5 comments about The New Work of Dogs: Tending to Life, Love, and Family.

1. MR. KATZ NOT ONLY UNDERSTANDS DOGS,BUT UNDERSTANDS HOW WE HUMANS FEEL ABOUT OUR PUPS. I TRULY LOVE HIS BOOKS AND HAVE READ ALL OF THEM....



2. I've read many, many good dog books. After reading this one I can say without reservation that this is not one of them. It's formula based and predictible and poorly written. Seems like I've seen a lot of this "stuff" before.
   
   If you love good writing and dogs and books about dogs don't crack this book. Don't make me say I told you so. Yuk!



3. I really enjoyed reading this book about the new work of dogs. Jon Katz writes what I always see in the lives of people with dogs, but can't exactly put into words. He does a great job of that by writing about the lives of people with dogs and how their dogs serve them. Yes, there are actual working dogs in the world working on farms and such. But the work he writes about in this book is more emotional, even spiritual. It is about how we see our dogs, what we expect of them, and in turn how we treat them. Some people in the book relied on their dogs for emotional support, companionship, unconditional love. Others only needed them for a season of their lives, then discarded them, or didn't see their dogs as in need just as we are for just being dogs and having human companionship. I see people like this everywhere. Jon Katz does a fantastic job of writing about real-life examples of this new work. Some stories are heartbreaking, while others make you smile. It's a great book.



4. Other reviews of this book have done a good job of summarizing its thesis, which is that dogs were "previously" bred for physical labor and are now primarily in the business of serving their owners' emotional needs.
   
   I've really enjoyed some of Katz's previous books. I am not a "dog person," but I have found his analysis of dog/human interactions to be well-documented and surprising. This book, however, was a big disappointment. Katz provides little evidence for his historical generalizations, and, by focusing largely on suburban owners who have unbalanced relationships with their canines, he overstates the significance of the "new work" he identifies for dogs.
   
   Katz focuses almost exclusively on middle-class American dog owners, with little attention to urban dwellers (save one chapter)or rural dog-owners who still use their dogs for farm labor or hunting, not "show" sheepherding. What about dogs in other countries and locales, who still perform work in a variety of contexts? We don't even have to leave the US for examples. How are dogs in Alaska or Wyoming or the Jersey Pine Barrens different from dogs in the smug 'burb of Montclair?
   
   Dogs have labored as part of the family for centuries, and they still do in many parts of the world. But that doesn't mean they also haven't served as loved and loving companions as well. Literature from previous eras is full of examples of how domestic pets have meant more to their humans than just "go get the sheep, Spike." (And not just in children's books; check out poet Christopher Smart's seventeenth-century poem "In Praise of my Cat Geoffrey.") Katz doesn't talk about the history of dog/human relationships in depth; he simply argues by assertion that dogs were "previously" used for physical labor and are are "now" primarily engaged in emotional labor.
   
   I think a wider perspective and a "both/and" focus would be more informative for Katz to pursue. Today, serving humans' emotional needs may be the primary task of suburban dogs - but it's not the ONLY THING. Sometimes humans' relationships with dogs are balanced rather than pathological or subtly abusive (like many of the owners he portrays in his book). Some dogs aren't just "used" by humans, but develop powerful attachments to people - in spite of Katz's assertion, based on advice from a breeder friend, that dogs will forget a vanished human almost immediately.
   
   Finally: when humans observe emotional responses in animals, this doesn't necessarily mean we're anthropomorphizing. Perhaps emotions aren't a uniquely human province. Perhaps humans as a species aren't as exceptional as we like to think we are. Perhaps there is a much wider territory out there than Katz maps here.



5. Dogs seem to be able to adapt and put up with tasks it would not seem they were bred and equipped for. This is the thesis that Katz explores in this well written work.
   
   Dogs traditionally were for work: hunting, herding, guarding, etc. Now they seem to be moving towards work that is anything but what they were bred for. To get humans through difficult situations: divorce, loneliness, old age, etc.
   
   This the author does without bias and very well balanced presentation. His exploration is up close and he is able to probe and captivatingly for the reader present the evidence.
   
