Dog Blog by Mark J. Asher

Best Friends Magazine Reviews Humphrey Was Here

2010-07-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled that Sally Rosenthal of Best Friends Magazine has reviewed my book, Humphrey Was Here, in the July/August issue. A large part of the book deals with the time I spent at Best Friends volunteering after Humphrey passed away. It was a healing ground for me and will always have a special place in my heart.

Read the full review.
Purchase the book.

"The honesty and wisdom that grace this book will serve as a balm for others coping with their own pain."
~ BEST FRIENDS MAGAZINE

Etsy Front Page!

2010-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

This morning my Woman and Dog print was featured on the front page of Etsy.com! I've been working hard for several months on my Etsy Shop and shocked to wake up to see the news on my Facebook page.

Buy A Golden Rule Print and Help GRREAT!

2010-06-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

I've made an arrangement with Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training (GRREAT) to donate $5 for every Golden Rule print purchased from my Etsy Shop. So if you'd like to help a great organization and get a great print check it out. Be sure to mention "GRREAT" in the "message to seller" at checkout when you make your purchase.

Paw Nation Print Giveaway

2010-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

The wonderful website Paw Nation is having a giveaway for a FREE print from my Etsy Shop! Enter to win by simply going to this link and leaving a comment with your favorite print from my shop. Deadline for entering is 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 4, 2010. Good luck!

May Special: Signed copy of Old Friends with FREE Notecard

2010-04-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Tara & Bella: An Animal Love Story

2010-04-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

This is the sweetest love story between an elephant and a dog. Please watch.

Urban Animal features Humphrey Was Here

2010-03-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Urban Animal, an Australian magazine for animal lovers, has an excerpt of my dog memoir, Humphrey Was Here, in their latest issue. It's in two parts, which you can view here: Part One | Part Two. Humphrey Was Here can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The book is also available at any bookseller.

Photographic Talent

2010-03-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about the Internet is it instantly erases geographical boundaries. With the click of a mouse you can be connected to a great artist in another place. In this case Ottawa, Canada and the work of photographer Liz Bradley. She also has a great blog: Ottawa Dog Blog. Be sure to check them both out!

Just a Dog

2010-03-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Saw this on a friend's Facebook page and echoed how I feel today.

Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me,
"Lighten up, it's just a dog," or,
"That's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have
come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only
company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been
brought about by "just a dog," and,
in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and
reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog,"
then you will probably understand
phases like "just a friend,"
"just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life
the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion
and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me,
it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment
of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past
and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's
good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand
that it's not "just a dog" but the thing
that gives me humanity and keeps
me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase
"just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand."

- Anonymous

The Beauty of the Beast

2010-03-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Learned of this video from my friend Jerri and had to post. Beautifully shot video. I looked into the cost of the camera used and it took a bit of digging but finally found it...$2,500. I love the expression on the bulldog's face the best.

Law and Order?

2010-03-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Not with these pooches! Apparently many dogs get a bit out of control when they hear the opening music to the TV show Law and Order. A lab, a pomeranian, a springer spaniel, a collie, a poodle...they all seem to react to the show's theme. My dog, Payton, is not a howler, so he looked at me like I was crazy while playing this clip.

Remember The Golden Rules

2010-03-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Every now and then it never hurts to be reminded of how best to live. Who better than a group of beautiful golden retrievers to remind us of the golden rules? That's the focus of a new collection of images I've created especially for my Etsy Shop.

Etsy Photo of the Week - Abraham Lincoln Tribute

2010-02-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite historical figures. Much of it is due to a great book that I read in 2006 entitled Lincoln's Melancholy. Abe was an avid animal lover. The Lincolns had rabbits, cats, a horse named Old Bob, two goats (Nancy and Namco), and several dogs (including Fido, which translates from the Latin word Fidelities as faithful). I'm happy to use his wonderful quote - "I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it" - in this new image for My Etsy Shop.

