1 comments about Poodle: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. I am not familiar with poodles and care involved, but this book gives lots of practical and useful information about all the things you would need to know about this breed of dog.

1 comments about The Big Book of Cats (Big Book of . . . (Welcome Books)).

1. I am a cat lover, but also love vintage photography. This book combines them both in a beautiful way. There are some newer photos too, and they are all in B/W. I keep this book on my coffee table, and I flip through it all the time- it is timeless. I think it would be a wonderful gift for any cat lover or a fan of photography.

5 comments about The Boilerplate Rhino: Nature in the Eye of the Beholder.

1. Boilerplate Rhino is another collection of magazine columns, like "Natural Acts" (1985), "The Flight of the Iguana" (1988) and "Wild Thoughts from Wild Places (1998). Quammen is an excellent nature essayist, with just the right recipe of fact, whimsy, self-deprecation and seriousness. His ruminations will have you alternately howling with laughter, moaning in anguish, barking angrily and purring with satisfaction -- and along the way you'll add a snootful of useless facts to your cocktail chatter.

   His "Song of the Dodo" (1996) was a tough slog due to the weight and mass of four long books rolled in one, but the 20-minute essays here are just the right length.




2. Quammen has compiled a thoughtful and entertaining collection of his essays for THE BOILERPLATE RHINO. You don't need to be a nature buff or of a scientific mind to enjoy what he's written. This was a bit of an impulse buy due to a bargain price, but I was pleasantly surprised. I look forward to reading more of Quammen's work!



3. There's really little wonder why Quammen is one of the greatest writers of the natural world. He brings out his experiences, and the science of things so eloquently and entertainingly. You'll finish The Boilerplate Rhino - which is really a collection of 25 of his best column articles from Outside magazine - in a few sittings .
   Quammen's nose for news keeps him on his toes in discovering the reality of the natural world. He won't rest till he's seen or investigated or read up tremendously (Quammen is immensely well read) on a subject he gets a little keen on. THAT is what keeps the reader hooked onto his writings, experiencing an involvement, thereby taking yet another step into the beautiful world we still know so little about.
   You will enjoy The Boilerplate Rhino as Quammen takes you on his journeys into places as far out as the Sundas to as intimate as your very own backyard.



4. Reading the fascinating twenty-six essays that make-up this book is the closest I have come to riding a rhino. David Quammen's fantasies are exhilarating; and he knows how to pen them down.
   The lives of these essays revolved around those of octopus, beetles, and bats: before assuming a cosmic dimension.
   This book is a fine collection of fictions, which will please most fantasy lovers.
   However, some parts of it appeared more or less shallow. Still, it's worth the time that any willing reader would like to invest on it.



5. Reading Quammen is like meeting a fascinating fellow in a bar who is really smart, tells great stories and is fun to listen to. Quammen's area of storytelling is the world of nature, from ants to rhinos. Some nature books are heavy slogging (EOWilson's "Consilience" comes immediately to mind) but Quammen writes page-turners. The chapters in the book appeared earlier as columns in Outside magazine.

5 comments about Rex and the City: A Memoir of a Woman, a Man, and a Dysfunctional Dog.

1. This book is great!!!!!!!! If you love dogs you must read this book. Wonderfully written.



2. This book is great. I read it in just a couple of days, I could barely put it down. I carried it with me everywhere I went and would sneak in a few pages every chance I got.
   If you love dogs, New York City or just want a few good laughs, this book is for you. The love and humor that Rex brings into Lee and Ted's lives is heartwarming. As an owner of two rescue dogs living in a major city, I can relate to a lot of their experiences.
   Rex reall showed Lee and Ted how to give and receive love.



3. I cannot recommend this book enough! From the first page, I was immediately involved with these great characters. The book is non-stop laughs and sprinkled with endearing, heart-warming moments. I truly couldn't put it down! I was eager to see what would come to Rex and his "parents." It is simply wonderful!!!



