Surprise! I Made a Book: The Official Guide to Living with DINOS
Shut the front door. I made a book! The Official Guide to Living with DINOS is on sale. Right now.
WHAT?! Yeah girl, it is. Look at how pretty:
This tiny book took me so long to get done that I thought it would never happen. But let’s be honest. It once took me an entire year to make a tri-fold pamphlet.. I’m nothing if not slow moving.
Weighing in at just over 60 pages, my book is technically a booklet. I think the let makes it sounds more mysterious. Like it’s a French woman who, unlike me, knows how to wear a scarf the right way.
The booklet is a collection of ten lessons I’ve put together to help anyone who is living with DINOS for the very first time. Some lessons are brand new. Some are old favorites from the blog. But they’re all in one place now, so that the next time you come across someone who is new to living with DINOS and they’re having a panic attack, you can say,
“Breathe into this paper bag, then check out Jessica’s booklet The Official Guide to Living with DINOS. It won’t teach you how to wear a scarf, but it will make life with your dog way easier.”
And no, the book isn’t about dog training. It won’t tell you how to fix your dog’s problems (I’ll leave that up to the experts). The guide is all about how to make it through the day with a dog that needs space. It’s a 60 page pep talk with practical tips.
I know you guys with fearful and reactive dogs are the ones struggling the most, so you were at the front of my thoughts as I wrote this. I’m hoping that dog trainers, dog walkers, and shelter workers who have clients that are feeling really down about their fearful and reactive dogs can offer up the booklet as support. So instead of feeling isolated and overwhelmed, the newbies will feel empowered and excited about living with their not-so-perfect dogs.
Here’s a look at the Table of Contents so you can get a feel for what’s inside:
I was definitely writing the booklet for people who are brand new to the DINOS scene, but I think some of you who have been around since day one will really enjoy this too.
Jenny Williams, Team DINOS member and creator of the 66 Dogs Project, has been reading my ramblings for years. I was truly lucky that she gifted me her brilliant editing skills for the book and after reading an earlier draft, this is what she wrote about it:
“Reading this I laughed, I cried, and I took snuggle breaks with my dog to remind myself of how lucky I am to have him in my life, in spite of (and because of) his challenges.”
Crying! Laughing! Snuggling! What more can you ask for from a booklet, right? Seriously though, Jenny’s feedback was the kindest and I hope – down to my toes – that you all feel the same when you read it.
You can pick up a print copy or ebook on Amazon.
Or you can buy a print copy straight from Createspace.
Finally, a big fat thank you to Jenny for the editing and feedback, Nat and Bill for the gorgeous cover design, and my mom for the encouragement, proofreading, and for pointing out that using the term “stewardess” in the book was old fashioned and kind of sexist and, uh, maybe I should use “flight attendant” instead. Good call. Thanks mom.
But, wait. There’s more!
Want to win a free print copy of The Official Guide to Living with DINOS?
Here’s what you have to do:
1. In the comments tell me: Your dog just published their first book. What’s the title?
For example: Birdie’s would be This Beagle Don’t Bark: A Memoir
And Boogie’s would be How to Touch Your Butt to Your Forehead: Maximizing Your Unique Talents and Creating the Life You Want*
*He’s into self-help books.
2. The deadline to leave your comment is Monday 4/27/15 at midnight EST.
3. One comment will be chosen using randomizer. On Tuesday 4/28 I’ll announce the winner here and on Facebook. I’ll also contact the winner via email to get their mailing address, so I can send out the book!
So go, one tell me: What’s the title of your dog’s book?
4/28/15: The winner was just drawn….Congratulations goes to Hannah of Eriesistibull! Thanks to everyone who commented. Your creative answers always make me laugh!!
Comments are closed.
notes from a dog walker 
I love your blog posts. I just bought the Kindle Book from Amazon. Thank You for putting all of your information into one place. As a pet sitter/dog walker, I am often asked to care for dogs who are not great around other dogs. Your advice has helped me a lot.
Thank you Kelly (for buying the book and for taking care of other people’s DINOS)!
Congratualtions!
info@trailmutt.us.com http://www.trailmutt.us.com Check us out on Kickstarter http://bit.ly/kckstTrailMutt
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, proprietary and protected from disclosure by applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, duplication, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and immediately destroy all copies of this message, including electronic and hard copies. Thank you for your cooperation.
