In this, the fifth volume of Messerli's annual cultural memoir of 'Readings,' 'Events,' and 'Memories,' the author explores a world that metaphorically and quite literary was going 'To the Dogs.' Essays on novels, movies, and plays centering on man's best friends are combined with dog-involved events involving Michael Vick, Leona Helmsley, Ellen DeGeneres, and the fiftieth anniversary of the Russian dog Laika's flight into space. Numerous photos are included.