2 comments about Pet Noir: An Anthology of Strange but True Pet Crime Stories.

1. Great book and an intresting look at some of the best major modern and contemporary visual artists all in one graphic novel. This is a must for amyone intrested in the genre.



2. Shannon O'Leary clearly reinvents the entire genre. This is comic book writing at it's best. Run don't walk to get your copy now!

No comments about Puppy Love: Wiggles and Wags to Warm Your Heart.

5 comments about Canine Caper : Real Life Tales of a Female Pet Vigilante.

1. I stumbled across this book and almost didn't buy it because I knew it would make me bawl like a baby. I wasn't wrong.

   Having worked organized rescue, I've seen some horrible situations. I'm not sure anyone can fully understand the horrors of a puppy mill without not having been to one and pulled dogs out.

   Animals are abused and neglected every day. And sadly, in most states, such a thing is a misdemeanor at best. A misdemeanor that no one wants to bother enforcing. The fact that animals are often times after thoughts, disposable pieces of garbage that people can toss away without a glance back seems to be unimportant to many people. And to those it does matter to, they often find themselves frustrated and at a loss when having to deal with the red tape and rules when it comes to trying to help these animals.

   But at least those people try to help.

   Someone earlier stated that helping one or two dogs doesn't help the big picture. Maybe not. But tell that to the dogs who found new homes and new lives.

   Some folks may call Rose Block a vigilante. Personally I say more power to her. Even if you're not an animal person, how anyone could sit by and watch one be as horribly abused as she describes is beyond me. While the writing in this book is obviously not at a "professional" level, the story that is told is both gut wrenching and inspiring.

   That being said, the world needs more people like Rose. People who understand that if we can't even care for the animals, how can we possibly care for ourselves?




2. While reading this book, I simply lost track of time getting lost in the story. It's a gripping story that pulls you into a world that was unknown to me. The story was unique and interesting. This book would make a great movie.

   A highly recommended read!!!




3. This artlessly written book came highly recommended by a friend, and now I am afraid that I might have to actually tell them what I thought.

   What I think is that this is the story of a woman who, though well intentioned, has not the slightest grasp on the world. She encounters bureaucracies which infuriate her but makes no attempts at changing the system from within. And it's not that she tries and fails. She doesn't ever try to change the system, she just complains about it.

   She sets out on a "one animal at a time" misguided adventure that is bound to create more problems than it solves. She consistently ignores the sound advice of others and places herself and a ten year old boy in danger. For example, she disregards her husbands suggestion that volunteering at a shelter might be a useful way to help. It would provide more human resources to an agency that, by her own experience, is clearly in need of help. She dismisses that out of hand, without ever exploring it, because she feels it is not "hands on" or immediate enough.

   Perhaps the most ludicrous thing to happen in the book occurs when the "vigilante" begins throwing dog food around a poor neighborhood in the hopes of "helping the animals." She is incredulous when some of the neighbors react adversely. The dogs are described as being in "packs." I don't want some stranger from a rich neighborhood encouraging essentially wild-dogs to hang out at my front door either. Not to mention that the food she was throwing would also encourage rats and raccoons in the neighborhood, both persistent city animals and frequent carriers of rabies.

   The author(s) either failed to research or failed to comprehend the laws pertaining to animal ownership, animal desertion, animal cruelty, property rights, and probably a few others. They also failed to comprehend the meaning of the word vigilante: one who seeks to avenge a crime or injury or punish a criminal without legal authority or due process. If she had taken some measure of action against the owners, she would be a vigilante. All she did was steal/rescue dogs.

   The writing is shoddy and the characters come out flat. They are chaotic and emotional, but lack any roundness or true development. I was left not really liking or identifying with any of them for more than a passing moment. The writer relied on the ignorance of the average reader, and never fully explained many details. This book is an example of writing for an eighth-grade reading-level, but deals with complex themes and encourages a disregard for authority that is inappropriate for that age-level. It's a complete waste of money and will find it's way into my garage sale box immediately and with my sympathy to the buyer.




