When Man Meets Dog: What a Difference a Dog Makes! - Softcover

Blazina, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845848799 ISBN 13: 9781845848798

Publisher: Hubble & Hattie, 2016

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered why dogs are considered, 'man's best friend?' In this book, Psychologist Dr Christopher Blazina explains the importance of the unique bond between men and dogs. There are widely-held beliefs that males naturally transition into a state of self-imposed seclusion and emotional detachment in adulthood. Even relying on another person violates the rules of being a man. When Man Meets Dog explores how the bond with animal companions bypasses many of these barriers, helping males develop into happier, healthier men. What a difference a dog can make!

It's also important to discuss the other side of attachment: loss. Again, the mixed messages men receive lead to difficulties with managing grief. When Man Meets Dog is the first book to discuss men's 'continuing bonds' with a lost animal companion. A continuing bond is a new way of reconnecting and preserving the memory of this unique connection.

When Man Meets Dog is a memoir with a purpose. Chris shares his very personal story of how two shelter dogs not only changed the direction of his life, but also how he defines what it means to be a man.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr Chris Blazina is a psychologist, professor, and author. Specialising in men's psychology, Dr Blazina is now applying that knowledge to an in-depth understanding of 'man's best friend.' He has written three books focused on the psychology of men, and two additional books guiding researchers and clinicians about the importance of animal companions in our lives. Dr Blazina has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the United States and Canada, ranging from National Public Radio, Canadian Broadcasting Company, to Sirius XM. He has been quoted in popular magazines, such as Cosmopolitan and Women's Health, and in newspapers, such as the Huffington Post. His latest book, When Man Meets Dog is a memoir with a purpose, explaining the meaning of the human-animal bond from a male perspective. This includes sharing his own story about how two shelter dogs not only changed the trajectory of his own life, but how he redefines what it means to be a man in our society.

Review:

When Man meets Dog is a powerfully poignant book about one man's journey of personal growth and the pivotal role that companion dogs have played...The end result is a book that will leave many men feeling validated for their experiences and feelings; many women with a better understanding of the challenges faced by the men in their lives, and everyone with a richer appreciation for the incredible power that dogs can play in the lives of men.
Lori Kogan Ph.D. Colorado State University, Editor,"Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin."

Inherently fascinating, consistently compelling, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, unique, informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "When Man Meets Dog" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections.  Micah's Bookshelf, Midwest Book Review.

"Blazina speaks from personal experience, conveyed in his poignant memoir, When Man Meets Dog." David A. Keeps, Men's Journal Magazine

The wonderful blend of scientific information and first-person narrative makes this an important and fulfilling read for academics and lay people alike. Blazina shows how understanding our relationships with animals can help us have a deeper understanding of ourselves.This book provides validation and explanation as to how and why a dog can be man's best friend. Angela Fournier Ph.D., Bemidji State University.
This is the book that welcomes readers into the very private inner space of a truly generous man. Dr. Blazina has offered self to strangers so that we may travel with him on a pilgrimage to discover how males do relate to dogs. He raises awareness of the vital role that dogs may play in the emotional lives of men. It is a must read for women...A wonderful and very thoughtful way to share the dilemma of being male with others...The evolution of this book is the culmination of a philosophical, psychological and personal exploration of maleness, dogs and the secret worlds males and dogs inhabit as they journey, as their primitive ancestors once did - through their intensely complex inner lives. - Robyn Youl, Librarian Geelong Obedience Dog Club.

In his latest book When Man Meets Dog, researcher and writer Dr. Blazina shares his own moving and personal experiences with dogs throughout his life, while engaging the reader in the research on how society has shaped emotional expectations for men to be solitary figures, and the role of the human-animal bond in mitigating this isolation. Dr. Blazina shows us how canine companions provide an unconditional presence in men's lives that improve one's sense of well-being.  When Man Meets Dog is thoroughly enjoyable and an eye-opening and validating read for anyone who has been fortunate enough to have experienced the love of a dog. Dr. Michelle Lem, Founder and Director of Community Veterinary Outreach.

Winner 2016 - National Indie Excellence Awards - Men's Health

"I would firstly say a beautifully written book that I found very moving...It is an almost 'bare all' view of this man's journey and discovery of how dogs help circumvent the common connection barriers which can be unique to men. The vulnerability in the text is quite humbling to read and the words can be nothing but completely honest, which makes the whole story very readable to all, drawing together both fact and research, as well as stories from a personal viewpoint. It is a compelling tale which ends with a letter written by Chris to one of his lost dogs. This left me in tears, the small piece was so deep felt and so raw, it made such an impact, truly beautiful writing...." DOG Training Weekly - The Official Journal of the Dog Training Clubs of Great Britain
Dr. Blazina...delves deeply into critical relationships that affect men and their canine companions, e.g., avoidance attachment, wildness encouragement, before and after bonding, and grieving mechanisms...This reader was most impressed by how a dog, if properly treated...can strike an exquisite balance in stimulating and limiting a man's instinctual need for wildness. Equally impressive was the methodology suggested in dealing with loss, preservation of bonding, and bringing all of it positively to bear upon a new, but never substitute, relationship...I used to think that dogs and cats were adored and admired for two reasons: their beauty and their innocence. Thanks to Dr.Blazina's wonderful book, my view has been substantially enlarged. - GordonOsmond of Bookpleasures.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Hubble & Hattie
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1845848799
• ISBN 13: 9781845848798
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160