J. R. Ackerley (1896–1967)

German shepherd Tulip’s owner is a middle-aged single British man. After recounting their initial adjustment to each other and his attempts to find a suitable vet, Ackerley devotes a chapter to peeing and pooping (a problem for city dogs in a time before picking up after them became the norm), and then he spends the rest of the book telling readers about his difficulties managing Tulip when she is in heat. He just skips over all the months that she’s not in heat.

Readers learn even less about Ackerley’s life. He lives alone. Has he ever been married, or is he a confirmed bachelor? The only relative readers meet is a cousin. Ackerley goes to work and comes home on weekdays. Where does he go and what does he do? He doesn’t tell us. (Although, to be fair, the book was initially published in a limited edition, and the intended audience probably knew Ackerley and his work without needing to be told.)

Were this book written today, it would be much shorter. Etiquette for dog owners now requires picking up after them, and many dog owners acquire their pets through adoption, with neutering or spaying a condition of the adoption.… (more)