or she may want one.’ Then he gives a six-point checklist to chew on before you carry a puppy over the threshold and into your life. Within that epilogue it also says to do the right thing and buy your dog from an ethical breeder or a shelter.
Ok, while I found everything in the book greatly entertaining, I did copy out a few of my favorites. The book starts with the first quote which I had not run across before.
I am not a cat man, but a dog man, and all felines can tell at a glance – a sharp, vindictive glance. – James Thurber
One dark day we will wake to find a suffocating blanket of cats has covered the entire globe like a mewling funeral shroud.
Caring for a dog, on the other hand, requires a great deal more effort. It’s not nearly as challenging as raising a child, but it’s a whole lot harder than making pizza from scratch. The rewards are far greater, but so is the mess.
Dogs consistently win the part of square-jawed hero and sympathetic ear, while cats compete vigorously with British character actors for the role of effete villain, whining sidekick, and insufferable snob. Is this grossly unfair? I think not. By deed and association, cats have won a most unenviable reputation due to their predilection for uncivil disobedience and conditional affection.
But not all cat lovers are pudgy, masochistic loners who lack energy and self-respect to have a dog. Some are simply evil.
Like well-adjusted children, dogs require significant training and supervision. They must be fed, watered, and exercised every single day. They need love, lots and lots of love, and they need to know you are there for them. In other words, caring for a dog is not a hobby or a part-time responsibility – it’s a real relationship.
(The note that goes with this one is-) This is somewhat true of cats, as well. The relationship maybe weirdly one-sided and kind of embarrassing, but you still have to turn up.
Under the chapter for the best and worst things about dogs it has this:
How could such adoration and devotion ever be a bad thing? Because so many dog owners are unworthy of it. We are shamed by our dog’s loyalty, and we know, deep in our hearts, we will never measure up to it. In a fractured, impersonal world like ours, such a precious gift should be treasured, and yet so many of us take it for granted. Worse of all, we turn it against our dogs, repaying loyalty with mistreatment and neglect.
A dog’s demonstrative behavior, far from indicating any inability to reason, is a measure of their enormous compassion, optimism, hope, and a capacity for forgiveness that should leave us all withered with shame.
In the USA last year, some ten million lost and forgotten cats and dogs ended up in shelters. The records tell us that stray cats are fifteen times less likely to be claimed from the shelters by their owners than dogs and are also at least 30 percent less likely to be adopted by new owners. As a result, cats made up most of the five million abandoned pets who never found another loving home and thus, after a short and terrifying period of confusion, were euthanized via lethal injection. There is no truer measure of our relationship with cats and dogs than this heartbreaking statistic.
There is so much more I would love to share about the book, but if you are a dog lover, you should get the book. If you are a dog AND cat lover, then you really should get the book.
July 29, 2023
Koks nuotraukų grožis 😍📷
Viskas lengvai ir šmaikščiai, su meile.
🖋 ..šunys derinasi prie žmonių, o žmonės taikosi prie kačių.
🖋 ..šunys yra socialios būtybės. Jie žvelgia daug plačiau. Jie vertina buvimą drauge.
🖋 Jei katė numeta kruviną žvirblį prie lauko durų, tai nėra dovana jums - taip ji siunčia jums pranešimą.
🖋 ..rūpinimasis šunimi nėra pomėgis ar dalinė atsakomybė - tai tikri santykiai.
🖋 Šuo seks paskui jus nors ir į pasaulio kraštą, o tas, kuris kada nors bandė įkišti katinėlį į krepšį šešių minučių kelionei, žino, kad katės dėl nieko niekur nevažiuoja.
🖋 Nėra tokios gyvos būtybės šioje žemėje, kuri turėtų didesnę teisę į jūsų meilę ir gailestingumą.
Viskas lengvai ir šmaikščiai, su meile.
🖋 ..šunys derinasi prie žmonių, o žmonės taikosi prie kačių.
🖋 ..šunys yra socialios būtybės. Jie žvelgia daug plačiau. Jie vertina buvimą drauge.
🖋 Jei katė numeta kruviną žvirblį prie lauko durų, tai nėra dovana jums - taip ji siunčia jums pranešimą.
🖋 ..rūpinimasis šunimi nėra pomėgis ar dalinė atsakomybė - tai tikri santykiai.