4. This is one of the best books that I have read! It is a very inspiring, true story about a woman devoted to rescuing abused dogs at any risks. It is very touching and hard to put down.It will make you think twice the next time you see a starving stray dog or one chained on a cold night.



5. This is a riveting, beautifully written story of one woman's struggle to do what she perceives is right. The protagonist is a fascinating woman who is compelled to act on behalf of helpless animals without regard to her personal safety or welfare.

   I think that the reviewers from Austin seem to be a bit defensive. (And yes I HAVE volunteered in a shelter and yes I HAVE adopted old stray dogs and yes I CAN comprehend multisyllabic words and yes I DID LOVE this book!!) Whether you think Rose Blocks actions are heroic and admirable or you think she is insane, you can't deny that her story is fascinating. And Delilah Ahrendt tells it articulately, clearly and with a delightful style! Buy this book and enjoy!!

2 comments about The Beauty of the Beasts.

1. Great book by a great author. If you like animals you will enjoy this book. Helfer is a rare breed.



2. This book was very interesting and well-written. It is reassuring to read about how Helfer was so dedicated to keeping these working animals safe and well.

3 comments about The Dogs Of Our Lives: Heartwarming Reminiscences of Canine Companions.

1. Reading it was such a pleasure. I cried and laughed with those heartwarming stories and admired all these people who really love dogs, and who can appreciate what a dog can give you. A special gift you can't get unless you live with those little Friends. Almost all the books I have about dogs deal with their characters and ilnesses etc, but this book has a special place on my shelf because it speaks to the heart. I highly recommend it.



2. This was a very enjoyable book to read. The people who contributed their stories shared many of the memories that I have of my own dogs. I recomend this book to all dog lovers. If I could give a six star rating to the book I would. I hope that the book has helped the Humaine Society.



3. This is a great book -- especially if you are crazy about dogs! The book is a collection of short stories written by all types of people -- rich, poor, famous, lonely, happy (you name it) -- and their canine friends. EXCELLENT GIFT idea for friends or relatives that love those furry faces. Also, a great gift for someone who is grieving over the loss of a dog. Definately a worthy purchase -- all proceeds go to the SPCA. The editor/author must have a big heart.

3 comments about Friend of the Flock.

1. Nice follow-up to "Fields and Pastures New". As a Rural Southerner I particularly appreciated the way he delt with the issue of hunting. He is able to get away with "poking fun" at the rural South because he does so in a honest and respectful manner. You can tell he has "been there, done that".



2. I was raised about 60 miles from Choctaw county, Alabama. As a practicing veterinarian, I found so many of Dr. John's experiences similar to my own. This is a facinating profession and it is wonderful to see that it is the same most everywhere. Dr. McCormack seems to find the humor in most all situations that would be at the least frustrating for the rest of us. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good belly laugh. It pokes fun at the rural South, but I can say from experience, he doesn't exaggerate all that much!!!



3. I loved this book. I am an animal lover and John McCormacks detication to his work just amazed me. I loved a Friend of the Flock, and it made a great topic for the essay I had to write for my english class. I hope more people are able to read it. I also hope my review is helpful to them.

3 comments about Cat Caught My Heart: Stories of Wisdom, Hope, and Purrfect Love.

1. Some of the stories in the book are pretty sad. All of the authors talk about how a cat came into their lives and changed them forever. I expected a book that would make me laugh at typical cat antics but what I got was a book that nearly made me cry every time I read it. It's nice to read a book about how a cat helped someone through tough times but this book just wasn't it. It's a pretty depressing book.



2. If you love cats, you will love this book. It's all about real people's relationships with their cats. The stories are funny and sad and sometimes amazing, but they are consistently touching. And contrary to the previously review, the stories are NOT all about cats dying!