Etsy Photo of the Week - Dog Grooming 101

2010-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

Well, not exactly. See some dogs like to get dirty, but don't much care for getting clean. The latest addition to my Etsy Shop pays tribute to this sentiment. Take a look.

Online Jigsaw Puzzles

2010-02-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

I've never been the best at Jigsaw Puzzles, but I've come upon a website that's a lot of fun. It's called Jigidi and it allows you to solve puzzles online. It times how long it takes you to complete each puzzle and shows the ten top quickest jigsaw puzzlers. I've uploaded a couple of my book covers, so see you can beat the best time - http://www.jigidi.com/puzzle.php?id=RV6KQPJ

Etsy Photo of the Week - Two for Tea

2010-02-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

Tea for Two or Two for Tea. Anyway you say it, these two Yorkshire Terriers are cute! Available for purchase at My Etsy Shop.

My Valentine is My Dog

2010-02-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

According to a new survey 21% would rather smooch their pet than their partner on Valentine’s Day. Men and women were evenly split on the question. Here's the article.

The 2010 Super Bowl Winner Will Be...

2010-02-06T23:08:00.000-08:00

Well, according to Kutai, the youngest orangutan at the Oregon Zoo, it's definately the Indianapolis Colts. The zoo has an annual football forecasting event and Kutai picked the Colts t-shirt without hesitation. What does Kutai know about football, you ask. Consider this, the zoo says Kutai has predicted the winner in four of the past five Super Bowls, including the New York Giants' win over the New England Patriots in 2008. His only loss came last year when he incorrectly picked the Arizona Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pet Loss: One Man's Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go

2010-02-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago I wrote a book about losing my dog, Humphrey to stomach bloat. The manuscript was sitting there, but I didn't have the heart to revisit the story and publish it. Thanks to the encouragement of a good friend I did and I'm happy with my decision. I've gotten so many nice notes from readers who have suffered similarly painful experiences in losing their dogs. Here are a few comments about Humphrey Was Here from Amazon Reader Reviews:

"The writing is straight from the heart, and I couldn't put it down as I accompanied the author through his emotional journey."

"It is a sensitive narrative of what we all must face at some point in our lives, and one man's process in dealing with and moving through the loss of a dear friend."

"This book would be an excellent gift to anyone who has recently lost a family pet."

Dog Senses Arcata Earthquake

2010-02-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

If you believe dogs can sense things before humans do, you've gotta check out this video. The dog feels the ground shaking and darts from the room way before the guy in the beard and the rest of the people realize there is an earthquake.

Etsy Photo of the Week - Pug Shot

2010-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is Bailey, a spunky pug I photographed for Old Friends, my first book. She is staring out at the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets. Available for purchase at My Etsy Shop.

Oprah Winfrey Adopts Two Rescue Dogs

2010-02-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

For her 56th birthday, Oprah has adopted two 14-week-old Springer spaniels from the PAW Chicago animal shelter. Sunny and Lauren, will add to the five pets Oprah already has. I work while the show is on, but a name as big as Oprah's can only be good for the cause of adopting dogs.

Check out Mark J. Asher's Etsy Shop.

Dog Training - The Dreaded Vacuum

2010-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

My dog, Payton, loves to hate the vacuum. If he's outside in the yard playing and he sees me take out the vacuum, he comes to the door to be let in. Then he becomes horrified when I begin to vacuum. I found this video on YouTube and it's a good tutorial on how to teach your dog to be calm when you turn on the vacuum and other things that make your dog freak out.

Biggest and Brightest Full Moon of 2010

2010-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. To be exact, it will be about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than all other full moons during 2010. The moon may look close, especially on nights like tonight, but it is 238,855 miles away!

I took the shot above from my backyard deck late last year. Check out this photo and others at My Etsy Shop.

Valentine's Day Gift for a Dog Lover

2010-01-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

If the one you love loves dogs, my book Old Friends might be a nice gift idea.