🖋 Šuo seks paskui jus nors ir į pasaulio kraštą, o tas, kuris kada nors bandė įkišti katinėlį į krepšį šešių minučių kelionei, žino, kad katės dėl nieko niekur nevažiuoja.
🖋 Nėra tokios gyvos būtybės šioje žemėje, kuri turėtų didesnę teisę į jūsų meilę ir gailestingumą.
June 24, 2024
Pełno zdjęć piesków 🥹
November 14, 2009
I’m a cat lady. I’ve always loved my feline friends although I haven’t actually owned a cat for years. When I was a kid, though, I had many and loved them all!
Although I should genuinely be offended by Bradley Greive’s literary and literal screed against cats, I’m not. Why Dogs are Better Than Cats is such a heartwarming book full of the most amazing photos of both dogs and cats taken by Rachel Hale that I completely forgot that Greive’s entire point is to argue dogs are much better pets than cats. While he likens cats to animals with no soul he lets us know pointedly that dogs are the ultimate human companion with the sweetest dispositions and undying love. Of course, I completely disagree, cats have souls. Nevertheless, I love the book. The photos melted my heart and I have to admit that while Greives makes compellingly strong points, the cat lover in me will never be swayed.
Why Dogs are Better Than Cats is a perfect book for any dog lover this holiday season. They will spend hours leafing through the pages and pages of adorable photos of “man’s best friend” and then give the dog in their life an extra pat on the head and rub on the tummy.
Although I should genuinely be offended by Bradley Greive’s literary and literal screed against cats, I’m not. Why Dogs are Better Than Cats is such a heartwarming book full of the most amazing photos of both dogs and cats taken by Rachel Hale that I completely forgot that Greive’s entire point is to argue dogs are much better pets than cats. While he likens cats to animals with no soul he lets us know pointedly that dogs are the ultimate human companion with the sweetest dispositions and undying love. Of course, I completely disagree, cats have souls. Nevertheless, I love the book. The photos melted my heart and I have to admit that while Greives makes compellingly strong points, the cat lover in me will never be swayed.
Why Dogs are Better Than Cats is a perfect book for any dog lover this holiday season. They will spend hours leafing through the pages and pages of adorable photos of “man’s best friend” and then give the dog in their life an extra pat on the head and rub on the tummy.
Read
January 4, 2010One of the most monumental books of all time for dog lovers. Brilliant photography and a whimsical yet unveiled truth of what dog lovers really believe about cats and their owners.
funny, light hearted, inoffensive and a pet lovers visual delight. One for the whole family, but cat lovers, beware, home truths may sting just a touch.
funny, light hearted, inoffensive and a pet lovers visual delight. One for the whole family, but cat lovers, beware, home truths may sting just a touch.
May 23, 2011
This not about hating cats, but about loving dogs. It confirms the things we all know, but cat-fanciers don't like to admit. The photos are superb. They made me want to dash down to the animal shelter and bring home a carload of canines. The text is a little corny at times, but the guy lives in Tasmania, so chalk it up to continental drift.
December 26, 2009
This was ok. Photos are much more enticing than the text.
October 24, 2009
... I can only compare this to a dinner party with those whose company you cherish most; without the photos, the excruciatingly funny, poignant, educational text is the filets mignon, the gourmet sides, even the sparkling champagne. WITH the photos, you have the oozing brie, the crusty loaf, the caviar, the decadent chocolate dessert... this book is that good, it really is.
Before I even reached page 50, I had cried and laughed, and had experienced more than one episode of each.
I adore cats; I only own dogs, due to allergies, but I do, of course, disagree with many of the author's statements about cats. This is a review of a book, and not my biography, so I will NOT digress; but I WILL say that the most ardent cat-lover will still enjoy this book.
As for me--well, my dogs lay across my lap as I alternately sniffled and guffawed my way through, so... but that is biographical. ;-)
Before I even reached page 50, I had cried and laughed, and had experienced more than one episode of each.
I adore cats; I only own dogs, due to allergies, but I do, of course, disagree with many of the author's statements about cats. This is a review of a book, and not my biography, so I will NOT digress; but I WILL say that the most ardent cat-lover will still enjoy this book.
As for me--well, my dogs lay across my lap as I alternately sniffled and guffawed my way through, so... but that is biographical. ;-)
January 9, 2012
Why Dogs Are Better Than Dogs is about, as the title states, is about why cats are better than dogs. It goes through the pros of dogs, well going through the cons of cats. However, it does show the cons of dogs and the pros of cats, so it's not totally biased. It's very witty, often coating facts with humor.
