Acknowledgments

Lanmana Parys—For yeoman photography assisting both behind and in front of the camera; sensitive dog handling; and computer skills only someone born after the Reagan administration could be expected to possess

Samira Saha—For being a complete sweetheart while bringing and managing Deuce, the Miniature Pinscher Who Smirks

Coby Brown and Samy, Matt Brown and Willie, Brian Frazer and Nancy Cohen and Kenyon, and Amanda Mears-Duckett and Biscuit—For helping to make the Griffith Park/Rabbi shoot the exercise in chaos and absurdity it was meant to be

Terry Adams—For his usual astute editorship, canny comments, open-mindedness, and nimble avoidance of people with torches

Paul Bresnick—For stalwart agenting, unending enthusiasm, and sound strategizing

David Misch—For his patience and availability at not one but two sessions, in robes and with cats and everything, while simultaneously being completely amusing and a mensch

Erin Gallegos—For somehow being beautiful and graceful while pretending to brush her teeth and read, and for managing Copper, the Beagle with the Prehensile Nose

Kyle and Jennifer Parks—For the selfless and loving act that brought us the great (wonderful, gigantic) gift of Jaxon

Elizabeth Akers and Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue of Northern California—For helping to bring Jax into our lives and for all of the work she does for rescue

Andrew Davilman—For being one of our biggest fans and supporters, both emotionally and spiritually

Andrew Kravchenko—For bringing Molly into our world and, by introducing us to ridgebacks, forever changing our lives

Allergy and Asthma Institute of the Valley—For the allergy shots that actually seem to be working

Zoe Braverman—For her lissome grace and model-like poise while loaded down with gear, and for bringing Bessie, who is as soulful as she is shaggy

Our mothers and our subsequent therapists (they know who they are), who encouraged us to use humor both to deal with life and themselves

And, of course—

Jaxon, Peaches, Blue, Deuce, Copper, and Bessie—For being their unique doggie selves