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Zen Dogs
Award-winning animal photographer Alex Cearns celebrates the peace, calm, and joy dogs bring to our lives with this unique full-color collection capturing eighty dogs in their most relaxed and contented moments.
When Alex Cearns caught Suzi the Sharpei on film with eyes closed and an endearing smile on her furry face, the renowned Australian professional pet and wildlife photographer called the picture of serenity "Zen Dog." Captivated by the image’s tranquil beauty, Cearns then turned her lens on other canines experiencing their own carefree and meditative "Zen" moments—a series of photos that would go viral across the web and take the top prize in a major international competition.
Expanding on Cearns’s original web series, Zen Dogs includes eighty stunning color photographs of a variety of breeds—golden retrievers, beagles, French bulldogs, dachshunds, poodles, huskies, pit bulls, and German shepherds. Here are some familiar faces from the online series, joined by dozens of dogs never seen before—all whose engaging personalities shine through. Sprinkled throughout the photos are words of wisdom from the Buddha, Eckhart Tolle, Thich Nhat Hanh, and other meditative masters, inspiring messages that, with the photos, warm the heart and soothe the spirit.
A gorgeous compendium for every dog lover, animal enthusiast, and everyone looking to add some peace and joy to their day, Zen Dogs reminds us of the power dogs have to enrich our lives—to make us happier, healthier, calmer, and more loving.
When Alex Cearns caught Suzi the Sharpei on film with eyes closed and an endearing smile on her furry face, the renowned Australian professional pet and wildlife photographer called the picture of serenity "Zen Dog." Captivated by the image’s tranquil beauty, Cearns then turned her lens on other canines experiencing their own carefree and meditative "Zen" moments—a series of photos that would go viral across the web and take the top prize in a major international competition.
Expanding on Cearns’s original web series, Zen Dogs includes eighty stunning color photographs of a variety of breeds—golden retrievers, beagles, French bulldogs, dachshunds, poodles, huskies, pit bulls, and German shepherds. Here are some familiar faces from the online series, joined by dozens of dogs never seen before—all whose engaging personalities shine through. Sprinkled throughout the photos are words of wisdom from the Buddha, Eckhart Tolle, Thich Nhat Hanh, and other meditative masters, inspiring messages that, with the photos, warm the heart and soothe the spirit.
A gorgeous compendium for every dog lover, animal enthusiast, and everyone looking to add some peace and joy to their day, Zen Dogs reminds us of the power dogs have to enrich our lives—to make us happier, healthier, calmer, and more loving.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2016
21 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 3, 2016
This unique book is a series of pictures of dogs in a 'zen' state. Even though I'm more of a cat than a dog person (gasp, I know!), I found it completely charming.
See some of the photos here: http://www.boredpanda.com/relaxed-pet... Fun, aren't they?
As I enjoyed the pictures, I found myself becoming more relaxed. Cearns reminds us in the introduction: "Like the dogs in these photos and the canine companion on your couch, we all need to stop, take a break, relax, and unwind- to breathe it all in and be fully present in each and every experience." Preach.
The best part of the collection is comparing the 'zen' photos to the regular photos of each pooch. I couldn't believe the difference that eyes opened vs eyes closed made. Check this book out and see for yourself! Recommended for everyone with two legs or four.
See some of the photos here: http://www.boredpanda.com/relaxed-pet... Fun, aren't they?
As I enjoyed the pictures, I found myself becoming more relaxed. Cearns reminds us in the introduction: "Like the dogs in these photos and the canine companion on your couch, we all need to stop, take a break, relax, and unwind- to breathe it all in and be fully present in each and every experience." Preach.
The best part of the collection is comparing the 'zen' photos to the regular photos of each pooch. I couldn't believe the difference that eyes opened vs eyes closed made. Check this book out and see for yourself! Recommended for everyone with two legs or four.
December 16, 2021
GORGEOUS pics of my favourite animal in all the world... DOGS! Very beautiful book of dog pics - one pic per page - of dogs caught in very 'Zen' moments. Most have closed or partially closed eyes (but that's how they relax, right?), but the book ends with beautiful, smaller pics of each dog with their eyes wide open.
I have the e-version, but I think the hardcover version would make a really lovely Christmas gift - a good coffee table conversation starter.
I concur with several of the "less than 5 stars" raters. Viewing many pics of dogs - all with closed eyes - gets a tiny bit old at times. I think if they'd alternated the pics of each dog - eyes closed on one side and eyes open on the facing page - it might have made a nicer effect. But regardless, when you're a dog lover like I am, you just cannot go wrong. Every single one of them is absolutely beautiful - all 'tens' in my book!!
