Certainly Not Doggerel

The way generational relationships have been evolving, we might apply an oxymoron and say it's been gently raining cats and dogs on domestic intimacy.

- Alfred A. Yuson

From the roofs of our homes to bedrooms and basements, we can also expect more of their inclusion as familiar subjects for creative expression. The past decades have just purred with precedents, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats that was based on a 1939 poetry collection by T.S. Eliot.

For canine conspiracy, Rin Tin Tin of 1923 is still acknowledged as among the best movie dogs of all time, antedating Lassie in 1943. The most famous fictional dog remains Snoopy of Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip—a paw or two above Scooby-Doo and Pluto. Netflix now lists double-digits of dog movies. The most recent include the docuseries Inside the Mind of a Dog, the true-story film Rescued by Ruby, and the drama Dog Gone.

Dog poetry recalls Rudyard Kipling's "The Power of the Dog," Pablo Neruda's "A Dog Has Died," Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "To Flush, My Dog," and more recently, contemporary poet laureate Billy Collins' "Dharma." Poetry Foundation has a curated collection of poems about dogs by assorted authors, with most commonly expressing touching tributes or poignant reflections.

Recently launched locally was a slim but entirely entertaining book that offers poetry of levity, satire, parody, and warm engagement. Celebrating "doghood"—the realm of man's best friend—is Dog Country: Barks, Ballads, Bard—Includes