4. OMG this was hilarious! but also tender and loving and wise and true. This woman is a terrific prose writer, and I would definately read other books by her. This is the story about rescuing an abused dog and bringing him into a teensy apartment in a bad neighborhood in New York City! who would have thought such a tough beginning (for the dog) would have such a happy ending. bravo! viva rex!



5. I had read excerpts of this in Bark magazine (yes I'm one of those dog nerds) and was charmed then, and after reading the entire book, remain so. The things I think I like best are, 1) its a really accurate depiction of the trials and tribulations of getting a shelter dog and that transition, 2)as well as how complicated dog ownership can be in an urban area. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's not heavy or serious, but it struck a chord in me- someone who has experienced both of those situations. It's not all sunshine and roses the first day, and no one warns you about that. But that is also where some good comedy comes from. I enjoyed this book very much and would definitely recommend it.

No comments about Everything Cooking for Dogs Book: 150 Quick and Easy Healthy Recipes Your Dog Will Bark For (Everything: Cooking).

2 comments about Living With a Bichon Frisé: Book with Bonus DVD (Living with a Pet).

1. I bought this book to learn more about the Bichon breed. I have a five year old rescued Bichon male. The book describes his characteristics perfectly. It offers some training methods and things to know before you make a very long committment to these little dogs. They are very long lived.
   
   Pro: Easy to read, good pictures, on target in describing the breed
   Con: None



2. If you are a totally smitten Bichon Frise owner, as I am, you will have to add this book to your collection. I own many many volumes but this portrays the breed in all its glory. The cover is your first clue to the beauty of the publication. I particularly like the personal short tales that are set in pastel color insets. And I find the photo section on grooming exceptionally helpful--you will definitely need these close-ups if you dare to try your hand at this art. Chapter 2 reminds you that this loving breed in NOT FOR EVERYONE; they should not be left alone for long periods of time.
   
   Eight chapters and 128 pages of great information, super binding, heavy shiny paper, with sharp color photos; this book succinctly covers all you need to know.

4 comments about Complete Kitten Care.

1. Really eased my fears and concerns about being a new cat parent. Used most techniques/suggestions and must say that my kittens are a real joy. I don't think I would have had such a positive experience if it were not for this book.



2. I was looking for books on kittens and I got something better:
   A book on complete kitten care.This book has got the lot.For a book of its size I am impressed.This book covers various aspects on kittens from where to purchase,where not to buy,the kitten's new home,toys and so much more.This is a comprehensive book.
   
   This is a must have book for anyone considering buying/adopting a kitten.This book will help you before you buy a kitten so by the time you bring one home you will have already a home for your new kitten.This book is great value too.I highly recommend this book.
   
   I was too busy enjoying the book so I didnt bother finding fault.



3. I picked up this book last year, and I studied it carefully before getting my first kitten, Ginny. The title doesn't lie, "Complete Kitten Care" is exactly what you get. The three-month old female I got last August is now a happy and healthy member of my family thanks to the advice from this book.

   The topics covered here involve everything essential that a kitty novice needs to know, such as vet visits, spaying/neutering, adjusting to other pets, and grooming. The most important chapters that should not go unread are the sections that deal with medical emergencies (falls, drowning, and electrocution), and recognizing/treating sick kittens. I'm lucky enough not to have applied that information to my experiences with my kitten, but it's still good to know.

   On the behavior front, "Complete Kitten Care" helps you understand your kitten's way of thinking and help you fix his mistakes, particularly litterbox-related mistakes. Also very helpful is the chapter on understanding body language, and how your kitty communicates with you. I now understand all of Ginny's moods by the size of her pupils, volume and pitch of her meow, position of her ears, and how her tail is held.

   This book doesn't go without any entertainment, though. There are lots of adorable kitten photos and drawings that will easily melt your heart. In the back of the book, it has cat legends and fun facts, and there are lists of cat-related web sites, magazines, care organizations, pet supply sources, and other cat books.