   The reader senses the author has compassion for the dogs and their owners. What primarily comes forth is that training is truly called for, not for the dogs but for their owners who need to learn how a dog thinks and reacts. Our motivation for having a dog is many times suspect, and leads to the dog reacting in ways that further estrange this masterful creature from its normal, giving response.
   
   A book that will help many in this regard also: "Latchkey Dogs: How The Way You Live Shapes the Behavior of the Dog You Love" by Jodi Anderson.
   
   Katz is truly the dog lover's friend and this well researched and written work provides much to ponder and admire in these amazing canine friends.

5 comments about Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship.

1. If you love dogs, this is a must read. If you don't love dogs, you might by the end of this book. There are so many heartfelt stories. My favorite is the one about Bloodlines. Volunteering with the local animal shelter really makes you appreciate people who believe in the same things that you do.



2. Most of the stories in this book "hit home" with me and I found myself saying "I've had that experience with my dog(s) - I could have written that". Some stories were a little long, just a few I found not as interesting. A good read for dog lovers.



3. If you are a dog lover this should be required reading it is such a great book! It is a little treasure of great writing from some of the best writers ever....I wanted this book to last forever I enjoyed it so much!



4. There's a lot in this book for dog owners--namely, 42 stories on some aspect of dog. Some of the information is factual, but most has to do with relationships--dog to person and dog to dog, the former being much more prevalent. Most any dog owner would gain something of value from this book.
   
   I like the stories from Caroline Knapp, Alice Elliott Dark, and Bonnie Jo Campbell the best. Knapp's and Dark's stories are serious and compelling. Campbell's story about her dog Roscoe, who she comes to believe is a reincarnation of her former and erstwhile fiancé Oscar, is hilarious. The ties between the two are numerous. Even the dog's shortened ear (frostbite) is linked to Oscar's untimely and embarrassing demise.
   
   My pick of three female authors should not be considered unusual in that most of the stories in this book are by females ("A dog is woman's best friend"). Most, also, are about medium- to large-sized dogs. Labs and herding dogs (blue heeler or cattle dog, Border collie, kelpie, and German shepherd) get the most ink.
   
   If you're like me, meaning you often don't do what trainers recommend, you should find some comfort in instances where an owner didn't do what trainers recommend, and things turned out okay. Amusingly, one owner and her dog celebrated their graduation from training by going home and climbing onto the sofa, something the dog had been forbidden to do during the twelve-week training course. The story's message is two-fold: Loving your dog the way you wish is sometimes more important than rules. And since dogs are infinitely variable, what works with one may be useless or even counterproductive with the next.
   
   Many of the owners in this book seem to have dogs who sleep with them religiously. My dogs never have. The closest I've come has been a miniature schnauzer, but even she had her limits and often baled sometime during the night. My current dog's routine, which matches that of the dog before her, is to stay with me until I stop reading and turn off the light. Then she's off to her familiar haunt--a fabric-covered chair near the front door (a nice arrangement, however, for the nights we forget to lock the front door). What these other owners have that I don't I can only wonder. Less body odor or perhaps--we're talking dog here--more?
   
   (I'm giving the book five stars even though I found the formatting (justified, double-spaced text in two columns) at the start of each chapter irritating.)



5. This is a book that is easy to carry with you and the stories are just the right length to read while waiting (for anything). I could relate to many of the stories.

4 comments about Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.

1. "Purr More, Hiss Less Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat by Allia Zobel is an aptly titled book for the cat lover in all of us. At 222 pages long, it's an enjoyable romp through watercolor pages that are little works of art, each accompanying a thought provoking saying penned by Ms. Zobel. Gratifiying for kids and adults alike, it contains large doses of the ahh and ha ha factor. Each page w/ saying could be a framable work of art but then, you'd have to buy another book....better to have restraint and just look at the book often. Ms. Zobel is the definitive authority on the humor of cats and the life lessons they share."



2. Purr More, Hiss Less is one of those wonderful books that will delight people of all ages. If life is getting you down, or you think things are rough, Allia Zobel Nolan has provided the perfect comfort and encouragement - a book of wisdom gleaned from felines.
   
