5 comments about Hands-On Senior Horse Care: The Complete Book of Senior Equine Management and First Aid.

1. Hands-On Senior Horse Care: The Complete Book of Senior Equine Management and First Aid
   For all coaches, horse managers and horse owners of senior horses. Especially those still used in riding programes. Great book highly recommended to all riding schools, RDA's etc.



2. When we decided to add horses to our family, experienced horse people highly recommended purchasing older, experienced horses. So that is exactly what we did. This book has proven to be highly valuable to us. As stated in a previous review, it does say to call your vet at many of the symptoms. However, that is NOT a bad thing. The easy to follow charts included in each section clearly state if its something you can handle on your own, or if you need the help of a vet. It also tells you WHY you need the vet. It doesn't just state "Call your vet".
   
   The chapters are easy to read and understand. The book covers both health and care for the older horse. I'm sure a lot of the care items would apply to younger horses also, but the book covers the specific needs of the older horse.
   
   An experienced horse person would probably find this book to be a bore. However, it is ideal for the new horse owner, young or old. I highly recommend this book.



3. This book, although not as specific and technical as many other books dealing with horse care, is a great reference for a teenage horse owner. Its language it simple to understand and gives reasons why certain changes occur and what to look out for. Adults would probably get frustrated at its simplicity but for a 12-18 year old this book offers a means to understand an aging horse and what to look out for in case a veterinarian needs to be called. Afterall, most young teenagers are spending lots of hours with their horses --maybe even moreso than working adults -- both monitoring general care and riding. This book provides an exceptional resource for this age group (nevermind being a good resource for a completely clueless adult parent!).



4. Since I bought this book, I've had three crises with my senior horse. And in each case, this book was useless. It didn't cover what to do when my horse came down with the neurological form of equine herpesvirus! For colic, it didn't mention Banamine. Banamine is no where in this book. For ulcers, it had minimal solutions.
   
   Their formula for measuring a horse to determine its weight is for the metric system, not the English system we use. But they use inches, not meters.
   
   Another ridiculous section -- they suggest using "cold-pressed" oils to add to your horse's feed. I checked into this -- these oils are EXPENSIVE!!!!
   
   I thought this book would be wonderful. It's not. Save your money. The Internet has more useful and free sites.



5. This book features flow charts that help guide you through decision making processes when dealing with an older horse. Yes, many of the choices turn out to be call a vet. Maybe that's because most people won't look at a book until there is a medical problem in the first place.If you own a horse, then you are going to have to deal with having a veterinarian from time to time. And, think about this for a minute. If these people gave advice that said, oh don't call a vet, just do this or that, then how many lawsuits do you think they would face from owners of dead horses? This book helps you eliminate factors when deciding if you can take care of them at home, or call in a professional.
   There's also a section covering how your horse ages and changes that take place. That's a nice section to have. You may notice the changes over the years, but having this book will make you look at your older horse with a new perspective. I think every barn who has a senior horse should have a copy of this book.

5 comments about Eclectus Parrots.

1. I bought this book before getting my eclectus parrot and I found it to cover everything I can think of I could possibly want to know. Shows pictures of Eclectuses displaying different body languages and their explanations. Covers diets,differences between sub-species,covering a cage or not to cover and much more. Lots of pictures too.



2. Very using useful guide to help you take care of your eclectus bird. Nice pictures. Easy read. Sound advices.



3. This is a concise and helpful guide for all those who reside with an Eclectus parrot or hope to do so soon. Eclectus are unique in important ways other than being sexually dimorphic (males and females look different). They also do not do well on seed or pellet diets fed to many parrots. The book covers care of your bird, how to provide necessary intellectual stimulation with safe toys, information about common health problems and lots of other information critical to the well-being of your feathered friend.



4. I just received my copy of the book from the mail. My first impression was that it was quite thin. I was hoping for more information about breeding and aviary design, but the sections dealing with those topics were quite short. I was hoping to find a section wherein hybrids were thoroughly discussed and if a hybrid bird would have any deformities later on or if they would lead to infertile offspring.
   