“These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul.”— THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (HSUS)

The Best Part About Waking Up

2010-01-27T18:09:00.001-08:00

Is sitting with my dog, Payton, on the bed, drinking a strong cup of green tea. I love the quiet time, letting my mind drift from thought to thought. Everything seems possible...

Etsy Photo of the Week - Old Gold

2010-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine just adopted not one but two Senior Golden Retrievers! This is Buddy. Available for purchase at My Etsy Shop.

The Secret Life of the Dog

2010-01-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

The Secret Life of the Dog is a BBC Horizon production that reveals new research regarding dogs and the bond dogs have with humans. It's a six-part video which is definately fascinating and well produced. I do however get a little bit weird or should I say nervous when something as beautiful and innocent as dogs are scientifically studied, but that's just me. One of the segments has a story about a border collie named Betsy that knows 340 words! Check out the first segment below on YouTube.

Prints for Sale

2010-01-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

It's incredible just how much there is to explore online and how much there is to create. I just spent the last few days setting up my new Etsy Store. If you are not familiar with Etsy, it's a wonderful site where you can buy and sell unique, handmade items. You can check out my store here.

My New Book

2009-12-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago I lost my beloved dog, Humphrey, of stomach bloat while he was out of my care. During the long mourning period over his death I wrote a memoir about my experience. It's called Humphrey Was Here: A Dog Owner's Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go and it's now available at Amazon.com. Click on this link to read a excerpt and for links to purchase the book.

In Dog We Trust

2009-11-07T18:21:00.001-08:00

My popular In Dog We Trust poster is on sale.

$5.00 + $2.95 shipping = $7.50

Size: 11x14 in
Purchase at my website - http://www.markjasher.com/#goto=shop

Tails of Love

2009-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I put down my camera for a bit and picked up a new camcorder. The result is the first in a series of inspirational stories that celebrate the bond between people and their dogs. If you enjoy the video, please pass it along to fellow dog lovers.

Bark & Ride Video

2009-04-14T15:11:00.001-07:00

Added motion and sound to some images from my third book "Bark & Ride." Be sure the sound is up on your computer!

Old Friend Video

2009-04-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

A video I created using images from my first book, Old Friends. The song is also Old Friends by Simon & Garfunkel.

Economic Downturn Effects Pets

2008-11-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

Sadly, many pet owners who have fallen on hard times are being forced to give up their pets. With all the bailout money and talk of even more government money coming forward, how about setting up a pet project to aid county animal shelters that are dealing with the massive overflow of abandoned pets. You can read the story here.

Dogs Help Disabled Vets

2008-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is a great story in the New York Times on how service dogs are helping wounded vets from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Check out the story and also the photo gallery.

Hero dog risks life to save kittens

2008-10-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Cats and dogs may sometimes have a contemptuous relationship, but this story is just the opposite. In happened in Melbourne, Australia where a dog named Leo refused to leave a burning building to shelter and ultimately save a litter of newborn kittens. Having ingested thick smoke, Leo was revived by firefighters who said the dog refused to leave the building and was found alongside the kittens. Check out the story and definately watch the video on the right panel of the story.

Ratchet is coming home!

2008-10-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

Awhile back Army Sgt. Gwen Beberg rescued a 4-week-old pup from a burning trash pile in Iraq. Ratchet had given her great comfort during her time in Iraq and she wanted to bring him back to her home in Minneapolis where she will soon be returning. The problem is Defense Department rules prohibit soldiers in the U.S. Central Command from adopting pets. Thankfully after 50,000 dog lovers signed an online petition and with the help of Operation Baghdad Pups, Ratchet is on his way home! Read the whole story.

Barking Up the Family Tree...in Chinese!

2008-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

My second book, Barking Up the Family Tree, has now been published in China by Grimm Press. I'm awaiting my copy, but from the looks of this cover shot, it looks like they did a great job!

Outstanding Dog Photo '08!