   The watercolor illustrations are beyond charming. They're exquisite, making this a book to display as well as enjoy.



3. Purr More, Hiss Less overflows with heartfelt thoughts on how to live a joyous life, based on kitty wisdom. Author Allia Zobel Nolan has perfectly captured the magical eyes through which cats see the world. The enchantment continues with Erika Oller's beautiful illustrations.
   
   All of the insights in this charming book will bring a smile, but two that really touched me are "Do the right thing...even when there's no one watching" and "Retain a kitten-like sense of wonder." Imagine how the world might be if we lived by those ideas?
   
   This book will be treasured by cat lovers of all ages!



4. This book is chock full of wisdom - kitty and otherwise. 'Take the good fleas with the bad,' bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan advises readers of Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.
   
   If I had to pick my favorite it would be, 'Don't stick your paws where they don't belong.' There are smiles to be had on all 224 pages. This gem of a book is lovingly illustrated by Erika Oller. The combination of Allia's wit and Erika's watercolors is a winning match.
   
   Buy this just-released book as a gift for anyone (young or old) in your life who adores cats. As Allia says, 'It's okay to be hooked on a feline.' ... So while you're at it, why not pick up a copy for your neighborhood cat lady?
   
   [...]

No comments about Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World.

5 comments about All Things Wise and Wonderful.

1. The third book in the series and you know exactly what to expect. Yes, folks, it is every bit as entertaining as the first two, and that's probably all you need to know. But I'll go ahead and mention that he spends some time in the RAF during World War II, which we knew he would as the second book ended. I'll also mention that he and Helen have a baby, which you probably expected. One of the great joys of his writing is discovery, so I'd hate to screw that up with a spoiler, but these two tidbits are on the back cover anyway. Oh, and halfway through it, I predicted an ending in advance, and I only had to read 1000 pages by this guy before that happened. It's still great, great stuff, and you know you'll love it.



2. I read his books as a teen and loved them. Bought the whole set for my grandsons, [teens]. They laughed until they cried. [so did I].



3. If you like animals you will enjoy all James Herriot's books. This is one of a series of delightful books. Reading one will make you want to read the next one. I can read them over and over.



4. I have the complete series of All Creatures Great and Small books now. This was the last one and I loved it as much as I loved the others. He was a fantastic writer and having been born and raised on a farm I can appreciate a lot of what he talks about. I also have his cat and dog stories books and loved them just as much.



5. The books arrived so quickly that I got to take my time
   wrapping the books.

5 comments about Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond.

1. Blessing the Bridge is a book that everyone with a four legged companion should read. I purchased this book as my long loved companion of 14-1/2 yrs was what I thought close to crossing the bridge. Knowing that this was going to be difficult for both of us I knew I must prepare myself and her for the letting go. Reading this book gave me insight to talk with her and let her make the decision. We are three months later and she lays beside me as I write, snoring! What I recognized from reading this book is that I will rely on my baby to let me know when she believes it's time to let go. Allowing her to slip into a deep peaceful sleep as she crosses the bridge of serenity. By no means will it be a smooth ride when the time arrives, but this book will give you insight and a sense that you both made this decision together.
   I previously had to make a decision 8 years ago for my 15 year old and had I been aware of this book I certainly would have read it then to help us both through the decision making and letting go process. This is a book that will give you hope and a sense of acceptance that both you and your four legged friend can share. A must for all who one day will learn the true meaning of letting go.



2. This book really helped me through the dying process of my beloved dog of 10 years. He had cancer and toward the end when there was nothing medically possible for him, I came to accept he wouldn't be around much longer. This book helped me to see that death is a natural process for animals. They accept it as part of their life. There are many things in the book that one can do to help this process. I highly recommend this book. It brought me comfort during this difficult time and after his passing I refer to it often.



