No comments about De perros que saben que sus amos estan camino de casa/ Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: y otras faculatades inexplicadas de los animales/ ... Powers of Animals (Bolsillo/ Pocket).

4 comments about Reflections of the Heart: What Our Animal Companions Tell Us.

1. AMAZING BOOK, IF YOU LOVE YOUR ANIMAL COMPANION OR ANY ANIMAL THIS IS A MUST READ



2. Having a better understanding of the role of our animal companions, as this book has given me is wonderful. Ms Smith has given me a never before insight that has lifted me into a whole other realm of love for animals everywhere. I recommend this book to anyone who has animals. Feel the power of love with each story told. Imagine, a mirror to help guide us through our lives, in an unexpected source. Excellent!



3. This is a fascinating book to read. Many people are curious to know how closely some humans can communicate with animals and Sharon Callahan seems to have a very special gift. Luckily for the reader, Deborah Demoss Smith has a special gift as a writer because she really makes this story come alive. The stories of animals and their people are great reading and will help you understand your animal better.



4. This moving account of how our animal friends become so interrelated with our lives also has a strong message: the power of love to conquer obsticals in our daily lives.
   
   So not only is this a great read about some incredible stories between folks and their animals but a lesson on more gracious ways to live.
   
   It comes highly recommended.

5 comments about Tails from the Barkside.

1. This book was a great read. It wasn't just about animals but also the author. Recommended.



2. I ordered these two copies of "Tales From the Bark Side" as gifts for friends who are dog lovers, as am I. I so thoroughly enjoyed the book that I just HAD to share it!! As I said in the title--PURE PLEASURE. The book has great humor, and very moving poignancy--I can't wait to read it again--just as soon as our new puppy lets me sit down for more than five minutes!



3. I absolutely LOVE "Tails From the Barkside"! I first heard about it on GreatPets.com, bought the book, and have read it several times since then. Tails is a wonderful collection of stories from the real life training experiences of Kilcommons and Wilson. A must read!



4. These stories are great insights into dogs and their personalities. I admit, James Herriot is still my favorite author when it comes to telling a tale. Looking beyond the lack of narrative richness, it's still a great, easy read. I finished this book in two days. It was funny, heart-wrenching, educational, and highly entertaining.



5. Tails From the Bark Side, by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcommons is a great look at the human animal bond, especially the funny parts! Tails from the Bark Side has laugh out loud funny stories of dogs and humans and the funny quirks about both. I rate this book among the top dog stories I've ever read. ...

5 comments about The Philosopher's Dog: Friendships with Animals.

1. While Raimond Gaita has an engaging enough style of writing, this book was a bit of a disappointment to me. I only got a C+ in Intro to Philosophy in college 40-some years ago, so a lot of his references to Descarte, Wittgenstein and Sorenson were just way over my head. I mean I could sorta follow his reasoning when he went off on these tangents, but I didn't really find it all that interesting, so I skimmed over those parts. And I'm glad I did, because when he did talk about his dogs and other pets, or about other books featuring dogs, I found his text very interesting. Was most pleased to see him cite J.M. Coetzee and his novel, Disgrace, which is a favorite of mine. And when he writes about his father, it gets even more interesting. Wish I could snag a copy of Gaita's memoir about his dad: Romulus, My Father. Unfortunately it seems to be out of print and only available used from Australia. I was made aware of The Philosopher's Dog by a brief reference to Gaita in Ted Kerasote's bestseller, Merle's Door. Although there's some rather tough slogging from the philosopher's end of things here, this is a book worth reading. - Tim Bazzett, author of the ReedCityBoy trilogy



2. I lament not loving this book, because the concept seemed wholly compelling and Mr. Gaita is a fine writer. However, I found the animal sequences slanted toward the sorrowful, and the philosophic essays rambling.
   
   The philosophy, to the book's detriment, dominates the text. I've read Wittgenstein, Buber and Heidegger -- so I'm not unfamiliar with the rigors associated with philosophy. I've read many of the books by the foremost ethologists. I've read many books detailing the tensions and joys of relationships between humans and their non-human companions. By and large, this book has none of the pleasures and illuminations present in almost all of those genre's.
   