2008-09-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

The wonderful website, Pampered Puppy, is having a dog photo contest in which I'm honored to be one of the judges. So shoot and submit your best pup shots by November 15! Get all the details here.

PupLife for Pet Supplies!

2008-03-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

I just want to give a shout out to a great website I've found: PupLife. If you're looking for an online pet supply store with great selection and quick service, PupLife is the place. It's Payton and mine's favorite, so check it out... http://www.puplife.com/

For The Procrastinator On Your List

2007-11-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

Back for its third year, my popular organizational calendar is designed for the professional procrastinator. Along with ample room to note appointments, each week’s calendar grid offers procrastinator wisdom and tips; wry quotes; an organizational section for prioritizing your delay tactics; and generous space for doodling. Sprinkled throughout are lists of things to do (or not), along with entertaining diversions, just-in-time survival tactics, and more.

Order from Amazon

Hallmark Book!

2007-04-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

You can now find my second book, Barking Up the Family Tree, in Hallmark stores. Hallmark has published the work with a new title, Tails of Friendship. The book includes a nice gift page and on the newer printing you can even add your own picture and text. The only other differences from the original are this version is a bit smaller and a bit less expensive. Take a look next time you're in a Hallmark store or at their online store.

Pet Food Recall

2007-03-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

The pet food recall that's making lots of news makes every pet owner nervous. Especially because it involves pet food sold under 95 brand names! The recall is for 60 million cans and pouches. Even though I feed Payton Nutro Lamb & Rice, a dry food, I was still a bit uneasy to see Nutro's name on the list. My heart goes out to the pet owners who have been affected.

Dog Food Being Recalled
Cat Food Being Recalled

Old Friends Notecards

2007-03-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy my first book, Old Friends, check out the notecard set. It includes 20 assorted notecards and envelopes and features five dogs from the book: Mollie, Bailey, Bubba, Nacho, and Max.

The Old Friends Notecards are available Amazon.com.
Old Friends: 20 Assorted Notecards and Envelopes

Kitty Tickles the Ivories

2007-02-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

I read about this on MSNBC and just had to post the video. Enjoy the music!

What kind of dog is that?

2007-02-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

A new company is taking the mystery out of being a mutt. For $50 and a swab inside of your dog's mouth, Metamorphix can identify 38 different breeds of dogs. People have seen many breeds in my dog, Payton, including: German Shepherd, Lab, Husky, and even Ridgeback. I think his mix will remain a mystery for now, but those interested in learning more about this test can read about it here.

Pampered Puppy Praises New Book

2007-01-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

The wonderful website, Pampered Puppy, has written a nice article on my book, Bark & Ride. Scroll down to the second book review to find it.

Holiday Shopping on Amazon

2006-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

For those interested in purchasing any of my works on Amazon, below are the links.

Old Friends
Old Friends Notecards
Barking Up the Family Tree
Bark & Ride
Do It Later - 2007 Planner for Procrastinators

Procrastinators Unite!

2006-11-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

Procrastination is serious business. That's why I've created the Do It Later Planner. Published by Pomegranate, this innovative organizational calendar for the secret slacker and the chronically inert provides tools to facilitate a hands-off (but effective) approach to work. It's perfect for the procrastinator on your holiday gift list.

The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval!

2006-10-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Margo Hammond and Ellen Heltzel are known as "The Book Babes." They write a column for Good Housekeeping's website and they've included Bark & Ride in a column entitled "Our Picks for Dog and Cat Books." They say Bark & Ride along with Patti Davis' new cat book are great gift ideas for pet lovers. Check it out!

Sweet Home Chicago!

2006-10-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be going back to my hometown for three book signings and an appearance on the ABC Morning News in Chicago (October 15th, 8:15 AM). If you live in the Windy City, please stop by.

