5 comments about Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.

1. I just finished this book and can say all the bad reviews, you people just have it wrong. This is a great read about John and Jennie's life with Marley. I laughed and cried through this entire book. Marley is quite something. His fear of thunderstorms didn't suprise me. I had a dog as a kid with this same kind of fear. He was afraid of hot-air balloons in the same way too. My heart was in my throat when he was comforting Jennie. He was a gentle giant with his "siblings". And his last days were very hard for me to read through the tears. I've had a couple dogs in my life and it never gets easier. If you love dogs, recognize the author is human, understand some dogs are highstrung, and you want to laugh and cry this is the book for you. It's a easy read and fast too. I'll defiantly keep this on my bookshelf. For someone who just isn't interested in nonfiction works, I took a chance on Marley & Me and I'm sure glad I did. Please read it.



2. Having labs I could totally relate to this book. It had me laughing and crying. A great book for any dog lover.



3. This book made me laugh out loud and cry - which is the first time a book has had that type of impact on me!
   
   I got my first dog two years ago, so I could absolutely relate to the stories in the book. It makes you realize and appreciate the bond between dogs and owners.
   
   I would recommend this book to all dog owners!



4. You will laugh, cry, laugh even harder, and cry maybe a little more. I loved this book, and admittedly I wanted a dog just like Marley after I read this book! It was such a great book that made you understand a dog a little better and that you should never give up on your animals. No matter what. If you are a dog lover, I know you will love this book. And even if you aren't you will still love this book! John Grogan is a wonderful author and I WILL read this book over and over again! A wonderful tribute and a nothing but honest truth about the Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.



5. My son bought a beautiful Golden Retriever. When he was a kid we had one named Sam, a beautiful, sweet tempered, loving creature.
   
   Now my son Greg decided to duplicate that before he and his wife Dawn decided to have children.
   
   DISASTER!
   
   Their dog, Cheney (named after the vice president) was nothing like Sam. He thought he was a lap dog --- a 100 pound lap dog that loved sitting on your lap with his butt in your face. Not a pleasant experience. Cheney ate everything, including your meal, as he lunged out from under the table with a tongue like that of a giant frog.
   
   So this book brings home the fact that not all dogs of the same breed are the same way --- kind of like humans don't you think?

5 comments about It's a Dog's Life...but It's Your Carpet: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Four-Legged Friend.

1. Great book for the first time dog owner or the experienced multi-pet household.
   Funny answers and insightfull answers given to the questions we have all pondered at one time or another. (why does my dog lickk himslef? is chocolate toxic to dogs, why does my dog have a declaw?)
   Loved this book!



2. Dr Lee hit the nail on the head. This is the first book dog book that answers the questions you ask yourself about the four legged family member. Its not re-hashed info you see in other books. Yet She makes the book so easy and laugh out loud funny to ready. This is a must have for any dog lover.



3. This book answered questions I didn't even think of! It's very informative and so easy to read since it's entertaining too. The book gives you a whole new perspective on dogs. It helps you enjoy your dog's companionship even more. The book makes a great gift. Or even a refresher on what you've forgotten or been lax about in doggie care to things you never knew.



4. This is the most entertaining book on dogs I have ever read. The author covers everything I could think of (most that is not in other books). There were also things I never would have thought to ask covered that were just amazing little facts. On top of being full of great information, the book is really funny. Several times I had to stop reading, look over at my dog, and just laugh. I hope to see more from this author. A second book by her will be purchased without a second thought.



5. humorous and well written. I am a dog lover, thought I have known enough about how to take care of dogs, but still I learned a lot from this book. I wish more dog lovers or friends of dog lovers would have owned this book or shared this book to othrs.
   
   Anita L

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

1. Wonderful blend of heartfelt story and the science of dog history and behavior. I laughed, I cried (like a baby!) I felt as if I knew Merle and Ted. Ted was able to give Merle the ideal life that I wish I could provide for my four legged best friends. Good job!