   Also, I was hoping to find more detailed analysis, and photographic documentation (probably pictures of different races perching side by side for comparison) of the different races.
   
   Anyway, except for the above-mentioned items, I found the book quite useful specially for beginners like myself.



5. I received this book when I purchased my Eclectus and I am glad it was given to me. It is rather informative and to the point and is easy for a new parrot parent to find information. It has rescued me on many occassions. The only thing I wish it had was a more detailed section on illness and symptoms to watch for. Otherwise , I would hightly recommend this book for anyone considering getting one of these parrots.

5 comments about That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon.

1. This was a very informative book about the history and caring for a Maine Coom cat. This is one of three books that I ordered on the subject. I now feel that I am ready to obtain one of these beautiful animals.



2. A lot of ueful and interesting information in a compact book. A pity that more of the photographs were not in colour rather than B & W.



3. We recently purchased a Maine Coon kitten and found this book to be very informative. It has given us not only information for the care of our kitten, but gave us background info and info on what to expect as our kitten grows. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns or is considering getting a Maine Coon.



4. This book was very informative for Maine Coon owners and lovers. The history and background of this breed was informative and impressive in detail. Maine Coon owners will learn a lot and give them more to admire in their very special cats. A winner of a book.



5. I bought this book due to the great reviews given by readers, but I cannot see what they are so excited about (Maybe they were the author's friends). The photographs are really poor (blurred, poorly lit) and only a few are in colour. I would have expected at least a clear description (with images) of the different colours Maine Coons available, but again here were only written descriptions. The text runs on an on with no apparent point to make. This was clearly written for purple haired ladies who attend cat shows and go on and on about standards, not a cat enthusiast who would like to learn and appreciate a specific breed.

3 comments about See Spot Sit: 101 Illustrated Tips for Training the Dog You Love.

1. This little book is just charming. Carol Lea Benjamin is a renowned dog trainer, and each page is a little nugget of information with a cute illustration of the topic. For people with trained dogs, it is a reminder of the little things that can still be pursued and advanced. For people new to training their dogs, it is a guide in very simple terms to what you can do with your dog. It is not a training manual, with step by step directions on how to train your dog to ....sit, stay, roll over, etc. Those are available elsewhere. But it is entertaining and inspirational!



2. If you want a wonderful companion for life and a well trained dog, buy this book. Carol Benjamin teaches us how to develop a strong bond while training our dog to be well behaved and obedient. The illustrations make this the ideal book for kids and adults. She use simple medthods to create a trained, loving companion. The bond that is created makes life with your dog extremely rewarding.



3. What a terrific surprise!!! Proof that a few words can mean so much and change the whole flavor of the day. I loved it and I know that if I was lucky enough to meet Carol Lea Benjamin, I would love her, too! Thank you!

3 comments about Horses (Passions).

1. As a collector of equine photography books, I was very pleased after reading through Gabrielle Boiselle's "Horses" because the book became my favorite of all. It is exactly what I have been striving to find in equine photography. Boiselle easily accomplishes the challenging attempt to capture the poetry and beauty that horses radiate, as well as the deep emotions they convey. She does not digitally "enhance" her work. What you see is excellence at its best. Her pictures are never trite, but capture the very soul of these extraordinarily sensitive creatures that exude a powerful & untamed energy and unrivaled grace & nobility. The book is wonderfully laid out, with chapters such as Grace & Beauty, Power & Energy, Curiosity & Fun, Violence & Fear, etc. In my opinion, this type of layout is the best when it comes to catagorizing the equine world. Things to look forward to in this book: Unforgetable images that will powerfully arouse your own sentiments. Question to ask yourself before purchasing: How many photographers have you come by that have been able to capture two mighty Friesian stallions fighting . . . in the snow? Yeah, that's what I thought . . . ;)



2. I saw this book in Borders, they wanted much more! This book is stunning, breath taking is definetly another word to use! I love the horses in it, and the photographer very taletned person!
   