October 10th, 7:30 PM
Barnes & Noble in Skokie
55 Old Orchard Center
(847) 676-2230

October 14th, 1:00-2:30 PM
Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park
1100 Lake St.
(708) 848-9140

October 15th, 1:00-3:00 PM
Dog-A-Holics
904 W. Armitage
(773) 857-5787

Northwest Book Signings

2006-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

Payton and I are heading north for an exciting appearance on NorthWest Cable News and a few book signings, which are listed below. This will be my second TV appearance. Payton and I were on the ABC morning show Sacramento & Company a month ago. I have it on VHS and I hope to post it soon.

September 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Borders Books @ Redmond Town Center
16549 NE 74th St.
Redmond, WA 98052

September 20th, 12:30-2:00 PM
Barnes & Noble in Downtown Seattle
600 Pine St, Suite 107
Seattle, WA 98101

Bark & Ride arrives in Australia!

2006-08-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Urban Animal, a pet magazine down under, has done a nice spread on Bark & Ride. Check it out. Note that the PDF page takes a moment to appear.

Road Trippin' in The Bark Magazine

2006-08-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Bark Magazine has featured the cover image of my book, Bark & Ride, in their July/Aug issue (page 19).

My books on Amazon.com

2006-08-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in purchasing my books from Amazon.com, you can find them at the following links:

Old Friends
Barking Up the Family Tree
Bark & Ride

SF/SPCA Authors' Night

2006-07-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

This Thursday evening at Maddie's Pet Adoption Center a group of authors will be signing their books, talking dogs, and having a good time. A percentage of the book sales will benefit the SF/SPCA. There's a great lineup of authors, so if you're in the area stop by!

Link to event.

Finding my roots and feeling the love

2006-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am a proud Chicago native, originally from Wilmette. I haven't been back for awhile but my Dad and I still are die-hard sports fans of all the Windy City teams. This despite a near heart attack watching the Cubs lose to the Marlins in the 2003 NLCS playoffs. Anyway, I'm thrilled that Chicagoland Tails, a pet magazine, has an interview with me about my new book, Bark & Ride, in their new issue. Tails, Inc. who publishes the magazine has four other Midwest publications. Check them out here.

Dogs down under

2006-06-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I was approached by Urban Animal, a quarterly pet magazine out of Sydney, Australia. Lisa Treen, the editor, had spotted my first book, Old Friends, in the States and wanted to do a story on it. Check out the piece here. To check out the rest of the issue and some of Urban Animal's back issues go here.

"A perfect gift for the dog nut in your life."

2006-05-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Urban Dog Magazine, a quarterly which celebrates the magic of the canine spirit, has given Bark & Ride a paws-up review in their latest issue. If you haven't checked out Urban Dog Magazine you should definately do so. Get in touch with your inner dog!

The Star-Ledger praises Bark & Ride

2006-05-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Star-Ledger, a New Jersey newspaper, has given Bark & Ride a nice review in their Mother's Day issue of the paper. It's the second story down and is entitled "The Eyes Have It." Take a look.

People Magazine picks my new book for Mother's Day Gift Guide!

2006-05-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

I was overjoyed to find out today that People Magazine has featured my new book, Bark & Ride, in their Mother's Day Gift Guide. It's the May 15th issue and it just hit the newsstands and mailboxes today. My book is on page 66, so check it out if you get a chance.

To buy Bark & Ride at Amazon.com go to the following link:
Bark & Ride

My books on Amazon.com

2006-05-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you interested in purchasing any of my books from Amazon.com, please use the following links:

Old Friends
Barking Up the Family Tree
Bark & Ride

"Soulful photography and gentle wit"

2006-04-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

That's what The Oregonian newspaper had to say about my new book, Bark & Ride! I am flattered by the wonderful review from Deborah Wood, the pet columnist, in today's paper. Please check out the full review here. Note that the headline leads into the story, which makes the beginning a bit confusing.

Spring Book Signings!

2006-03-31T22:05:00.000-08:00

I'll be signing copies of my books at the following places. I'd love for you to stop by and say hello.

