Dog in a Box: The Story of Free vs. Crated Champ

The hour by hour story of what a dog really does when he is home alone─ how he thinks, feels and changes spending his day free in his home vs. those same hours locked in a crate. Experience one life-changing day from the perspective of easy-to-love Champ, an 8 month old German shepherd who is sometimes silly, sometimes regal, but always goodhearted and always a hero to seven year old Aiden and six year old Cody. Young Champ may not look quite like a superhero in his roles of: dancer on the living room stage, birdwatcher, Mom's stress therapist, Dad's business advisor, self-appointed chairman of the neighborhood watch and caretaker-in-training for his family, yet readers will share each moment of his unclouded joy. They will also experience the darker side of hour by hour confinement seen from the dog's perspective in this first-of-its-kind book. These days, many authorities in the dog world pressure families like Champ's to confine their dogs in crates (or wire cages) for much of each day and night. But Dog in a Box reveals the truth of how confinement changes a dog's physiology, behavior and bond with his owners. Animal lovers know that dogs have a spirit and a soul. And the authors, who specialize in canine psychology, have drawn on years of research for their non-fiction books as scientific background for all the canine thoughts and feelings in Champ's pivotal day. A strange package, an unexpected knock on the door, a simple bowl of water. And an unforgettable dog whose fate can rest in a young boy's smile or tears. Just another normal day on a quiet cul-de-sac. But how Champ spends this day will lead to either joy or devastation and forever alter lives. After enjoying classic dog sagas like Oogy and Marley & Me, now is the season for society to open our hearts to Champ. (Since this book contains realistic depictions of canine body functions and physical distress, parental discretion is advised for younger readers.)