Norwich Tales - Exploring Life With Norwich Terriers

Norwich Tales is a journey of learning about the Norwich Terrier breed. Though the smallest of the working terriers, the Norwich Terrier is tough, tenacious, curious, and yet an incredibly humorous little companion. They are small and mighty little hunters, not delicate lapdogs. These tales are also the honest account of a novice pet owner, who goes from being blissfully na¯ve about what it means to raise a puppy, to a woman determined to observe, learn, incorporate, and do whatever was necessary to have a better relationship with her dogs. It is also about honoring faithful friends. The tales are centered around the author€s two Norwich Terriers: brilliant, manipulative Nigel and sweet, always agreeable Divot. They are the central characters to the story, and the author€s dedicated teachers. Norwich Tales is divided into two parts €“ Part I is about the Norwich Terrier breed in general, including history, health, and how to tell a good breeder from a bad one. It also seeks to help the reader answer the important question, €œIs this the right breed for me?€ Part II is about the author€s life with her Norwich Terriers, Nigel and Divot, including the €œah ha€ moment when she arrived at the realization that dogs are not children in furry suits and are happier when understood as the canines they really are. This turning point begins the journey toward a happier and much more successful coexistence with Nigel and Divot. The story includes two cross-country moves, illnesses, traveling, and hiking in beautiful settings throughout the American West with Nigel and Divot. Each chapter of Part II also contains Teachable Moments where the author uses self-deprecating humor, to share tips she incorporated to solve behavioral problems, many of which she admits she helped to create in the first place. Also woven into the story are of course Norwich Tales €“ personal stories and observations about quirky Nigel and Divot. These moments span puppyhood through their golden years. The book, while not a training guide does offer information about how the reader might better understand his or her own dog, not from a professional trainer perspective, but more like a conversation between friends. This book is for anyone who already loves the Norwich Terrier breed, or who is interested in finding out what daily life with a Norwich Terrier is like. Even if the breed isn€t for you, the messages are universal: Bringing a dog into your home is a commitment not to be taken lightly, when something is worth accomplishing, you never quit, and, learn to laugh at yourself €“ your dog will probably like you even more if you do.