5 comments about Devil Dog Diary: A day by day account of US Marine Corps training.

1. This summer i leave for San Deigo, for boot camp. After reading this AMAZING book, i am now even more motivated and pumped to become a MARINE!! This book is great for anyone planning on joining, or anyone that knows somebody in the Marines.



2. The final challenge each Marine faces after bootcamp is the struggle to find words to describe the ordeal of the previous three months. Gunnery Sgt. Will Price has answered the impossible question, "What was it like?" If you are plannning on joining the Marine Corps or know someone who is this book is a must read. This book is also a valuable tool for friends and family members to understand what their Marine is going through, this is the only thing closer than to going to bootcamp itself.



3. Gunny Price has hit the nail on the head, with his account of Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. The book is also well documented with photos. If you have been through P.I. or not, you will enjoy the read.



4. What an inspiration to read this Gunny's account. The transformation of a boy into a man via the USMC. I had to order my second copy as I was not quite finished with my original, when a Navy Captain spyed it sitting on my desk, and "borrowed" it. That was over three weeks ago and I'm tired of waiting for it to return. Any young man (or women) who is thinking of stepping forward to become part of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world, has to read this book!
   If a majority of civilians would just take a minute or two to investigate this diary, the conclusion could only be additional respect for the men and women who choose to wear the cloth of this nation. Highly recommend this to all. OORAHH!



5. Reading this book brought me back to my days in bootcamp. Having graduated only last year, I find the journal of Gunny Price to be extremely accurate. His description of the training not only describes the twisted world of the drill instructor, but it also reveals the emotions and the everyday worries of Marine recruits. I haven't heard of any other book written during basic training by the recruit who lived it. This book blazes a path where "Ears Open, Eyeballs Click" could not. It goes through a recruit's mind.

5 comments about Shelter Dogs.

1. I bought this book because I read all the wonderful reviews and frankly I was extremely disappointed. I am a real dog lover and melt at the sight of any dog but these photos lack life. They look like mannequins and very few of them show the wonderful expressions we so often see in dogs and which make dogs so utterly lovable. For a book that is trying to tug at your heart on the subject of shelter dogs, it has failed spectacularly.
   Give this book a miss.



2. This book gives us details on shelter dogs, who the author Traer Scott, has met in her travels. So touching, uplifting and heartbreaking, especially when we learn so much about them and are told at the end which dogs lived and were adopted...and which ones were not (sniffle)...If this book doesn't convince you to adopt from an animal shelter, then I don't know what will! A portion of the proceeds from this book and Scott's other book, Street Dogs, are donated to animal charities. Worth it to buy both! Thanks for this great, insightful look at America's animal shelters.



3. This was a very good book. The descriptions were great. The pictures were beautiful. I really enjoyed reading it. There was alot of information. Shelter Dogs



4. I'm an aspiring photographer/shelter owner...and this book just confirmed why I want to do each of those things. I cried when I read some of the stories in the back, and each picture was so darn cute. I love this book, and (when I get one) will sit on my coffee table for all my guests to look at!



5. ..of finding the soul of her subjects, and showing us all what loving, intelligent, sensitive creatures these abandoned companions truly are!
   
   As the proud "parent" of five rescued canines (and three rescued felines), I can only express my regret that our "forever home" cannot accommodate more: I'd take in each and every one of these lost souls that she captures so hauntingly.
   
   Complaint has been lodged that Ms. Scott erred by not including each animal's bio with their photograph, but I take exception to that: The impact is magnified, when the photograph alone is displayed.
   
   My only dissatisfaction might be that the book is too short, and I can only implore the author to continue her exceptional work with additional issues: If only more people could truly see these loving creatures through the "eye" of her camera, perhaps our shelters would not be so full, and "euthanization" could become anachronistic...

5 comments about Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies.

1. Solid book, but nothing I really didn't find on the internet. I guess you can either buy this book or just search online for a good hour or two on dogs and yorkies.



2. This book got a lot of great reviews and I tend to like the "Dummies" books. It did follow the traditional format the Dummy books are known for and it was informative and helpful. However, the lack of two stars are for what seemed to be the lean towards AKC snobbery. Come on, a pet Yorkie should never be bred because she isn't show quality? We are getting our Yorkie because we want her to be loved and a member of our family; but this book seemed to written for those who have an allegiance to the AKC and only own Yorkies for strutting in shows. By the way, there are other organizations to register a Yorkie with than the AKC!!
   May I recommend the Animal Planet Yorkshire Terriers book instead?.



3. This book is great. I bought it after already having Logan. I wish I would have bought it before hand. Lots of great info and they are pretty much bang on for everything they say. Please buy this book before buying your Yorkie... it does make life easier.



4. This book really helped me decide if I wanted to get a Yorkie. I felt it didn't sugar coat them and made them feel real.



