5 comments about Good Dog. Stay..

1. Short and oh so sweet!
   
   Yes this is more of an essay than a full blown novel, but the writing is worth every dime. There are so many phrases in the book that I read and re-read. Spend the money and keep this book for revisiting over and over.



2. This is a 45 minute short story about Anna's dog, Beau. I am not a fan of animal stories as they usually either end up getting hurt or dying. The same is true in this one. It is the life story of Beau and as all life stories, the end is death. That brings tears to me which is why I don't like these types of stories.
   
   I believe Anna wrote this as a way to heal from her lost of Beau more than trying to tell a readable story. This is not to say the story doesn't make sense. It does. I just hear in Anna's own words how much she and her family cared for Beau and how much his loss meant to them.
   
   As with all stories, there are the good times and the "bad dog" times, laughs and tears and general day-to-day life. If you want to hear about a good dog's life, this CD will provide that.



3. I bought this book for my husband as part of the grieving process after our 14-year-old black lab died. I expected Anna Quindlen's usual wisdom and frankly I was disappointed. The text was very short; not enough in quantity or quality to justify a book in my opinion. Worse, every page featured those awful cutesy stockhouse dog photos that seem the antithesis of the honest and straight style I expected based on reading her wise columns in the NY Times for many years. The book came across as a celebrity milking something very thin for some extra cash. Come on, Anna, you can do a lot better than this!



4. I think she is such a wonderful author and love her books. This was yet another treasure.



5. Loved this book - sounded just like what we went through with our yellow lab. Quick read - heartwarming.

5 comments about Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.

1. I got this book with the intent to put it on a shelf and keep it "just in case". What happened instead, though, was that I started reading the first few pages and got sucked in and read (briefly) the entire book. It's not really meant to be read that way, but it's so informative and so well written, that I just stayed interested. I now know a lot more about how dogs work, and I'm much less worried about dealing with potential issues that arise.



2. Excellent intermediate information for holistic types. Basic recipes for cats and dogs. I have used something simlar for cancer in cats and extended her life over a year using nutritional therapy.



3. This book is a necessity if you have a pup. If you have a dog suffering certain symptoms, this book clearly, quickly and thoroughly describes the actions to take: do you need a vet, or is a home remedy available? I have a new puppy and an adult Golden Retriever. The puppy--rescued from the pound--developed kennel cough which, at first I diagnosed as something else (which would have required a different treatment). This book described the sound of the cough, the frequency, the result and offered a quick home remedy to ease his discomfort until he could get to our vet (it was a holiday weekend). In summary, the peace of mind it gave me was priceless.



4. I agree with another reviewer --- I rarely classify anything as "must have" but this book should be owned by every dog owner. It has saved us a great deal of money over the years, calmed our nerves, and also sent us to the emergency clinic in time to save a life.



5. After my puppy getting sick for the first time, I was in a rush to get a medical book or two to have on hand. This was an excellent choice. It has so many topics.

5 comments about From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava.

1. I had heard about Lava the dog and the many pitfalls it took to overcome to get him home and so I couldn't wait to finally read the book. Unfortunately, this book does not live up to it's potential. It could have been a real gem had the author perhaps had a lot more help from a more experienced writer.
   
   I'm surprised this book had two authors and quite possibly an editor and yet, it's so choppy and poorly written and dare I say, juvenile at times and I'm not talking about the profanity sprinkled throughout the book either. I'm not tremendously offended by profanity. In this case, I didn't feel it added or detracted from the book for me. The problem here is vocabulary. For example, there are several passages where the author used one word or one phrase over and over and over. In one passage it's the word "weird" when he's trying to explain to the reader how being in Iraq was and in another passage it's the phrase "at least" that begins every sentence for at least a paragraph. Maybe someone can gift him a thesaurus.
   
   Frankly, until I read the interview between Amazon and the author, I would have just given the book 1 star because if the subject matter of the book wasn't so attractive, I doubt it would ever have gotten published. In the interview above at least, he does seem to have a more diverse vocabulary than was apparent in the book.
   
   Another thing I found extremely difficult to get past was a passage where the author describes those who join the Army as basically losers, the guys who couldn't get the girl, who didn't play sports and who just weren't "good" enough was the impression I got. So unnecessary to the story and in my opinion, absolutely NOT true.
   