I loved the book, the wit kept me laughing the first time I read it. Also, it agrees with my opinions about dogs and cats. Plus, the pictures are just adorable! This is definitely a book for dog lover, and i'm sure some cat lovers will also like it (probably for the pictures of the devils, er.. I mean cats [Not Really!]). Along with that, the ending, pictures and all, is so heart warming (no spoilers)!
I give it 5 stars, 100 percent, ten out of ten! No complaints what so ever! Best nonfiction ever!!!!
I loved the book, the wit kept me laughing the first time I read it. Also, it agrees with my opinions about dogs and cats. Plus, the pictures are just adorable! This is definitely a book for dog lover, and i'm sure some cat lovers will also like it (probably for the pictures of the devils, er.. I mean cats [Not Really!]). Along with that, the ending, pictures and all, is so heart warming (no spoilers)!
I give it 5 stars, 100 percent, ten out of ten! No complaints what so ever! Best nonfiction ever!!!!
July 29, 2011
Great book, that is written I'm sure in the usual BTG style. Can be rather scathing at times toward cats and their owners, but there are also signs that there is some admiration and sympathetic liking of cats at times. (I thought the comment about the fact that more lost dogs are sought out for by their owners, compared to cats is terrible, poor kittys)
I really liked this book, and the photo's within are just wonderful.
For the record, although I like both animals, cats and dogs, if I have to swear allegience to one of the two, I confess I am more of a dog person. (I am also not saying that, just because my dog is sitting by my feet either as I type this, I promise :)
I really liked this book, and the photo's within are just wonderful.
For the record, although I like both animals, cats and dogs, if I have to swear allegience to one of the two, I confess I am more of a dog person. (I am also not saying that, just because my dog is sitting by my feet either as I type this, I promise :)
January 13, 2013
I received this book for Christmas from one of my best friends who just happens to be a dog-lover like me. A light-hearted and touching coffee table book with beautiful photography of dogs and cats, the book uses essay-style writing to show the merits of canines vs. felines. It also explores the psychology behind the people that love them, and what it all means. One example that made me smile is "Dogs are social; cats are sociopaths." Being an animal lover in general and recognizing universal truths, I don't feel the need to compare the apples with the oranges, but I can sure appreciate every word and picture that is printed within this 200+-page coffee table keeper.
January 12, 2015
I liked this book a lot. I received it as a Christmas gift from my oldest brother and his wife. I agree with the author that dogs are better than cats. I only had one cat and about four dogs so far and I can say that the dogs are like a best friend to me. Cats aren't too bad but I like that dogs are dependent on us.
April 10, 2020
To any dog lover reading this.. look away now... you won't agree ...hehehe
I picked this up as I usually enjoy Greive’s books and as a cat lover, I was curious. You need to be a cat lover with a sense of humour to stick with this – my biggest complaint (other than the false premise it begins with - LOL) is that is it repetitive and somewhat contradictory.
The photos are gorgeous and the words sometimes compliment them beautifully, but it really is a book that needed editing and a whole lot less pages.
I read about half the book on one day and was thoroughly amused by it, even as I could see how some people might not be. I took it in the manner it is intended, I think (even though the author clearly believes dogs are better than cats, I assume he doesn’t believe cats have no redeeming features). I was in a darker mood the next day, when I finished reading it, and was no longer amused and went to thinking it was mindless twaddle not worth the paper it was printed on – however the photos were still gorgeous!
Point one according to the author “dogs are social, cats are sociopaths” and he says it like it is a bad thing....
In discussing how what we say is background noise to cats, and how dogs are good listeners and care about what you have to say, he comes up with this gem “you could... pour out all your hopes and dreams in a torrent of emotion – to a cat, it would mean far, far less than the sound of can opener.” Yeah, and, so???
I also love this description; “To a cat, a human is less a teacher, mentor, or role model than a dysfunctional vending machine”. Again, I say yeah, and so?
Another conclusion he reaches is that “a cat lover is, in effect, a collector of living art” – yeah, art that purrs, and helps lower my blood pressure, and this is a bad thing how?
The best thing about the book in many ways is the epilogue, which talks about responsible pet ownership and the things you need to consider before bringing a dog into your life.
