2 comments about Mush! Revised: A Beginner's Manual of Sled Dog Training.

1. I like this book because although it is a manual for mushers it weaves the technical aspects with interesting stories and history. It's easy to read and practical. I keep it on my nightstand and periodically refer to it on my path to being a musher. If running sled dog teams is on your "bucket list" you should have this book.



2. First, let me state that I have not read this book yet. But, I have read positive reviews of it and thought one piece of information could be very helpful. This book is said to contain information on canicross, bikejoring, skijoring, pulking, backpacking and camping, in addition to sledding. Since there aren't many books out there yet which cover these topics, it's good to find one that does.

2 comments about Paws & Smell the World: Unforgettable Moments with Our Best Friend.

1. Arrived on time and in perfect shape. Love this book, made a perfect gift.



2. Paws and Smell the World is a delightful book of dog stories and poems that is sure to make the dog lover happy. It might even make some happy who just like animals. From stories about Lucky, the bull dog runt who survives a near-drowning, to stories about a woman learning to dance with her border collie as she cooks in her tiny kitchen--these pieces and breath-taking photographs really capture the wonderful bond that exists between humans and canines.
   
   This is a great book for any library to go along with copies of All Creatures Great and Small, Old Yeller, and Sounder. It is also a great gift for the dog person who understands what a cold wet nose and big dark eyes are all about.

5 comments about Small Dog, Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius.

1. One reason I bought this book was for the front cover. For I own two female (half sisters) Chihuahuas and the picture reminded me of them. Even when I just looked at the pictures and the many different possess that Genevieve would strike would make me start cracking up. I could really relate the way the book was written as if were from her to if either one (the smarter one)of my chi's could write. The easy read made me put one (the cooler one) of my girls in this dogs skin. It was wonderful and funny to read. Finished it pretty fast and hope to meet her one day for her pawgraph. (We live in the same city of Sarasota)



2. Genevieve's Dad has done an awesome job of translation in this book, without pulling a single thing about the proper training of owners. Go Genevieve!
   
   My Mom read it to me, and when I suspected she skipped the best parts, I dragged the book under the bed and read it after she was asleep. Genevieve is my newest heroine.
   
   So, why did I only give this book 4 Stars. Well, in spite of the fact that Genevieve looks a lot like me, she was highly critical of chihuahuas saying that they were appropriate for showing in Taco commercials. I could not let such slander against my breed go unchallenged. I suggest that before her next book, Genevieve watch Beverly Hills Chihuahuato get a true respresentation of my breed.
   
   Otherwise, I enjoyed every page. I hope her next book comes with Dog Treats packaged in with it.



3. Genevieve is a precious, cute little Papillon that will keep you laughing from page 1. We couldn't put the book down once we started to read it. Our world hasn't been the same, since we found Genevieve and her priceless book, not to mention the Papillon that owns me: "Napoleon" who just told me to order the rest of Genevieve's books (so I listened!)...WE love you Genevieve!!! Keep the books coming...WE ARE FANS FOR LIFE!



4. Anyone who owns a dog or is considering acquiring one should read this book. Genevieve shares great insight into the obviously superior mind of a dog. Her tips and secretes have truly helped me become a better human companion. I laughed until I cried at her stories of what canines put up with daily. She is truly delightful and as a bonus, she's so cute!



5. I'm usually suspicious of books barktated to humans without assistance from experienced canilinguists, but Dr. Fried seems eminently qualified and adept at putting Genevieve's deep thoughts into layman's words. While the well-known translations into Great Dane, Chihuahua, and Cocker Spaniel are meticulously faithful to the unique colloquialisms of puppy patter, Dr. Fried's edition takes a more scholarly approach, and I must say Genevieve expresses herself eloquently and humorously in this less-advanced mode of communication (English). Fried has gotten the star to open up and divulge celebrity life away from the bright lights and paparazzi; indeed, the reader will gratefully share the doghouse (bring your own newspaper) and beg for scraps from Genevieve's table of gossip. A hilarious gift for dog lovers and anyone who likes to laugh!

