Every dog has its day

Chiclet the dog, with a little help from her human, Jan Rasmusen (someone had to do the typing), won the 2006 Ben Franklin Award for Best Health Book this summer. Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care is the first book about nonhumans in the competition's 18-year history to win the national literary award presented by PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association. The book was judged on its design and editorial excellence.

Jan Rasmusen with her Malteses Chiclet and Jiggy. Her book, Scared Poopless, questions traditional recommendations for dog care.

Scared Poopless is written from Chiclet's point of view and covers everything from vaccinations to dental care, diets, and preventive medicine. Be aware: This little four-pound Maltese has some fiery opinions about traditional veterinary care. Frustrated by ongoing health issues, Chiclet and her owner embrace raw diets and holistic cures for example. The book is available on Amazon.com, and all of Chiclet's royalties benefit animal causes.