Originally published on bornadog.com

Elsa was born a dog. I was born a human. Things have changed.

A new book by Rhoda Lerman,
author of In the Company of Newfies.

In Rhoda Lerman’s newest book about her dogs, we get to know Elsa, a very large, black and white Newfoundland, as she struggles to be human, to speak, to act, and to think as we do. Because of her profound and intense relationship with her humans, Elsa has become a person-dog, happily living her life on the interface between human and dog. Lerman, who is always trying to understand her dogs and join their universe, has struggled to become a dog-person. Elsa and Lerman understand each other.

When Elsa has puppies, seventeen of them all at once, it is important that the 150 pound Newfoundland is able to remember her dog instincts. But Elsa is a reluctant mom, overwhelmed and terrified, and she needs Lerman to take over the task of caring for her enormous litter. As Elsa (person-dog) and Lerman (dog-person) live through the fragile, joyful, terror-filled days of birth and growth, we watch as the two of them discover more of what they need to know about each other and ultimately about the universe.

Much praised fiction writer and playwright, Lerman’s first book about dogs, IN THE COMPANY OF NEWFIES, now a classic, has become a bible for dog owners for its depth of understanding and vision. This book takes the reader to new and visionary levels about the relationship between dogs and people and what is possible.

“Rhoda Lerman is a find. Go out and find her.”
-New York Times

Praise for In the Company of Newfies

“Extraordinary…exceptional…unusually lyrical writing, observations beautifully expressed…(a) truly unique voice. Now the best news: In the Company of Newfies is, indeed, being republished. A true collector’s item.”
– George Berger, Publisher, AKC Gazette

“In The Hidden Life of Dogs Elizabeth Marshall Thomas asked what dogs want. Rhoda Lerman has come up with a different answer. I love both books because the authors have so much in common.”
– Jeffrey Mousaleff Masson author of When Elephants Weep; The Emotional Life of Animals , Los Angeles Times

“This is a book that you can read and share with your dogs. You can share it with your husband too, although he may not be as much fun.”
– Rita Mae Brown author of Rubyfruit Jungle

“Tender and elegantly written account of a relationship between humans and animals. Lerman has captured that sweet relationship with her gift for words.”
– Alix Madrigal, San Francisco Sunday Examiner and Chronicle

“Will surely touch a chord with dog lovers.”
– Booklist