Two Puppies: Being the Authentic Story of Two Very Different Young Dogs, One Who Is Virtuous and Goes on to a Life of Service, the

The Sterns (Road Food) apparently love dogs as much as they do food. Their new book tells the story of two dogs: the first is a Labrador retriever named Parnell, who's being trained as a guide dog for the blind; the second is Clementine, the Sterns' own puppy from hell, a bullmastiff whom they call ""the devil disguised as a tiny round-eyed weanling."" Alternating chapters, intercut with short sections of practical information regarding living with puppies, tell of the respective dogs. Parnell's story seems unbalanced, as the Sterns reveal more about Parnell's training and role as a guide dog than about her inborn personality. Luckily for Clementine, her rambunctiousness is offset by endearing habits, which undoubtedly have saved her life and convinced the Sterns to stick with her despite a period during which they were unable--or ashamed--to invite guests to their house because of her antics. In addition to learning about the remarkable process of training guide dogs like Parnell, readers will gain valuable lessons about choosing, training and sticking with a dog--even one as wild as Clementine, whom few are likely to forget. (Dec.)