   One last thing that gave me pause was the way he described himself getting into the faces of Iraqi's and hollering at them, including profanity which he insisted the interpreter include when relaying it back. Maybe they needed it, I don't know, I wasn't there but all I could think of while reading that was that's the sort of behavior that quite possibly could cost lives down the line. It's sort of like you can criticize your own children but woe unto those who are NOT a part of your family criticizing them. It just doesn't fly and even the author comes to realize this later in the book.
   
   I don't know if I can honestly say this book is worth reading. I gave it two stars because I love dogs and found the subject matter appealing. The rest of the book just wasn't up to par to me and if you are looking to read down-to-earth, I-Was-There accounts of the goings on in Iraq or poignant, heartwarming stories about dogs then there are much better books out there on those subjects.



2. This book is one of those that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Deeply emotional. Heroes vs evil. The author infuses his psychological insights into a story of an insane situation.
   
   The horrors of the true story memoir creeps and builds. Intertwined by the deeds of the people coming together to help, adds hope to dispel the sense of a world with no compassion.
   
   The emotional connection to the group of Marines known as Lava (named for where they trained in Hawaii) is immediate in the first few pages.
   
   A career Marine fighting in Iraq (and sometimes near the border of Syria) desperately searches for a way to bring home to the States - a rescued puppy. (Thou shalt not have pets nor befriend animals, Article G something). Marines, news reporters, State side animal rescue groups, supportive Iraqis; fighting against the military machine ordered to shoot dogs. All this, while under the guns of insurgents, rocket propelled grenades, car bombs, cows strapped with suicide equipment.
   
   
   To add more heart pressing depression to the harsh truths revealed, reading the parts about puppies being buried alive in sewers, fresh in my mind was the 'youtube' story. (Of the puppy thrown off the cliff by Marines making home videos. How could you?)
   
   The author describes the military rationale behind some of the numbing military rules and realities.
   
   Do I feel a little wiser after reading this?
   
   What's the difference between foreign militants or American Marines shooting puppies?
   
   I read this book in one sitting, not skipping to the last page (no cheating). I couldn't put it down.
   
   
   Apple pie, Marilyn Monroe, dogs and waggily tailed puppies.
   
   
   Tears for 21 Lava. Angels with wings, for sure.



3. This is not a book I would have ever picked up on my own. Although I love and care about dogs, and all animals, with a passion, I generally don't have any interest in reading true-life "My Dog and Me" stories. However, my mother highly recommended it and now I'm glad I read it, because it made the war more real to me that just about anything else has.
   
   The heart of the story is, of course, the dog Lava, but this book is much more than a story about a dog. The tagline is "A Marine, the War, and a Dog..." for a reason. Lava is the vehicle for Kopelman's journey, and it makes for a powerful story of war and healing. Nowhere is this more evident than the chapter where Kopelman sits at home, in the agonizing hours he waits for news of Lava's escape and at the same time details the deaths and atrocities occurring in Iraq at the same time as all this effort is being exerted for a puppy.
   
   Honestly, I didn't love the writing, but it was effective. Kopelman is obviously a smart and capable guy, and the book reads as though he is sitting in the room with you, relating this crazy story over dinner and a beer. He is honest and emotional about all sides of the war, Marines, and himself, for good and bad. I liked him and was rooting for him as much as the dog. The questions raised by the war for all of us are the questions Kopelman is faced with in person, in the form of a scruffy puppy he finds in his boot. He addresses these questions, if not eloquently, than at least thoroughly and with feeling. He makes his choice, as we all must, and he has to live with it, as do we all. Though it may have been a bit heavy-handed at times, this book brought together many issues, and many facets of each, into one emotional package, and it made me think as well as feel.



4. The story of the Colonel rescuing Lava was a good story, but this book took me almost nine months to read. In my opinion it wasn't written very well. The book lacked the ability to grab me by the collars and slam my face into the book until I finished reading it. I was hoping for this book to do that. But nevertheless, I am happy to have read it.



5. This book is about our refusal to give up our humanity in the face of war. Take the toughest, baddest trooper, insert dogs and children into the horrors of war, and watch stone-cold combatants turn into wet clay before your eyes. Quick and enjoyable read. The LTC captures the emotion and internal conflict everyone who's served in a combat zone can relate to.

