5 comments about Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.

1. This book has appeal on many levels. The themes of aging, love, mental illness, and of course the tie-in with animals and how THEY take care of US is crafted with skill throughout the pages. I knew going in to expect an interesting animal story, but I came out feeling like I had spent a long afternoon with an old friend learning about some of life's most important lessons. I super-highly recommend reading this book for anyone, because it could truly help put some focus back on what the truly important things are in life. And yeah, I'll admit it, I have a cat ... but also a dog, and I will say this book appeals to all readers. So don't hesitate to pick up a copy - enjoy!



2. This is a wonderfully written book that is a pure delight to read. Bought more copies to send to my family and friends. Full of wonderful insights, clever quotations and phrases. Clearly, a book you will never forget. If you are any kind of animal lover, you will love this book!



3. The title of this review comes from a quote in the book by Charles Dickens and ends, "...than the love of a cat." Anyone who's ever spent quality time with a pet, can tell you that animals are empathic. Whether cats are or aren't can be debated endlessly, but "Making the Rounds With Oscar," offers support for those who believe that cats aren't as selfish as they're often portrayed as.
   
   At first, Oscar, one of several feline residents at a Providence, RI nursing home, looked like an ordinary bi-colored cat. However, the staff began to notice something odd about him. He seemed to know instinctively when a resident's death was near and would spend time with them and their loved ones. (If there were two residents who were near death at the same time, he would sit with the one in the most distress.) At first, Dr. David Dosa, author of "Making Rounds With Oscar," was skeptical. Maybe Oscar just was looking for a place to snuggle, and it was pure coincidence with whom he chose to be.
   
   However, it soon became apparent that Oscar really did have a gift, which led the author to interview residents and their family about this remarkable cat. While Oscar gets top billing, it's also a book about the people whom Dr. Doza interacts with everyday. The book touches on the issues of family having unrealistic expectations about their loved ones' care, as well as the effects of budget cuts on the profession but it is not a diatribe. Highly recommended.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



4. 'Making Rounds With Oscar' helped relieve a lot of guilt I felt for "not doing enough for my mother". 'MRWO' showed me that you have to let go. I love Oscar and I love his book.



5. It heartened me to see a geriatrician who understands the impact and agony of dementia, not only for the patient, but for the family/caregiver.
   
   My 88-year-old mother has had dementia for ten years. As I was struggling to get my combative mom ready for an appointment at the office of her geriatrician of many years, expecting to see the PA as the doctor seldom bothered with her, my phone rang and one of the geriatrician's employees was calling to tell me not to bring my mother in as "Dr. W--sman feels she would be a waste of his time."
   
   I've never gotten over the shock of this ugly attitude toward dementia and the elderly. And from a "doctor" who claimed to practice geriatrics! And Medical Director for a respected MI hospital physicians organization!
   
   Thank you for writing with such understanding, compassion, and of course, the joy of Oscar, a most amazing cat.

5 comments about Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills.

1. I read this book in one sitting and as a dog owner had strong feelings. It is part expose of PA. and it's puppy mills and part heart wrenching personal story of Gracie, a survivor of the mills. Anyone who has adopted a mill survivor (as I have) will love this book and certainly identify with Gracie's story. A wonderful and important book!



2. I really knew little to nothing about puppy mills before I read this book. I found this book to be so eye-opening and amazing. I couldn't put it down!



3. The story of Dog 132 is a must read for anyone from the casual dog owner to a passionate animal rights advocate. Saving Gracie details the life of a puppy mill dog that was raised to give birth time after time but was destined for so much more. Paralleling this individual journey is also the generalized historical context of the rise and slowly simmering downfall of many of these horrendous puppy mills. It documents specific cases while providing enough pictures to further the point without going so graphic as to scar the casual or even young reader.
   
   The specific story of Gracie, one dog among many, is used as a means to divert the reader's attention from the horrendous details being presented in subsequent chapters, as well as to provide a relatable connection to those that previously had no understanding of just how bad puppy mills had become. By detailing the life and times of a single dog it allows the readers to make a strong emotional correlation between the dog in these pages and the loved one that might be physically resting beside them or in their heart.
   
   This book is surely one that will drive some individuals to tears while instilling a fiery anger and drive within others, willing them to do like so many others mentioned in this text and make a difference. As this work of non-fiction details, sometimes publicity is the best platform we have to give a voice to these otherwise nameless victims. In a time where `out of sight, out of mind' is so often the case, the author asks you on behalf of Gracie and many of the other abused and neglected animals out there to not forget the histories behind where these dogs come from. And as you view that seemingly adorable puppy at your local Pet Store, perhaps consider not buying that puppy and supporting the mill industry, but taking advantage of the many dogs at your local shelter waiting with large glistening eyes, and a wagging tail, your arrival and potentially your home and heart.



