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| My BFF with "A Girl's Best Friend" by David Darcy. The book is almost as tall as him! |
Imagine undertaking a
project that enables you to drive right around Australia, stopping to meet some
remarkable dogs (and people) on the way.
Photographer and author
David Darcy, known for his books EveryMan and His Dog and Australian Mongrel,
among others, did just that. The result is AGirl’s Best Friend, a collection of photos and stories documenting the bond
between women and their dogs.
In order to find these
women, Darcy went on a road trip right around Australia – visiting places like
Epping Forest in Tasmania, Yuendumu in the Northern Territory (where he
interviewed one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever met, Gloria Morales),
Melbourne, Sydney, Cottesloe Beach WA, Coober Pedy in SA, Far North Queensland…really,
it sounds idyllic although I am sure he was glad to get back to his own dogs at
the end of it all.
The women tell, in their own
words, how they met their dog and the dramas they’ve been through – whether it’s
a dog drama (being run over by a tractor – twice, being abdandoned after a hunt, or extensive veterinary
treatment for cancer) or a human drama (being treated for aggressive ovarian
cancer, buying a vet clinic, running a business, going through a divorce,
living remotely, losing family members). It’s a potent reminder that everyone
with a dog has a story. We don’t always hear them in consults but these
narratives are a powerful force.
Darcy boldly attempted to
photograph women the way dogs see them, i.e. without hair and make-up. After
all, he says, “its common knowledge that dogs don’t judge.” He mostly succeeds
although some lipstick and styling sneaks in occasionally (and fair enough –
dogs don’t judge – or at least if they do, they keep it to themselves – but people
do).
He argues that “dogs are a
great leveller” – whether you are rich and famous, like Rose Hancock, or
neither, like most of the interviewees – the thing that these women have in
common is a strong bond with their dog.
The photos are beautiful and
they capture the bond between women and dogs beautifully. And the interviews
give insight into those relationships. You can read a condensed version of the
interview with Gloria Morales here.
It’s a beautiful, beautiful
book that will appeal to any dog lover. But beyond that I think it’s a fantastic
read for anyone interested in the human-animal bond. You can read more and
order a copy here.
RRP $29.95
Disclosure:
I received a review copy of this book.
