This hilarious, no-nonsense survival guide is on hand to help you accept that being a dog parent is not a choice, but a lifestyle. Filled with original illustrations and tongue-in-cheek advice, this sneak peek into the world behind those puppy-dog eyes will make the perfect gift for any dog lover.

Humorist Kevin Lawson is back in the helpful information business, and this time it's all about the dogs. "The Real Dog Owner's Survival Guide" goes beyond the basics of dog ownership and scratches the soft underbelly of our canine companions. From obedience training to bad breath to the great puppy dog eye manipulation, this collection of humor essays covers it all. The Begging Game: How Dogs Convince Us to Hand Over the Snacks You know, there's something utterly ridiculous about the way dogs beg. It's like they've cracked the code to human emotion, but instead of using it for world peace or to help us solve our existential crises, they use it to score a morsel of food. I mean, who needs a PhD in psychology when you have a dog with a penchant for the dramatic? Picture this: you're sitting on the couch, minding your own business, maybe trying to enjoy a snack that you've earned after a long day of adulting. You've got your favorite chips, or maybe it's a slice of pizza, and just as you take that first glorious bite, you glance down and there it is-your dog, in the most theatrical begging position you've ever seen. It's like watching a Broadway audition, but instead of a hopeful actor, you have a golden retriever with the soulful eyes of a seasoned performer. First, they drop to their front paws, stretching out as if they're about to do the downward dog yoga pose, but let's be honest, they're not exactly channeling their inner Zen. No, they're channeling their inner "I will melt your heart if it kills me." And then, oh, the eyes! Those big, pleading eyes that seem to say, "I haven't eaten in weeks, and if you don't share your pizza, I might just wither away into a sad little furball." It's a look that could make a stone statue crumble.

If your dog has cancer, you need this book. No matter what you've heard, there are always steps you can take to help your dog fight (and even beat) cancer. This scientifically researched guide is your complete reference for practical, evidence-based strategies that can optimize the life quality and longevity for your dog. No matter what diagnosis or stage of cancer your dog has, this book is packed with precious advice that can help now. Discover the Full Spectrum approach to dog cancer care: Everything you need to know about conventional western veterinary treatments (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) including how to reduce their side effects. The most effective non-conventional options, including botanical nutraceuticals, supplements, nutrition, and mind-body medicine. How to analyze the options and develop a specific plan for your own dog based on your dog's type of cancer, your dog's age, your financial and time budget, your personality, and many other personal factors. Imagine looking back at this time in your life, five years from now, and having not a single regret. You can help your dog fight cancer and you can honor your dog's life by living each moment to the fullest, starting now. This book can help you as it has helped thousands of other dog lovers. The Authors Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM practices in Hawaii and is internationally recognized as "the dog cancer vet" and blogs at DogCancerBlog.com. Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM is a veterinary oncologist and a diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine who practices in New York. Praise from Veterinarians, Authors & Book Reviewers "The future is upon us and this ground-breaking book is a vital cornerstone. In dealing with cancer, our worst illness, this Survival Guide is educational, logical, expansive, embracing, honest and so needed." Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM Holistic veterinarian and Host, Ask Martha Stewart's Vet on Sirius Radio "The message of this book jumps off the written page and into the heart of every reader, and will become the at home bible for cancer care of dogs. The authors have given you a sensible and systematic approach that practicing veterinarians will cherish. I found the book inspiring and, clearly, it will become part of my daily approach to cancer therapy for my own patients." Dr. Robert B. Cohen, VMD Bay Street Animal Hospital, New York "I wish that I had had The Dog Cancer Survival Guide when my dearly beloved Flat-coated Retriever, Odin, contracted cancer. It would have provided me alternative courses of action, as well as some well needed "reality checks" which were not available from conversations with my veterinarian. It should be on every dog owner's book shelf--just in case..." Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD, FRSC author of many books, including Born to Bark "A comprehensive guide that distills both alternative and allopathic cancer treatments in dogs...With the overwhelming amount of conflicting information about cancer prevention and treatment, this book provides a pet owner with an easy to follow approach to one of the most serious diseases in animals." Dr. Barbara Royal, DVM The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, Oprah Winfrey's Chicago veterinarian "Picking up The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is anything but a downer: it's an 'empowerer.' It will make you feel like the best medical advocate for your dog. It covers canine cancer topics to an unprecedented depth and breadth from emotional coping strategies to prevention-in plain English.Read this book, and you will understand cancer stages, treatment options, and types, and much more. If you have just had the dreaded news, pick up a copy and it will guide the decisions your dog trusts you to make." Laure-Anne Visel Dog behavior specialist and technical dog writer, CanisBonus.com