What do dogs know? How do they think? The answers will surprise and delight you as Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human.

Inside of a Dog is a fresh look at the world of dogs — from the dog’s point of view. As a dog owner, Horowitz is naturally curious to learn what her dog thinks about and knows. And as a scientist, she is intent on understanding the minds of animals who cannot speak for themselves.

In clear, crisp prose, Horowitz introduces the reader to dogs’ perceptual and cognitive abilities and then draws a picture of what it might be like to be a dog. What’s it like to be able to smell not just every bit of open food in the house but also to smell sadness in humans or even the passage of time? How does a tiny dog manage to play successfully with a Great Dane? What is it like to hear the bodily vibrations of insects or the hum of a fluorescent light? Why must a person on a bicycle be chased? What’s it like to use your mouth as a hand? In short, what is it like for a dog to experience life from two feet off the ground, amidst the smells of the sidewalk, gazing at our ankles or knees?

Inside of a Dog explains these things and much more. The answers can be surprising — once we set aside our natural inclination to anthropomorphize dogs. Inside of a Dog also contains up-to-the-minute research — on dogs’ detection of disease, the secrets of their tails, and their skill at reading our attention — that Horowitz puts into useful context. Although not a formal training guide, Inside of a Dog has practical application for dog lovers interested in understanding why their dogs do what they do.

The relationship between dogs and humans is arguably the most fascinating animal-human bond because dogs evolved from wild creatures to become our companions, an adaptation that changed their bodies, brains, and behavior. Yet dogs always remain animals, familiar but mysterious. With a light touch and the weight of science behind her, Alexandra Horowitz examines the animal we think we know best but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself.

You may wish to start with Puppies for sale uk if you are looking to buy a specific breed. They also have excellent resources and information for getting a dog that matches your life style.

They have a way to search Dogs for sale, an excellent breed gallery with descriptions and pictures, pet insurance references, a dog guide and links to a Lost and Found pet directory.

For 3 months membership, there is membership charge of £4.99. The insurance resource and breed gallery on Puppies for Sale are free to access, without a membership.

They also have a monthly newsletter and a place for people with dogs the wish to sell to advertise their pooches.

While www.puppies-forsale.co.uk has excellent resources for those looking to buy dogs, some people are into the idea of rescuing a dog. There are many animal rescues in the UK, both breed specific and more general.

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the world and is one of the largest charities in the UK. Their site is an excellent place to start.

They have an extensive “rehoming” program and the RSPCA Pet adoption guide is posted online.

You may also wish to check out animalrescuers.co.uk While their web design leaves something to be desired, they have great set of links to some animal rescues (not dog exclusive, but lots of dogs links).

www.bluecross.org.uk has some excellent information also. Their 10 rules of Adoption are posted before you can search their available critters.

Please remember getting a new dog is a big responsibility, its not to be taken lightly. Research your options before adding a new puppy or full grown dog to your family. Make sure you have the space, the time, the love and the attention that is required by dogs. Give them what they need and they will return it 1000 fold with the unconditional love only a canine can provide.

In a recent CBS’ “60 Minutes,” interview, future first lady Michelle Obama said: “We’re on call-mode on the dog front. Because the deal with the dog was that we would get the dog after we got settled. Because as responsible owners we — I don’t think it would be good to get a dog in the midst of transition.”

She added: “We cut that deal with the kids before … America knew about it. So they’re — they’re good with it.”

Still, “They’re ready for us to get the dog now,” she acknowledged.

The family wants a dog from a shelter, and they need one that will not trigger 10-year-old Malia’s allergies.

“We’re getting a lot of suggestions though,” President-elect added Obama . “Boy, I mean the — people are sending suggestions. And we’re taking it all under advisement.”