Moe’s would be: How To Eat Anything In Under 30 Seconds
That’s the name of my book too! Me and Moe would get along well : )
Islay’s would be “Kissing the World, One Person at a Time”
“Throw the Damn Frisbee Already” by Chico Southern.
Congratulations on this book! I can tell I will love it, and obviously if I don’t win the free copy, I will have to get one on my own. I already feel better (and need to get home to hug my dog) just by reading the table of contents.
Pigwidgeons’s book would be “Dachshund World Domination – we may have lost two world wars but we never stop trying” Subtitled “How to eat poop, act like a ninny, yet still be endearing to your human” I see this turning in to a series of books very much like Harry Potter in scope and depth.
I just ordered your book. My dogs will love it! If I win another one I will give it away to a friend from Austin Pets Alive.
Bella’s would be: How the amazing yellow machines clean up zombies from the streets (in the morning) A guide to peacefully observe school busses at pick up time.
Jaco, Malinois Shepherd mix: “I use my snout to bury my poop and my pee; I think I am a cat.”
Shila’s Shenanigans: My life with a difficult dog
Pepper’s book title would be, “Are you gonna eat that?: a dog’s guide to successful begging”
Trevor’s book is titled “Do Unto Others Before They Do Unto You”
Mama’s book would be “If Mama Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy!”
Ginkgo’s book: “How to perfect your Miss Piggy impersonation”
Lita 13yo pit bull “Aging gracelessly, and loving it: How to lose your mind happily and drive everyone else crazy doing it!” (She’s totally into embracing her senility and forcing other people to enjoy it, too.)
Layla 10 yo pit bull “Mine. The true story of why we can’t have nice things.” (Resource guarder’s memoirs)
Andre 3yo pit bull mix “Running for weenies” (a collection of cartoons celebrating one utterly spineless, neurotic, pit bull mix who runs for exercise and stress relief.)
Juli, I see a fabulous line of “…for weenies” books down the road! I can’t wait to see what else Andre comes up with!
Oden’s book is “Do I smell treats in your pocket? A Guide to Prosperous Pickpocketing”
“All Clear!: The path to living and loving life in small doses” by Caedus Bane.
Fabulous! Congratulations on your book! Toby Friedman
My dog’s book would be “Who do you think you are? one dog’s mission to tell they world it can suck it.
Afrienda’s book would be “How to Hug Humans”, Annika’s would be “Let Me Teach You How to Play Fetch” and Jack’s would be “Scavenger Hunts in the Woods for Dogs”. Love that you have done a book Jessica. I live with a DINOS and life has been wonderful AND challenging with my boy.
My dachshunds’ (primarily Holly & Lana) book title would be: The Point of Senseless Barking (& How to Perfect It so as to be Most Irritating). 😦
My dachshunds’ book (primarily being Holly & Lana) would be titled: How to Bark Senselessly at Nothing: The Art of Perfecting This Barking to be Most Irritating.
“Because I Want To! The Life of a Wheaten Terrorist…
My fearful Aussie/border collie’s would be: Ari’s Anxiety Tails and other random stinky stuff to roll in
Cowboy Roy’s book is – How to hunt for lizards: it’s not just a hobby, but a lifestyle.
Jeremy’s book title: “Yes, I Do Know Where Poo Poos Live”
Buddy (Dog fear-reactive rescue border collie) “Dog see, Dog do: Tails of a vocal Border Collie”
Kota’s would be: How to keep micro management from destroying your personal life.
Sugar’s would be “Don’t Worry Mom, I’ve Got This: A Fearful Rotty’s Guide to Taking Care of a Clueless Human”
Simba’s book would be: DINOS: Leave me alone, I just want to sleep because I’m lazy.
Mia’s would be: Smiles & Wags: The Tail of a Dog Who Loves Everything.
Accentuate the Positive: Using your looks to overcome your fears. by Shorty, my Pit Bull Bassett Hound boy.
My dog just published her first book – How to poo while running
Lilo’s Would Be: Why Can’t I Lick That Cat
Thank you so much to share all these in one. i like to read your books. though i love my dog very much. your writing just awesome and every sentence is so much informative
“I Bark At Old Ladies Minding Their Own Business 50 Yards From My House”
A Dog’s Guide To Guarding The Home From Non-Threatening People and Things
by: Mitch Hedberg The Chihuahua
My Jerry bears would be ” How to claim the king size bed “
From Wild Woobie Beast to WonderBull is 5 easy(not always) steps.