2. A must read for all dog people. While most of us can't offer the same freedomss that Merle was able to enjoy, the book teaches us to never



3. The book was thoroughly enjoyable, telling the story of the author's close relationship with a remarkable dog. It also had interesting material about the history, science, and psychology of the relationship between humans and dogs. I highly recommend it.



4. This was one of the best books about dogs that I have ever read. It would be nice if all dogs had a door like Merle's.



5. Merle's Door is the best book on a dog (or dogs) that I have ever read. Rather than becoming lengthy and told from a professional point-of-view that attempts to make sense of every behavior within accepted standards of dog behavior, Kerasote relates Merle's biography - and all the lessons it contains on both dog and human behavior and relationships - in a way that acknowledges and explains professional viewpoints and then provides insight into what dog owners actually go through with their dogs. This merges both views - the professional doctrine and the human experience with dogs - into a synthesis that is both moving and understandable. In fact, Kerasote's observations are the same kind that I have had with my border collie, Emmy. Both are dogs, but exhibit levels of higher thinking, emotion, and reason that profoundly exhibit traits that are human. I agree with every point Kerasote makes in his observations, and find Merle's tale to be an example for how all dogs should be able to live (within the capabilities of their humans, of course). If you have not read it, read it (with a box of tissues during the last few chapters). And I hope it brings you as much happiness, and an understanding of dogs as more than simply dogs, as it brought me.

5 comments about Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon.

1. This was sent as a gift and the recipient was very happy with the book "on cd". We will borrow and listen at a later date. Thank you.



2. Such a great read by a British Vet now working across the pond at a Boston animal hospital. I purchased two more copies for the doctors who have helped me with my animals over the years. Not only will practicing vets relate to the stories of miracles performed by this doctor so will any person who has ever cared for and loved an animal. This book is helping confirm my decision to go back to school and study veterinary medicine.



3. I thought much of his observations were tinged with a bit of the supercilious. He seems to rebuff or make fun of the pet owners, and this to me is not something I'd want to encounter in a Vet -- or that would be my last encounter with that particular vet.
   
   I much more enjoyed reading the book "All My Patients Are Under the Bed", by Louis J. Camuti ( also a Veterinarian).



4. "Tell ME Where It Hurts", was a real good read. Having worked in a Veterinary Clinic all the stories rang true. Best job I've ever had.



5. This is a great read for the avid animal lover. Nick Trout is a wonderful, caring, compassionate, Veterinarian (we need more of these in the world!) and he tells his "day in the life of" with such straight-forwardness, dealing with strange, emotional, comical situations ... all with a great bedside manner and a great sense of humor (which I believe you would need to get thru the difficult times). Highly recommend! And kudos to Nick Trout - keep up the good work!

3 comments about Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed..

1. I bought this book for my sister who wanted to get a pet for my niece. I am hoping to set her mind 'free' of a set pedigree which she likes.
   
   This book didn't disappoint.
   
   As with all Mutts book, this one has all the wits and love sprouting from Mooch and Earl.
   
   But the central theme of the book is still to adopt a pet from the shelters instead of buying from the pet shops. Pets from shelters are equal if not better than to the ones from pet shops because they come with 100% gratefulness.
   
   It is a very lighted hearted and easy read and I highly recommend it to everyone who is thinking of adopting a pet.
   
   Thank you Patrick for a work of love.



2. This book is beautifully compiled. Between the stories and the comic strips included, its both sweet and inspiring. This book is deffinately a favorite!



3. First, I must say, that I have loved the 'Shelter Stories' strip and followed it in the papers: Patrick shows the bittersweet side to working with rescue animals so poignantly, and makes his point in such a sweet way....being a rescue worker myself, it means so much to see the lovely faces of all of these critters, big and small, now living in their furever homes, safe and loved- that is the whole point to what we do- and the photos taken by their adoring owners really capture their personalities and joy these animals have to give, and the love they share with us- and the lessons about life that they teach us. A wonderful gift for ANY animal lover......done very nicely and will be a treasured addition to any pet lovers collection.
   Thank you Patrick!!!!!!!!!