5. I cannot believe there is no chapter on biting as a puppy. It is a thoroughly obnoxious habit--thought this book would have had some words of wisdom.

5 comments about The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century.

1. I was pleasantly surprised about the content in this book and how well it was organized. One of my favorite chapters was the one with the cross-reference to a dog's body for massage and acupressure therapy points. The graphic was very detailed; the description of how to do massages for specific areas and what it would accomplish was very good. This was something I've never seen covered with such detail in other books about dog care.



2. this is a great book for someone who is interested in alternative medicine, but knows little about it (like me). before I purchased this book I had purchased another book about cat & dog homeopathy that while very comprehensive, was not very easy to understand. this book however, very clearly and concisely explains the "who, what, when, where, and how" of not only homeopathy, but also alternatives including (but not limited to): herbology, aromatherapy, chinese medicine, accupuncture, etc. The book takes the approach of trying to convince someone slightly skeptical (again, like myself) of the merit and value of these therapies, and it does a very good job! in addtion to those topics it also covers nutrition and general health (lightly), and tackles everything with a good dose of common sense. very informative, and well written. highly recommended!



3. I would consider this a very strong complimenting book to go with Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.
   
   This truly is a "Holistic" book, encompassing all areas of sharing your life with a dog. Denise Flaim delves into topics like nutrition, training, communication, vaccinations, allergies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cancer and "finding the perfect vet" (to name a few). This book is also crammed pack full of herbal remedies and essential oil healing therapies. And at the same time, I find her writing style to be friendly and encouraging--not judgemental of the reader for picking one thing over another. And at the same time, encouraging the reader to find the "right balance" for you and your canine companion.
   
   I do not plan to practice healing through herbal and essential oil therapies on my own, but I do plan to seek out a holistic vet who will offer me these options for treating conditions and ailments of our canine friend.
   
   After a long and courageous fight, our Chihuahua finally went to eternal rest one week ago today. During his 13 years, he was consistently put on drugs like cortisone, prednisone and antibiotics to relieve him of symptoms like skin allergies, anal gland problems, nasal congestion, etc. All of which finally manifested into Inflammatory Brain Disease. I am finally realizing that I probably could have prevented most if not all this by providing a more nutritious diet. I believe in the philosophy that symptoms are just what we see on the surface of a more fundamental problem and by using drugs like these to provide temporary comfort does not always address the root cause.
   
   I borrowed this book from my library, but now after reading it cover-to-cover, I will purchase a copy to go along with Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Between these two books, and a partner relationship with a good holistic vet, I am better prepared to make decisions about our companion's health and happiness.



4. Brilliantly done! Not since Dr. Pitcarin's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats has there been a more concise and comprehensive book on holistic health care for our companion animals. Page after page is written with enthusiasm and true understanding of what holistic health care is all about. Ms. Flaim's book is very well researched and packed with valuable information from the nation's leading experts. If you have never used holistic care or you have done so for years there is information in this book for you. The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century is a "must have" for your reference library.



5. Ms. Flaim gives you all the information that you would need to make an informed decision about holistic care for your dog. Holistic care does not replace Veterinary medicine, but can be a very valuable source of help, according to Ms. Flaim. Everyone who owns an animal should read "The Holistic Dog Book".

5 comments about Dogs I Have Met: And the People They Found.

1. Ken's stories remind me of Dr. James Herriot's awesome tales about his life as a country vet in Britain. (All Creatures Great and Small, and others)
   
   Ken's books are also heartwarming and for anyone who loves animals.



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RIJ2ZYSOJDATB This isn't really a review, it's just the only way I could find to share this great video that was created at a party I had for the release of Dogs I Have Met. Among the many dogs who attended: Trap Jack and Dag, both of whom are featured in the book.



3. and an American Pit Bull Terrier lover in particular, I have a special place in my heart for Ken Foster and his experiences. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes and take corrective action for injustices he observes. He is a patriot for the APBT breed. This book is very well written and brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Bravo, Ken!



4. Ken Foster has again produced an entertaining look at the people he has encountered in his interesting dog-filled life. His writing style is unique and one to be emulated. The small volume is a quick read. American Pit bulls have a great advocate in him as he gently but forcefully defends them.



5. I truly appreciated this book specifically because of the strong focus on decriminalizing the american pit bull breed. It is so sad that this wonderful, loving breed of dog has been so persecuted due solely to the inhumanity of humans. Dogs are one of God's greatest creations, and humans have exploited, abused, and mistreated them to such unbelieveable levels. Thanks to the author for his wonderul work. It is a short easy read, but shares valuable insight.

5 comments about Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats : Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements.

1. This book is alright if you already have a diagnosis from your vet. But trying to figure out if something is wrong in the first place (symptoms)is not happening. Or perhaps your dog just has dry skin and a sensitive stomach..there is nothing in the book that helped me for less serious conditions either. Needless to say, I ended up returning the book.



