AKC Gazette Articles

August 2005

SALUKIS IN PRINT

            For a breed of relatively small numbers, we can find a respectable number of reference books, about Salukis only or mentioning Salukis along with other sighthounds.  You can also find a few very charming books with Salukis as the main character, such as Lynn Hall’s “Flash, Dog of Old Egypt,” or “Rosie and the Rustlers” by Roy Gerrard, both available through main channels.  A further search brings you to the Bitchazel and Sudeeky mysteries, available through their author, Judy Simpson.

            But there are also books where Salukis serve as secondary characters or are mentioned as a part of the background and serve to enrich the story - at least from the point of view of we who live with Salukis!

            “Tanya’s Desert Star,” by Linda Armstrong, is a young adult book about a troubled girl whose life is enriched by coming in contact with a Saluki; it is currently available through Amazon.  “In the Highlands Since Time Immemorial,” by Joanna Ostrow is ostensibly about life in modern Scotland but can be read for the depictions of the Moray Cup, where Salukis and Scottish Deerhounds hunt hare in the Scottish Highlands.  There is, of course, “The Gabriel Hounds,” by Mary Stewart, a charming depiction of an erstwhile Lady Hester Stanhope, and her young relatives.  You can find this book in most book stores, or order it new as a reprint.

            In perusing old book stores I stumbled across “Daughter of the Sand,” by Pamela South.  It’s written in the classic larger than life romance style; the middle eastern portion features a Saluki of great character.  Laurie King mentions Salukis peripherally in her recent “The Game,” but more as background color in an Indian Prince’s menagerie.  “Caravans,” by James Michener, makes reference to skinny hounds much prized by the tribal men, which could be either Saluki or Afghan Hound.

            The late Andre Norton used Salukis in two books: “Wraiths of Time” and “Shadow Hawk.”  This is significant because Salukis were the only breed of dog used in any of Ms. Norton’s many books.  She was a cat person, and often featured wild animals working with people.  But when she took her characters into ancient Egypt, she brought them in contact with Salukis.

            Of the books above not in print, most are available through Amazon’s used book contacts, and some can be ordered through your local book store.  And don’t forget to check the library.  I’m sure there must be more books featuring Salukis as secondary characters but I’ve not come across them yet - if you’ve found some, please let me know!

            The 2005 National in Kentucky will be over with by the time this column goes to print.  For the last few years SCOA has had the event videotaped, and this year we have moved up to DVDs.  These are available to order on the club web page, along with the new Book of Records and several older yearbooks. 

            Love your ‘lukis

Monica Henderson Stoner
PO Box 2164
West Covina, CA 91793-2164
tsent@ix.netcom.com