3. A great book for those who are in pain from the loss of a pet. Has a wonderful spiritual side.



4. I bought this book from Amazon back in 2003 when I was doing a study at Vermont College on Animal Bereavement. This book was and is like a gift from the heavens. Every night one hears these heart wrenching stories on the evening news of the dark side of the human heart. How deeply rewarding to read Rita Reynolds's book, "Blessing The Bridge" and to know without reservation that The Creator does indeed have angels, in human form, caring for the lost sheep. I would also submit to the reader that this book is a security blanket of sorts. Ms. Reynolds has been at the side of so many of her animal companions as they took their final breath. Therefore it is very much a solace for those of us that are in grief for our companions'. Get this book! It will linger with the reader long after the last page is closed and it is placed back on the shelf.



5. Rita Reynolds runs the animal sancutary Howling Succeses in Afton, Virginia. This is a place where the aged, infirm, and abandoned of the animal world find loving kindness and comfort for as long as they remain in this world. Rita is able to commit her life to this work because she has the heart and soul that are open to the loving and beautiful moments of this world; the takes them in and gives them back in beautiful ways.
   
   In her book Blessing the Bridge, Reynolds talks about her lifelong love for animals as friends and teachers. Her gentle, humble vision has opened the doors of her souls to animals and, really to God's Creation as a whole work rather than a bunch of stuff for us to use at will and at our convenience.
   
   Rita's book is about the sanctity of all life. Her book lifts up the grandeur of ordinar life because it celebrates life as a holy phenomenon.
   
   Seen in this way, the book speaks to the nature of all relationships. It lifts up and illuminates our relationship with the animal world and our relationships with each other. All life is sacred and interdependent.
   
   As I was re-reading Chapter 1 the other day, it occurred to me that Rita's loving her pet dog Oliver's cancer as a part of Oliver--that is, not treating the disease as a separate thing, an opponent or even an enemy but as a part of the whole being known as Oliver--could be seen as a metaphor for forgiveness and acceptance in human relationships. Bad experiences, shortcomings, disappointments in relationships--all these things can be embraced as teachers that open doors of hearts that ultimately open the way to God's gracious love.
   
   Rita Reynolds is a beautiful person. Her prose reflects her spirit. See for yourself:
   Chapter One: Creating a Sanctuary
   
   In the midst of a routine day I gathered my dog, Oliver, into my arms, and held his soft, small body close to mine There is a strong possibility, I explained, that the cancer growing inside you will eventually cause us to be separated from each other. As the word separated left my mouth, his face rose to mine. Although blind, his eyes danced, shining with life. I sensed that he was seeing on another level, within and through me. You will change worlds and I will have to remain behind, but I will always love you. Oliver turned his head downward as my words and tears cascaded over him. A knowing flowed between Oliver and me that in truth we could never be separated, and that everything was perfect, even the cancer.
   
   But I had not always felt so. When I had heard the diagnosis three months earlier, I had immediately made Oliver's cancer an enemy. That cancer was the monster that would tear my dear friend of eight years away from me. Later, in a reflective moment I realized that by declaring war on the cancer, I was making all of Oliver's cells the whole basic structure of his body my enemy as well. From that moment, rather than cursing his cells, I began loving and blessing them, even the cancerous ones, hoping this approach would cure him. But what if he died anyway? I asked myself in doubtful moments. Would I have accomplished anything at all, or wasted energy, time, and emotion? Was I entrapping myself in false hope, blind faith, and utter stupidity? I wondered if I was setting myself up for a hard and terrible disappointment.
   
   Oliver's tumor was in his bladder. The medical prognosis was that the cancer would not respond to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. After introspection and prayer, I decided to begin my own integrative therapy for Oliver. My intuition, always my best guide, directed me to use sound and music therapy, color and light, supportive nutrition, and the prayer support of friends and family. At the same time, I also realized that it might just be Oliver's time to go.
   
   As we proceeded with these alternative healing methods, I began to realize that everything I was doing for Oliver was appropriate for possibly curing his physical condition, while at the same time helping him through his dying if that would be the outcome. I was no longer attempting a cure-or-nothing approach, which would imply success versus failure or winning versus losing. I had ended my battle against the cancer.
   