   Mr. Gaita's prose is lush and clear during the more elegiac sequences in the book, which is why I'm giving it a 3 out of 5.
   
   The book cover is unfortunate because it gives an impression of tenderness or sentimentality, depending on your point of view, which is not reflected in the book. And perhaps it is literal to say so, but I did not find a single mention of a Terrier. We often buy books because of the tone that a cover implies, and this cover was indeed misleading.
   
   There seemed no fresh insights or even new questions raised in this book. Nor did I feel that it was a book about dogs or friendships with animals. But its worst moments are spent denigrating the work of other writers (and in full disclosure I have never had any association with the writers he mentions).
   
   It's not that the book is without a moment's pleasure, but there are few -- it is that there are so many uninteresting contradictions which cloud its intentions to the point that I couldn't put it down quickly enough, and dreaded picking it back up.



3. I found this book very moving and pleasant to read, but I am talking mostly of the first half. The second half gets really tough if you don't have a solid knowledge of philosophy...but it's certainly a very good and chalenging book. I recommend it!



4. Our book club picked The Philosopher's Dog as our first non-fiction selection. We are all animal lovers, and we had expectations of this book that it just didn't deliver. First, is that the way all philosophers write? No wonder there aren't too many of them around. Gaita did have some gems in the rough - and we did appreciate his insights - but his writing was so scattered that it was very difficult to sift through all the verbosity to get at the core of his thoughts. There is also no reason for a book to have single sentences of 50+, almost 60 words. That also detracted from the good points he was trying to make. Again I say, where was the editor? In addition, we had a problem with his arrogance in assuming that his dog Gypsy, as she's lying on her mat, staring out to sea, simply cannot have "reflective" thought. How does he know? The earth was still round when we poor humans thought it was flat, right? He has to look at his relationships with animals through a human perspective, the only one he has, but it doesn't mean that the jury is in on the limitations of animal thought and behavior. It doesn't mean, necessarily, that the human species is at the top of the intelligence ladder, either. Even though he eschews the use of anecdotes, we would have liked more of them, because his true bond with his animals came through best in the narratives. I think the book topic would have been better served as a tightly written essay. In the end, we did agree with Gaita that the essence of our relationships with animals is unconditional love and respect, feelings that we don't need a philosopher to explain to us. Unfortunately, the best parts of the book (the paperback version) were the cover photo and the back cover summary.



5. I don't have the qualifications Mr Gaita has in the field of philosophy, but if this is scientific philosophy I sincereley doubt its value. Some of the material is interesting, but quite often he puts his own very subjective ideas forward and magnifies them to universal laws of philosophy. He states for example that he knows nobody who would pay as much money in medical bills for a sick dog as he would for a sick child (this makes me wonder if he has ever even tried to communicate to real animal lovers before he wrote this book, or merely draws conclusions based upon his own feelings). Based upon this statement solely he "philosophises" that it is impossible to love an animal the same way as a human and even goes a bit further by stating that there is something wrong with you if you do. I think his feelings for animals are very limited compared to mine and a lot of other people who are in my view psychologically "healthy". I however as a psychologist and would by no means try to draw any universal conclusions based on this subjective finding of mine.

2 comments about The Beauty of the Beasts.

1. The stories of Gentle Ben, Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion and other famous animal stars are told by the trainer who claims to have single-handedly invented affection training. Some tales are both funny and frightening, like Ralph's story of dressing in drag to wrestle a python. I also like that he takes the time to discourage people from owning wild animals--it's just not a good idea for most of us.
   
   This is a very readable book. However, I prefer Pat Derby's The Lady and Her Tiger, which tells some of the same stories about the same animals. She used a very talented ghostwriter (Peter S. Beagle), wrote more closely in time to the events described, and pulled no punches about the darker side of keeping wild animals in captivity. At the end of her book I felt I knew her, the animals, and the industry much better than after reading Beauty of the Beasts--which is more a memoir, sweetened by time, of Ralph's experiences--even though Pat's book was written as an autobiography.
   