Barnes & Noble in Medford, OR
Saturday, April 22nd, 1-3 pm
1400 Biddle Road, Medford, Oregon 97501

Borders in Elk Grove, CA
Thursday, May 4th, 7-9 pm
7415 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95758

Barnes & Noble in Calabasas, CA
Saturday, May 6th, 1-5 pm
4735 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302

Borders in Pasadena, CA
Sunday, May 7th, 1-3 pm
475 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Borders in Thousand Oaks, CA
Wednesday, May 10th, 7-9pm
125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Borders in West Hollywood, CA
Saturday, May 13th, 11AM-2PM
330 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica, CA (Santa Monica Promenade)
Saturday, May 13th, 3-6 pm
1201 Third Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Barnes & Noble in Sacramento (Arden Faire)
Thursday, May 18th, 7-9 pm
1725 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815

Enter a world where dogs can drive!

2006-03-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

My new book, Bark & Ride, has just been released. A tail-wagging adventure for sure, it features dogs taking to the road with a license to drool and go where they want to go. You can find sample pages from the book and purchase signed copies on my website.

It has always brought a big smile to my face when I'm going about my day and I turn and see a dog behind the steering wheel of a car, waiting for his or her owner to return. Just that split second when your mind expects to see a human being and instead there is an incredible dog sitting there with a great expression. I hope you feel the same and enjoy the book!

HSUS Spotlights Old Friends

2006-03-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has a review of Old Friends at the following link. Within the piece there is a link directly to Amazon.com. When you purchase the book there, the HSUS will receive a portion of the proceeds from your order.

In addition, HSUS featured a story on Old Friends in their "Pets for Life" email newsletter. The article first appeared in their magazine Animal Sheltering. You can read it here.

My Pooch, Payton

2006-03-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

Through emails and at book signings, I'm often asked about what type of dog I have. My four-legged pal is Payton. He is a 2 year old German Shepherd/Lab mix (best guess, although some see husky in him). I adopted him from a wonderful organization in Southern California called Pet Orphans. I recently created a page for Payton on Dogster. You can check it out here.

Pampered Puppy Praises New Book

2006-02-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Nicole Feliciano of the website Pampered Puppy has just posted a review of Barking Up the Family Tree. To read the article go here, and then take some time to explore this website, as it's a great source for pets and the people who love to spoil them. The website also reviewed Old Friends awhile back and there is a link within the piece to access that article.

Happy New Year!

2005-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

From me and my four-legged companion to you and yours, here's to a fantastic 2006! That's my pooch, Payton, on the back porch eagerly awaiting fun and frolic in the year ahead.

People Magazine lists my new book in Holiday Gift Guide

2005-11-29T15:53:00.000-08:00

In incredibly good news, I just found out that People Magazine has featured Barking Up the Family Tree in its Holiday Gift Guide. In the page from the magazine to the left, my book is on the right inside the dog bowl. The magazine decided to photograph the actual book cover without the dust jacket. I'm super-psyched about the press, but, I must admit, a little bummed that they didn't photograph the book with the dust jacket, which is how the book is seen in bookstores and online. Gayle Chin, the book's designer, suggested that perhaps the dust jacket didn't stand out well against the red backdrop they used. My thought was perhaps when they put the book on an angle in the dog bowl, the dust jacket was bowing out. In any case, I'm thrilled to have made the People Magazine Holiday Gift Guide! The issue date is December 5th if anyone wants to pick up a copy.

The Bark Magazine Features New Book

2005-11-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to write that the prestigious Bark Magazine has featured Barking Up the Family Tree in it's latest issue. Two images from the book are showcased as well as a blurb on the book. It's a moving issue, which has incredible coverage of the plight of dogs and their owners in the Katrina disaster. Check it out.

Courier News Review

2005-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Paul Grzella of the Courier News in New Jersey has reviewed Barking Up the Family Tree in the Life & Leisure section of this morning's paper. Check it out here.

