Shortlisted, NSW Premier's Literary Awards and Age Book of the Year.

How do animals think and feel? Is it mistaken to attribute to them the concepts of love, devotion, grief; even dignity? How can we understand our conception of such things, and what do our relations with animals say about our own humanity?

In this much-loved book, Raimond Gaita investigates such questions through stories of animals he has known and loved, and through the reflections of others. The Philospher's Dog is moving, sometimes funny and always thought provoking.

'A fine, intelligent investigation of our relationship to animals and nature in which the analysis of ideas is seamlessly integrated with the poignant evocation of personal experience. Gaita's writing is deep without being difficult; sincere without being naive - rare and valuable achievements for a philosopher.' Age