   She really gets horses and it's a gorgeous layout, there is alot of eye candy and things you get to really savor and enjoy!
   
   A+
   
   Michelle



3. Ravishing photographs of horses, seen with a lover's eye for this great animal. Gabrielle has embraced the spiritual realm of horses in all aspects of their life in this marvelous book. Her ability to capture the astonishing grace, stunning beauty and intimate moments are just remarkable and extraordinary. All horse lovers, don't be without this one!

No comments about Stuff on My Cat 2009 Wall Calendar.

5 comments about Visiting the Dog Park.

1. When I got this book, I wasn't expecting much - - still, I wanted to see what it had to say, because for me, a trip to the dog park can be just as fun as stressful. - - I have a very small poodle, and always worry about his safety. - - Within moments of getting it, I have to say, I realized that I picked a good book... especially when I got to the chapter that includes training tips to prepare your dog for a trip to the dog park. (- - I've put a lot of time and effort into training my dog, but the book presents some really useful ideas I had never thought of myself...) As an added bonus, the book is full of ideas that simply don't seem to be "floating around the net" (This is a shortcoming of buying books these days... I hate it when I buy a book and find out I could have gotten the same information off of WIKIPEDIA!)
   
   Well written, the book is substantive, yet short of "fluff" and has an excellent further reading session. I also like the layout of the book - - its very straightforward and well done... not a lot of goofy graphics, fillers and "white space" - - you open the book, you read the 127 pages comfortably ... and if you've got a highlight pen, can walk away with lot's and lot's of stuff to think about as you get ready for your next trip.
   
   Topics include: suggestions of who should and shouldn't use a dog park; dog park design and safety, rules and etiquette; training issues; understanding canine temperament body language; conflict resolution and health issues. All in all, as a person who likes dog parks, I really feel that the book lives up to the claims on the back cover which promises ways of having fun and staying safe at a dog park... and offers to teach practical skills to reach this goal... Based on this fact, and the fact that the book will definitely be a KEEPER that I'll come back to for many years to come, I give it a full five stars... and hope you'll decide to get it and enjoy it too !



2. this book is a useful reference for both the general public and for councils/communities establishing dog parks and for those that are already established.
   
   very well written and researched - the dog park ettique guidelines and the body language sections are essential reading in my opinion. I feel too many dog people go to these parks in total ignorance as to proper ettique and K9 body language.
   I highly recommened this book to all.



3. I am in the process of organizing a group to have a Free Run Dog Park built in Anderson County SC. I have excellent planning documents from Barkingham park in Florida and some additional input. I purchased this book as a guide to writing rules & recommendations for potential users. It will serve that purpose well, but it is an even better source of ideas for the layout and planning of our own park. As part of our project we intend to donate several copies of the book to our county library and post that information with the rules.



4. Anyone can post an Amazon review. And I've never commented before. But I feel it is unfair to mark the book down just because your home country doesn't have dog parks. Then don't post a review. Obviously, even she found the book helpful, so it shouldn't be damaged by her review.
   Thank you.



5. If you finally have a dog park coming near you and you want to
   take your dog(s) to the park for some off leash fun, get this
   book to prepare beforehand. Cheryl covers what to look for in a
   good dog park - rules, park etiquette (yours and your dog),
   openings, landscaping and clean-up.
   
   Cheryl also covers different personality types in dogs and
   which dog may want to stay home rather than go to the park.
   
   There's also a very cool section of scenarios to see if you can
   tell what is going on in different dog interactions. Don't
   worry if you don't get them all right, it takes practice
   reading dog body language.
   
   There's a whole chapter that acts as a checklist for those who
   enjoy making sure they have all the details to prepare for a
   good experience with their dog. What to wear - you and your
   dog. How to arrive and enter as well as exit the park. What to
   do while in the park.
   