So my conclusion is that overall this is a book that will be best enjoyed by deluded dog lovers or cat lovers with a bottle of wine and a sense of humour
I picked this up as I usually enjoy Greive’s books and as a cat lover, I was curious. You need to be a cat lover with a sense of humour to stick with this – my biggest complaint (other than the false premise it begins with - LOL) is that is it repetitive and somewhat contradictory.
The photos are gorgeous and the words sometimes compliment them beautifully, but it really is a book that needed editing and a whole lot less pages.
I read about half the book on one day and was thoroughly amused by it, even as I could see how some people might not be. I took it in the manner it is intended, I think (even though the author clearly believes dogs are better than cats, I assume he doesn’t believe cats have no redeeming features). I was in a darker mood the next day, when I finished reading it, and was no longer amused and went to thinking it was mindless twaddle not worth the paper it was printed on – however the photos were still gorgeous!
Point one according to the author “dogs are social, cats are sociopaths” and he says it like it is a bad thing....
In discussing how what we say is background noise to cats, and how dogs are good listeners and care about what you have to say, he comes up with this gem “you could... pour out all your hopes and dreams in a torrent of emotion – to a cat, it would mean far, far less than the sound of can opener.” Yeah, and, so???
I also love this description; “To a cat, a human is less a teacher, mentor, or role model than a dysfunctional vending machine”. Again, I say yeah, and so?
Another conclusion he reaches is that “a cat lover is, in effect, a collector of living art” – yeah, art that purrs, and helps lower my blood pressure, and this is a bad thing how?
The best thing about the book in many ways is the epilogue, which talks about responsible pet ownership and the things you need to consider before bringing a dog into your life.
So my conclusion is that overall this is a book that will be best enjoyed by deluded dog lovers or cat lovers with a bottle of wine and a sense of humour
November 18, 2024
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS
By Bradley Trevor Greive
Photography by Rachael Hale
(Book review by Richard Mencer)
Summary: Humorous. Satirical. Pro dog.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS came across my desk recently and looked like a fun, light read. I am glad I read it.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS is an oversized almost “coffee table” book that is sure to spark conversations among your guests in your home. This book is NOT for cat people (except for the amazing photos by Ms. Hale). This book is filled with many snarky jeering comments comparing dogs and cats. Many are quite funny.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS would make an excellent gift to yourself or your canine loving friends. The physical copy is a must due to the engaging varying font styles and photos.
Order your copy today.
Have an excellent week.
Richard
About Richard …
Richard Mencer is a central Oklahoma small business owner and has operated multiple businesses across the United States over the past 30 years. Richard enjoys business idea creation, implementation/development and is a leader in employee growth and customer service. Richard and his amazing wife Lisa have been married for 36 years and have 4 grown children, 2 grandchildren and 2 labrador retrievers Duchess and Bella. Richard has a passion for reading and writing and, most importantly, sharing about the incredible love, forgiveness and friendship God freely gives to ALL people.
By Bradley Trevor Greive
Photography by Rachael Hale
(Book review by Richard Mencer)
Summary: Humorous. Satirical. Pro dog.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS came across my desk recently and looked like a fun, light read. I am glad I read it.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS is an oversized almost “coffee table” book that is sure to spark conversations among your guests in your home. This book is NOT for cat people (except for the amazing photos by Ms. Hale). This book is filled with many snarky jeering comments comparing dogs and cats. Many are quite funny.
WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN CATS would make an excellent gift to yourself or your canine loving friends. The physical copy is a must due to the engaging varying font styles and photos.
Order your copy today.
Have an excellent week.
Richard
About Richard …
Richard Mencer is a central Oklahoma small business owner and has operated multiple businesses across the United States over the past 30 years. Richard enjoys business idea creation, implementation/development and is a leader in employee growth and customer service. Richard and his amazing wife Lisa have been married for 36 years and have 4 grown children, 2 grandchildren and 2 labrador retrievers Duchess and Bella. Richard has a passion for reading and writing and, most importantly, sharing about the incredible love, forgiveness and friendship God freely gives to ALL people.
April 8, 2022
Very amusing, cleverly written, beautiful photos. Overall abundance coffee table book, especially for cat people vs dog people to discuss. As a life-long cat person who has both species in the home, I have to say that it's mostly accurate.
Read
January 9, 2021a humorous book with lots of large pictures.
May 28, 2022
I still love both cats and dogs😂 It was very cute and funny though!