4. Well, I'm pretty sure she is.
   
   I live in Central PA, surrounded by many of the puppy mills discussed in this book. I've passed the billboards showing the inside of a dishwasher, telling us that a dog is allowed to live in a crate this size for their entire life. Linda Jackson, Gracie's owner, and I have been friends for many years.
   
   But I have to admit, I've turned a blind eye to the horrific problem of puppy mills.
   
   Like many of you, I read the stories, heard the news reports and could not believe that this horrible treatment of animals was going on so prolifically in my state. I just didn't know what to do about it. Like many things, it feels like an overwhelming task for one person to delve into.
   
   But there is hope, as is evident by many of the heroes in Carol Bradley's book.
   
   Bradley writes in an easy to read methodical way, giving facts to illustrate the problem balanced with the personal stories of specific dogs, like Gracie. Let's be clear though, Gracie's story is not the focus of the book but the thread that weaves its way through the big picture of the abundance of puppy mills and the greediness of their business owners.
   
   Many of the stories are so sickening that it is hard to believe people can treat animals with such callousness. But if you've ever watched Animal Cops, you know that many people don't have a conscience and treat their animals worse than dirt. As an avid animal lover, a regular contributor to WWF and other animal welfare groups, it is hard to think of the thousands of animals suffering every day.
   
   Which brings me to Izzy - who by the way is my profile picture. Our 14 year old standard poodle had been gone for about two years. Our son was 8 and our daughter was 3. We don't live in a "neighborhood" so it was important to me that my children had some other companionship. We needed a non-shedding dog for allergy reasons. I had been calling our local humane society for a while asking about poodle type dogs and there was nothing for months. I looked at some other animal shelters in nearby counties and many of them had regulations for only adopting to local residents.
   
   Nearby was a locally owned small pet store run by two very nice sisters. Personal pets often roamed the store, there was usually only one or two dogs at the store and a few rabbits and guinea pigs. They were friendly, cared about animals, sold good products and their small store was always immaculate.
   
   Driving by one day their sign read, "standard poodle". I stopped in and found a beautiful ball of cream colored fuzz and sloppy kisses. This three month old standard poodle was such a sweetheart and bounced around the store going "shopping". The owners would let her walk around and pick out a treat or toy. She was just what we wanted and had been at the store for a month already. After talking it over with the family, Izzy came home with a guarantee, vet papers certifying shots and deworming and a registration showing her parent's names (and her favorite toys free of charge). We were thrilled and so were the kids. And, since she had been there for awhile, she came at a price that was not much more than what we would have paid at an animal shelter.
   
   I never asked about where she came from. I never asked about her papers.
   
   Everything about her was wonderful. Izzy had a great disposition, was easily house trained, and had no health issues. But she was slow to grow. She is still below the lowest weight standard for her breed -- we call her our sub-standard poodle.
   
   So I pulled out my pet-store papers and realized that her registration was not through the AKC (her lineage was not important to me) and discovered that the papers were from some unknown organization like the ACA mentioned by Bradley in the book. I went back to the pet store and found out that she came from a Mennonite farm. I told them that her papers were not AKC. I was offered a refund (not in a million years would I give my dog back). I don't think the store owners were trying to deceive me or knowingly sold a puppy mill dog and I still visit the store once in awhile but I wanted them to be cautious about the dogs they sold.
   
   The point to my long story is that it is up to us to be aware, to ask questions, to educate when appropriate. Even though I'm glad our dog did not endure a lifetime of puppy mill breeding, I can't help but think that my purchase encouraged someone to produce another litter.
   
   Bradley has done a great job of educating us on the horrors of puppy mills, the encouragement of new legislation and the difficulty of policing the thousands of dog breeders in our country.
   
   At the end of the book, which is really an ongoing story since the problem is not gone, is an Appendix of wonderful information about finding the right dog, what to look for in a breeder, and other helpful questions to ask.
   
   We should all be outraged that as a nation, we spend so much on our personal pets, while thousands of animals are suffering.
   
   I commend Bradley and the many other heroes, including my friend Linda, for their efforts, their voices, their countless hours and dedication to defeating this problem and I implore you to ask questions, to speak up and to do whatever you need to do to NOT support the profitability of puppy mills.



5. I knew this book would not be an easy read, but I just had to read it. Just 2 weeks ago a family member rescued a four year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, like Gracie, from a Georgia puppy mill. This dog is the sweetest little lap dog ever, but everything is foreign to him: his bed, toys, leash, grass, the sound of cars, birds -- all of these things are new to a puppy mill dog.
   
   Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills, is not all about one dog (later named Gracie). It is a story about a raid on one particular puppy mill - Mike Mar Kennels in Oxford, PA. It is also a wake up call to law enforcement, state and federal agencies about the nationwide problem of often unregulated breeding facilities or puppy mills, and the need for stricter laws and enforcement of these laws as well.
   
