Initial reviews for Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life

The initial reviews of Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life are in!

“Wildlife photographer Nick Dyer and conservationist Peter Blinston have crowdfunded a new book, Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life, which takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the lives of the painted wolves and what is being done to save them. It’s a beautiful book full of interesting facts and stunning photos, which I hope will raise the profile of the animals.” ~ Sir Richard Branson

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“I was expecting it to be good, but it has exceeded all our expectations.” ~ Anette

“Having received my signed copy of this beautiful book before Christmas (and also the Painted Wolves Calendar!) I can now indulge myself with my favourite animal! The writing is so sensitive and evocative and the images are truly stunning. Thank you to the Painted Wolf Foundation for producing these treasured items, even though we are back in the UK I can read the book and look at the calendar and imagine we were back on the wolves’ territory.” ~ Fiona

“I am unrepentant, entranced and immersed,  having got halfway through at last really reading and absorbing your book. The presence of the book, the words, the photographs- can not easily be described…the presence of the book, the words, the photographs- can not easily be described.” ~ Lin

“Got the book yesterday. WOW! 🙂 “ ~ Gordon

“Beautiful book with amazing photographs, well done to all concerned” ~ Steve

“What a truly brilliant book – will be treasured – I so love wild dogs and your photos are awesome” ~ Di

“What an amazing accomplishment. It is going to take me 3 weeks to look through it all. No one is allowed near it unless they are wearing gloves. Well done to you all who were involved.”  ~ Debra

“It is wonderful. It is very big and heavy and a beautiful book to have. The photographs are amazing.” ~ Carol

“I have just received my book, via Kickstarter, and wanted to say many thanks for putting together such a wonderful book. Truly wonderful. I know these books are a mammoth undertaking and just wanted to let you know what I thought of it and that I and all the recipients are in awe of the end product and ever grateful to you” ~ Michael

“The Book!!! – All I can say is wow, wow & wow!! It only arrived yesterday so I haven’t had nearly enough time to even scan it properly, leave alone digest every word & photo. But, suffice to say, it looks and is amazing. Thank you both (Peter & Nicholas) sooo much for all your continuing hard work, which I am delighted to support.” ~ Mary

“Thanks for realizing this beautiful book. I was happy to be at the launching event and receive my Special Edition book. Congrats to all the great people who made this possible.”~ Dani

“Received my book a couple of days ago and It is absolutely superb. The photography exceeds anything I even hoped for, and so many of the images of the wild dogs are just stunningly beautiful. Wild dogs have been my favourite animal, since I watched the natural history programme, Solo, about an orphaned wild dog, that was filmed by Hugo van Lawick, nearly 50 years ago. Thank you to all involved in producing it.” ~ Hugh

“I received my beautiful book this morning – absolutely thrilled with it. Have spent an hour or so flicking through it – already “welled up” a few times. So, my October reading is sorted! Thank you so much to everyone involved, particularly the dogs. Very proud to be “Part of the Pack.” ~ Shereen

“I received the book yesterday.  It is an inspirational book with unbelievable photos.  I hope the book sells well as these dogs have to be saved.  Thank you.” ~ Laura

“I bought this book for my wife’s birthday, after painted wolves topped her memories on safari. As if by magic it arrived on the Friday afternoon – for her birthday today (Sunday). I never imagined just how special and spectacular a book it would be – blown away by the pictures, the stories and the quality. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the team who put together such a perfect project, and for your wonderful work in the field.” ~ Richard

“Thrilled with this beautiful book which I received yesterday and I’m poring over tonight.” ~ Kirsty

“Thank you for your work. They are magnificent animals – definitely my African favourite. I have three books on my coffee table – Laurent Baheaux’s photographic epic on Africa, a magnificent photo book on Rhinos. And now yours on our wolf – when it arrived the other day I was so excited to open it up. I love your education message – they need all the help they can get, punching above their weight as they have done for thousands of years. I can’t wait to return to Zim again to see them. An Aussie fan.” ~ Bernard

“It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you for creating it, and thank you even more so for the conservation work you do with these wonderful animals!” ~ Anonymous

“I have just finished reading every word and gazing at every photo of this amazing book. Their ambition was a ground breaking book – it is certainly that and so much more. Both Peter’s and Nick’s writing styles are perfect and through their words and Nick’s amazing photos, I have felt I was with them on every page. As a result I have grinned, laughed out loud, welled up, felt angry, felt very sad and also shed tears, but also felt hope” ~ Mary

