"Dogland," a book by Tommy Tomlinson, is a close-up look at the Westminster Dog Show, where a dog's mission to win a championship is followed through the chronicle of human-dog relational structures. Tomlinson draws inspiration from the TV show and embarks on his life journey, crossing over 100 contests all over the country.

He follows Striker, a Samoyed, and his handler, Laura King, penetrating into their world of formidable competition and loyalty. Throughout the journey, Tomlinson details dog breeds' origins, how breed standards have developed over time, and how the interaction between humans and dogs has changed.

Through interviews and stories, he shows how all the dogs are different from each other while highlighting the happiness and joy that the dogs bring to their owners. The dogs help the owners forget their worries and problems temporarily. The book is an absolute gem as it takes us on a gripping journey, giving us a glimpse into the bond dogs share with their humans. 

The Author

In his next book "Dogland," Tomlinson delves into a new subject: the Westminster Dog Show. Tomlinson brings a wealth of expertise to his work from his history in journalism, which includes 23 years at the Charlotte Observer and a term as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. He also hosts the podcast "SouthBound" on WFAE and wrote for Esquire and Sports Illustrated.  

This provides Tomlinson with a deep and rich reservoir of resources for his writing career. Tomlinson, who resides in Charlotte with his spouse, Alix Felsing, keeps sharing his thoughts via his work in a variety of media.

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Unleashing the World of Show Dogs

According to an article by Dear Author, the book delves into the captivating world of dog shows. With curiosity sparked by a televised dog show, Tomlinson embarks on a years-long exploration, questioning the happiness of these canine competitors.

Focusing on Striker, a Samoyed, and his handler King, the book unravels their journey toward greatness. Striker, a multiple Best in Show winner, takes center stage, culminating in his detailed performance at Westminster 2022.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, Tomlinson candidly discusses the challenges show dogs face - health issues, inbreeding, and breed-specific ailments. Beyond the ring, the book weaves in intriguing dog facts, the history of human-canine companionship, and personal tales of beloved pets.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking exploration of our role in shaping these remarkable animals.

Beneath the Glitter

Kirkus Review underlined that Tomlinson, in "Dogland," explores the realm of dog shows and tries to understand the joy of show and pet dogs. Through amusing stories and curious facts, Tomlinson sheds light on a wide range of dog culture issues, such as the features typical for different dog breeds and the owner-pet bond.

He weaves in personal stories, including the tale of his beloved lab mutt, Fred, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. The book tells the story of a well-known Samoyed champion and his handler, offering insights into the inner workings of the dog show circuit.

The reviewer also noted Tomlinson's witty and wise writing, providing readers with an insight into the colorful world of dog shows while provoking contemplation on the complexities and joys of canine friendship, making the book a great read.

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