5 comments about Paw & Order: Dramatic Investigations by An Animal Cop on the Beat.

1. I had the distinct honor of buying an autographed copy directly from Tina herself! She so graciously took part in our non-profit's big Dogfest Fun'raiser in the summer of 2009. Her name was a big drawing card and our event was very successful in raising rescue awareness, placing adoptable dogs, and getting funding to help the animal rescue groups in our northern NJ area.
   
   When I read this book I was mesmerized and so impressed by the all that Tina has done (and continues to do) for animals. I love the way each chapter is its own story, so those who have to pull themselves away from it can return to a fresh, new story in the next chapter.
   
   My dog, Jessie (an elderly black Lab adopted by our foundation three years ago), is a therapy dog. One of the places we visit is a nursing home where dog lovers gather once a month to discuss a dog-related book. We started with our book, which Jessie and I wrote in 2008 called "Bark Up the Right Tree, Lessons from a Rescued Dog." Now we're doing a "Rescued Dogs on the Go!" book which our foundation published and we couple it with a slide show presentation about animal rescue. And guess what book we'll be doing next. You've got it! "Paw and Order!"
   
   It's a fantastic book. Be sure to read it and pass it on to others.
   
   P.S. We honored Tina and other dedicated animal rescuers in a "Pets & Heroes" event last fall. She is definitely a hero--in many ways, one of which is writing a book that educates, entertains, and motivates!



2. The stories are wonderful as is the writing. I especially loved the chapter about the animal rescue effort after 9/11. It was inspired and inspiring.



3. THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOD IF YOUR A ANIMAL LOVER I WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK



4. Tina Salaks book, Paw & Order, is wonderfully written. The stories are detailed and will draw you in. I laughed and I cried. Her style is breezy yet thoughtful. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves animals. The only thing wrong with it is that it isn't longer. I am looking forward to Part II.



5. I am a regular viewer of Animal Planet's shows about animal cops. This book is an account of one of the officers who (until recently) worked for the ASPCA's animal cops in New York City. Inside, there are descriptions of some of her more notable cases. There are cases of animals being rescued from horrible conditions. But also a case or two where the complaint had been unfounded and the animal owners were allowed to keep their animals with encouragement. The cases range from poignancy to great humor. Recommended.

5 comments about Angel Pawprints: Reflections On Loving and Losing a Canine Companion.

1. There comes a time in every dog owner's life when you look down at the furball by your feet and come to the realization that this is no longer just your pet; this is your friend. Dogs surpass human beings in just about everything: from sense of smell to hearing, from loyalty to love. A dog's capacity to love is something profound; they want nothing more than to be accepted, to please you and to be loved in return. "Angel Pawprints" showcases some beautiful poems about this love which dogs have for centuries offered and received. Laurel E. Hunt edited some great pieces, including works by such famous poets as Rudyard Kipling and William Wordsworth. (My personal favorite is "So Long, Pal" by Ethel Blumann.)
   
   One does not by any means have to have lost a canine companion to enjoy the works presented in this book. If you have ever loved a dog so selflessly, unconditionally, and faithfully, then all of these pet memorials will speak to you, even if you cannot comprehend the depth of the poets' pain. If you have lost a good friend in the past, this book could possibly be a fine method of therapy to help you feel better about everything. (It helped me when my friend of 12 years died.) "Angel Pawprints: Reflections on Loving and Losing a Canine Companion" is, in a nutshell, just a really great way of honoring your dog's memory and love. It may cause some tears but it'll get you through.



2. i have just bought a second copy to send to a friend who needs to say farewell to her beloved jack russell for awhile. the poems are beautiful...i especially love "the house dog's grave", which just might be my favorite poem of all time.

   i use this book frequently to quote passages for friends who have lost their dogs...and i cannot read it without crying. it's very comforting to know that people have felt the same way about their dogs over many years......beautiful, beautiful!