   In the case of Mike-Mar Kennels, Owner Mike Wolf, back in the 1960's raised top "show dogs", and in the 1970's began breeding dogs. Sadly his interest grew to thoughts of profit instead of the humane treatment of the dogs in his care. Beginning in 2000, evidence began to mount against Wolf and the kennel. He was cited for failure to maintain the kennel in a sanitary and humane manner and paid a fine of (a laughable)$87.50. In 2004 the AKC stepped in and revoked his kennel and AKC license. But then both the State of PA and the AKC lost track of him and his operations. Finally, in February of 2006, following a tip, the SPCA prepared to seize what was believed to be some 136 dogs from this facility.
   
   What the team found was worst than expected. The conditions were beyond deplorable. (I'll spare you the details). Nearly all of the dogs had some health issue, and these dogs had most likely never left their cages. All these dogs were simply a number--never a name. Some 30 people took part in the rescue, and a total of 327 dogs, 3 cats and 3 parrots were rescued. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), this case was rated as a 100.
   
   The public was outraged and some 3,000 animal lovers flooded the shelters with calls of concern and questions about adoption. The owner and associates were put on trial, jailed and/or fined and banned from owning animals. For the rescued dogs, at least for a while, it was not easy going: nearly every puppy mill survivor refused to walk on a leash, some avoided human contact. This was especially true for Dog 132, later adopted by Linda Jackson and her family and named Gracie.
   
   MY THOUGHTS: Gracie was one of the lucky dogs, but this story has just a little to do with Gracie, and her new life. Lucky Gracie, but what about all of the puppy mill dogs that never get to live their life outside of a wire cage? This book made me shed a tear or two, but it is an important story which hopefully will help to raise public awareness to get more people involved in petitioning to change the laws on large scale dog breeding operations. The author, Carol Bradley is a former newspaper reporter, who has written many publications on animal welfare, animal hoarding and animal cruelty. This is not an easy book to read, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 4.5/5 stars.

5 comments about Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World.

1. Just looking at the cover picture of Dewey, you can see he has soul. He was a friend to everyone. He did not let anyone down. You could count on Dewey Readmore Books. What a name. I enjoyed reading about all his antics and was especially fond of his treatment of people especially the handicapped little girl. He was special and I liked the weaving of the author's life into the story. Dewey was a healer as well. Really helped people---an outstanding animal. We could all learn a lesson from his love and treatment of people.



2. I loved this book. The story was bittersweet in places, heartbreaking in others, but mostly hopeful and and sweet. The writing is excellent. It is concise, easy to read, and hugely entertaining. Plus who can resist that sweet cat on the front?? (It is the real Dewey, which you learn later in the story!) I passed this book along to pretty much everyone I know. It's a fantastic story-- uplifting, and inspiring. Highly recommended.



3. Sent as a birthday gift to an avid reader who loves cats. I read a few pages from "look inside" and it appeared to be a good story. Word back was: Enjoyed and appreciated. Good, fast shipping. Seller recommended.



4. In Dewey, the small-town library cat who touched the world, we find a true friend and companion. He has a heart of gold. His story is one of survival, for he surely wouldn't have made it had he not been put through the library's drop box on that very cold night in Iowa. What's amazing about this cat is how he inspired his human companions to push through their own personal hardships and carry on. No longer will we ever underestimate the love of a pet!



5. this is a great book and a fast easy read. i highly recommend this for cat lovers and non cat lovers alike. a heartwarming story of a great cat and a small town.

5 comments about Homer's Odyssey.

1. I love this book. The author has a marvelous way of putting things, and the story is heartwarming, touching, and inspiring.



2. Do yourself a favor. If you get this book, turn to chapter 15, tear the book in half, and throw out the second half. This book was delightful in the beginning. The author tells us about Homer's plight and how he comes into her life. With great insights, she tells us of Homer's introduction to the world as a blind cat. How he meets life joyfully and with great curiosity. He is not timid and cautious despite his blindness. He does far more than just get along in life. He takes great joy in life. No need for pity for the poor blind cat here. Gwen Cooper's writing starts out with insightful thoughts and nice turns of phrase. It's quite a pleasant read for the first half of the book. Far better than the average "me and my pet dog/cat" book. It's more deeply thoughtful than most books in that category. It doesn't have the "this animal was so need and I'm so glad to have been able to help him" tone that so many books have. Rather, it sings, "This animal is so wonderful, he has taught me a lot and inspired me." I didn't feed sorry for Homer, I felt amazed.
   
   Chapter 12 is a very interesting chapter on the significance of sounds to a blind pet. Anyone with a blind animal would be advised to read this, and it's great reading for any animal lover
   
   Dissapointingly, the book takes a dramatic downward spiral starting with chapter 15. Homer now takes a backseat to the story of Gwen. While I like "getting to know" the authors of various books, I didn't enjoy hearing about Gwen's difficulties repeatedly finding a new job. I found her relationship with Laurence bizarre. She know him for years, eventually they become an item. They decide to move in together, but that takes a year to actually happen because she is writing a book. Huh? After living together for a year, they decided to get married. That takes 2 years; one year because of a book deal, and the second year because they are planning the wedding. Double huh? The book just got too personal and weird. It was more than I wanted to know about Gwen, while not telling much about Homer.
   