I have the e-version, but I think the hardcover version would make a really lovely Christmas gift - a good coffee table conversation starter.
I concur with several of the "less than 5 stars" raters. Viewing many pics of dogs - all with closed eyes - gets a tiny bit old at times. I think if they'd alternated the pics of each dog - eyes closed on one side and eyes open on the facing page - it might have made a nicer effect. But regardless, when you're a dog lover like I am, you just cannot go wrong. Every single one of them is absolutely beautiful - all 'tens' in my book!!
March 18, 2018
Adorable, intimate look into the wonderful sentient beings we call dogs. I wish there was a cat version of this book!
March 3, 2017
Although I am a fan of dogs and this book was a better photographic compilation then some I am still not quite a fan of it. It can be a bit calming to see dogs at some of their more relaxed moments, especially when they are to the point of trusting the people that are in their lives but there are just some dogs who no matter how much you love them are more expressive with their eyes open.
Although some of the doggy subjects were interesting to see and some had the goofiest of looks even with their eyes shut there were a few that felt like something was somewhat missing. And I was glad to see that the author included the pictures of these same dogs in the back with their eyes open instead of closed. Although I understand the smooth transformation of all the "Zen" moments I wished the dogs had their eyes open and closed moments actually before each other so that way the reader was able to get a better read on some of the dogs, especially as there was no easy way of researching the dogs with their eyes open unless you re-read the book and flipped to go through the names to compare them.
All in all I am happy the author didn't have to rely on special props such as gently dropping the dogs to get the desired effect and I was also happy that she included the dog breeds since there were a few that I hadn't heard of. And furthermore the quotes were fitting and helped to bring the subject of enjoying the moment and right now happiness to the pups as the reader enjoyed their faces.
All in all a decent book and one that could be left laying out in a waiting room or even presented to someone who loves dogs, especially if they like to enjoy their own peaceful moments.
Although some of the doggy subjects were interesting to see and some had the goofiest of looks even with their eyes shut there were a few that felt like something was somewhat missing. And I was glad to see that the author included the pictures of these same dogs in the back with their eyes open instead of closed. Although I understand the smooth transformation of all the "Zen" moments I wished the dogs had their eyes open and closed moments actually before each other so that way the reader was able to get a better read on some of the dogs, especially as there was no easy way of researching the dogs with their eyes open unless you re-read the book and flipped to go through the names to compare them.
All in all I am happy the author didn't have to rely on special props such as gently dropping the dogs to get the desired effect and I was also happy that she included the dog breeds since there were a few that I hadn't heard of. And furthermore the quotes were fitting and helped to bring the subject of enjoying the moment and right now happiness to the pups as the reader enjoyed their faces.
All in all a decent book and one that could be left laying out in a waiting room or even presented to someone who loves dogs, especially if they like to enjoy their own peaceful moments.
February 17, 2017
Such gorgeous pictures. I wanted to pull these dogs right out of the book! Initially a little disconcerting since they all had their eyes closed. The only text is each dog's name and breed and a quote every few pages. At the end there are smaller pictures of each with their eyes open. A very happy/peaceful little book.
December 18, 2016
This book is filled of quotes and pictures of dogs with their eyes closed, looking relaxed. As a dog lover, I truly loved this book. I enjoyed each and every picture and it honestly made me more relaxed after I finished. I can't wait to give this to my friend and have it bring her joy as well.
April 10, 2017
So, so, so cute! It's amazing that she was able to capture the split second zen moments of these dogs. Adorable!
January 6, 2019
Now I love dogs. I probably love dogs more than most people but for me this book was meh. It has some really great photographs and some adorable dogs but really how many dogs can you look at with their eyes closed. After the first 10 photos I wanted to see some dogs being zen in some other ways that maybe involved their eyes being opened. Oh well, all dog coffee table books can’t be perfect. However I do have to point out that Fred, the basset hound, in this book was pretty perfect. You go Fred!
September 9, 2017
This is such a wonderful book that I finished reading from cover to cover in under an hour. I just could not put it down, not even for my first cup of coffee; and that in itself says a lot.
If you love dogs, especially rescued dogs, you will undoubtedly fall head over tails for this one. Reading the book itself is a Zen moment. The photographs of these amazing dogs memorize and relax you more and more as you go into a deeper tranquil moment with each turning of the page.
Kudos to Alex Cearns and her canine companions on a job wonderfully done.
Thank you Franklin Public Library for allowing me to get this book through your interlibrary loan program. Thank you Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for being so kind in lending the book to me.
If you love dogs, especially rescued dogs, you will undoubtedly fall head over tails for this one. Reading the book itself is a Zen moment. The photographs of these amazing dogs memorize and relax you more and more as you go into a deeper tranquil moment with each turning of the page.