   No longer was this therapy focused on my little dog alone. Now, Oliver and I were moving in tandem through a mutual and inter-supportive healing on infinite levels. As with so many of the animals who had been in my care, I was once again learning when and how to let Oliver go, making sure I did so with unconditional love, grace, and peace.
   
   We walked through our healing, step by step. Nothing long range. I felt compelled to give up all my goals, including healing him. My job was simply to offer Oliver my full participation and accept each moment as perfect, no matter what was going on. It was easier for Oliver, he had no expectations. But I also knew Oliver and I were not alone. There was a boundless, pure spirit that led us with love. Oliver shone with that love.
   
   But when finally faced with the certainty of Oliver's impending death, I once again struggled with my emotional attachment and inevitable sense of failure. I questioned everything. Was the pain I saw cross his face only momentary? Would it pass, and then we would still have more time together? Or was it his way of asking for compassionate release? I could not decide, so I turned within and prayed for help. The guidance came and I knew Oliver was ready to leave.
   
   The day before Oliver died, he laid his head on my foot as I wrote down my thoughts about him. He communicated to me, Don't begin missing me yet. Share this moment with me, everything is as it is meant to be. And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come.
   
   I will, I responded, out loud, knowing he was pleased. And so Oliver's life on Earth ended well. My friend and teacher joined me in this lifetime as a honey-colored terrier named Oliver. Through his living and dying, he taught me there is no such thing as life versus death, or success versus failure. Love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters.

5 comments about Second Chances: More Tales of Found Dogs.

1. Every day we read about the horrible things people do to each other, to their children, and to animals. This book lifted my spirit by letting me know there are still some good people out there. There are still people who care about what happens to a poor stray dog, or an animal that is scheduled to die. They may be few, but they are out there.



2. ... but this book was a let down for me. Almost each and every story was poorly written and I could not really "feel" for the stories the way that I wanted to and the way that I think these animals "deserve". It was mostly "... and then this happened, and then that and then that and now we are happy together..."
   
   Could have been a much better book in my opinion!



3. [...]
   Second Chance is a touching story about adoption. Mom and Ryan, her adopted autistic son, go to an animal shelter to adopt a dog. Chance is a Rottweiler, German Shepherd mix puppy. He is now Ryan's dog. Chance has to adjust to having two smaller brothers and a smaller sister. He has to learn Mom's rules. Chance is a lucky dog to live with such a loving family. The front cover is beautifully illustrated. I read this story to my 6 and 7-year-old grandchildren. Unfortunately, it did not hold their attention. The illustrations inside the book are dark and muted. The printing is in white, which made it hard to read. Personally, I liked the plot, but it lacks appeal to children.



4. When someone borrowed my wife's book, I had to order her a replacement. A good book for dog lovers.



5. This book is full of profoundly moving stories, both heart-rending and heart-warming, and it is beautifully photographed. The author donates all the profits from her books to humane organizations to help rescue and rehabilitate abused and abandoned pets so that they can find new, loving homes. So if you love animals, buy it for yourself, your family, and your friends; you'll be glad you did!

5 comments about Dancing with Your Dark Horse: How Horse Sense Helps Us Find Balance, Strength and Wisdom.

1. I loved some of the insights and it's worth reading. However, I thought the Author could have been more focused on the overall picture and less focused on himself toward some of the later chapters.



2. Chris is open but he tries unsuccessfully to convince the reader that he was humbled and knocked off his high horse during a session with Stella the horse. Seems to me that he wants to believe he has become altruistic and has written a book to try and convince himself.
   
   To his credit he has come a long way in life and conquered many demons. But, many irrelevant photos and self praise show that his ego is huge, and insecurities large.
   
   Sadly, I suspect this book was an insincere effort to try and save face in the business arena. It is highly likely that Chris will have another greater fall and the resultant book will reach sincerity.



3. Interesting ideas linked with inisghts into Chris Irwins personal life, trials & tribulations. Very readable.



4. Chris Irwin wrote this book after beating a mare named Stella at a demonstration. He'd been working hard and shouldn't have accepted the invitation that day; he had been pushing himself too hard. The manager of the event set him up by sending three mares that didn't pasture together into the arena, and a fight broke out between the horses. Chris fueled the fire by reacting to the situation and beating Stella after getting the other two mares out of the ring. He nearly ruined his career as a result. And this book of excuses is his attempt at finding a silver lining in that situation.
   