April 11, 2023
I enjoyed the book that had great photos of Dogs and Cats. Author even has some good to say for cats. I have two dogs and two cats so I like both.
December 15, 2017
My family has always had both dogs and cats, and while I do enjoy the company of both, I’ve always been aware that dogs are clearly better, so Bradley Trevor Greive’s book explaining why they are didn’t come as much of a surprise. I wasn’t expecting the book to have much factual argument though, so I was surprised on how many studies Greive cites.
Did you know that cat owners are more likely to be “divorced, widowed, or separated,” (p. 9) or that “stray cats are fifteen times less likely to be claimed from the shelters by their owners than dogs and are also at least 30 percent less likely to be adopted by new owners,” (p. 21)?
Or how about this?: “In 2002, scientists from Harvard University proved that dogs are actually more adept at intuiting human emotion… than [chimpanzees],” (p. 76), and research shows that owning a dog can “enhance important social skills, increase self-esteem, inculcate a sense of responsibility and compassion, help make new friends, and reduce childhood obesity,” (p. 138).
Guard, seeing-eye, search-and-rescue, drug-sniffing, and hunting dogs are all proof that dogs are more useful and practical companions, as well.
“As the twin towers of the World Trade Center shivered and twisted sickly from the hideous explosions, the crowded fire stairs soon filled with screams and smoke. In the midst of this choking madness, two guide dogs calmly led their blind owners down the endless spiral of stairs to safety. Then, during the horrific aftermath, some three hundred search-and-rescue dogs were rushed to Ground Zero to help emergency teams carry out the hazardous rescue and recovery mission. … Eighteen families remain whole today because of their heroic efforts. No one was saved by a cat,” (p. 19).
This book isn’t anti-cat, or negative towards them or their owners though. Grieve admits that cats are smart creatures with keen problem-solving abilities and sharp memories, and even includes the downsides of dogs (they’re messier, more destructive, more expensive, and harder to house train, for starters), and the benefits of cats (which other than being warm and fuzzy, turn out to just be that they “require little effort and virtually no emotional investment in order to flourish… [because] cats are the type of pet you have when you don’t have the time, energy, or space for a pet,” p. 14). His point though is that cats don’t and can’t relate to or empathize with humans like dogs can, and I know I’m biased, but I think there really is a strong case — through both logical reasoning and emotional appeal — here to support why dogs are better companions.
But despite all of the factual information presented, this book is mostly fun and heartwarming. Except for three separate passages about strays, animal abuse, and whether or not you should be a pet owner, Greive keeps the content light, silly, and comical throughout. Although he’s making some solid arguments, he never sounds argumentative or too serious. Some personal favorite quips:
- “If modern history has one central tenet, it is that the masses will embrace anything if it’s cheap and easy. This is our fundamental weakness and will almost certainly lure the entire human race to its doom. Thermonuclear Armageddon would require far too much cerebral effort — our collective fate is a bear trap baited with a cheeseburger,” p. 14
- “Cats don’t ever learn anything other than how to get your attention,” p. 89
- “Owning a cat is akin to taking it hostage and hoping that sooner or later Stockholm syndrome will kick in,” p. 112
Rachael Hale’s photography is pretty good too. Her pictures capture the character of all of her subjects — not just dogs, but cats and even a pig, fish, elephant, and an ostrich too — and there’s plenty of cute costumes/props if you’re into that (I’m not, personally). I could’ve used more husky pictures though. And for a book about why dogs are great, there are an awful lot of pictures of cats. Just saying.
Whether or not you're a “dog person,” or a “cat person,” I think you could derive enjoyment from the book, but admitting canines’ superiority would certainly help appreciate the serious and not-so-serious aspects of it.
Did you know that cat owners are more likely to be “divorced, widowed, or separated,” (p. 9) or that “stray cats are fifteen times less likely to be claimed from the shelters by their owners than dogs and are also at least 30 percent less likely to be adopted by new owners,” (p. 21)?
Or how about this?: “In 2002, scientists from Harvard University proved that dogs are actually more adept at intuiting human emotion… than [chimpanzees],” (p. 76), and research shows that owning a dog can “enhance important social skills, increase self-esteem, inculcate a sense of responsibility and compassion, help make new friends, and reduce childhood obesity,” (p. 138).
Guard, seeing-eye, search-and-rescue, drug-sniffing, and hunting dogs are all proof that dogs are more useful and practical companions, as well.