5 comments about For Every Dog an Angel.

1. I purchased this book for a friend who had just lost her beloved dog. I took the opportunity to read it before sending it to her and instantly fell in love with it. What a wonderful, comforting book for anyone whether they be a child or adult. It gives us all hope that there really is a special place for our pets after they have passed on.



2. I was told about this book when I was in a group for dog lovers whose animals had cushings disease which is a serious disease that can be ultimately fatal. Many of the dog owners told of the way it was written so simply and yet stated the obvious that if you love your dog or any animal that you want to know you will see them again in the next life and that they will be watched over by an angel till that time. That is what I was concerned about that my beloved dog Rags would be alone and scared but then again when they go to dog heaven as I call it and not the rainbow bridge I believe that they are well again and having fun with all the other animals that have preceeded them in death. This book makes you feel better if that is possible and I recommend it for anyone. I have a copy and when my friends dog died recently I sent a copy to her and she loved it. Cried but loved it.. So buy the book and keep a copy for any other animal lovers you are close to. It is not a depressing book but one that will give you hope at a time that you might not think there is hope. In my case my dog was truly a mommys boy and so I missed him far more then my husband did and so this book was the comfort to me that I needed and I read it time and again. So try it and see...!!!!



3. I found my "Forever Dog". His name was Bruno and I lost him on December 20th, 2007. That day was the worst day ever. I can not even begin to describe the loss that I feel. This book and others like it, give me hope that I will see him again...that we'll be reunited forever. I just have to wait. This book came at a critical time and helped to give me some peace. I'd recommend this book to anyone having lost a beloved pet...but mostly to anyone who had to say goodbye to their Forever Pet. Know that you will be together again... Trust in that. It helps a bit.



4. This is great for young or old. My sister recently lost a special pup, and found this very helpful. Her husband, who lost a dog in his childhood and never let himself get close to another animal, read the book and is finally starting his healing process. Especially like the part that says it is ok to share your love with another pet. All very positive, very sensitive, very intuitive to the feelings that accompany such a great loss.



5. For Every Dog An Angel is a deeply moving and heart touching book for anyone who has ever lost their "one in a million" best friend. I really did cry deeply the first time I read it and I found the words to be quite healing and comforting for me. I am so thankful I found this wonderfully written book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort and healing in the loss of their pet.

5 comments about Clicking With Your Dog: Step-By-Step in Pictures (Karen Pryor Clicker Books).

1. This is the sister of cookie training. Why use a clicker when you can use your voice? You are not mute for crying out loud. You can mark a command, a behavior, or even a trick much better with your voice. Besides, this method is for dog owners with three arms. One, to hold those treats, two to click around, and three to hold on to that leash.
   
   If you truly believe that dogs like to please us, then why rely on a clicker or even a treat? Think about it. Your dog should sit because you said so and not because of a bacon strip. How I know this??? Because I actually train dogs for a living and am one the top in my field. These guys tell you to give your dog treats just for being alive. You will end up with a fat dog that drools and licks it's mouth every time you ask it to sit or lay down. It doesn't take much skill or talent to bribe a dog with treats and then call it dog training.



2. The illustrations and the short, exact written instructions make it a wonderful handbook both for novices and experienced people who want to clicker train pets.



3. This woman really knows dogs. Her training methods really work. This book definitely changed the way I relate to my dogs, and it made training so much easier.



4. I have read a couple of clicker training books and have also gotten advice from a clicker-savvy friend, but read this to see if it had anything more to offer me. For those who don't know, clicker training uses a marker (the clicker) to mark the exact moment your dog is doing something you want her to. It's very powerful because it sends a kind of snapshot straight to your dog of what you want. You then, of course, give some kind of reward after clicking.
   
   I liked that this book had lots of pictures and presented the information in different ways, for people with different styles of learning. Also, the author shows that there is more than one way to teach a behavior, even within the clicker training philosophy. To me, this is where many dog training books fall short. They present one way of approaching a new task, but there are many types of dogs and many types of trainers! To be shown that shaping, luring, and just waiting for behaviors are all possible ways to succeed is very encouraging. Of course, each task must still be broken down into baby steps, and each training session must be positive.
   