5 comments about Enslaved by Ducks.

1. The first third of the book, I laughed out loud several times. A very engaging writer. I love animals, but am not much on birds. So about halfway through the book, I pretty much had my fill of our feathered friends.



2. I didn't care much for this book. After a few chapters of reading about the many pets this man had in his house it got very boring. I gave up on it.



3. Heard about Bob Tarte's latest book, "Fowl Weather" during an NPR review. When I checked it out at Amazon, I came across the rave reviews for "Enslaved by Duck" and decided to get both. I started with "Enslaved by Ducks" because I couldn't resist the title and it didn't disappoint. Bob and his wife are two people that you enjoy spending time with. You only wish your friends were as funny and warm-hearted as these two. I have to confess that I feel the story did sag a bit toward the end and became somewhat repetitious, but you're free to stop any time you want and don't have to slog toward the credits like I did. Am looking forward to reading "Fowl Weather".



4. Definite reading material for anyone who's loved and adopted an animal. I can't wait to read the author's second book.



5. I loved this book! It made me laugh many times over and made me cry, too. I even learned some things about animals!
   The book spans 10 years of the author's (Bob's) life-events related to animals. Each chapter is devoted to a certain animal, or an animal event. It's fun to see Bob's changing attitude towards animals. He starts out as a begrudging pet owner (though it's quite obvious that deep down he adores his rabbit!), and ends up gloating about his numerous pets to innocent bystanders at pet marts. While there is always a tad of the begrudging-act in Bob, it's so transparent that it's quite easy to tell how enamored he is by his pets. He gives a very honest telling of this, too, poking fun of himself quite often (almost always) throughout the book, and repeats numerous times how much his wife, Linda, handled most of the really hard stuff when it came to caretaking.
   It took me a few chapters to really get into the book, but once you learn who Bob is, and understand his writing wit and humor, the book is excellent! Even the acknowledgements are hilarious! I felt that I really knew Bob and Linda, and frankly their pets, too! There are great descriptions of the animals, their characters, and expressions! I can actually vouch for his description of rehabbing baby birds - and if the rest of his stories are as accurate as that, then it must be a very honest book! And I could completely sympathize with many of his emotions.
   So long as you don't mind a few (very few) cuss words, or a few insights in the animal "facts of life," or the fact that (at least, as I surmise) the Tartes' are vegetarians and make a couple of references to the carnivorous folk of the world, then I highly recommend this book!
   We also get a glimpse into Bob's visits to his psychologist and his dealings with Zoloft - but somehow he manages to always tie it back in with his animals.
   I'd be the last person to say that a cat doesn't have a soul, or that a dog can't love you, but I'd probably be lying if I didn't say that I was hesitant to believe such things about birds. Bob's totally changed my mind. I love the ending of the title chapter and the book itself - I think those are the two places where we really see what animals mean to Bob, and how much they can impact our lives.
   I highly recommend reading this book - and I highly suggest you read it with your pet nearby!:D

5 comments about Good Dog. Stay..

1. This is a 45 minute short story about Anna's dog, Beau. I am not a fan of animal stories as they usually either end up getting hurt or dying. The same is true in this one. It is the life story of Beau and as all life stories, the end is death. That brings tears to me which is why I don't like these types of stories.
   
   I believe Anna wrote this as a way to heal from her lost of Beau more than trying to tell a readable story. This is not to say the story doesn't make sense. It does. I just hear in Anna's own words how much she and her family cared for Beau and how much his loss meant to them.
   
   As with all stories, there are the good times and the "bad dog" times, laughs and tears and general day-to-day life. If you want to hear about a good dog's life, this CD will provide that.