3. I know Dr. Villalobos from working at the animal clinic in Hermosa Beach, CA, and she does a wonderful job of capturing the bond between pets and their owners in this book. She is such a hardworker and her love for animals is apparent through her work in the oncology field.



4. I would recommend this book to anyone who has lost a beloved pet, or as a gift to someone who has. If you want to show you care without saying a word, give this book. In the privacy of their grief they will read this book and know that you understand what they are going through. Even more, they will know that many many people have come before us who have gone through the same hell.



5. Dog lovers will enjoy this book, and will also enjoy "August Magic" and "Heart of the Savannah" by Veronica Anne Starbuck. These two must-reads will be treasured additions to your canine library!

5 comments about Angel Animals: Divine Messengers of Miracles.

1. I bought the book thinking it would be heart-warming stories of animal good deeds. It is not predominately that -- at all. It is predominately a sentimental, pseudo-spiritual barf-bag of collected and devised yarns. Don't waste your money.



2. 
   The book arrived in record time and was wrapped in a piece of tissue tied with a bow. In all the books I have ordered from Amazon -- this is the first time one arrived wrapped as a treasure -- I wrote the seller a note to say thank you and I am grateful for the extra special touch she put into this book. Will always look for her as a seller when buying in the future.
   
   Carol Burmaster



3. Purchased for our 10 year old daughter, she has not put it down. The stories are touching and funny and intense. Good quick read!



4. We all have our own anecdotes about how important our animal friends are to each of us. In some small (or large) ways we have all experienced the miracles of angel animals. In daily life they teach us patience, show us unconditional love, and expect us to be nothing less than ourselves with them at all times. In times of crisis, they stand beside us reminding us that we are stronger and more courageous than we think. In short, they change our lives, for the better. Animals really are pretty amazing creatures.
   
   Angel Animals is an anthology of animal experiences that changed the lives of various individuals. The types of animals and the dynamics of these relationships vary substantially as do the lessons learned and the gifts given by these beings. As expected household pets are common heroes and heroines in these stories. However, in quite a number of the entries, the animals depicted are quite out of the ordinary including seals, raccoons, bees, and spiders. In all cases, these creatures bring with them special gifts and lasting lessons that guided their humans through very difficult or challenging times.



5. Updated and revised to include a new introduction, ANGEL ANIMALS gathers stories about spiritual lessons they've learned from animals and comes not from new age leaders but from ordinary individuals, making for an even more powerful collection. From a sparrow's influence on volunteering to animals who promoted spiritual growth, ANGEL ANIMALS is an outstanding survey for any who would reveal the underlying importance of animals.

No comments about Dog Shock Collars - Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Shock Collar For Your Beloved Pet Dog!"!.

5 comments about My Buddy Butch.

1. Very touching and makes me want to buy a Boston female if I can find one with beautiful markings on her face and has white stockings.



2. Man, what a true to life book. I am the proud owner of a BT and I found out about Mr. Marginean's book on 'Woof,' which is a Boston Terrier Forum. I promptly ordered it but being a BT lover or owner are not requirements for loving this book. The author puts on paper just what loving a pet can do for one's life. Not many books keep me interested to the point I read them in several sittings but this one did. A 'should have' for dog lovers - a 'must have' for Boston Terrier owners!



3. Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (12/08)
   
   Oh my goodness, what a great feel-great book. How refreshing in a time when there is so much negativity in the world. "My Buddy Butch" is a great story about how a little sassy Boston terrier gives Jeff Marginean a new lease on life. When Jeff and his sisters decide to get his dad a little Boston terrier to keep him company after the death of his wife, they didn't know the greater impact this small decision would make. Falling in love with this little doggie, Jeff often visits his father and finally makes the decision to get a little bundle of joy all of his own.
   
