Diary of a Dog-Walker by Edward Stourton: book review

Diary of aDog-Walker (2011) is subtitled: time spent following a lead.

When British journalist, presenter, and radio broadcaster, Edward Stourton’s radio career ended he had more time to spend writing – and he also took to writing a column in the Daily Telegraph in the persona of a dog: his dog; his springer spaniel, Kudu.

This is a collection of his weekly column articles from 13 June 2009 to 18 September 2010, plus narratives. It includes anecdotes, political opinions, news of the day, current affairs, conversations with fellow dog-walkers, input from his readers, and the daily routines of his household and others.

Stourton divides the columns into eight main chapters. For example, in chapter 3 on “The Humanness of Dogs” the series of column articles includes a few examples of doggie sixth sense (or acute sensitivity), especially in relation to their affinity with their owners and loved ones; and a column on American President’s dogs. In a later chapter he includes the pros and cons of a dog on family relationships, and the intelligence of the Australian dingo compared with domestic dogs.

There’s nothing deep and meaningful or serious and intellectual, but for dog lovers there’s some nice tales.

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