In Los Angeles, illustrator Lili Chin began learning about dog behavior in 2008 after her Boston terrier bit their landlord. The incident led to a warning to get professional training, which started her journey into canine communication. Chin began speaking with animal behaviorists and gradually turned her interest into helpful illustrations and books. Her popular works, such as Doggie Language (2020) and Kitty Language (2023), explain animal emotions using clear and expressive drawings that show how pets communicate through their body language—like tail movement, ear position, and posture.

These books have been praised by trainers and pet experts for helping people better understand animals and avoid common misunderstandings. Her newest book, Dogs of the World, features over 600 dog breeds, including well-known ones and rare types like the Rajapalayam from India and the Thai Ridgeback. The book also shows dogs that live in communities without owners—such as street dogs in Moscow, “rez dogs” on tribal lands in the U.S., and the surviving dogs of Chernobyl. Chin worked with behavior consultant Emily Strong to ensure the information was both accurate and easy to understand. Strong praised Chin’s art for being educational and visually appealing. By blending science with charming visuals, Chin has become a trusted voice in explaining animal behavior to the public.