2. I bought this book for my husband as part of the grieving process after our 14-year-old black lab died. I expected Anna Quindlen's usual wisdom and frankly I was disappointed. The text was very short; not enough in quantity or quality to justify a book in my opinion. Worse, every page featured those awful cutesy stockhouse dog photos that seem the antithesis of the honest and straight style I expected based on reading her wise columns in the NY Times for many years. The book came across as a celebrity milking something very thin for some extra cash. Come on, Anna, you can do a lot better than this!



3. I think she is such a wonderful author and love her books. This was yet another treasure.



4. Loved this book - sounded just like what we went through with our yellow lab. Quick read - heartwarming.



5. The daycare I take my lab to recommended this book in a newsletter. This is a book that all dog lovers/owners should read. It's a great book to pick up for a quick coffee break read. I'd recommend it as a great gift for the dog lovers in your life.

5 comments about Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America.

1. This book may not have all the answers for everyone, but it is an EYE-OPENER.
   
   People are simply too entrenched in believing that euthanization is absolutely necessary, but in reality, the shelters that I've come into contact with are VERY poorly organized and therefore aren't successfully reaching out into the community as much as they could.



2. A no-kill shelter was recently built on 13 wooded acres outside a city near me. The facility has space for 250 animals. A huge budget. Slick marketing. A partnership with a major pet food manufacturer. A variety of innovative programs. 1300 volunteers, 130 foster families and thousands of extremely generous supporters. Last year, 2100 of their animals found new homes. It's the kind of operation Nathan Winograd would call a no-kill success story. And yet the organization admits they cannot accommodate the more than 300 requests they receive weekly from people trying to relinquish their pets to them.
   Within 15 miles of this beautiful facility are 2 open admission shelters that have to euthanize for space. They have implemented most if not all of the programs Mr. Winograd claims is necessary to achieve no-kill status. But, unlike their no-kill neighbor up the road, these shelters do not turn any animals away. Last year, they took in 21,000 animals! Anyone out there willing to build, staff, operate and fund a no-kill shelter for 21,000 animals?
   Which brings me to what I found most irritating about Redemption. Nathan Winograd never discusses what I believe is the biggest issue separating the two kinds of shelters- what to do with the staggering number of animals no-kill shelters turn away. He only briefly mentions the necessity of no-kill shelters to "occasionally" limit incoming animals. Where I live, however, no-kill shelters only occasionally accept animals! In fact, I don't know anyone who has been successful getting a stray or their own animal into a no-kill shelter. My point is this: EVERY NO-KILL SHELTER IN THE COUNTRY HAS TO FIRST ACCEPT EVERY ANIMAL BROUGHT TO ITS FACILITY BEFORE WE CAN HAVE ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING A TRUE NO-KILL NATION.
   They shouldn't be setting standards for open admission shelters when their very way of operating directly contributes to these shelters having to euthanize for space.
   The author crows about his success leading an open admission no-kill in a sparsely populated rural part of New York. Note that, last year, Tompkins County SPCA took in less than 3000 animals. His urban success story - the San Francisco SPCA- did not even take animals from the public if I correctly understand their relationship with the SF Animal Care and Control. Last year, the San Francisco SPCA took in less than 4000 animals. When Nathan Winograd can take over an open admission shelter accepting 21,000 animals annually and still make it no-kill, then and only then will I be impressed enough to jump on the Redemption bandwagon.
   I also did not like that Redemption is full of inflammatory, anonymous and dated remarks that cannot be verified easily because the author does not include footnotes and references you usually see in a piece of nonfiction. Fact checking is limited to a 12 page bibliography.
   It is a myth that we can somehow save every homeless or unwanted animal without having to first address the disparity between no-kill and 'kill' shelter admission policies and intake numbers. Redemption only gives one side of the story and, unfortunately, the author is promoting it as the whole & balanced picture it isn't. I'm just a little surprised that readers are swallowing his half-truths with such gusto. Dig a little deeper, animal lovers! You can start by asking you favorite no-kill shelter how many animals they turned away this week.



