The perfect book for a book discussion is one that's not too easy, not too hard, that will hold the interest of a diverse group of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. For additional book club resources the Canton Public Library offers a wide variety of  Book Club in a Bag kits.

He's the top banana. He's the top dog. He's Banana Joe, the five-year old affenpinscher won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night in New York's Madison Square Garden. Banana Joe defeated 6 other dogs and will retire.

 

Don't let your book group miss these:

The tenderness of wolves: a novel by Stef Penney

A three dog life by Abigail Thomas

Moral disorder: stories by Margaret Atwood

The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander

The Detroit Kennel Dog Show will hold its annual benched competition this weekend, March 3 and March 4, at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. Besides judging who will win Best in Show, there will be herding demonstrations, agility contests, the Rock-n-Roll K9 Performance Team, pet therapy dogs, and local canine celebrities.

Malachy, a 4-year old Pekinese took home the Best in Show prize at the 2012 Westminster Kennel Dog Show Tuesday night in New York City. He defeated a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund to win the silver bowl. No prize money is awarded to the winner, but the prestige is plenty.

Hollywood will honor its on-screen canine performers in its brand-new awards show, The Golden Collar Awards Monday at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. And the nominees are:

• Cosmo as Arthur in Beginners
• Uggie as Queenie in Water for Elephants
• Denver as Skeletor in 50/50
• Hummer as Dolce in Young Adult
• Uggie as The Dog in The Artist
• Maximilian as Blackie in Hugo

They are all winners, but my bet is on Uggie!

On Monday, February 13th, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 2,000 of the finest purebreds will compete for the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show event. Watch all the drama unfold on Monday from 8:00-9:00 PM on the USA Network and from 9:00-11:00 PM on CNBC. The Best in Show competition will be televised live from 8:00-11:00 PM on the USA Network. May the best dog win and stay tuned for the newest book Show Dog to hit our shelves soon!

Canton Library will host our own special "Best in Show" Dog Show on August 6th from 10:00AM-Noon. Pets must register ahead of time starting July 6th at 9:00AM — but all humans are welcome! A signed waiver form and other information about your pet is required if you wish to be in the show. You must present your homeowners insurance and dog's shot records to participate. Dogs will be judged on various criteria including appearance, behavior, best trick, and best costume. Many prizes will be awarded with an overall special "Best in Show" Grand Prize for the winner. Make sure to sign up your furry best friend on July 6th, then bring family, friends and relatives to watch on August 6th!

Reading to a friendly dog has become a popular program here at CPL. But you don't have to save your dog reading for that program alone. I bet your own dog would love for you to read to them, especially a book about dogs. The kids department has lots of fiction and non-fiction books on dogs. To keep it short and simple, check out some fun poems in It's About Dogs, Little Dogs Poems, or I Didn't Do it, which offers a irresistible glimpse into your puppy's mind.

A new Dog Park, located in Cherry Hill Village at Preservation Park, will open on Friday, May 20th. Dogs can run and play freely in a fenced, six-acre outdoor space. The park is divided into two sections: one for large dogs (over 20 pounds) and one for smaller dogs (under 20 pounds). Membership fee for the park is $25 for Canton residents and $50 for non-Canton residents. Current dog licenses are required.

Based on the 2003 memoir by best-selling author Jon Katz, A Dog Year tells the story of a writer going through a midlife crisis who agrees to adopt a high-strung border collie with issues named Devon. Read the book or watch the movie.

My fave pet books and what I can't wait to read

Marley and me : life and love with the world's worst dog by John Grogan

Dewey : the small-town library cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron ; with Bret Witter

Homer's odyssey : a fearless feline tale, or how I learned about love and life with a blind wonder cat by Gwen Cooper

The 2nd annual Paws in the Park event returns to Canton's Heritage Park this Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29. The weekend is packed with fun activities for the whole family — including your four-legged friends, so don't leave Fido at home! Take your dog through an agility course and the "Chase It" lure course, participate in the Paw Walk to benefit the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), enter the dog costume and float contest, cheer on your favorite Ultimate Air Dogs competitors (jump into a 40-foot pool) and visit the pet adoption and pet vendors areas. Other don't-miss shows: Rock n' Roll K9s and Pawsitive Vybe disc dogs. Admission is free for dogs and children 10 and under and $5 at the gate for everyone else. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit HSHV.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano cut the ceremonial leash to officially open the park, located at Hawthorne Ridge along Hines Drive west of Merriman in Westland. Wayne County Parks requires registration for the new park. The cost is $5 to register and proof of vaccinations and current dog license is mandatory.

We, as humans and consumers, may look at food labels before we buy a product. Maybe if it's too high in sugar or sodium or fat we won't buy it. If you have a pet, have you ever read the labels on pet food? You might be surprised. This book, Feed Your Pet Right, is by a human nutritionist, Dr. Marion Nestle, and an animal nutrition expert, Dr. Maldon Neheim. The authors take a fascinating look at the science behind pet food and guides pet owners to make informed decisions to provide a healthy, balanced diet for their pets.

This isn't a story about the crime of the century. But Soli, a hungry Golden Retriever, gobbled up a dropped gem worth $20,000 while owners of a jewelry store in Rockville, MD were evaluating a ring brought in by a diamond dealer. As I know from personal experience, anything and I do mean anything, that gets dropped on the floor with a Golden around is gone in 60 seconds or less. If you want to find out how the "crime" was solved, find out here.

Cesar Millan, family and friends are in mourning for long-time companion in canine rehabilitation, Daddy, who passed away peacefully at age 16. Known for his loyalty and well-behaved manner, Daddy helped change the negative image of pit bulls in the public'c mind; that the breed can be sweet and mellow with a caring owner. His work continues through his protege, Junior. Check out the Dog Whisperer's newest book, How to Raise the Perfect Dog.

On Saturday March 6 and Sunday March 7 at Cobo Center, the Detroit Kennel Club will present its annual Dog Shows. The DKC is one of six American Kennel Club competitions in the nation. At the Show, DKC organizers will be petitioning for the Michigan Legislature to consider naming a state dog. The breed that gets the most votes will be recommended to the Legislature. You can cast your vote at Freep.com!

Glamour Dogs by Catherine Ledner

Are you a dog person? Or someone who appreciates the art of photography? This book is a stunning gallery of beautiful dogs of all shapes and sizes. My favorite is Petunia the Boston Terrier - how about you?

Champion Scottish terrier, Sadie, won Best-in-Show last night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden. Sadie impressed the judges with her poise and personality before an adoring crowd. A 4-year old "scotty," Sadie took first place among the seven finalists: a Puli, a Whippet, a white toy poodle, French bulldog, a Brittany and Doberman Pincher. Good dog!