   Overall, I'ld say skip this book, unless you have a special interest in handicapped pets.



3. To be honest, I was never able to finish this book. I picked it up and put it back down several times, but although I'm an animal lover and a former rescue volunteer and once adopted a deaf kitten, "Homer's Odyssey" just didn't hold my interest and eventually fell by the wayside. I don't think I ever got more than 50 or 60 pages into it.
   
   However, I am giving this three stars, because my mother saw this book, borrowed it, and ADORED it. Actually, she loved it so much she asked if she could keep it ... which was fine with me.
   
   The cat-memoir genre is a rapidly growing field, and unless you are a hardcore fan or have a special interest in blind kitties, then this one may not be for you.



4. As a cat lover, I found this book to be a wonderful representation of compassion and learning from animals. It's a story about the give and take of every good relationship, and being able to take that leap beyond the extraordinary to prove your love. It's about struggle and overcoming the seemingly impossible. About not taking things for granted and believing that anything is possible.
   
   Homer is a fearless, blind kitty with a big heart. And Gwen, Homer's human mommy, has a lot of love to give. Gwen takes every precaution to keep Homer safe, but she soon learns that he is just as capable of living a full and active life as any cat with eyes - maybe even more. His keen hearing and smell are essentially his eyes, giving him an advantage of the senses that seeing cats can't compete with.
   
   Even in the face of tragedy, Gwen does everything in her heart to be near Homer and her other two cats, Scarlett and Vashti. I often found myself with tears in my eyes because of the amount of love in this story. Love is possible, and Homer's story is a prime example.



5. I am a 43 year old male with 2 burmese cats that are VERY spoiled:) Like Homer, my cats are very devoted and more like dogs than cats (which is a trait Burmese cats are known for).
   
   The forward from Homers vet at the begining was very good. I really enjoyed seeing how devoted she is to her cats and how devoted they are to her.

5 comments about Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog.

1. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I'm a dog trainer and find myself concerned that folks might think the ideas presented are worthy of consideration.
   
   One of the things that's a bit confusing is not knowing what the goal of this book was. I believed it to be a loving narrative about a man and a dog. This was definitely part of the book. But then there was a lot of scientific data interspersed in the writing, making you wonder if the author was trying to make it a training manual as well. If that was the case, it's more than a bit troubling. Very few people have the lifestyle and work arrangements that this gentleman has. It would be dangerous at best in most areas to allow dogs to roam freely without getting captured by animal control, stolen, or killed by traffic. When he took to using a shock collar to try to "train" the dog not to go to a woman's house for the treats (read: filet mignon) she was doling out, that was the end for me. If he had taken even two minutes to train his dog, he wouldn't have had to rely upon cruel methods of punishment.
   
   On a personal note, some of the tangents were exhausting. Also, to hear a man of his age refer to a moment where he and a woman were "going at it" (his words) while noticing the dog watching. Really? The story of the dog was great. The story of what a dog can to do to a person's heart was remarkably sweet. But compiled together with the author's ego, scientific pontificating and bits of "too much information" about things that had nothing to do with the theme of the book, I'm sorry I took the time to read even the three-quarters of it I finished.
   
   My sincere hope is that no one sees this book as a training manual. It would be a great disservice to any of our beloved, furry friends.



2. This is a truly inspiring and marvelous book that all dog owners and lovers should read. The story is written with wonderful details and love about an animal who shows us ourselves and themselves. Something to remember as a dog owner is that a dog can revert to his instincts, regardless of his circumstances. Merle shows us that love conquers all...and gives so much back. I have given this book to several friends who have also enjoyed it. Pass it on!!!



3. I'm a big dog lover.
   
   Here's probably one of the best true story dog books of all time. A friend at work and another dog lover told me " If you like dogs you got to read Merle's Door". She was nice and gave me the book to read.
   
   We see Ted as a single writer living in a rural area of Wyoming. While camping he finds a slightly malnourished but beautiful 1 yr old puppy/dog mixed breed male large dog. A ranger says the dog has been around for a while but no one knows who owns him. The dog likes humans but is skittish as its been surviving in the wilds by itself. Obviously someone owned it as its castrated. It takes a little food from Ted. Ted gets attached to the dog. Ted is going away in a raft on a river and asks the dog if it wants to go with him and be a Wyoming dog. Finally the dog goes with Ted.
   
   He names the dog Merle and allows the dog its freedom by installing a dog door in his home for Merle to go in and out at his pleasure. We see Merle growing up with such love for Ted, others and other dogs yet being allowing to explore and be an equal to Ted. Not just a subordinate almost slave.
   
