Ella in Europe

Library Journal

Pet lovers often lament having to leave their pets behind when they travel, especially in the United States, where pets are not universally welcomed. Europe is much more accepting, and in this book the author rewards his much-loved pup with a six-week trip. Ella, a beautiful and friendly lab mix, draws attention wherever she goes, and she goes almost everywhere. Despite the author's constant fear of being turned away, he and Ella are accepted-and Ella adored-at most of the stops on their itinerary. The bond between them deepens as they explore some of Europe's most beautiful cities; from dining in expensive Paris restaurants and riding gondolas in Venice to frolicking on the Belgian beaches, Ella is allowed to sniff and explore her way across Europe, a rare opportunity for an American dog. Konik, the author of articles and books on topics ranging from golf to gambling, clearly expresses his devotion to and enthusiasm for this special dog and her European adventures in a heartwarming story that will appeal to animal lovers and armchair travelers alike. Recommended for public libraries.-Sheila Kasperek, North Hall Lib., Mansfield Univ., PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

A highly convivial tour with dog, from Los Angeles freelancer Konik. Ella, a big, white, good-tempered, Labrador-greyhound mix, serves as her proud owner's unpaid claque. "No matter your failings," he writes, "you [are] still a hero to your dog." In return, Ella gets unabashed affection from Konik (Telling Lies and Getting Paid, etc., not reviewed). She also gets a trip to Europe-a small recompense, now that she is 70 (in dog years), for all the pleasure she has brought into her master's life. Unlike the US, which severely circumscribes the freedom of dogs, Europe weaves them into life's daily tapestry. The Louvre, the casino in Monte Carlo and a pizza joint in Cannes turn Ella away, but they're about the only ones that do. It simply takes Konik's breath away that he can be everywhere with his great good friend. Ella in a gondola? No problem. Ella in a bar watching the World Cup? Of course. Ella also visits a Hermes shop, dines at Le Grand Vefour restaurant (three stars, Guide Michelin) and is offered a glass of wine to soothe her jangled nerves during a lightning storm. These pages offer plenty of easy fun, but they tug at something deeper as well: When Konik writes, "Ella reminds me that comfort with oneself is the key to comfort in your environment, no matter how grand (or squalid) it is," he touches on one of the great tools of travel. When we deny ourselves everyday access to animals such as dogs, he further reminds us, we lose our ability to comfortably associate with a population of creatures and forsake their affirming, heart-bracing qualities. That's quite a loss. Ella tends to bring out the best in people, and she certainly brings it out in her owner: Whenever he finds himselfdrifting into the mawkish, the author takes a look at his dog and starts behaving himself. (Photos throughout)