   Just like a little bitty baby, Jeff is instantly engulfed in parenthood and all the trials and tribulations that go along with it. Many tales from this new dad dog will have dog lovers rolling in the floor. Chapters such as "Grooming, Dating, and the Chick Magnet" and "The Smartest Dog of All Time" seem written by any person who has that special bond with their canine offspring. A book to be cherished and embraced by all, I found this chapter near the end of the book to be phenomenally moving:
   
   "I have had a good life and it is, hopefully, far from over but things have drastically changed over these many years and not all for the better. It's a time when society seems to be crumbling before our very eyes; natural disasters are occurring somewhere in the world every few months; terrorists and lunatics are prowling the streets, schools, and malls, killing anyone they come across; government running amok; wars being fought; racism of every kind still dividing countries and people. Yet with all of these things happening around us, there is something about looking into a dog's eyes that calms the worry of the day. It is a peace that can be found there based on an understanding that we as humans have not yet learned."
   
   How true is that - Way to go Jeff Marginean! "My Buddy Butch" is great!



4. this is a must read book for anyone who owns a Boston Terrier!! It only took the first 4 pages into reading and I couldnt put it down!



5. This is one slobber soaked fun read. You will quickly get hooked on the antics of Butch the Boston "Terror" and Jeff, his human sidekick. The love Jeff has for this active fellow is contagious. Butch's tale spins out of Jeff's wickedly funny brain in a humorous language that is all his own. As a terrier owner and all round dog lover I enjoyed this book enormously. It captures the spirit and fiesty fun of sharing home and heart with this black and white energizer pooch. Jeff's journey as a new dog owner is not a smooth one, but he sure has a lot to look back and laugh about. Now so do we!
   
   The love we share with our dogs is a truly personal experience. Often one cannot find the words to describe it. Well, Jeff has found all the right words. Move over Marley, there's a new dog on the block!

5 comments about Humphrey Was Here: A Dog Owner's Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go.

1. I was captivated by the beautiful descriptive words that Asher used to help us feel the breezes and see the western mountains. like Asher, I too have lost that perfect dog. As a matter of fact, I have lost several dogs that at the time seemed to be the perfect dog in my lifetime. I am still mourning the loss of the best, fastest, never say quit ball-catching smooth fox terrier ever lived in my opinion. Life does go on. Time does make things better, but I still get tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart when I see her sunbeam empty on the dining room floor or when I see a blue raquette ball in the toy basket that our chubby little Chihuahua won't even smell. It never goes away, it just doesn't hurt all the time anymore.



2. I also own Mark Asher's Book "Old Friends" (wonderful) and was excited to read his memoir about the love and loss of his beloved dog Humphrey. Mark's story resonated with me in particular after the loss of my own dog, and I feel that dog owners everywhere can relate to the highs and lows Mark experienced as he progressed through the grief process. Honest and unsentimental, Mark deftly weaves the unfolding events of his own life with Humphrey's, demonstrating how intertwined our lives become with those of our canine friends. Mark evolved his grief into an opportunity to serve at Best Friends animal sanctuary and other shelters, a decision both inspiring and poignant. I appreciate how Mark doesn't "tell" readers how to feel about his experiences: rather he shares his story simply and honestly, allowing readers to complete the picture themselves. Thanks, Mark, for another wonderful contribution!



3. The author, Mark Asher takes you to a place where he shares through his own personal experience the loss of his beloved companion, Humphrey. His poignant story of his emotional roller coaster of overcoming guilt, grief, acceptance and learning to let go and love again is moving. For me the book brought back memories when confronted with having to let a family pet go and the emotions one goes through. Mark Asher does a wonderful job of telling his story and how he dealt with his grief by learning to give of himself to homeless animals and thereby overcoming his sadness. I highly recommend this book. The book would be an excellent gift to anyone who has recently lost a family pet.