   Throughout the book we learn about dog and wolf interactions with man. Also wolf and dog behavior is explained. A good education plus an excellent story.
   
   Merle and Ted enjoy Elk hunting, hiking and snow skying together. Merle tolerates going trout fishing with Ted but thinks its boring. Here's a book that also shows the great outdoors. Merle can handle the sound of a rifle hunting Elk and loves Elk meat and Elk bones to chew on but hates the boom of a shot gun while hunting birds. Merle does not like to fetch but eventual retrieves a bird Ted shoots. Ted is so happy, but Merle just spits the bird out at him and Ted sees in Merle's eyes, body language and tone of voice that Merle is saying I can do this but its boring and I really don't want to. Ted respects this and never tries to force Merle to hunt birds with him again. Ted wonders why Merle hates the boom of the shot gun so much and learns Merle as a puppy before he met him got shot. The Vets and Ted find a small bullet in his shoulder as Merle gets older. Merle becomes the small town Mayor and makes his rounds saying hello to everyone both human and dog. Merle even accepts and tolerates a grey cat in the house just like our two dogs do! So much love from this dog to everyone.
   
   Ted falls in love and has a relationship with a younger women who has a dog. Her dog and Merle become best buddies. Her dog gets sick with cancer and has a horrible face ruining operation in an attempt to save its life but eventually must be put to sleep because of extreme pain. Merle misses his dog buddy.
   
   Merle gets old and is 14 or 89 in human years and gets very sick. Ted is so sad and was going to have Merle his best friend put to sleep but temporarily saves Merle with a lot of Vet/medical care.
   
   Its amazing that Merle was so good natured, loving and stayed out of major trouble even when given his freedom by being allowed to go in and out via his own dog door. I learned you don't have be in total change of a dogs behavior or make it subservient as a "Beta" animal with you as the "Alpha" in control all the time. Merle grew up as an equal to Ted yet loved him and others and did things to please Ted not just because he was trained to do so.
   
   INMO this dog freedom would not work in a busy large city but in a very small town with little car/truck traffic it might work. We have a ranch in very, very rural Oklahoma. I plan to have the carpet taken out in the living and dining rooms and a wood floor with scatter rugs put in for the dogs with dog beds. Also will install a dog door. They have all their vaccinations and are on heartworm prevention. Just keep a small collar on our two dogs with our address plus both dogs are micro chipped. Would love to have our dogs grow up as Merle did. Our good natured non aggressive dogs don't run away and come when called. Even if it does not work for our older dogs it worth a try to give them more freedom and when they sadly, too soon pass away will try this approach on two new young dogs.
   
   I wont ruin the ending of this book. I shed a few tears. To me it was very emotional. If you love dogs, the great outdoors, and want to learn a little about dog/wolf interaction with man and dog and wolf behavior this is the book for you. Highest rating 5 star plus!



4. The author understands more about how dogs think and respond to humans and their environment than most breeders.



5. Books about dogs are everywhere - from understanding and training them to stories about them. But no other book presents the unique blend of being both a moving love story between a dog and his human, and fascinating and well-researched information about how dogs think, communicate, and interact with their world.
   
   The story begins when Merle, a big, reddish dog, appears out of nowhere near the San Juan River, where Ted Kerasote, a well-known nature writer, is on a rafting trip. Merle chooses Ted as his human, and Ted takes Merle home to Wyoming. Thus begins a 13-year relationship built on that initial freedom of choice for both dog and man - a choice that enriched both their lives in ways neither of them could have imagined.
   
   What follows is the story of a deep and balanced human-animal bond. This is a relationship based on equality and freedom - Kerasote never subjects Merle to his wishes, but always offers him choices. The door, a real dog door that Kerasote installs for Merle, becomes a metaphor for the opening of a whole new way of looking at how dogs view the world. It shows how dogs, if given the opportunity to utilize their innate intelligence, can become fully realized beings with their own emotions, interests and thoughts, rather than the eternal puppies so many pet dogs turn into.
   
   The door metaphor also extends to what the book really is - a love story. It symbolizes the opening to loving fully. Heart-touching, funny, moving and absorbing, it takes the reader on the 13-year journey of Merle and Ted's relationship. If you're not weeping by the end of the journey, your heart is made of stone. No matter how many times I've read the book, I still cry at the end.
   
   The book is packed full of interesting facts about dogs, from the latest research on wolves to explaining how sharing leadership with your dog, rather than treating him as your subordinate, can help create happier and healthier canine companions. It is a must read for any animal lover - it will change the way you look at how animals communicate and deepen the bond with your own canine companion.
   
   Ingrid King, Author Buckley's Story

5 comments about Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale.