   My one and only complaint is that Ms Tillman suggests raisins and grapes in her list of possible treats to use for your dog. There is anecdotal evidence that raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. It's not necessarily proven, but why take a chance? Read this book, but skip the fruit of the vine! And have fun!



5. Clicking with Your Dog is a great introduction to clicker training, and training in general. The pictures are clear and obvious. The instructions are also clear and explain the motivations of your actions and the dogs actions.
   
   The book covers the most desired skills to teach a dog - from basic doggy etiquette to more advanced, impressive skills. I had very good results using the book as a guide while training my dogs. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

No comments about From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava.

2 comments about Dogs: Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History.

1. This book is a great follow-up to The Big Cats and Their Fossil Relatives and like the forementioned it doesn't disappoint! Well researched, well written and accompanied by outstanding illustrations (Mauricio Anton really displays his talents as a reconstructive artist), this book is a treasure to anyone interested in carnivoran evolution. The list of pertinent reference books relating to mammalian evolution is an added bonus. I just wish it could go into more depth on many of the interesting species it reveals to us. A great introduction to canid evolution, you can't go wrong with this one!



2. This book encompasses everything that inspired me to pursue paleontological research...the meticulous manner in which the authors document the evolutionary history of dogs, and the unparalleled illustrations that bring those concepts and species to life. The paleontologists who wrote this book are authorities in their fields, and are much respected for the quality of their work. The price tag for the book is a huge understatement of its value. Be glad you are getting such a bargain for a priceless work, just short of picking the brains of the authors themselves!

5 comments about 150 Activities for Bored Dogs: Surefire Ways to Keep Your Dog Active and Happy.

1. I thought this would have some neat ideas to entertain my dog, however the ideas were more for bored owners than bored dogs. Some ideas were lame, like having a doggy sleepover party. The book was only mildly entertaining because of the author's witty, yet annoying attempts at humor.



2. Didnt really learn much. Maybe if your new to pet care. Not that interesting.



3. 95 of the 207 pages talk about dogs in general, just like any other dog book.
   The "activities" are mostly ridiculous like "go see a pup psychic".
   I would not recommend this book.



4. The book was not what I expected. Some interesting info, but little help with a bored dog!



5. I loved reading this book and Sue Owens Wright's sense of humor kept me turning the pages. She's got SO many great ideas! This book isn't just for 'bored dogs' it's for anyone who owns a dog or anyone who is thinking of getting a dog. This may be a non-fiction, how-to type-book but it read like a fiction book ... it really flowed and I didn't want to put it down. With most non-fiction books I go back and forth reading here and there in the book looking for specific things. With this book I wanted to read every page. It's not often you find a non-fiction book that's this fun to read. This book appeals to people who have had dogs all their lives as well as people who are new to the idea of getting a dog. The first half of the book gives information about dogs, why they do the things they do, information on dog ownership etc (as well as boredom-busting ideas). The second half of the book is filled to the brim with ideas on keeping your dog occupied (when alone, when your with them, and when other animals are around). While reading the book I had some "Duh!, why didn't I think of that?" moments, some "Hey!, I do that!" moments, and of course there was lots of "I've got to do that!" thoughts.
   
   You won't be bored reading the book and your dog will be thrilled you read it!

5 comments about Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs And Cats.

1. This book is an excellent introduction into home cooked food for your pet. It provides a basic education, some recipes to start with, and a wonderful perspective.
   
   Could you feed your dog forever with onyl this book? Yes. Is it likely to be the only book on canine nutrition you ever want to read? No, not if you're like me and want to balance your sources of information.
   
   Get this book, get started. Track your progress with the journal and see what happens at the end of 8 weeks. If your dog is responding well, keep going! Keep reading, try new recipes from other trusted sources like Pitcairn and Strombeck.
   
   Canine nutrition shouldn't be rocket science. Nor should it be a secret collection of data available only to the folks who make commercial dog food.



2. I bought this book after a recommendation by a pet psychic (yes, I'm one of THOSE people :)) and boy, did it make a difference!
   