   If you want to hear about how Chris' life has unravelled... how a young man his age has been married four times in his attempts to overcome his dysfunctional childhood, then this story may peak your interest.
   
   If you want to see a picture of Chris skiing, and a photo of Chris teaching his son to ride a bike, and a photo of Chris playing guitar and singing at a wedding, and a photo of Chris in his cowboy cocaine days in the 80's, and a photo of Chris when he was 15 on the rowing team in high school and won the championship -- then this is the dark horse book for you.
   
   Every photo is "Chris this" or "Chris that" -- and most of the photos don't relate to the text. It felt egotistically motivated, and I began to realize that Chris' dark horse is his insecurity -- and he hasn't conquered it yet.
   
   I'm very interested in learning about the spiritual connection between humans and horses; but this wasn't the book for me.
   
   I respect everything that Chris Irwin has accomplished in his career, but he needs to forgive himself and stop making excuses, before he can stop dancing with his dark horse.



5. Well known clinician, Chris Irwin, met his match in Stella, a dark mare who refused to play games. She challenged Chris, forced him to decide what was most important to him, and then Chris, in the form of this book, shares his lessons with us.
   
   Unlike most of the other books I've read, Mr. Irwin calls it as he sees it. He doesn't sugar coat the truth, that "natural horsemanship" is an oxymornon (there's nothing natural about putting saddle and bridle on the horse and forcing it to go counter to its natural instincts which tell it to flee), that somebody has to be the better horse, the boss, and that horses provide a mirror for our thoughts and fears. He provides food for the brain, stuff to think about, and in sharing his story, he brings the knowledge he's gained to others.
   
   I found this book to be very thought-provoking. I find myself thinking about my relationship with my horse in a completely different light. Could it be my inner fears (of falling off, getting hurt again) are mirrored in her flighty nature? Perhaps by facing my own shadow self, my dark horse, that it will help our relationship? Mr. Irwin, through his prose, seems to think so.
   
   I recommend this book for anyone seriously pursuing a relationship with their horse. From backyard ponies to professional trainers and riders, anyone can benefit from the information in this horse. And if you don't even own a horse, but am looking for a little soul searching, I'm going to recommend this book too. It is an amazing piece of work, and I am looking forward to reading Mr. Irwin's other titles.

5 comments about The Craggy Hole in My Heart and the Cat Who Fixed It: Over the Edge and Back with My Dad, My Cat, and Me.

1. This was a great book and an easy read. It helps with understanding the feelings about our parents.



2. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Geneen Roth is a very talented writer - I love the way she writes from her heart, letting others in her life, to help us learn and grow by seeing parts of ourselves in her life. This book has helped me get a grip on some emotions I've been dealing with for a long time. And in just a few days of reading I finished it with a stronger attachment to my own cats and appreciation for their place in my life, as well as for certain people in my life that I've so long taken for granted. Can't wait to read more from Geneen! I'm sharing this one with my mom, a cat-lover as well.



3. A beautiful and engaging story, this memoir deals with coming of age, learning to accept and give love, coming to terms with parents, and death and dying. Geneen Roth masterfully writes about many of life's large universal themes and puts them together expertly into a cohesive whole. This story will stick with you. This book is one of those rare gems to keep in your permanent library, one that will surely unfold a different lesson and mystery each time you read it.



4. I love this book and I often re-read it. Funny and clever writing. Easy to relate to and written with heart!



5. Parents, like all humans, are imperfect. When they die, we sometimes recall events, actions, and issues that make us question why we may have ever thought they loved us. Pets, on the other hand, come with no strings attached. They love unconditionally and are a source of joy that is boundless. Geneen covers losing both in the funny and touching book, which may offer healing and hope for those who have lost either.

5 comments about Healing Powers of Pets, The: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and Healthy.