1. Simply put, one of the best dog stories I've ever read. The cute drawings perfectly illustrate the text and made me laugh. Many wonderful memories about Gracie and her role in the creation and running of Three Dog Bakery. Fair warning to the soft of heart, along with the laughter and smiles is of course tears, because sadly, all dogs eventually go to heaven.
   
   What truly makes Gracie a special dog is the unspoken part of her story, that because of her, many dogs have either been saved from death or had their life spans increased. Both Three Dog Bakery and the Gracie Foundation were created because of her and both organizations have helped saved numerous dogs from death. Three Dog Bakery through it's products and recipes has provided dog lovers a way to better provide their dogs a healthier diet, and the Gracie Foundation acts as a "Red Cross" for dogs in need.
   
   Hopefully another reviewer has put the following more eloquently than I. What made this book memorable for me was that it showed how adopting a special needs animal although challenging is greatly rewarding. Maybe it's because a special needs pet requires more attention, and the more love and attention we as people give, the more rewarding the relationship and the closer we feel to our friend in fur, scales, feathers, shell etc.. I certainly feel that way about my special needs cat.
   
   FYI, Gracie was born November 11, 1989 and passed away January 21, 1999. Dottie was born September 1, 1988 and passed away on June 23, 1999, just a few months after Gracie. Sarah born February 1, 1987 and passed away December 31, 2001, a year after this book was published. Dye and Bekloff continue to love dogs, but they sold their interest in Three Dog Bakery and are now involved in real estate.



2. Deep, heartwarming and inspiring. This book will touch you deeply if you care about animals. A very special author with a very special voice.



3. Super fast delivery in just a few days and product received as expected. I would buy again from this seller



4. This is a great book for any dog lover! It's the touching and humorous story of Gracie, a lovable, deaf, albino Great Dane who is rescued by the author. Her finicky eating habits were the impetus behind the creation of the successful business, Three Dog Bakery. Dye is an entertaining storyteller, who reminds us how animals can touch our lives in amazing ways. This book had me laughing and crying!



5. Extremely quick delivery and the book was in perfect condition. I will definitely use this seller in the future.

5 comments about All Creatures Great and Small.

1. This CD has been brilliantly recorded by Christopher Timothy who was James Herriot in the original PBS series, All Creatures Great and Small. I am trying to listen only in half hour segments in order to stretch the listening as long as possible. There are times I laugh out loud and times that I tear up. We watched the original series on television and have the video collection as well. I never, never tire of this series nor the wonderful characters and animals. This reading is absolutley brilliant as I said above and Mr. Timothy transports the listener to the dales of Yorkshire. I cannot think of enough superlatives to recommend this to lovers of All Creatures Great and Small.



2. I first read this series back in the 70's and also my children (10 of them). We all agree that these books are one of the most delighful and enjoyable books we have ever read. (We are all readers, even as adults.) Am now ordering the series for some of the grandchildren starting with All Creatires Great amd Small. Also going to invest in another series for myself.



3. Living in Britain during the late seventies, I became addicted to the television show of the same name. Fortunately, I found that the show was very faithful to the books. When the show finally ended, I began reading Mr. Herriots entire collection of memoirs. All Creatures Great and Small is as satisfying in print as it was on television. Mr. Herriot's description of the farmers and town folk he encountered during his tenure as a country vet confirms that the every day stories of real people can be just as interesting and entertaining as fictional characters, when told by an expert story-teller. The Cloudbase Chronicles - Life at the Top: Living and Working at Chicago's John Hancock Center - An Engineer's Tale.



4. Living in England during the seventies, I became addicted to the television show which was based on Herriot's books. When the show ended I found myself craving more. The books are even more satisfying.



5. James Herriot's first memoir, All Creatures Great and Small, provides the reader with wonderful true stories about the author's experiences as a veterinarian, fresh out of college, and his involvement with animals, their owners, and his colleagues, set in the picturesque Yorkshire hills of central England.
   
   This is a phenomenally interesting book, focusing not only on the creatures (all sizes, ages and conditions of dogs, cats, farm animals, and so on), but also the interesting characters, which owned these animals, and the amazing work that was done by vets in the days just prior to World War II in England. All Creatures Great and Small is a warm, often hilarious narrative, written in the first-person by this wonderful author. See for yourself why millions of people have purchased and loved this book as their own!

5 comments about From Baghdad with Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava.

1. I honestly felt that this book was one of the most memorable and true-to-life books that I have read in many years. I would recommend, however, that the book not be given or read to children or young teenagers, because of the graphic descriptions of war injuries and how clearly descriptions of those injuries from bombs and other devices had left soldiers dismembered and near death so many times over during this war. The one prevailing theme of a heroic soldier and his rescued canine "angel" absolutely made this book and its story one I will never forget or cease to be amazed at.



2. interesting, heartwarming,angering, -- war is hell and there is no way to deny that after reading this book. Puppies are cute and the author kept his sanity caring for this puppy.