   After realising what most of the pet food on the market is really made of, I've been wanting to cook my dogs' food, but was afraid of not giving them enough nutrients.
   This book makes it easy - within 8 weeks, in a simple step-by-step program, you will become an expert petfood cook and learn all about the necessary nutrients, supplements, and health benefits.
   
   I bought this book primarily for my 10-year old rescue dog, who was having problems with her ears and coat, due to allergies, and "popping" joints.
   After week 6 on this program, I noticed that her ears were no longer flaky and inflamed, fur had started to grow on a bald spot, dandruff had cleared up and no more sounds were coming from the joints.
   Also, there's a new spring in her step and she's just overall more active and downright frisky.
   
   It takes some effort and buying supplements to make this healthy food, but it pays off in the long run - I've saved on vet bills and my dog is much happier and healthier.



3. This book could have saved my dog. I sought out this book when my maltipoo's appetite was dim. She would barely eat anything and on top of that she was itchy and had grown a small benign tumor on her head. I knew that something was not right with her and so I looked closely at her diet. She has been on the stew, vitamin supplement and dream coat supplement for about 8 months and she is doing great! No more tumor, no itchy skin and no problems. Not to mention she would give her left paw for a lick of stew. Hippocrates said to let food be your medicine. Well thanks to Andi Brown, my dog is cured and healthy!



4. Our corgi, Zoey, was overweight and we knew it. She suddenly developed back pain and could hardly walk. We couldn't pick her up to go outside to potty because it hurt her more so we built her a ramp to get down from a 3 inch step. We were so scared for her, we'd sleep on the floor with her because she couldn't jump on the bed. The vet x-rayed her and said the best thing was for her to lose weight. We cut back on the amount of kibble we had given her for years, changed to "diet" food from the vet's office. She got better but was not losing weight even with daily walking. I found Andi Brown's Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs And Cats and jumped right in. The book guides you through an eight week transition. I skimmed the book, gave the kibble and treats to the local humane society, started cooking chicken stew right away. Zoey loves the food and had no problem adjusting to such yummy meals. She had no problems with digestive changes or output. Yes, it is time consuming but we cook a double batch that lasts two weeks. It took a little experimenting to get the serving size just right (a bit less than recommended) to lose and maintain the new weight. Our vet agrees with the homemade mixture and Zoey is down to the weight the vet recommends. She is happy and playful again and we never want her to suffer from being overweight again. We've been using the Whole Pet Diet for a year now and find it well worth the time to take care of our furchild. If you chose not to cook the meals, the book has a lot of information on ingredients to look for and avoid, exercise and play dates, and even bath time. This is a great book.



5. If you are a pet owner who is concerned for your pet's health then this is the book for you. Speaking from personal experience, I can guarantee that your pet will be healthier and happier if you feed the recipes that Andi brown provides in this book. The recipes are simple and easy and don't require extensive knowledge about animal nutrition to succeed. Buy this book - you'll benefit from it and your pet will thank you by living a longer and a healthier life. I've been buying this book and giving it away as a present for all my friends who are owned by their feline and canine companions.

5 comments about Dog Training For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. Have owned dogs for many years but this book
   is by far the best book I have read on dog training.
   Would recommend to anyone.



2. I was searching for a resource written in "plain English" that would help me understand my dog from the inside out.
   
   Dog Training for Dummies has given me some keen insight into my pet's psychology. I absolutely love the concept of "postive training" as this method will undoubtly ensure a positive bonding experience with my dog.
   
   Jack and Wendy Volhard have written a training manual that should be given to each new puppy owner. This resource has de-mystified the concept of dog training for me and has encouraged me to challenge my dog to be the best canine citizen he can be. This is, of course, for his good and well being as well as for ours.



3. Insofar as children are the usual family member wanting an animal, this book makes them part of the whole training aspect, whih I feel is as necessary as their doing chores. (ie: feeding, bathing, walking dog)



4. I can't believe all the info in this book! It covers dog training and even nutrition. Worth every penny of the purchase price. Made me feel confident in my training techniques. I taught both of my dogs the "down" command in a week.



5. I have had dogs my whole life, but when I got my new puppy, I decided to read this book. I think its FANTASTIC. It taught me A LOT... I found new ways to train my dog that I had never thought of. I think anyone that owns a dog should get this book. Its great.