   Pat and her ex-husband Ted also felt affection training was something new when they began to use it; I fail to see how any one person could honestly take credit for what seems to have been a much-needed, industry-wide revolution in working and thinking about animals. I don't think either author is lying about this, simply that it was an idea whose time had come and may have been hit upon by several people independently.



2. My very first job was working for Ralph Helfer at his ranch Africa USA. This book is a collection of stories about the animals that Ralph trained and held in the highest regard. Having known Ralph, being familiar with some of the animals, and seeing the amazing results of Affection Training first hand, the stories played like videos in my mind. Ralph writes with warmth and humor about his friends who just happened to be other than human. The human qualities of these beautiful 'beasts' come to the surface under Ralph's gentle hand and the love and understand that he exhibits for his extended family. Many of the animals discussed are familiar because of the TV and movie appearances that made them famous. The stories made me laugh, cry and gasp. I am so thankful that these adventures have been put to paper for all to enjoy.

2 comments about Horse Nation: True Stories About Horses and People.

1. I never had the pleasure of owning my own horse or run with a wolf but T's superb writing takes you right there every step of the way. You emotionally can't help getting involved. Teresa has a magical way of sharing her lifes experiences and somehow you can relate in some area or another. Her devotion to her decisions and committment to all animals under her care should be an inspiration to all to look beyond the material and look with your heart. All creatures are a blessing and should not be ignored or abused. T's courage and deep rooted spiritualness throughout her life, making decisions that most of us would not have been able to is a tribute to her and her outstanding work.
   She took her fathers teachings and her mothers heritage and combined, has passed them on to her students.
   There is a Dakota proverb " We will be remembered by the tracks we leave behind". There is no doubt that next to T's tracks will be the tracks of all the animals lives she has touched and been touched by. Thanks T.....Linda (anuyi)



2. Having been blessed enough to have had a horse in my life in my 30s, I found this book a sweet reminder and educational as well about who horses are at their very core. Teresa Martino writes with an honesty and insight that gives you the feeling you're standing in her shoes and living vicariously through her experiences. I highly recommend this book for any horse lover who honors who their horse is, not just at the physical level but the emotional, mental and spiritual levels as well.

5 comments about My Recycled Pets: Diary of a Dog Addict.

1. I loved this book! I found it very inspirational and motivational. Thanks to people like Randi, I have the most amazing little rescue dog and I love reading about other successful rescues as well. As a dog lover who also sometimes volunteers for dog rescue in the Bay Area, I was touched by Randi's stories. I also love her spiritual approach, of searching for divine order in a chaotic world. The book has inspired me to begin volunteering/fostering for rescue again, and to give dogs that might appear unreachable a second chance.



2. A current trend in books about dogs is that the dog(s) serve as a back drop for the author to talk about himself or herself. This book is not one of those books. And Randi Berger does a wonderful job telling the dogs' amazing stories.
   
   I truly enjoyed reading this book about troubled dogs who are rehabilitated by Ms. Berger and end up as wonderful pets.



3. Berger's stories of her years managing her full-time dog rescue organization are not only entertaining, but inspiring and sometimes painful to read. This is real-life in the dog-rescue world. Very hard work. You really get a sense of the committment and the endless effort it takes to run a successful rescue organization. Berger laces her book with humor, wit, and lots of great dog photos so you can really get a feel for each of the dog characters she writes about. I recommend this book to ANY dog lover...but especially to those who've rescued a dog from the street, a shelter, or a bad situation. You will enjoy this book. A must-have for your dog library!



4. This is a most enjoyable book and the first I have read to tell how someone begins a dog rescue group. I got my dog from one and have wanted to know more about these groups. The writer should continue to tell her story of dog rescue and of other such groups as well. Her writing style is entertaining and informative.



5. In her book "My Recycled Pets," Randi Berger shares with her readers a deep and personal glimpse into the life of a self proclaimed "dog addict." Randi is the founder and director of Recycled Pets Rescue, an organization that finds homes for dogs that would otherwise be put to sleep. This book chronicles her life and the many furry friends that aided and helped her along the way.
   
   I think the most compelling thing about this book is that Randi Berger's passion for what she does oozes from every page. In her book, Randi allows her readers to accompany her on a journey that takes her from being self centered young adult to the selfless champion of those discarded pets on doggie death row.
   