3. The actual title of this book should be "How My Cat Died." This compilation of memoirs almost without exception describes the demise of the beloved cat, and the pain the owner went through in the process, which is not surprizing, as a great number of anecdotes are lifted from a cyberspace pet-loss grief site. If anyone has ever gone through the soul-wrenching agony of losing a loved pet, this book will do nothing but reawaken the grief and pain of that experience. As none of this is noted on the book's jacket, I felt this book was highly misleading and the publishers should be ashamed of themselves.

5 comments about Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog.

1. This is a kind of book you'd want to take with you to work, and read a story on your break and at lunch. The stories are short, some funny such as the one where much researching was done to buy a pup and it happened the pup picked the owner instead. Some are sad. All are real. I have a lab, and have had other dogs. I identify with all the dogs I've had with this book. If you read this book away from your dog, you'll just want to go home, hug them all and thank them for being them.



2. Being a labrador retriever owner since 1997, I was toucbed at the authors depiction of the way an animal can become so much a part of an individual's life. The book spoke of the hardships of training a lab puppy, to the struggles of dealing with the loss of an old friend. Any lab owner can agree, most of the stories found in this particular book, their lab has done at one time or another. In this book a labrador is more than just a companion. Great Book! I would recommend to all lab owners..



3. A rewarding and wonderful book of tales that will touch anyone who loves dogs. Every tale will touch you with memories of a Labrador Retriever you once had or bring closer to your Labrador pal that you now share your heart with. a must gift for anyone who owns a Labrador Retriever!



4. I had the priviledge of reviewing the material in this book prior to it's publication. If you love Labrador Retrievers, this book is for you. It will make you laugh; it will make you cry; it will make you get down on the floor with your Lab and give him or her a big hug and a kiss! Walt, John and Terry are all to be commended on an extrordinary compilation.



5. John Arrington and Walt Zientek have touched the hearts of those who share Labrador related e-mail lists for quite a while! Their love of the Labrador Retriever is evident in every word and they have the amazing talent of making the reader feel each story.

   Everyone who has or had a pet can relate to the stories, essays and illustrations (Terry Albert has excelled). This is a must read! (Please Note: Kleenex are a necessary accessory!)

5 comments about Animal Antics: A Photo Expose.

1. This book is heartwarming and cute. All of these coffee table animal books are about the same. This one was no different. The pictures are adorable the writing is mediocre.



2. wow i really liked this book! it was sooo cute and funny! i hope one day to have made my very own book just like the ppl who made this one. that's soooo neat. i like the fact that it wasnt just pictures; it was a whole bunch of pictures made into a story. i cant wait to see what these ppl come up with next!

   ~TAylor




3. wow i really liked this book! it was sooo cute and funny! i hope one day to have made my very own book just like the ppl who made this one. that's soooo neat. i like the fact that it wasnt just pictures; it was a whole bunch of pictures made into a story. i cant wait to see what these ppl come up with next!

   ~TAylor




4. I loved this book. Mr. Lund's foxy use of words and pictures lets us into the afterhour life of the animals is our life. I am giving it for a Christmas present. Read it! You will be glad you did.



5. This book will be loved by young and old alike. It is full of warmth and lots of laughs. These clever photographs of animals will have us all saying .. Hmmmmmm what are they doing when we leave the house. Great work Mr. Lund !!

2 comments about Tales from the Dog Park: What Your Dog Can Teach You About Life.

1. Melinda Dille's "Tales from the Dog Park" is extremely charming, but mostly it shows us how much we can learn from our dogs as we observe their behavior. I love my dog, and those who have left me, and I know that you will enjoy and come to love each chapter of this little book that is filled with warmth and love.



2. Dog -lovers unite!This is possibly the most thoughtful, dear, book about man's best friend. The short essays are insightful and humorous and the artwork is adorable. This is the perfect gift book for all dog lovers. I have purchased over twelve copies to date because it is the perfect gift for all of my friends who have a doggie. And every time I show it to someone, they want to know "where can I get this book?" Seriously.