2. I wish I had found this book sooner! My dog had a bulging disc and I needed something other then tradional meds (they were making him very ill). I researched everything I cold get my hands on and I have to say- this book is particularly fantastic as it's easy to read. It also lists the traditional meds and the alternatives which could complement those taditional meds. On top of that it lists other therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture. Overall- it's easy to read, provides great info as well as accuracy. It's a fantastic reference to have for all animal owners!



3. My Bichon, Bailey, has food allergies. I bought this book to do research on this subject, and found it had lots of other very informative information. I am looking into natural homemade diets and natural care. It did the trick! It was very resonably priced for the size and information it has in it... Also so easy to read and understand.. I would highly recommend it!
   Sharon Coombs
   Herndon, Ky.



4. This is one of the more detailed books I have found. I also got Health for Happy Cats and Your Cat by Elizabeth Hodgkins. This one has a lot of details about what to feed, how to feed it, what the diseases are and what the treatments are. You can look it up by both disease and symptom and treatment, which is fantastic. They discuss pros and cons of various things. They also have a good section on cooking natural diet versus raw natural diet. They are more advocates of cooked diet as far as I can tell. They also have a few diets. If you are going to get one book on natural health for cats this should be it. there is a lot of information on supplements.



5. This book contains lots of helpful information for those seeking alternative treatments for their pets. I was pleased with the level of detail in the explanations given for specific health conditions and the suggested treatments.

3 comments about Cesar's Way Deck: 50 Tips for Training and Understanding Your Dog.

1. This newest resource, from Cesar Millan, Inc., is an excellent resource for the busy dog owner. Published on a set of playing-sized cards, each card offers helpful tips and hints for solving everyday problems that occur in the course of canine ownership.
   
   Highly recommended for all dog owners - from newbies to the experienced owner, everyone can learn something from Cesar's Way.



2. Can I just start off by saying I love this man!?! Cesar Milan has changed the way I deal with dogs forever! I love the fact that hear is a person who understands completely that a dog is a dog and should be treated as such. There is nothing bad, or cruel, about it. In fact I would challenge anybody who says their dog is happy being treated any other way. This deck of cards gives quick tips for dealing with problem areas. You just pick the card that seems to fit your needs. The information is short, sweet and to the point. And because tt's so easy to read it's a good refresher course for helping you stay on track with your dog.



3. There isn't anything new here. These cards are just excerpts from his books. The information isn't very concise or pointed either.

5 comments about A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life.

1. This book is a review of the self indulgent actions by a self absorbed man. He has no clue what it means to be a true dog owner. He reminds me of a child who, tiring of a toy, throws it out and cries for a new toy to satisfy the need for the new. Orson , his "soulmate" border collie is really nothing more than a toy that doesn't work very well in Katz's eyes. Rather than learn about his dog, Katz destroys him, and buys a newer, better model.
   
   Dog people love to read books about dogs. This book is not about a dog. It is about this guy Katz and his odd outlook on life. Don't buy the book. Don't fund this guy's way of life. There are enough copies being thrown away. Pick one up if you must, otherwise, there are so many great books out there... read one of those. (An example: Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote.)



2. I so loved reading this book. This' my second book my Jon Katz. A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life was a book that made me giggle and also weep. His love for the much loved Orson was so touching and real. Jon Katz has become my new favorite author.
   
   I wish I could've met Orson.



3. This book is more about the self exploration and justification of tragic misdeeds by the egotistical and inconceivably selfish Jon Katz than it is about Orson... who was, by the way, a good dog that could have had a very happy, well adjusted, balanced life if he had not had the misfortune of crossing paths with this lazy, self-professing dog lover who obviously has no true love of anyone or anything but himself.
   
   Please do not waste a dime on this book. You will spare yourself the displeasure of reading this tragic, preventable (and poorly written) story. And, more importantly, you will avoid the further pocket lining of this misguided man, who if given the opportunity will forsake and exploit another innocent soul, as he did Orson.



4. Having recent thoroughly enjoyed Marley and Me, I was keen on tackling another 'journalist with difficult dog' story. But Katz and his trials with a what seems to me - as a non dog owner - an unappealing and dangerous dog do not make entertaining reading. This is a rather sad tale about Katz and his search for a new life for himself, which he attributes to his problem dog. I am not a dog owner, but I was bothered about this book. So I decided to read another of Katz's books and was surprised at how much good sense there seemed to be, compared to his actions with A Good Dog. I would never pretend to know the answers to training a dog like Orson, but I found Katz's love for this Collie rather worrying. We get the story of the endless ways he tries to train Orson. All I can say is that I am glad I didn't live next door to Katz and Orson.
   
