DOGS ARE PEOPLE, TOO

A large collection of dog-themed cartoons from the creator of the syndicated panel “Speed Bump,” punctuated with snapshots and fond reminiscences of his own real pooches.

From "My bark is worse than my bite but it's nothing compared to my breath" to "Yoga position #42: 'The Licking Dog'," the simply drawn, single-panel zingers all pay affectionate tribute to the intelligence, refreshingly candid habits and overall lovability of man's (and woman's) best friend. In general, the snarky humor isn't pitched to younger readers ("My dog is rolling in your resume," observes a job interviewer. "It's not a hopeful sign for you"), but with the possible exception of the occasional canine dressed as a dominatrix, they won't leave them completely befuddled. Along with sharing occasional memories of Shag, Kenzi and other family pets, Coverly tucks in quotes from the likes of Orhan Pamuk, perfunctory chapters of doggy "Fun Facts" and introductions to such "Amazing Dogs" as Laika and Barry, the original St. Bernard rescue dog. These read more as filler than personal notes or insights.

"The secret to life is TREATS!" intones a canine yogi. With that, at least, even diapered dog devotees will concur.