My friend J in Colorado raises and trains Rottweillers, so it should come as no surprise that it was she who introduced me to the Good Dog, Carl series of picture books about a Rottweiller who ends up in Lassie-esque situations. These picture books are painted pretty realistically, and come in a baby – or DOG-proof version that defies the most intrepid chewer.

Short, sweet, and uncomplicated, they show dogs that many consider scary in a positive and helpful way, and some of them are pretty funny as well.

(It should also come as no surprise that I’ve given J one or two of the indestructable kinds as Christmas gifts over the years.)

(This post dedicated to Zorro and Miss Cleo who are ‘helping’ with the Blogathon.)