“The book is just so beautiful – it really is a joy to turn the pages.” ~ Anette

“My copy of the book arrived here in Canada last week…..it is splendid!” ~ Susan

“Guys, just received your book, it is amazing and cannot wait to read it all, just fabulous and thank you so much!”~ Anon

“Just received mine…….a beautiful and informative book….can thoroughly recommend getting a copy!” ~  Anne

“I received my signed copy Saturday & it is brilliant. I love & adore it” ~ Alice

“It’s absolutely stunning and I’m delighted with it.” ~ Cassie

“Huge congratulations to Nicholas and Peter. This book is beautiful! Added to my (growing?) collection of books on this beautiful animal. Thank you!” ~ Michael

“We have just received the book and…what a book ! The photography is stunning and the deeply personal commentary from you and Nick, really touching. It only reinforced our love for the painted dogs and our commitment to continue supporting PDC.” ~ Andre

“I have just turned the last past page of this superb book and I am overwhelmed with all the emotions that the photography and words have created. It is brilliant! The first part of the book educates us with all the facts. Their true name, their frightening reduction in numbers and their uncertain future. In the second part, the behaviour of the wolves, as individuals and as a pack are brought to life with a stunning selection of photos and text, with Mana as the most truly beautiful backdrop of smoky blues, purples and greens continuing to the vast ,sun drenched expanse of Hwange in part three. Nick Dyer and Peter Blinston take us on a journey with their own lives, their passion for Africa and ultimately, their love for an incredibly endangered species, the Painted Wolves. We are treated to scenery shots of the packs through to the most incredibly sharp, close up images of the dogs. Every photo reminding us why Nick Dyer has just been selected as a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

I had the privilege of meeting Nick in Zambia in 2013 in Kafue and then South Luangwa. His passion and determination to take the very best shots of the African wildlife was evident back then when discussing his work. I have followed his blogs and photography since, and am continually astounded by his ability to capture that perfect moment and wonderful light.His description of his day and his encounters take us right back to the magic that is Mana. Nick’s descriptions are vivid and honest and read like an exciting biography, transporting us from our homes to life with the pack.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have had Peter visit Perth twice to speak at the Painted Dog Conservation fundraising events. In the book, Peter immerses us in his daily life with the wolves, in fact, he and Jealous Mpofu have dedicated over twenty years of their lives to their monitoring and survival of the wolves in Zimbabwe. In the third, and last, section of the book, Peter takes us through all the facets of his work. From long days and kilometers of monitoring, education of the local children and bush camps ( the photos of these children are priceless!) meetings with the local chief and the work with John Lemon to run the unique rehabilitation centre for Painted Dog Conservation in Hwange. Together Peter and Nick bring us a book, a true masterpiece, a huge book, that takes us on a journey into the lives of this somewhat unknown but fascinating animal that every Friend of Mana Pools should add to their collection. All profits go to the Painted Wolf Foundation.” ~ Sally

“I just finished reading my book not even 5 minutes ago, all in one sitting, this book made me laugh, cry & gasp at the beauty of this incredible species thanks to your dedication we may see them gain more emotional attachment & support which will in turn see an increase in numbers and a decrease of losses caused by human intervention. I will continue to share my love of these big eared majestic animals.” ~ Stella

“Just received my book in Canada. Thanks a fantastic book. Mine is signed and would love to keep it in mint condition but I won’t. I intend to share it with everyone…the more that see this book the better chance we have of saving these fantastic painted wolves!” ~ Ian

“Just received my copy last week. Fantastic photos and a great story.”  ~ Peter

“I have the book. It’s amazing. Worth every cent.” ~ Karel

“The book is absolutely stunning !!! I can’t really find the words to describe how much I like it!”~ Hakan

“Just received my copy of Painted Wolves here in the US… it arrived in perfect condition! Your book is a masterpiece! Absolutely stunning in every way… the photos are vibrant in capturing the joy of their play and the focus of their hunt… some shots are so intimate and expressive, I felt drawn deep into the very center of the pack’s family life! The written stories and information are brilliant as well. As one who has spent many hours with Wild Dogs (in Botswana), I can say Painted Wolves is a treasure! And, a wonderful way to give to a great organization, too! Thank you!” ~ Carolyn

All profits go to the Painted Wolf Foundation

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Have you read the book? What do you think? Please contact us and let us know!