Along with the story the paper ran a contest calling for people to write in what they've learned from their pets. Ten copies of my book will be given to the best responses. Here's some of the responses.

Book Signings

2005-11-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

I'll be signing copies of both of my books, Barking Up the Family Tree and Old Friends, at the following places:

Oregon

Barnes & Noble in Bend, November 12th, 2-4 pm
2690 NE Highway 20, Bend, OR 97701

Barnes & Noble in Beaverton, November 13th, 2-4 pm
18300 NW Evergreen Pkwy, Beaverton, OR 97006

Barnes & Noble in Medford, December 3rd, 1-3 pm
1400 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97501

California

Barnes & Noble in Stockton, December 8th, 6-8 pm
4950 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207

Borders Books in Carlsbad, December 11, 6-8 pm
1905 Calle Barcelona
The Forum Shopping Center, Suite 120
Carlsbad, CA 92009

Borders Books in Thousand Oaks, December 17, 12:30-2:30 pm
125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

An Oregonian Review

2005-11-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Deborah Wood, the pet columnist for the Oregonian newspaper, has reviewed my new book. She was gracious with her comments about my first book, and I'm happy that she enjoyed Barking Up the Family Tree as well. The article appeared in the October 25th issue of the paper. Take a look at the online version here.

Get a FREE COPY of my new book!

2005-10-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read right. As part of my efforts to promote Barking Up the Family Tree, I'm looking for veterinary clinics to display a copy of the book. I'll provide them with the display copy, a book easel, and a stack of postcards. And for referring me to a willing veterinarian, I'll send you a signed copy of one of my books. If interested, please email me at mark@markjasher.com.

It's official...Barking Up the Tree is available!

2005-09-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Three years after Mark began work on his second book, Barking Up the Family Tree: Kids and Their Animal Kinships, has finally arrived on bookstore shelves. The book features priceless portraits of kids with their pets and includes a question and answer segment for each pairing. Take a peek at a few sample spreads and order your signed copy today!

Mark is named as one of the most noted dog photographers!

2005-09-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

In a book due to hit stores this fall, entitled Planet Dog, Mark is named as one of 10 noted dog photographers. He is included among such greats as William Wegman and Elliot Erwitt! In addition, Old Friends was named among "irresistible photo books for dog lovers."

Welcome!

2005-07-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our updated website! We hope you enjoy this newly added section as well as our online store, which offers signed copies of Mark's books. Speaking of which, Mark's latest work, Barking Up the Family Tree, featuring kids and their pets, is due to hit the stores in August! Take a peek and pre-order a signed copy here.

Old Friends

2005-07-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

Mark is grateful to have received many kind notes from dog lovers near and far about his first book, Old Friends. Here's what the press has had to say:

"With an unerring eye and flawless technique, Asher captures the autumnal dignity of senior dogs without lapsing into easy sentimentality. For canine-photography buffs, this hardcover collection from a master portraitist is highly recommended."
~ AKC Gazette

"These animals jump from the pages, warm the heart, and inspire the soul."
~ The Humane Society of the United States

"Old Friends: Great Dogs on the Good Life is sure to bring a smile to your face that will grow with every turn of the page."
~ Chicagoland Tails

To order a signed copy of Old Friends, click here.

Old Friends Notecard Set

2005-07-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Books has issued an Old Friends notecard set. It includes 20 assorted notecards and envelopes and features five dogs from the book: Mollie, Bailey, Bubba, Nacho, and Max.

Fun Stuff

2005-07-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

For a diversion from your workday, check out Mark's first calendar project: Do It Later! A 2006 Planner (or Non-Planner) for the Creative Procrastinator. It's a great gift for the procrastinator in your life! Take a look.

Old Friends in German

2005-07-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Old Friends has been published in German by VGS Egmont! If you are interested in a signed copy of Freunde: Geheimnisse eines langen und glucklichen Lebens, please email us at: service@markjasher.com. Quantities are limited!