“As the twin towers of the World Trade Center shivered and twisted sickly from the hideous explosions, the crowded fire stairs soon filled with screams and smoke. In the midst of this choking madness, two guide dogs calmly led their blind owners down the endless spiral of stairs to safety. Then, during the horrific aftermath, some three hundred search-and-rescue dogs were rushed to Ground Zero to help emergency teams carry out the hazardous rescue and recovery mission. … Eighteen families remain whole today because of their heroic efforts. No one was saved by a cat,” (p. 19).
This book isn’t anti-cat, or negative towards them or their owners though. Grieve admits that cats are smart creatures with keen problem-solving abilities and sharp memories, and even includes the downsides of dogs (they’re messier, more destructive, more expensive, and harder to house train, for starters), and the benefits of cats (which other than being warm and fuzzy, turn out to just be that they “require little effort and virtually no emotional investment in order to flourish… [because] cats are the type of pet you have when you don’t have the time, energy, or space for a pet,” p. 14). His point though is that cats don’t and can’t relate to or empathize with humans like dogs can, and I know I’m biased, but I think there really is a strong case — through both logical reasoning and emotional appeal — here to support why dogs are better companions.
But despite all of the factual information presented, this book is mostly fun and heartwarming. Except for three separate passages about strays, animal abuse, and whether or not you should be a pet owner, Greive keeps the content light, silly, and comical throughout. Although he’s making some solid arguments, he never sounds argumentative or too serious. Some personal favorite quips:
- “If modern history has one central tenet, it is that the masses will embrace anything if it’s cheap and easy. This is our fundamental weakness and will almost certainly lure the entire human race to its doom. Thermonuclear Armageddon would require far too much cerebral effort — our collective fate is a bear trap baited with a cheeseburger,” p. 14
- “Cats don’t ever learn anything other than how to get your attention,” p. 89
- “Owning a cat is akin to taking it hostage and hoping that sooner or later Stockholm syndrome will kick in,” p. 112
Rachael Hale’s photography is pretty good too. Her pictures capture the character of all of her subjects — not just dogs, but cats and even a pig, fish, elephant, and an ostrich too — and there’s plenty of cute costumes/props if you’re into that (I’m not, personally). I could’ve used more husky pictures though. And for a book about why dogs are great, there are an awful lot of pictures of cats. Just saying.
Whether or not you're a “dog person,” or a “cat person,” I think you could derive enjoyment from the book, but admitting canines’ superiority would certainly help appreciate the serious and not-so-serious aspects of it.
September 15, 2014
Whoa, whoa, WHOA! What the hell, man?! Am I the only person who didn't find this book completely and disgustingly offensive? In the first three pages, Greive makes four hideous moves:
1. He colourfully paints cat-lovers as weak, desperate losers. I mean, it's one thing to poke fun at cats and their inevitable involvement in the downfall of man - THOSE things I'm on board with. There is nothing the least bit funny, however, about just bashing and bashing and bashing another group of people. Seriously, did I miss something here? If this was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, I really think he took it way too far!
2. For no reason, whatsoever, he veered off to the side to insult the entirety of geekdom, including an endnote that there is only one type of geek - the "serious" one with "utterly crippled social skills". Again, not cute. Yes, I am a dog-lover and dislike-r of cats. I also count myself as a geek/nerd and YES, I take offense. What a random, unoriginal, and hateful thing to say!
3. He bluntly blames divorce, vandalism, hate crimes, and global conflict on technology - specifically, video games and the internet. Because none of these things existed before the '90s and because we haven't seen enough of THIS crap yet.
4. He ends his prologue by stating that "as a species, we no longer care very much about anyone or anything but ourselves". I suppose that, already having alienated his most-hated groups, Grieve figured he had better tag the rest of humanity, just to be sure he hadn't missed anyone else he didn't like.
Reading those first three pages was like watching a really, truly awful horror flick and trying to decide whether the creators were trying to be comedic or if they actually thought they were making some kind of masterpiece. I showed the book to one of my housemates to see what she would say and she was equally baffled and disturbed. In the end, there are some things that one simply should not say, even in jest. Look who's REALLY got crippled social skills!