Congratulations on the book. I know I will be recommending it a lot!
“I Bark At Old Ladies Minding Their Own Business 50 Yards From My House:”
A Dog’s Guide To Guarding The Home From Non-Threatening People and Things
by: Mitch Hedberg The Chihuahua
Love it!
Layla’s would be “Will Work for Cheese!”
My dogs book would be titled – I’m a human trapped in a dog costume !
Thank you for this book!! Just ordered it–very excited! Will recommend it to friends with DINOS and to others at the shelter where I volunteer since we get several DINOS there. (You might have to come up with a special price for bulk purchases!) Your blog posts have been so wonderful & helpful–now we get a book TOO. Whoa!!
Yay! on your book! my Siberian Citrine’s book would be called “yeah, right” what a Sibe says to commands… i always wanted a Citrine, so i could say “Sit! Citrine!” she does do that, but apparently the rest are not necessary, unless the cat says so.
Whoa, congrats on the book! You’re kind of my idol now. Can’t wait to check it out!
If Rufus published a book, it would be called “It’s Complicated.” You know, because there’s never just one explanation or reason for his “issues” and behavior. 😉
Jethro’s book would be “I’m a Red Ball Jet!: running faster, jumping higher, doing agility in places no dog has gone before.” Ziva’s would be “Diary of a Warrior Princess:treats are mandatory, compliance is optional.”
Your dog just published their first book. What would the title be: Millie’s would be “Millie’s Many, Many, Many Misadventures and Misfortunes”
Or “Miss Millie’s Many Loving Ways… and Mishaps”
Another book about Millie, “Dog-ter Jerkyl and Miss Hyde”
And lastly, “Are You There God, It’s Me Millie, We Need Your Help!”
Eat, play, sleep – Ivie’s Guide for Success
Thank you, Jessica, for all the wonderful posts and now a book!
My Lab’s book would be “Ball! I have one brain cell and it says ball.”
You Can’t Handle The Truth: Keeping the World Safe, One Bunny at a Time
Marco: I like who I know but I’m not sure about you if you’re new. Give a dog a space
Happy’s book title would be:
1000 ways to be Happy (who would not like it!)
Tesla’s – Pathetic: One dog’s journey and the face that got her there
Edison;s – Sh!tfaced (the true story of a poopeater)
“Tucker’s guide to snacking, a.k.a. fluff doesn’t have calories”
Maple’s book would be called A Girl’s Guide to Eating Pooping, Killing All The Animals, and Getting Your Man.
Morgan’s book would be called How to Train Your Human and Obtain World Domination.
Barney’s book would be called How to be The Chillest Dog in Town: A Dangerous Dogs’ Memoir.
Patch’s book would be IS THAT MY BUTT? THAT’S NOT MY BUTT! THERE’S A DOG IN THE FIREPLACE!!!! THERE’S A DOG IN THE WINDOW!!!!
“A Connoisseur’s Guide for Sniffing Out the Finest Gourmet Bunny ‘Treats’ – in Your Yard and on the Go”
“How Many Licks DOES It Take? Learning to Live and Love with a Freshly-Applied-Lotion Oral Fixation”. By Ramey Dog.
“I’m Not Creepy, I Just Love You!!!!…In a stare at you while you are sleeping kind of way…” By Warren Dog
Congrats on your booklet!! Can’t wait to read it!
Congrats on your book-let! I’m so excited to get my copy and pass it along to my training clients, adopters and dog walking group as I often do with your posts. You are an inspiration to fearful & reactive dog parents everywhere!!! Keep up the great work Jessica!
Thank you so much Dee – your kind words made my day!
I am truly impressed! To write a book has been on my bucket list for years now, once I even got as far as writing the contents list! Kudos to you for seeing through, very exciting indeed 🙂
P.S. I will be ordering my copy as soon as I’m finished here.
Congratulations, Jessica! I received my brand new copy of The Guide today…. and a second copy for the Jessica who walks my DINOS.
You have been such a tremendous source of support for us, both online and off, and I am so genuinely thrilled there is a new venue for others to experience your insight.
I can honestly say your work has given me a better life. Thank you.
Lynn (the mom) and
Molly (the pit)
Hi Lynn! Thank you so much for buying the book and for ALL of your kind words – they mean a lot to me. Truly.
I hope you and Molly are both doing well (I didn’t know her dog walker is also named Jessica – I like that very much!). Give her a “good girl” belly rub for me, ok?