April 1 2009 issue of Library Journal
Duffy-Korpics, Lisa. Tales from a Dog Catcher. Lyons: Globe Pequot. Apr. 2009. c.256p. ISBN 978-1-59921-498-6. pap. $16.95. PETS
The title of Duffy-Korpics’s memoir conjures up visions of a mean-spirited civil servant netting strays and taking them to a dingy shelter where a dire fate awaits. The author, a social studies teacher, worked her way through college as an animal-control officer in an upstate New York town.
Writing in a style reminiscent of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, she recalls her experiences in 22 vignettes that dispel and replace stereotypes with an image of a compassionate individual concerned with animals and people alike. Like Herriot, she is a gifted storyteller and an astute observer. While describing incidents involving a constantly barking Pekinese, a hostage-taking feral cat, marching turkeys, voyeur raccoons, and many other creatures, she gives us a peek into the loving relationships we have with our pets and the sometimes cruel and careless ways we treat them.
At times amusing and heart-wrenching, this memorable book deserves wide readership. Highly recommended for public libraries.
—Florence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City NY.
Congratulations. Now the literary world is catching on to what I've been telling you that for years. This is the first of many to come. Isn't there some famous newspaper in NYC that can write a nice review?
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris. Hey, you know there might be a famous newspaper in NYC...do you know anyone at the New York Times? Pull a few strings for me..will ya, huh? Please!?!?
ReplyDelete:)