3. This book shows a true picture of the US soldier and the war in Iraq. The gut wrenching horrors of the terrorist oppression of the Iraqi citizens and the noble fight to prevent them from killing thousands of innocent people. The struggles the US soldiers have staying alive and the warm heart of our soldiers and their need for love in the midst of a bloody jihad. Lava fulfills their need to give love during this horrible time. One soldier takes a stand to defend the life of a dog that helped his squad wind down from the horrors of the day. In the end, upon the soldiers return home, he is confronted with the ignorance of the US media and their inability to understand the importance of not only Lava's life, but the protection of the innocent Iraqi's that are being murdered by the jihadist terrorist. My son, a US soldier, recommended this book to me. I loved it. I have recommended it to others. It will make you laugh, cry, shudder and think. Amazing work by a US soldier and a 191 page book.



4. I was initally drawn to this book because I am a dog lover, but was plesantly surprised to find that this book had so much more to it. I felt like it combined both a vivid description of the war and also how the compassion of so many people helped save one scruffy, abandoned puppy. I would recommend this book to everyone and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!



5. That book was received in excellent condition and arrived in a timely manner. Service was excellent.
   
   R. Chasse

5 comments about Enslaved by Ducks.

1. 
   McGuffy Ann Morris,
   "Enslaved By Ducks" immediately caught my attention with it's title. However,
   Bob Tarte draws you in from the first page and keeps you laughing and crying
   throughout the entire book. His tales (tails) are both funny and heartwarming.
   Sometimes you will find yourself laughing and crying, at the same time.Bob Tarte
   and his pets remind us to live life to the fullest, and why we should,as well.
   
   Reading his books are like listening to a friend.Be sure to read the sequel,
   "Fowl Weather", too!



2. If you are a bunny slave, or a bird slave or a dog or cat slave then you will laugh out loud at the antics of these pets and their keepers. Bob Tarte does not spare himself and I found myself resonating with several scenarios.
   
   A must read for animal lovers. I wish this would come out in audio.



3. I was so hoping to share the same laugh out loud experience that the critic described, but didn't. I was determined to finish the book and glad I did, but it wasn't until the 200th page that I was finally caught wanting to know how the story ended. It seemed to me that the author didn't find his real writing with humor ability until the last 100 pages of the book. I will say that if you have a heart for fowl or especially a heart for rescuing fowl, reading this book would give you insight to those situations that might otherwise remain a mystery.



4. I found this story to be a chronological history of his duck/pet collection. There were few meaningful moments and one is left to wonder why his wife wanted so many pets. Understanding the motivations behind allowing their lives to be controlled by their pets would have been helpful.



5. I heard positive things about this book so I bought it. I enjoyed the book as much as a non-animal lover can love such an account. I have to admit, if I had all those animals in my house day and night, it would drive me to distraction but I give a lot of credit to this couple. However, if they were to read this they might scowl in confusion, not knowing what's so remarkable about caring for pets to which they became easily attached. There are few books that reveal the particular personalities of animals quite like this one does. The fact that I happily completed the book is saying a lot.

5 comments about Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.

1. I too read this book after having read Wesley The Owl. It truly is a shame that Dr Pepperberg couldn't enjoy the relationship with Alex the way Ms O'Brien was able to with Wesley. The prejudices and overwhelming hurdles she had to overcome to prove what she believed to be true are truly sad, in that it forced her to at least outwardly keep him emotionally at an arm's length, keep it all "scientific". Despite all that, I think he truly knew she loved him. When I read his ending, his last words to her and the aftermath, I literally couldn't breathe. I gasped for air through my tears. My heart broke for both of them.
   
   I was astounded at how horribly prejudiced so called scientists were, with their preconceived ideas and "facts". How people in general are so egotistical in their supposed "superiority" over "mere beasts".
   
   I loved how he sometimes "messed with their heads" - when he refused to say the right number and when they put him away in his cage, calling and saying "two! two! I'm sorry two!" How can this NOT just amaze and endear him to anyone?? Being able to SPELL N U T (nuh uhh ttuh) - that just made my jaw drop.
   
   I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, although I too wish there were even more anecdotes of Alex and the things he would say and do. I mean, in 30 years there had to have been VOLUMES worth of funny, intriguing, and simply unbelievable things he did!
   
   He was an amazing and special little bird. It's a shame to think "what could have been..."
   
   Dr Pepperberg, I applaud you and grieve with you.



2. The gap between humans and "other animals" keeps diminishing. Human arrogance bristles as our furry, scaly, feathery friends use tools, mourn their dead, learn their names, and complete ever more complicated cognitive acrobatics. As time bobs on we big brained bipeds look less like exceptional creatures and more like a part of the normal biological order. This shouldn't upset us, because it turns out that we're in good company. Animals have turned out far smarter than our ancestors could have ever imagined.
   