   Highly reccomended! A+




4. I've fostered dozens of kittens in the last ten years and made just about every mistake there is to make. Now that I have this book, I'll never take on another little one without having it at hand. All parts of this book are valuable to the new kitten owner, but I especially appreciate the sections on recognizing and treating health problems in young animals, and the section on emergencies is priceless. It tells you how to rescue your little one from a dog or other animal, how to administer artificial respiration if necessary, even perform acupuncture to jump start a stopped heart, how to give CPR to a drowned kitty, how to slow down shock, what to do if kitty ingests a poison plant, how to treat both heatstroke and hypothermia.

   There's much else in the book, including learning to play with your kitty, understand her communications, and provide the kinds of toys and equipment that will suit her needs best. Complete Kitten Care is just what the title says it is. You probably shouldn't even think about acquiring a new kitten until you have a copy.

   Besides presenting a wealth of knowledge, Shojai's book is fun to read. She has an obvious love of her subject, but it's tempered with good common sense and a great sense of humor. You can actually sit down and read this book through, rather than just thumbing to the section you need at any one time--it's that readable. She has a way of making the technical stuff understandable to us folks whose only qualification is that we love kitties.

5 comments about Dog-Friendly Dog Training.

1. I have had this book for a few months but still haven't made it past the first few chapters. The author is overwhelming in her way of trying to convince the reader to use dog-friendly dog training. I bought the book because I already agree with this idea and I don't plan on physically abusing my dog, but she goes on and on about how terrible punishment is. I almost started to feel guilty and I don't even have a dog yet! Although this book is not bad at all, I would recommend Puppy Care and Training instead. It also recommends a dog friendly way of training and provides information on care as well. More bang for your buck. I haven't seen any other books that recommend punishment as a way to train a dog (I'm sure there are a few, but I haven't seen them), so the particular emphasis given to it in this book is probably not necessary.



2. Common sense and effective approach to dog training, written clearly and simply. I have shared this with many friends and given it to new dog owners. Highly recommended.



3. This book is very easy to read. It has detailed instructions on how to go about training your dog. Anyone could follow these instructions! I recommend this to anyone who wants to start off on the right foot w/ a new dog.



4. As a trainer, I am always on the lookout for books to recommend to my clients, and this book is one of them. It is an excellent resource for pet owners who want to teach their dogs the basics. The format and instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the photographs make it practically foolproof. Andrea encourages the use of positive, reward-based methods which are based on sound scientific principles. Following the training guidelines in this book will result in not only a better trained dog, but will enhance the bond between you and your dog as well.
   - Nicole Wilde, author Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears and So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition)



5. Very easy to read and has clear explanations and wording for puppy training.

4 comments about A Useful Dog.

1. This is a charming book that adds to the wealth of knowledge the author has about sheep herding and Border Collies. Anyone who loves McCaig's books will want to read this one.



2. This small book was purchased as a gift for a young lady who wants a dog. She thoroughly enjoyed Donald McCaig's wonderful prose. Any "dog person" will appreciate this delightful story.



3. Donald McCaig is a fine writer, especially when he writes about those four-legged creatures he knows and loves so well. A wonderful book to have and to give.



4. You will treasure this little book, keeping it close at hand to read and reread these wonderful stories.

1 comments about The Dog Who Came to Stay: A Memoir.

1. I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book, but it had a title similar to another book I just read, so I was curious. When I read the introduction, I realized that this was a book written almost half a century ago and reissued recently. I learned that Hal Borland had died in the 1970s, but had been a prolific writer about many things and especially outdoor life. His story about the dog who chose to stay with him and his wife began on Christmas night and continues over the ensuing years. His descriptions of the dog, Pat, his rural life as a writer, sportsman, and gardener are completely absorbing. They draw you into the world of the upper Connecticut valley by the Housatonic River. I soon began to wonder about his wife, Barbara, and found that her obituary had just been published in the NY Times on the day I looked for reference to her in Google. I felt a real sense of loss at that. This is how Hal Borland's wonderful descriptive writing lead me to feel as though I was back in time and there with them over 50 years ago. Most of all, Pat, his dog, comes alive as a unique yet thoroughly doglike personality who charms and delights the reader. Pat is just one more example of why humans love dogs so much.