Review: USA: Where Dogs Have More Rights Than You Do by Robert Okine

With a playful philosophy and unabashed reporting on the state of the union, USA: Where Dogs Have More Rights Than You Do by Robert Okine is an observant romp through America, with amusing evidence provided through the lives and luxuries of man’s best friend.

An alphabetical journey like no other, this whimsical travelogue takes readers from the glorified sled dogs of Alaska and the penthouse pups of New York City to dog-friendly real estate in Delaware and two-stepping hounds from Tennessee. With a keen eye for easily overlooked facets of the country, Okine gives an entertaining and frequently tongue-in-cheek overview of life as a canine in every state across America. Along the way, readers are reminded of the kaleidoscope of cultures and beliefs that criss-cross the country, as well as how they shape our treatment of dogs – and each other.

Initially, the premise of methodically moving through each state feels like a tall order, and fated to slip into repetition, but Okine has an endless supply of observations, as the nuanced summaries in each chapter reveal. Through every smirking story and ridiculous fact, the writing is driven by curiosity and compassion towards these incredible creatures that grace our homes and lives, offering a subtle mirror for readers to both laugh at and learn from, nudging us towards more empathy, and the necessary ability to laugh at ourselves.

While the audience for the book is primarily dog lovers, the prose has plenty to say about American owners, communities, cultures, and norms. The “If Dogs Ran the State” subsection in each chapter is consistently hilarious, while the “What This Says About America” commentaries are sharp and incisive, yet they avoid feeling overly judgmental or snarky. There are some elements of the prose that may hint at the author’s politics, and the title may make it seem like a hard political screed on individual rights and freedom, but the book is generally a lighthearted ode to these singular pets. The commentary never gets heavy-handed, yet still provides trenchant commentary about our treatment of each other when compared to the treatment of our beloved pets.

If you’re a dog owner who embraces a traveling lifestyle, the book also serves as an excellent guide in terms of what to expect on the road, from leash laws to must-see dog-themed destinations. Whether you want to get your pup a cup of ice cream in Rhode Island or experience dog yoga in New Mexico, there are myriad examples from around the country. Some states clearly required a bit more digging for unique anecdotes, but even the quainter tales about Pennsylvania and Oklahoma offer a comforting down-home charm. The frequent wordplay and self-aware asides make it an effortless read whether or not you intend to hit the road, rather than a book trying to take itself too seriously as a definitive travel guide.

With constant flashes of humor and endearing colloquial details that show the author’s wit and research he committed to this project, Okine celebrates the love for dogs across our hilarious patchwork of a nation, cleverly combining a pet guide, travel guide, and eye-opening social commentary.