I couldn't be prouder of my dog -- after all, besides being handsome, occasionally obedient, good at barking, and essentially noble, he's a damn good writer. Although left to his own devices he will eat literally anything, Cooper exhibits a little more discretion in this cookbook. In case you're wondering how the book came about, Sally (who is one of my best friends) is a stellar cookbook author, and knew nothing about dogs but wanted to write a dog food cookbook; I am a so-so cook but know dogs pretty well and thought the project would be a blast (it was).

About the book

"Cooper Gillespie, an extremely intelligent and handsome Welsh springer spaniel, is a dog of discriminating taste and strong opinions. Now Cooper, with the assistance of cookbook author Sally Sampson and the transcription services of his favorite human, Susan Orlean, has put together 50 delectable recipes for snacks, meals, and treats for your canine companion.

"Maybe you're cooking everything because your collie has colitis or your Akita has a wheat allergy or your older dog just isn't thriving on commercial kibble. Maybe you're mixing up the occasional biscuit or treat to help your best fur-bearing friend over that I-just-ate-a-tennis- ball-and-don't-feel-so-good episode. Whatever the reason, the recipes in this book (which have been approved by dog trainer and nutritional consultant Stacy Alldredge) will satisfy the most discerning doggie palate. Many of them, in fact, can be shared with a favorite human (though preferably not from the same dish).

"Illustrated with more than 50 endearing black-and-white photographs of Cooper and friends by Cami Johnson, and liberally seasoned with stories, quotes, and nutrition tips, Throw Me a Bone makes a dog's dinner something to look forward to."