   This book is mostly a series of vignettes about the many dogs that have passed through Randi's life. These stories are filled with both joy and pathos. Randi's strength as a writer is the way she connects with the reader and is able to communicate her innermost feelings through the pages of her book.
   
   I found "My Recycled Pets," to be a very touching and readable book. In fact it I was not able to read it a quickly as I would have liked because my wife hijacked it from me and couldn't put it down, leaving it unavailable to me until she was finished.

4 comments about Real People Don't Own Monkeys: And Other Stories of Pets, Their People and the Vets Who See It All.

1. See my comment to the vet student who could't handle the Tale of Tom-cat McGee. Review therein. And I add here: Excellent read; I upgraded it from bathroom reading to late night wind down. I don't have time for reading for fun lately, but I was forced to make room for this one.



2. In many ways Dr. Kiklevich's book can be summed up in one anecdote she recounts -- as a new vet straight out of internship she joined a small practice with several established vets. When she discovered one of them was secretly being cruel to the animals, she laid down an ultimatim -- either the cruel doctor had to be fired or she'd quit.

   The director of the clinic thought it over and wisely decided in her favor. Such devotion to her patients cannot be taught, and in the end is much more valuable than experience or seniority.

   Veronika says she knew she wanted to be a vet from the time she was a toddler -- after reading this book you will believe her. She is funny, self-deprecating, witty, charming and most of all passionately, PASSIONATELY devoted to her patients.

   I wish I could make her my vet.




3. As a veterinary student, I was appalled to read that such antics as lying to clients and microwaving cats not only seem to be acceptable, but touted as entertainment in this book! It certainly made me happy that I did not choose to pursue my education at Washington State University if this is any representation the quality of their instruction!



4. This book is guaranteed to make to you laugh, cry and exclaim in wonder and indignation as you follow the author through her thoroughly "real," but remarkably fanciful day-to-day experiences as a small animal vet. It seems almost impossible that one person could have encountered so many characters in a single lifetime. On the other hand, as you will quickly surmise within the first 10 pages of the book, Dr. Veronika Kiklevich is no ordinary vet.

   Here is a woman with a wicked sense of humor, the stamina of a steam engine and an absolute commitment to the well-being of animals. This commitment leads her into all sorts of peculiar, poignant and occasionally dangerous adventures. We hear of her time spent as the vet for a wolf pack, her confrontation with a co-worker who is subsequently fired for cruelty, the vacation spent on a tropical island neutering cats, and her blatant manipulation of friends, family, co-workers and casual acquaintances in her quest to find homes for abandoned pets.

   Not surprisingly, there are stories about human beings as well - the elegant, eloquent doctor who spared no expense on his dog's care, but turned out to be an imposter wanted in several states for forgery; the "special look" as she calls it (think "1980's grunge with may be a faint overlay of whips-and-chains panache") of Iguana owners; and the money hungry vet who liked to add "aggravation charges" to his clients' bills.

   It is appropriate that all is not fun and laughter in this book, despite its author's gift for telling a ribald tale. Hers is a world where grisly things happen, and she makes no attempt to hide the gory details. Many a time I found myself setting the book aside, taking and deep breath and thinking, "whoa." However, if you can handle the heat this is a book that will delight, entertain and enlighten. Somehow the world seems like a better place knowing Dr. Kiklevich is out there practicing medicine.

1 comments about Scout, the Christmas Dog.

1. Andy Sansom is a well known Texas conservationist. I had the pleasure of meeting him recently and he is an engaging speaker. His book, Scout, the Christmas Dog is a heartwarming tale that will appeal to anyone who loves animals, especially labs! Andy eloquently puts into words the emotions all pet lovers feel when faced with the loss of a cherished companion.
   
   This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone on your Christmas list who is a hunter, dog lover, or nature lover. Highly recommended.

1 comments about The Spirituality of Pets.

1. It was interesting, and some what informative. I have read many dog books and I didn't find this one exceptional. I read it because it was a gift but wouldn't purchase it for myself. This book holds your interest and is worth reading as I said if you are a stong dog lover.