1. If you are interested in the ways animals and humans have found ways to help and heal one another -- then this is the book for you. I am deeply impressed by the layers of information and deeply researched examples of ongoing pet and human partnerships in living well, healing, and transcending personal tragedy. If I were to offer one book to both the pet lover who is already persuaded at the amazing gifts of animals, and to the skeptic who isn't sure that pets do more than entertain or receive our projections -- this would be the book. It is a serious book with beautiful, remarkable stories and scientific efficacy to support its claims.



2. The book arrived in an excellent condition at the promised time.
   As this was a present for a friend it was greatly appreciated
   Susan



3. I am a dog lover in particular and a pet lover in general. Pets definitely have healing powers. The interaction between human and pet is healthy. In terms of my love for a dog the benefits are extensive. This book is scientific and gives the evidence that proves the healing power of pets. It is not speculation. As you read the book you will learn of the many ways in which your interaction with pets will maintain and enhance your good health.



4. The fact that this book was written by a co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul" (a book that I loved) is one of the things that made me pick it up. However, "Healing Power of Pets" is more than a collection of animal anecdotes. There's a lot of good, solid scientific information woven in, too. Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian who has worked with Animal-Assisted Therapy programs, cites numerous studies which show that people who are bonded with their pet(s) lead longer, heathier lives.

   On page 74, for example, he refers to a 1995 study conducted by Erka Friedmann, a professor at the Department of Health and Nutritional Studies at Brooklyn College. She recruited 392 patients who had suffered heart attacks and were part of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. Of these, 87 owned dogs and 282 did not. A year later, only one of the dog owners had died, while 19 of the non-dog-owners had passed away. In other words, people who own a dog are far more likely to be alive a year after having a heart attack.

   Why is this? Many reasons are given in the book: dog owners get more exercise, they take better care of themselves because they feel responsible for the dog, they relax while petting the dog, they are less lonely because of the dog, etc. Other studies have shown that the act of stroking an animal's fur lowers the human's blood pressure like a form of meditation.

   As a Jewish educator reading this book, I could not help but reflect on the fact that, compared to the general population, far fewer Jews have pets. In the Orthodox and Hasidic communities, especially, it is rare to see a dog in the house. One reason is because dogs were used to track and kill people during the Holocaust and other persecutions, so they have bad associations for many Jews. I understand this. Still, I found myself wondering how many of those 282 non-dog-owners in the Brooklyn College study were Jewish. (Brooklyn has a high percentage of Jews.) Are we allowing Old World fears about dogs to deprive us of a valuable form of therapy?

   The pet doesn't have to be a dog, however. Cats (of which I have ten!) are equally therapeutic. So are other species, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Even watching a tank full of fish can help a person to relax. The important thing is the Bond between the animal(s) and the human(s). Reading this book confirmed in a scientific way what I have always believed in my heart: this special Bond is a healing gift that God designed into the very fabric of creation.




5. Dr. Becker and Danelle Morton describe the positive effects that animals bring into our lives. They focus mostly on dogs and cats in this book and only briefly touch on other pets such as birds or rodents. They combine individual testimonials concerning animals assisting sick humans with data from researchers who study animal behaviour, and interviews with therapists who use animals for therapy. He sites several examples of nursing homes that have resident pets trained to assist in therapy sessions and discusses how these animals bring joy to lonely and/or ill elderly. More importantly, Dr. Becker details the type of pet best suited for a particular personality or illness.

   He candidly points out that pets are not for everyone; that sharing your home with an animal requires great commitment and sometimes expense. He outlines the required care, loving and guidance needed. For me, this was the most important point in his book.

   This book is well written, easy to read and absent of technical jargon. This book is not a treatise of recent scientific research on the subject of animal behavior or the use of animals in therapy. Most of the heart-warming stories are testimonials rather than solid scientific data, but anyone who truly shares a bond with an animal will appreciate these stories.

   I recommend this book for anyone thinking of getting a pet, who already has a pet, or who simply loves animals. I particularly recommend this book to folks who see animals only as a commodity or worker/helper/hunter. It's an enlightening book.