   It's important to say this is a very well written book - Katz has an easy writing style and he takes you smoothly through the story. But there is something totally unsatisfactory about the relationship between Katz and Orson that leaves you feeling we never really got to the meat of this tale. If you need a 'man and difficult dog' story, read Marley and Me.



5. I read Katz's "Katz on Dogs" hoping to glean some useful information about handling dogs. I own a Golden Retriever and a rescued Flat Coat Retreiver mix. Both dogs are wonderful companions and live a good life in the country with little in the way of a harmful environment to worry about. About the only thing I learned is that Katz doesn't take the time to apply any of the training techniques he learns. His techniques, if you can call them that, is to throw treats at the dog. Treats have their place if you use them effectively. If not then the dog learns they mean nothing.
   
   Then I got this book. Man! I have to tell you that I wasn't ready for what I encountered. PJF is right on the money with his review (Jan 2007). I could think of a half dozen things I could have done off the top of my head to minimize the dangerous situations this animal was put in. I too bought an ATV but it wasn't to let my energetic herding animal ride with me on the seat (a very dangerous proposition in itself) but to give my very energetic 2 year old Golden the exercise he needs. He loves running across the farm fields with me and his sister and after a half hour ride/run he happily chills out for the rest of the day - usually in the pond. And thats what Orson needed, probably more than anything, exercise. Not having a natural inclination to herd sheep and therefore having no job to do, unlike Rose who did and who happily spent her days guarding the flock and the barnyard and staying out of trouble , Orson was crazy with boredom and frustration. A twice daily run behind the ATV would have probably cured most of his manic behavior problems. A walk in the woods with a half crippled old man wasn't going to cut it. And he should have known it.
   
   I was outraged and very sad at the outcome but was initially inclined to let Katz be the final judge of what he should or shouldn't do with his own dog. After reading PJF's review, it put it in perspective for me. My recommedation? Don't buy this book or any of his books. Stop funding the lifestyle of someone who doesn't really know what he's talking about. He can't teach you anything about dogs except maybe how not to raise and keep them.
   
   If you want a recommendation for a book from someone who loves dogs and does know what they are talking about (especially Border Collies and sheep herding) and can write well about it, I recommend For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend by Patricia McConnell. She too has to deal with sometimes out of control Border Collies and also the death of a beloved companion (from disease); but not like Jon Katz.

5 comments about Tracking Dog: Theory & Methods.

1. Great book on tracking. I discoverd I needed an air scenting book, not tracking for SAR k9 work but if your into tracking its a great book.



2. For those of you looking to train a serious working dog, this is the book for you.
   
   I have a police service K-9 and utilized the training found here to help my dog (German Shepherd).
   
   But not all dogs can do this so, the selection tests at the begining of the book were a great help.



3. This book was interesting and easy to read. Good ideas for training a tracking dog.



4. This book was writtten by the guru himself.All thruout the book which is easy to understand the writer is very confident and shares his knowledge and expieriences.This book is very informative and great for the beginner to the expert.



5. This book is an excellent resource and a very interesting read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in tracking.

5 comments about EVERY RESCUED DOG HAS A TALE: Stories from the Dog Rescue Railroad.

1. The book was well written and I enjoyed it. It was a very quick read and I was disappointed at the price I paid for how quickly it was read and the individual stories seemed very short. This would be a good book for children 4th - 6th grade. Personally I would wait till it showed up at your local library or borrow it from someone.



2. Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale - you'll laugh, you'll cry, but you won't be able to put this wonderful little book down.
   
   If you've done transports you will find yourself saying "Been there, Done that!!!"
   
   Deborah has captured the essence of pet transport - thru bad weather (try carrying 9 dogs in 2 cars thru torrential rain on I-40 in TN) and good. This book will help you remember nearly every transport vividly (yes, I still remember carrying two labs, who we discovered didn't like water, thru 6 inches of water in a driving rain in a MacDonalds parking lot to their next ride). This book will bring those memories back vividly.
   
   And if you aren't a transporter - follow the directions in the book and join the fun - and the sadness, for there will be times of sadness in a transport. A recent cocker transport I was involved with included a very sick 10 year old senior. But there was a silver lining. Tho she didn't make it, crossing over the bridge 3 days after the transport, she at least was in a loving home when she left us.
   
   This little book will bring all of these memories flooding back. Enjoy - I did.
   
   
   AB



3. This is a beautifully written book that will certainly touch your heart! It did mine! The pictures are truly heartwarming as well! This is a must read for dog lovers everywhere! Debbie has a heart of gold, and I am so proud to call her a friend!
   Well worth every penny!



4. This book is fantanstic. Everybody needs to be educated about the plight of dogs that are abused and neglected. These stories will touch your heart !



5. Anohter great read ... highly recommended for kids. Tells of the actions being taken by such dedicated animals lovers to getdogs/cats/etc. into their forever loving homes that they all deserve. Great read for kids!