Bestselling nonfiction author and The New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean talks to us about the fascinating life of the iconic screen star, Rin Tin Tin.

Rin Tin Tin went from being an abandoned puppy in a bombed-out dog kennel to being one of the best-recognized and best-loved dogs in recent history. His owner Lee Duncan devoted his life to showing the world the fantastic stunts his dog could do, including jumping 12-foot fences and climbing trees. Rin Tin Tin became "The Wonder Dog" and a star of the silver (and later, television) screen.

Susan's new book, Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, is not merely a biography of the dogs that took on the mantle of Rin Tin Tin, but an exploration of what our relationships with dogs have to come mean in the past hundred years.

A wonderful re-interpretation of Westminster from our pal Merrill Markoe.

"Her wide girth and expressive movements make her an amusing and supportive companion."

Via Richard Metzger on the BoingBoing Video sidebar blog that I've been contributing to lately.

A perfect accompaniment to this awesome forum thread about dogs. You should post a picture of your dog! I love funny dogs!