4. Having purchased several copies of Asher's beautiful photographic books for gifts, I was interested to hear his voice as an author. Reading this book was like enjoying a long letter from a dear friend. The writing is straight from the heart, and I couldn't put it down as I accompanied the author through his emotional journey. My husband and I are the companions/housemates/caregivers to two amazing canines and I deeply understand the connection Mark Asher speaks of, although you don't have to be a 'dog person' to enjoy the book. It is a sensitive narrative of what we all must face at some point in our lives, and one man's process in dealing with and moving through the loss of a dear friend. If you have no interest in reading this book, buy it anyway and give it to a friend in support of Mark Asher's work. He is a gem.



5. The sound of Mark Asher''s voice through his words is irresistible. Though I am writing a review of Humphrey Was Here, I have to say that I fell in love with Mark's words in his first book, Old Friends - which celebrates the spirit and wisdom of the older dog, and captures so exquisitely, in words and photographs, what is good and delicious about a long-tem companion. It is a reminder to all of the importance of recognizing and celebrating what our old friends become -- in their own right and for us.
   
   And so it is, that with my appreciation of Mark's ways, that I eagerly got my hands on his latest book about his beloved Humphrey. Ironically it comes out just as I am morning the loss of my own sweet father, which broke my heart into a million pieces. Loss is loss. As usual, Mark is charming and through his pain he delivers perspective and hope that goes directly to the soul.
   
   You don't have to be sad or even a dog owner (I am not) to resonate with Mark's view of the world and the place that animals hold in it. He presents of world of people and animals sharing the planet that is compelling. It's personal. It has depth and meaning. These books have a kind of magic. They get a hold of your heart and don't let go.
   
   Don't miss the opportunity to meet Mark through his canine friends or to invite yourself into his private world of joy and pain in his life with Humphrey. He makes you want to love those who are with you -more and better. But watch out- you might want to get a dog!

5 comments about The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats.

1. This book arrived in the conditon stated and at the on date it was due to arrive. I'm very pleased!



2. Ginny's unique talents in locating sick and injured cats had rendered her numerous appearances in CNN, Animal Planet and major news. Her rescue stories were illustrated by two national best selling books: The Dog who Rescues Cats and the Blessing of the Animals. Ginny passed away on August 25th, 2005.
   
   
   
   With the passing of Ginny, her unfinished mission of cat rescuing is continued by her caretaker Philip Gonzalez everyday. A non profit organization, The Ginny Fund, has been established to raise fund for cat rescuing in Long Beach New York.
   For more information about Ginny, Pleas visit ginnyfanclub website.



3. Today's New York Daily News reported on the passing of Ginny, a/k/a the Mother Theresa of Cats, gone at the age of 17. She succumbed to old age yesterday afternoon on a blanket in Philip Gonzalez's care. As for Ginny's story, this is one of my favorite books. The stories are truly heartwarming and this book was a "gotta have it" purchase. Browsing the pet section in a local bookstore, I found this and it jogged my memory: Ginny's story was familiar to me due to a Reader's Digest article, but what happened next? This book captures all the tails...er, TALES, lol. I will definitely re-read this now. How could a dog love cats she doesn't live with? As a cat person, I've always been intrigued by this. How ironic that such incredible humanity could have come from one of god's furry creatures. Rest in peace, Ginny. Let us hope there are more of you in the world.



4. I read this book in one afternoon and handed it off to my husband, who could not put it down. I relate to the author in one respect: after having animals all my life, I connected with one cat so profoundly that I have devoted my life and work to alleviating animal suffering and overcoming the devastating problem of pet overpopulation. It's bittersweet. I love animals with a depth that is so satisfying, and enjoy human and animal company more than I ever was able. But I am now so attuned to animal suffering (generally due to human neglect or abuse -- I'm not trying to fight the forces of nature) that it is difficult to focus on anything else. Just read this book. It feels so good!



5. A continuation of a very sweet story. I have a few stray cats around my home and even though my inside cats aren't as willing to share as Ginny (LOL), I make sure to feed them and give them shelter. I highly recommend this book and also the one that came before it! (Not sure of the exact title).