Kudos to Alex Cearns and her canine companions on a job wonderfully done.
Thank you Franklin Public Library for allowing me to get this book through your interlibrary loan program. Thank you Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for being so kind in lending the book to me.
December 7, 2016
This deserves a big heart. I do not know how the photographer got these dogs to close their eyes like that. Maybe she had the patience to wait for the right moment. There were some freaky dogs and some adorable ones. The featured dogs are pictured with their eyes open in the back of the book.
March 22, 2017
Dogs with their eyes shut and the occasional tongue sticking out?! *Insert heart-eyed emoji here* This was just very, very cute. I don't buy photography books, but I imagine that it would be incredibly difficult to stay sad with this book near your desk. Also: man, I really want a dog. :-/
November 9, 2016
These photos will bring a smile to your face as you view these peaceful pups.
November 16, 2017
All those expressions are priceless.
December 8, 2016
Want a lift? Buy this book and open it when you're feeling blue.
January 18, 2017
Is there anything more peaceful than photos of dogs with their eyes closed??? Gorgeous.
November 20, 2017
stunning.
February 21, 2017
Very cute book. I leave it on my table and smile every time I see it!
March 12, 2017
I am a sucker for any book with portraits of dogs. These were cute. Although I liked the dogs better with their eyes open.
July 10, 2017
Wonderful Zen dogs!
January 14, 2019
Fantástico!! Fotos incríveis e que cumprem o propósito do livro. Te colocar no presente!
July 31, 2025
When I bought a hardback copy of this book, I was disappointed to see that it was so short. It has some (but not too many) quotes about zen and living in the moment -- pages which really would've been better used for more photographs.
Most of the photos are of dogs with their eyes closed. There is another, shorter section of the same dogs with their eyes opened. Some of the dogs in the second section were not in the first. Wonder why they didn't make the cut.
All of the dogs' names are given, which I love. Bailey the Beagle is on the cover. And, for a book featuring shots of dogs with their eyes closed, we have not one, but two Dozers.
The book was made in Australia, which means I got to see breeds and mixes not often found in Pennsylvania or southern England (where I lived for five years and a few months. I saw a bigger variety of dogs in England than ever in Pennsylvania.) There are Kelpies like a Red Cloud Kelpie and Kelpie mixes. There were Rhodesian Rideback mixes. There's a Shollie (that's a new one for me.) There were the photographer's two dogs.
Some of the photos are very sharp and crisp. Some black dogs are shot against a black background, making them seem to dissolve into the ether.
A decent little book for a dog lover, but one that only lasts for about ten minutes. Some background biographies of some of the models (not just her own dogs) would've made the book more appealing.
Most of the photos are of dogs with their eyes closed. There is another, shorter section of the same dogs with their eyes opened. Some of the dogs in the second section were not in the first. Wonder why they didn't make the cut.
All of the dogs' names are given, which I love. Bailey the Beagle is on the cover. And, for a book featuring shots of dogs with their eyes closed, we have not one, but two Dozers.
The book was made in Australia, which means I got to see breeds and mixes not often found in Pennsylvania or southern England (where I lived for five years and a few months. I saw a bigger variety of dogs in England than ever in Pennsylvania.) There are Kelpies like a Red Cloud Kelpie and Kelpie mixes. There were Rhodesian Rideback mixes. There's a Shollie (that's a new one for me.) There were the photographer's two dogs.
Some of the photos are very sharp and crisp. Some black dogs are shot against a black background, making them seem to dissolve into the ether.
A decent little book for a dog lover, but one that only lasts for about ten minutes. Some background biographies of some of the models (not just her own dogs) would've made the book more appealing.
June 27, 2018
It's pictures of adorable dogs. What is there not to like?
January 25, 2018
Love this so much.
February 24, 2018
In the midst of chaotic days, Zen Dogs was a breath of fresh air this afternoon.
January 1, 2019
What's not to love about this book?
Absolutely nothing other than I can't take them home with me.
These dogs give off that vibe that makes having a dog worth all the mess. Take a look and see.
Absolutely nothing other than I can't take them home with me.
These dogs give off that vibe that makes having a dog worth all the mess. Take a look and see.
January 26, 2019
Super cute!
February 6, 2019
So zen.
June 5, 2019
Great book when you need a smile!
June 30, 2025
alot of adorable dogs
April 2, 2017
Many of these dogs are not 'zen' or relaxed - they're showing signs of stress. Lip licking, ears back, yawning, and slow blinks are not what happy dogs do. Full colour pictures of dogs I feel sorry for (though the 'with eyes open' pages at the back helped to see the dogs looking slightly more at ease).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews