wfn.org | "Unleashed: The Wit and Wisdom of Calvin the Dog"

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17-June-1998 
GA98062 
 
    "Unleashed:  The Wit and Wisdom of Calvin the Dog" 
 By Calvin T. Dog.  Translated by Chris Glaser.  Illustrated by James Kelley 
 
 
                     by Nancy Rodman 
 
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--It came as no surprise to be asked to review a new book 
whose subject matter is humor and theology.  I am, after all, a creature of 
great wit and learning.  The surprise came when I discovered that the 
author of the book to be reviewed is a dog - and a dog of uncertain 
pedigree at that.  I was tempted to decline to write the review but I had 
given my word and the book is, I noted, published by a reputable publisher 
of scholarly and theological works as well as those of general interest.  I 
hesitated again when I saw that the author needed a translator/amanuensis - 
you will observe that I need neither - but, as I say, I had made a 
commitment and I am a creature of ancient lineage and impeccable breeding, 
and unfailingly true to my word. 
    I opened "Unleashed:  The Wit and Wisdom of Calvin the Dog" intent on 
completing my assignment with dispatch so I could move on to more suitable 
pursuits.  Imagine my astonishment when I found myself captivated by Mr. 
Dog's charming humility, wit, and facility with language.  I quickly 
discovered that a book promising to be little more than a quick read in 
fact offers considerable depth of understanding of the nature of both God 
and God's creatures, especially those of the human persuasion. 
    Writing that "[we] each have a bite of ultimate truth, a taste of 
life's purpose, and a scent of the sacred,"  Mr. Dog offers brief essays on 
such varied subjects as respect, integrity, enforced celibacy, love, grace, 
fleas, life, scripture, medical care in the United States, and death and 
resurrection.  The essays are laced with gentle wit, profound 
understanding, and homely analogies. 
    My only quibble with "Unleashed:  The Wit and Wisdom of Calvin the Dog" 
is the rather idiosyncratic reasoning that allows Mr. Dog to find cosmic 
significance in the backward spelling of God.  Tsk, tsk, Mr. Dog.  Those 
cats at whom you so glibly bark could teach you a thing or two! 
    [Felina de Burma is a Burmese cat who, like the best of her kind, 
simply is.  Occasionally she impersonates Nancy Rodman and in that guise, 
she works for her living.] 

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