"Diva Dogs: A Style Guide to Living the Fabulous Life"

"Diva Dogs," by Boca Raton resident Jo Jo Harder, deserves five barks. Sorry about that. Just couldn't resist. Actually it's not only a delightful, clever and surprisingly informative book, it also features some of Boca Raton's most famous canine models. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The subtitle of the book is "A Style Guide to Living the Fabulous Life" and it contains a plethora of tips on beauty (you may be a dog, but you don't necessarily have to look like a dog!), petiquette, style (every good dog needs at least one wig, see pages 36 and 37), entertaining, and, of course, fashion. No 16 of the Must-Know Rules reads, "Wear your Cartier dog tag and Mikimoto pearls only on special occasions."

Ms. Harder writes convincingly of a diva dog's life and shares many Pointers (apologies, again, Dear Reader, that should have been pointers with a small p) for both the dog and the owner on living an elegant life.

When it comes to fashion, glamorous photos abound of cuddlesome canines garbed for Hanukkah and Christmas, attending the Academy Awards, casual wear for lounging, athletic outfits for workouts and, of course, beach wear because, dahling, we live in Florida!

The book contains a section on entertaining (aka puppy parties) that includes suggestions for 15 themed parties including Howl-O'-Ween, Valentine's Day, a Doggy Debutante Ball and an Unleashed Park Picnic. There's even a "Tail" Gate Party. Both two- and four-footed creatures are considered in the party plans which contain advice on décor, music, food and activities. The book even has a sample event invitation.

Every well bred dog should be properly groomed, and this book outlines what a trip to a doggy spa should include. The properly cared for pooch will be shampooed using the appropriate conditioner, blow-dry, trim and latest hair style, a pedicure composed of clipping, filing and a "fab" color, teeth whitener and breath freshener, and finally a bow or tie that "reflects the client's sense of style."

The photographs are adorable and amusing. The book itself is beautifully done and most impressive is the final section. Titled "Resources," it lists places around the country where dog owners can buy haute couture outfits and "bone" appétit items. However, it also includes information on pet insurance, national animal protection organizations, pet-friendly hotels, dog training organizations, and dog publications.

Oh, I almost forgot. About those dog models, the cover features Daisy from Boca Raton. Then there's Wiggles from Palm Beach, Harder's own gorgeous greyhound Romeo, and Daphne Simone, America's Top Dog Model of 2008. Like I said, for fun and fancy, this book gets five barks.