Frankly, I am /amazed/ that there aren't any negative reviews on this book. I was surprised to find that what I had assumed would be a collection of photographs with sparse, light-hearted notes was actually a 222-page rant interspersed with some very unremarkable shots. I tried reading a few more pages, but it seemed that the guy was going to continue on the snob track and I didn't think my guts could take it. I flipped through and looked at the pictures but, as I said, they were nothing special. In fact, most of them were pretty boring. Oh, look, a golden retriever! It's looking into the camera! Anyone could have taken that picture.
Into the yard sale box with you and mercy on the soul who buys you next, O foul lump of hate speech!
1. He colourfully paints cat-lovers as weak, desperate losers. I mean, it's one thing to poke fun at cats and their inevitable involvement in the downfall of man - THOSE things I'm on board with. There is nothing the least bit funny, however, about just bashing and bashing and bashing another group of people. Seriously, did I miss something here? If this was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, I really think he took it way too far!
2. For no reason, whatsoever, he veered off to the side to insult the entirety of geekdom, including an endnote that there is only one type of geek - the "serious" one with "utterly crippled social skills". Again, not cute. Yes, I am a dog-lover and dislike-r of cats. I also count myself as a geek/nerd and YES, I take offense. What a random, unoriginal, and hateful thing to say!
3. He bluntly blames divorce, vandalism, hate crimes, and global conflict on technology - specifically, video games and the internet. Because none of these things existed before the '90s and because we haven't seen enough of THIS crap yet.
4. He ends his prologue by stating that "as a species, we no longer care very much about anyone or anything but ourselves". I suppose that, already having alienated his most-hated groups, Grieve figured he had better tag the rest of humanity, just to be sure he hadn't missed anyone else he didn't like.
Reading those first three pages was like watching a really, truly awful horror flick and trying to decide whether the creators were trying to be comedic or if they actually thought they were making some kind of masterpiece. I showed the book to one of my housemates to see what she would say and she was equally baffled and disturbed. In the end, there are some things that one simply should not say, even in jest. Look who's REALLY got crippled social skills!
Frankly, I am /amazed/ that there aren't any negative reviews on this book. I was surprised to find that what I had assumed would be a collection of photographs with sparse, light-hearted notes was actually a 222-page rant interspersed with some very unremarkable shots. I tried reading a few more pages, but it seemed that the guy was going to continue on the snob track and I didn't think my guts could take it. I flipped through and looked at the pictures but, as I said, they were nothing special. In fact, most of them were pretty boring. Oh, look, a golden retriever! It's looking into the camera! Anyone could have taken that picture.
Into the yard sale box with you and mercy on the soul who buys you next, O foul lump of hate speech!
April 29, 2010
Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats by Bradley Trevor Greive is a tongue in cheek look at why dogs have become “Man’s Best Friend.” When it came down to claiming the title, dogs had some stiff competition from all sorts of animals and Greive explains why many didn’t make the cut, including cats, who he claims, “were gonged off the stage in the preliminary rounds due to lack of interest (on their part).” He includes the full bracket to the championship and according to Grieve, it came down to the dog and the lemur. Grieve does concede that cats do have some good qualities, but in the end, according to him, they fall short of dogs.
The photographs in Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats were taken by Rachael Hale and they’re simply gorgeous, like the one on the cover. They are mostly of dogs, but do include cats and a few other animals. I kept stopping while I was reading to show them to Carl.
I love the fact that Grieve includes a list of questions that you should ask yourself before you buy a dog and encourages getting your pet from an animal shelter.
There’s not a lot of text in Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats, but I still enjoyed it. It’s a book I’ll pick up over and over to look at the beautiful animals. This book would make a great gift because animal lovers will enjoy the humorous text and the photographs. My only complaint is that part of the text is in the back of the book under notes (they’re comments, not footnotes) and it got tiresome flipping to the back to read them.
The photographs in Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats were taken by Rachael Hale and they’re simply gorgeous, like the one on the cover. They are mostly of dogs, but do include cats and a few other animals. I kept stopping while I was reading to show them to Carl.
I love the fact that Grieve includes a list of questions that you should ask yourself before you buy a dog and encourages getting your pet from an animal shelter.
There’s not a lot of text in Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats, but I still enjoyed it. It’s a book I’ll pick up over and over to look at the beautiful animals. This book would make a great gift because animal lovers will enjoy the humorous text and the photographs. My only complaint is that part of the text is in the back of the book under notes (they’re comments, not footnotes) and it got tiresome flipping to the back to read them.