3. I am on the board for an animal shelter and I have had the sense that something was wrong in the way my questions and suggestions have been responded to. This book address everything, and has set off a domino effect in my thinking. Thank you Nathan for your courage and conviction. I will do all I can to ensure our board implements your No Kill blueprint.



4. This book is absolutely shocking! Every page I turn, I ask why?! What can I do? How an I stop this? Thank you, Nathan Winograd for opening my eyes!



5. I have always personally been appalled at the Kill ratio in shelters, but didn't realize how easy it is to fix the situation. I am disgusted at how PETA and HSUS believes that killing animals in shelters is "more humane" than placing them in homes. This book was an eye-opener for me, and I will definately STOP giving my money to HSUS and volunteering at kill shelters. I can't wait until the day when I can open a No Kill Shelter of my own, where each and every animal will be treated the same, not shelled out to the back to be killed because they weren't loved enough by their previous owners.

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

1. The story of the Colonel rescuing Lava was a good story, but this book took me almost nine months to read. In my opinion it wasn't written very well. The book lacked the ability to grab me by the collars and slam my face into the book until I finished reading it. I was hoping for this book to do that. But nevertheless, I am happy to have read it.



2. This book is about our refusal to give up our humanity in the face of war. Take the toughest, baddest trooper, insert dogs and children into the horrors of war, and watch stone-cold combatants turn into wet clay before your eyes. Quick and enjoyable read. The LTC captures the emotion and internal conflict everyone who's served in a combat zone can relate to.



3. It has been a while since I read this but I would probably read it again (and I don't read books twice). I'd love it if they made a movie out of it. I learned a lot about how things are in Iraq and experienced a heart warming story in the process. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a dog lover or has someone they love overseas.



4. I received my copy of this book on a Monday and finished it on a Friday - It was so good that I couldn't put it down and I actually broke down in tears at the end. What an absolutely fabulous read!
   
   It has truly been a long time since a book affected me in such a way that I was experiencing a rainbow of emotions: laughing, gasping, anxiety, pausing to reflect, and becoming so emotional that the people on the subway train (where I usually have time to read) were staring at me like I was a crazy person.
   
   I am so happy that I learned of this book and I applaud the actions of the men and women who helped bring Lava to America and to tell his story.
   
   Jay/Lava: Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience in learning your story. You both are very lucky to have each other.



5. This is just one of those books that you can breeze through but really hits you in the heart. You can't help but root for this pup and, at the same time, feel thankful for the soldiers that fight for our freedom. Too touching not to read.

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

1. I've been looking for a book like Marley and Me. So when I was looking up animal books I found this one. I loved this book so much. I laught and cryed. I'm a big dog lover, as I have two of my own so this book was perfect for me. I would recomend it to anyone who is an animal lover.



2. This is an extremely well written true story of a man needing some new direction in his life and the adorable dog who brought it to him. This book is full of humor but doesn't sway away from the real emotions of life. As I neared the end of the book, I really felt left down. If this would have turned into an online journal, I would read it every time something new was posted. This is a must read even if you don't own a dog (I don't but love them just the same).



3. This was a wonderful book to read and will be a great one to re-read in the years ahead.
   
   The relationship between Gracie and her people is touching, and such a good example of how treating each other, including our canine friends, with respect and genuine love, is the very best way to live. I am so thankful that Dan empathized with Gracie and that he worked to learn how he could help her live life to her fullest. His willingness to change and do what was needed to provide the best environment he could provide for Gracie is an example of selfless love. And look at the overflowing benefits that came to her, him and the rest of their household from that love!
   
   I have told all of my friends to buy this book. It is superb. Thanks Dan and Mark!



4. What a sweet book. Nothing spectacular here except Gracie. If you love dogs, you'll love this story.



5. It definitely is a wonderful, beautiful and incredibly moving book. But, it also is a really, really funny book. I laughed out loud. The author is extremely funny. His love story about Gracie is absolutely a delight. It's a wonderful tribute and a very funny book despite the fact you know that it's going to be sad at the end. When I was done reading it, I just felt blessed to have shared in this experience.