Barks & Recreation: The Book Launch Where Your Dog Is Actually Invited!

Today is Publication Day! Come and help us celebrate the launch of the new book this week at the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City.

UNLEASH THE HOUNDS:
You're Not A Real Dog Owner Until... is officially running off-leash into the world!

This book is the culmination of countless months spent writing with Scott and lovingly hand-drawing dogs in various situations, and I'm equal parts thrilled and proud to share it with you. It would not exist without my fellow dog-obsessed New Yorkers who share their experiences, and nodded knowingly as I frantically bagged warm turds on 9th Avenue while hoards of Times Square tourists take photos. You know who you are.

Now that the book is officially out, I have a request: Will you be godparents to our canine creation?

Please help me spread the word! Snap a photo of your copy next to your confused pet, post about it, and leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon. 🙏

Share your favorite pages from the book…

…and tell me about what resonates. (Don't tell me what doesn't—my fragile ego is already being held together with duct tape.) My hope is that this book reaches anyone who has ever found themselves explaining to a date why there's dog hair in their pasta. So if you feel moved, gift a copy to your friend who treats their pupper like a human child, your coworker with the difficult-to-pronounce rescue, or your sibling who spends more on their Labrador's healthcare than their own.

THE BIG EVENT: FRIDAY, MAY 2ND

For those of you in New York, we're hosting a proper book launch this Friday at the AKC Museum of the Dog!

Yes, you read that correctly. The American Kennel Club has an entire museum dedicated to our four-legged friends, and they've made the questionable decision to let me and Scott Dooley loose in their hallowed halls. Even better? You can bring your dog.

Roam the galleries with fellow dog owners and lovers during their pet-friendly hours while Scott and I regale you with tales of canine catastrophes and the true indignities of dog ownership. We'll trade stories, sign books, and pretend not to notice when your dog inevitably tries to mark one of the priceless paintings as their territory.

But get your tickets early! These events typically sell out faster than treats at a puppy preschool graduation. Tickets are free for Members at the Individual level and above; Non-Members pay $20 for Humans and $5 for Dogs. (Yes, your dog requires a ticket. Welcome to Manhattan.) All attendees will need to sign a waiver, presumably promising not to sue when your Pomeranian decides to start a fight with a Great Dane.

If you can't attend in person, AKC Museum of the Dog Members can join virtually for a broadcast of our 6:15 p.m. US EDT presentation. Virtual attendees will have the chance to win a free personalized copy of the book, though you'll miss out on seeing me try to maintain my composure while a hundred puppers decide which one has the most dominant personality.

Please join us in helping You're Not A Real Dog Owner Until... scamper into the world, so it can find the people who need it most—namely, other poor souls who've found themselves at 3 AM googling "is it normal for dogs to eat their own vomit?"

In gratitude, fur, and devotion,

Your pal,

P.S. If you’d like a signed copy of the book with a sketch of your pup, you can get a very special limited edition copy right here.