“Extraordinary . . . Tomlinson’s book is a gem. . . . We find out plenty of interesting stuff in Dogland—including why poodles are groomed to look like wedding cakes—but what’s best about Tomlinson’s book is its recognition that, regardless of what the Westminster folks say, every single dog is somebody’s Best in Show.”
—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“I had a blast reading Dogland. . . . It examines the history, absurdities, vanities, and poignancy of our relationships with dogs, at times making the case that they’ve trained us every bit as much as we’ve trained them.”
—Frank Bruni, New York Times

“Charming . . . An ode to the dog-show circuit as well as an homage to the awesome wonder of plain old dogs, or, as the author rightly calls them, ‘dawgs.’ To me there is no better story than that of a ‘know-nothing’ tiptoeing into the closed world of a subculture. Such a fish-out-of-water tale is at the heart of Tommy Tomlinson’s book. . . . A star-spangled tribute to the enduring magic of dogs.” —Jane Stern, Air Mail

“Delightful . . . If you’re a dog person, have a passing interest in the world of dog shows, or even just really enjoyed the cult classic film from 2000, Best in Show: You won’t want to miss Dogland.”
—Town & Country, “Must-Read Books of Spring 2024”

“A winning read . . . With wry wit and fascinating detail, Tomlinson explores what it takes to be a contender for Best in Show. . . . Tomlinson’s love for dogs shines through in a moving essay about his late pooch Fred, and his playful ‘Pee Break’ interludes that rank dogs in art, adver­tising, and the like make Dogland ever more jovial.”
—BookPage

“Disarming and humorous . . . This book wants to lick your face. Let it.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“I teared up twice while reading Dogland. . . . It was Tomlinson’s recollection of his tortured decision to put down his elderly yellow Lab mix Fred, and his efforts to make Fred’s final days special, that moved me. He fed him bacon, took him for scenic car rides and reminisced with his wife about Fred’s finest moments (like the time he ate a burger off the grill). Fred is no show dog, but it’s his essential dog-ness—the way he hides behind the couch during a thunderstorm and sneaks bites of bathroom soap—that make him so loveable on the page.”
—Financial Times

“Those of us who have ever had our hearts and guts torn out from the loss of our dog like to say we’ll never let that happen to us again. This great story, told with a kind of beauty, reminds us why it was worth it, every stinking second, to be in their company.”
—Rick Bragg, author of All Over but the Shoutin’ and The Speckled Beauty

“You should only read Tommy Tomlinson’s Dogland if you want to find joy. In a time when we are surrounded by so much stress and rage and unease, this book is a big ol’ slobbering smooch of optimism, laughter, and happiness.”
—Joe Posnanski, author of Why We Love Baseball

“I wanted to make a dog pun here, something clever to celebrate Tommy’s accomplishment, but instead I’m left speechless from this tale of love, humor, obsession, loneliness and devotion.”
—Wright Thompson, author of Pappyland