August 16, 2012
Okay, I completely disagree with his conclusive title. Cats are awesome =^..^=
But he does have some very good points about how wonderful dogs are (which I do agree with), and his sense of humor (don't worry--the book is a humor publication, not a real-life polemic) is dry and erudite. It's a coffee-table-type book...not a heavy read, but the photography, done by Rachael Hale, is gorgeous. Though I got a little miffed with some of his kitty conclusions (like cats are linked to the decline of civilizations—I know it's tongue-in-cheek, but still I'm defensive of my kitties), his arguments for the seriousness and sacredness of the human/dog bond are perfect.
And in all seriousness, the cats were asking for it. You think they could at least pretend to return our obsessive devotion sometimes...geez.
But he does have some very good points about how wonderful dogs are (which I do agree with), and his sense of humor (don't worry--the book is a humor publication, not a real-life polemic) is dry and erudite. It's a coffee-table-type book...not a heavy read, but the photography, done by Rachael Hale, is gorgeous. Though I got a little miffed with some of his kitty conclusions (like cats are linked to the decline of civilizations—I know it's tongue-in-cheek, but still I'm defensive of my kitties), his arguments for the seriousness and sacredness of the human/dog bond are perfect.
And in all seriousness, the cats were asking for it. You think they could at least pretend to return our obsessive devotion sometimes...geez.
May 27, 2015
I found this book to be a very humorous romp through the virtues of dogs. Being a cat lover, I have 4 cats (working on crazy cat lady status) and a faithful friend, Basil, the Yellow Lab.
I have to say the author is way off the mark with cats. Cats have soul, compassion, loyalty, and give love freely (not just for food). My tiger striped tabby sleeps next to my head and has, many times, put herself cheek to cheek with me and a paw around my neck during a sob session, love sessions too. My 4 cats loyally follow me on the miles of wooded trails by my home along with my dear friend Basil, of course. The 4 feline friends follow me to my quarry swim hole and wait patiently in the woods while Basil and I swim.
I could go on but I think I made my point.
Great book; had me laughing and I read it all last night.
I have to say the author is way off the mark with cats. Cats have soul, compassion, loyalty, and give love freely (not just for food). My tiger striped tabby sleeps next to my head and has, many times, put herself cheek to cheek with me and a paw around my neck during a sob session, love sessions too. My 4 cats loyally follow me on the miles of wooded trails by my home along with my dear friend Basil, of course. The 4 feline friends follow me to my quarry swim hole and wait patiently in the woods while Basil and I swim.
I could go on but I think I made my point.
Great book; had me laughing and I read it all last night.
August 21, 2012
Tongue in cheek humour (I hope for Henry’s sake) and photography that makes you want to reach out and touch the pages. A must have coffee table book. Note to self – return to coffee table.
Bradley Trevor Greive is the author of The Blue Day Book, Meaning Of Life, and others in the style of using gorgeous animal photos and inspirational text.
Bradley Trevor Greive is the author of The Blue Day Book, Meaning Of Life, and others in the style of using gorgeous animal photos and inspirational text.
August 9, 2013
I'm giving it five stars for the pictures. As much as I love dogs, I'm totally against his cat bashing. The text gets a single star, especially since he had a huge number of endnotes where he could have used footnotes. 60-some instances of having to find the note number on the last pages of the book. I started to keep a finger in the notes page because the comments came so frequently.
October 6, 2016
I had an hour spare today and this was a nice quick read. The book is loaded with facts. I believe them but I am not sure everyone will. The author liberally sprinkles humour throughout and the colour photos are delightful. My only disappointment was no dachshund photos but at least there was one o the inside cover.
May 17, 2012
What would appear to be just a funny books about dogs versus cats actually makes some very good points and would get even the most catty cat person to think about getting a dog. Plus at over 200 pages, the pictures are almost cute enough to make the book worth it.
February 5, 2016
Very tongue-in-cheek, but also makes some very good points. As the author says, I'm not anti-cat, I'm just pro-dog. I've never liked cats. If you prefer cats, that's your choice. Just keep them away from me.
Beautiful pictures of dogs (and maybe of a cat or two). Great fun to read!
Beautiful pictures of dogs (and maybe of a cat or two). Great fun to read!
September 1, 2016
This book is absolutely hilarious to read about. To me the photos and captions are very funny. I wonder how they got the animals to position themselves. It must have been trial and error, because the cat that I used to take care, would never allow me to photograph her in such a fashion.
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