   Cheryl also covers health issues that may come up from visiting
   a dog park. The various illnesses that can come from shared
   water bowls, airborne illnesses, and poop-borne illnesses.
   These aren't meant to scare you from going!
   
   The last chapter has suggested resources for training behaviors
   as well as how to learn canine body language. There is a lot of
   resources for dog park rules, how to find one, and how to get
   one setup in your area.

3 comments about Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families with Expert Captive Care Advice for the Marine Aquarist.

1. An in-depth book on the compatibility, care and behaviour on these selected species (only). Some of these species are so scares however that I doubt it if they will ever be found in a pet shop. If you are interested in keeping these species, this book is perfect.



2. Another great book on Reef Fishes by Scott Michael. He covers common as well as rarely seen fishes and tells all that is know about these guys including foods, reproduction, habitat and aquarium care. This is a must have for Marine Aquarists!! Great Book!!



3. Scott Michael continues his Reef Fishes series with this excellent book. The gorgeous photographs allow easy identification, often including multiple photos for color variations due to location, sex, etc. It also includes information on maximum length, distribution, and biology useful to both divers and aquarists, as well as captive care and aquarium suitability ratings. This volume along with the others in the series are a must have for any serious marine aquarist, as well as any diver interested in ID'ing and learning about coral reef fishes. Highly recommended!

   By the way, the initial Amazon pricing on this book is erroneously high. I have this information directly from the publisher, so you may want to wait for it to be corrected before purchasing.

No comments about Aquatic Turtles (Complete Herp Care).

5 comments about The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of Randy Grim and His Fight to Save America's Abandoned Dogs.

1. Randy Grim is one of the most incredible people I have ever read about. His sacrifice of time, money and love during his attempt to save the most unwanted of the unwanted, America's abandoned street dogs, is totally amazing.
   
   The stories are incredible and moving. You face the real drama of dogs living in fear of man yet, Randy Grim goes out on the lonely city streets and into abandoned buildings to reach every dog he can. He saved them from injury, starvation and death, not only during the day but at night as well.
   
   This is a book everyone should read, everyone. Whether you love dogs or not, this book will make an impact on your life. You will do some real soul searching about the need for each one of us to help with this mission.



2. Never has a book had such an impact on me. I am an avowed dog-lover, but with all the dog books I have read, I have never been so moved as I was by the story of Randy Grim and his fight to save stray dogs. I could not recommend this book strongly enough to anyone who cares about animals. Randy is an EXTRAORDINARY human being, and even though he does not want it, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. And this recognition can only help the cause of his fight for stray animals. You go, Randy! I love you!



3. Wonderful book. A real eye opener as to the conditions of some urban areas. Only goes to show that you don't have to be volunteering at Ground Zero to be a hero.



4. Poignant and disturbing if a bit disjointed. More than talking to dogs, Randy Grim understands their needs and has at times puts himself in harm's way to rescue abandoned, feral dogs from warehouses, abandoned apartments and houses, and fields. He has turned his difficulty communicating with humans into a useful, compassionate, even obsessive need to save these dogs. The stories don't link together very well and I'd like more insight and history into Randy himself, but overall, the book leaves you feeling that you want to help, too.



5. A good read because I had no clue what the stray/feral dog situation was like, other than the occassional statistic thrown out. I learned a lot about that situation, as well as what often goes on in the dog breeding industry and the pet stores. Worse than I could have imagined. I almost didn't read this book because I was afraid of becoming too sad about the whole stray dog situation, but I read it anyway because I have six dogs and various behavioral broblems. I wanted some insight. I figured that if this guy rescues and rehabilitates those with the worst behavioral and emotional problems, then I could definitely get some insight into my own dogs, all of which were unwanted. But I didn't want to start with the typical sterile information you find in dog training books. I feel that "The Man Who Talks to Dogs" gave me the insight I needed into understanding the behaviors I'm seeing in my own dogs. I have made a few changes in how I relate to them and things are becoming more harmonious. There is also good information on Randy's web site strayrescue.com.