Man and Dog

Readers interested in interspecies communication and the paranormal will find this volume to their liking. Steiger (Strange Powers of Pets) tells some remarkable stories of canine heroism: dogs that saved their families from fire or rescued lost children; a pit bull that saved dozens of people and dogs in the 1993 California floods. Steiger reminisces about his own dogs and their relationships with his family. He gives advice on how to communicate with dogs, discusses the value of pet therapy and offers several instances of ghost dogs appearing to their owners. Also covered are findings of current medical research into the positive effects of pets on humans, such as lowered blood pressure. Some of this may be too speculative or bizarre for the average dog owner, but many of the stories are enjoyable. Photos. (Aug.)