Dogs 101

Dogs 101. Produced by the Animal Planet.

Plot: Much like the title suggests, Dogs 101 discusses the basics of popular dog breeds. Each episode focuses on three breeds. The history, disposition, needs, and special features of each breed finds exposure in each segment. At the end of the discussion, the narration reviews the breed's housing, health, grooming, training, and family needs.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: I think it's rated TVY

Similar Titles: Cats 101, Breed all about It

Personal Thoughts: It reminds me of an updated Eyewitness Video, and that is a very good thing. While the information is not especially in-depth, it is not meant to be. Instead, it offers a solid overview of the breed from trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and groomers. As such, it may lead to an initial understanding of the breed and alert potential owners to suitable and not-so-suitable breeds for their situation.

Hachiko Waits

 Newman, Lesléa and Kodaira, Machiyo. Hachiko Waits.  New York : Henry Holt, 2004.

 

 Plot: Kindly Professor Ueno works with his beloved akita, Hachi every day. In return, Hachi walks the professor to the train he takes for work and returns to walk him back home every day. Except, one day, the professor does not come back. He died unexpectedly at the university. Despite the affections of the train's workers and passengers, Hachi refuses to go home with any of them. Yasuo, a little boy, worries and cares for him. Hachi, later known as Hachiko, waits for ten long years for his master's return. One day, Yasuo, no longer a boy, finds Hachiko dead. Wishing to respect the faithful dog, he, as well as many of the train's daily passengers, create a statue in the loyal dog's honor. Yasuo later proposes in front of the statue, promising to show the faithfulness of the akita to his wife to be.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 7-11

Similar Titles: Greyfairs Bobby, Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Personal Thoughts: There really was an akita named Hachi. Like the story, he waited a decade for his master's return to the train station and did have a statue built in his honor. While the statue was melted during World War II, it was later rebuilt. Apparently, it is a popular meeting place in modern Japan.