   "Alex and Me" defends animals against the prejudices of the past, but not just by rhapsodizing. Alex, an amazing African Grey parrot, really performs astounding brainy stunts such as recognizing substances, counting, spelling ("Nnn...uh...tuh") and lexical elision ("Banerry") under the tutelage of scientist Irene Pepperberg. His most impressive performances appear here (those aching for visuals can peruse YouTube). Pepperberg, for her part, endures ridicule, uncertainty, sexism, speciesism, unemployment, spousal separation, and academic jeers for her efforts. Though controversy lingers - or maybe because it does - Alex nonetheless attracts voluminous media attention. Alex shines every time. He attracted enough attention for the studies to continue (they were almost aborted at numerous critical junctures) and to have a foundation set up in his name, which still carries on proving that birdy brains are in fact smart brains. Sadly, after some thirty years of mandible dropping research, Alex passed away suddenly one evening. The original edition of the book didn't elaborate on what happened, but subsequent sources, including the Alex Foundation website, reveal that Alex had a very hard to diagnose arrhythmic condition. No one knew until it was far too late. The passages relating to Alex's death are heartcrushing. Pepperberg's anguish at this unexpected tragedy pierces the narrative as deeply as it will likely pierce readers. The loss of this amazing animal still reverberates, though his legacy remains solid as the first and final chapters of "Alex and Me" show. Chapter 1 contains an exhausting list of Alex's media coverage. The final chapter, "What Alex Taught Me," relates some of the history of humanity's attitudes towards the critters with which it shares the planet as well as a defense of "The Alex Studies" and animal intelligence.
   
   Alex, the larger than life parrot, will doubtless live on as a pioneer in non-human cognitive studies. This short, highly readable, very sad but very funny book won't quiet skeptics, but it will enlighten anyone willing to delve into the realm of avian brain power. It will assuredly convince some that there was more to Alex than mere promptings. Science being science, however, it demands proof that Alex was not an exception or a freak of nature. To prove this, Pepperberg and the Alex Foundation strive on training other birds in the ways of Alex. So far the research looks promising. Acceptance of studies such as Pepperberg's has increased as well. Ultimately, Alex has opened doors and minds, though controversy still murmurs. At the very least, he taught us that we can learn far more from his kind than just mimickry and party tricks. Hopefully we'll learn.



3. If you are looking for a straight us scientific study, this is not it. This book to me, plays more like a memory about Alex. It contains his achievements, personality, and many small bits of philosophy in the process. It shows us How Alex, a randomly chosen grey parrot grows and blossoms, learns colors, shapes, numbers, same and different, how he perceives optical illusions the same as we do, how he can add, and so much more. By the end you fall in love with him, and his cocky attitude.
   
   This was a joy to read and to learn from. For many bird owners confirms what we have always known and believed but could never prove; In every bird their is a miniature Einstein waiting to be discovered.



4. (First, a confession - I went to the same high school as Dr. Pepperberg, lived in the same neighborhood, became an academic just as Dr. Pepperberg did, and when I got her book, I read it with my 5 year old Senegal Parrot on my shoulder. So I am not completely neutral to the subject matter.)
   
   This is a marvelous book and you must read it. Ostensibly it is the story of Dr Irene Pepperberg's 30 year research with Alex, an African Grey parrot. But it is far more, with windows into academia from the 1970s onward, and more particularly, for women in academia. Even more telling, it is an autobiographical account of a person's life, and the struggles she faced.
   
   Dr. Pepperberg's stories about her work with Alex (and later, the other birds) are both instructive and heartwarming. You will be fascinated to discover just how much this bird learns to do. There is a counterpoint that parallels the story, about the place of cognition and what is/is not uniquely human. But the real story is the story of Alex and Her.
   
   Had I been her editor, I would have asked for a lot more about the bird and a lot less about the work. After all, the work is described elsewhere (The Alex Studies) but this is the one place to learn about the bird, and more particularly, about the emotional bond between Dr. P and Alex. Unfortunately, the author steers clear of much of this area, probably as a function of her own childhood, which she bluntly puts before us.
   
   I also would have liked some more information about how Alex traversed the many changes that took place over the 30 years. Dr. P gives us lots of information about how moving around affected her, how she loved being in Boston, how she was enriched by various friends, etc. But there is little about how Alex went through these same changes. And given his abilities, I think this was a unique opportunity to give us some insight into an animal's perspective. Difficult as this may be, Alex was such a unique entity, that here we had a chance to do something otherwise unthinkable.
   
   These comments notwithstanding, Dr. P gives us a book rich with anecdotes and glimpses into Alex's personality. It will appeal to a wide variety of people, including pet owners, academics, and feminists.
   
   In summary, this is a unique book that gives us a beginning insight into what goes on in the minds of the animals that cohabit our world.



5. I was hoping for the bond between Alex and Dr. Pepperberg (which we get a little of) but, we get much more in the scientific testing that took place. This book is not what I thought it would be.