Now here is a unique book. Ranch Dog is a book of essays, poetry, and pictures dedicated to the dogs of the west. I sat trying to think of who could benefit from this book. Kids were my first thought. This would be a great book for school libraries. It’s also a great book for the coffee table at home or at a Dude ranch to share friends and family who love animals. The list of ideas goes on and on. 

Marianne starts her book out with an astounding story of a loyal herd dog left to die followed by a poem called “The Bath” also written by her. Some of the poems offered in the book are written by others and fit into the theme of the book perfectly. Expect some wonderful, informative short tales from the west. One that caught my attention was about a guard dog and an Ostrich ranch in Colorado. The author takes her readers to the western states of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, California, Wyoming, and Nevada and treats them to many dog stories that will beg to be shared once read.

In this delightful book, are plenty of pictures – one of the reasons I think it would be a great addition to libraries. They are picturesque black and whites of the dogs, their masters, and their charges at work, play, and rest. The pictures alone show how hard these animals earn their keep. They are a wonderful addition to an already inspiring book.