The government truly has gone to the dogs--and to the cats, mules, and elephants too--as shown in this fascinating and engaging history.

Africa: Dogs rule: Ethiopia's dog-king -- Europe: Horse sense: Incitatus -- You dirty dog: King Henry I's dog -- It's a dog's life: King Saur -- Asia: Puppy love: Emperor Ling Ti's Pekingese dogs -- The cat's meow: Myobu No Omoto -- Day of the jackal: A hero of India -- White elephant: The elephants of the Siamese court -- South America: Rhino overthrow: Cacareco -- Monkey business: Taio -- North America: Gone to the dogs: Bosco -- Pussyfooting around: Paisley and company -- Going hog wild: Pigasus -- Getting his goat: Clay Henry -- Mule rule: Boston Curtis.