4 comments about The Greatest Horse Stories Ever Told: Thirty Unforgettable Horse Tales (Greatest).

1. My twelve year old thought the book too full of negative stories and dying horses. While a more experienced horseperson may appreciate the realism, this is not the book for a little girl who always loves to draw her horse and puts glitter in his mane even before barrel races.



2. Don't buy this book unless you wish to be bored with prattle. There is no "story"- - only 3-4 pages of a diary-like perspective of one person talking to another person...in numerous chapters. They are not even tales. There is no theme either. More like boring gossip among elite and wealthy. It's a real sleeper. Not sure how it got published, except there is always someone who might like such idle talk. Title is most misleading.



3. The GREATEST horse stories EVER told? Well...let's put it this way. These are definitely some of the better stories, and certainly the book as a whole offers an eclectic and therefore engrossing range of stories. But don't hold the book's title against it. It really is a nice mix that ranges from the first-person accounts by Jane Smiley of her dear old friend Mr. T. and Colonel Alois Podhaksky's description of his time spent as the Director of the Vienna Spanish Riding School (home of the Lipizzaner stallions) to a story of a real life horse whisperer and Maxine's Kumin's thoughtful answer to the question, "Why is it that girls love horses?" Here too you will find racehorses, cow ponies, hunters and the people who know and care for them. This book is a sure beat for anyone who loves horses, or is interested in what makes those who love them tick.



4. My non-horsey boyfriend bought this book for me for my birthday. The book name is kind of generic, but I figured he at least got an E for effort. However, once I got started I have been savoring each story. This is definitely a book for horse lovers....real horse lovers. A story taken from "My Horses My Teachers" by Podiesky (sp?) is outstanding. The story about Buck Brannamen - "The Horse Whisperer" was another I'll never forget. Ignore the stupid name and buy this book. Make a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night and just get lost in the stories.

4 comments about The Practical Canary Handbook: A Guide to Breeding & Keeping Canaries.

1. I ordered this book after buying a canary to learn about these birds and their care and habits. There is a lot of useful information in this publication. I wish in certain chapters that it would give more detailed information. Overall I would recommend it.



2. The Canary Handbook is a good product. Good paper,easy reading and beautifull color pictures. I am fully satisfied with the product. The only thing thats bothering me is that Amazon.Com uses a hugh carton box filled with air-plus-book to mail the product, making overseas shipping/postage extremely expensive.



3. This is a good canary book with a great section on the best types of food.



4. this is up there with the best of books ive read on the canary,it is very informative very interesting.each night i read this book, it has thought me alot, gave me understanding and peace of mind when im wondering what to do next or why did this or that happen?its in the book.thanks for a good book on such a wonderful little bird.

No comments about The Border Collie (Terra Nova Series).

3 comments about Treats, Play, Love: Make Dog Training Fun for You and Your Best Friend.

1. This book is great. I have two Chi's and need all the help I can get! The book is informative and definitely useable in everyday life.



2. understanding the behavior from the dog perspective is helpful in understanding how to treat problematic behavior



3. Some twenty years Burnham wrote one of my favorite training books, *Playtraining Your Dog* -- purportedly as a rebuttal to the mordant severity of Koehler, et al. *Treats, Play, Love* is something of a sequel to *Playtraining,* something of an updating -- and equally superb. When my copy arrived from, I sort riffled the pages as I walked from the mailbox into the house, and all of a sudden, I realized I was sitting at the table, still wearing my jacket and scarf, and reading the damn thing. It's that good. This would be an excellent book to give someone who wants to get started in dog sports. There are whole sections worth quoting.

4 comments about Successful Black Bear Hunting.

1. As a novice hunter, I found this book to be extremely informative. One reviewer mentioned that he didn't like the stories that Bill Vaznis opens each chapter with but that is exactly what I LIKED about this book!
   
   This book provided an overall understanding of bears, how to interpret bear signs and track, how to bait bears, methods of tracking and taxidermy. It also discussed strategies to get "finicky bears", discussed mistakes to avoid (very important read for ANY hunter), and had stories of the author's "close calls".
   
   As a female hunter just getting into the sport, this book allowed me to put into context all the hunting stories I've heard and this book managed to get me that much MORE excited for this season's hunt! In fact, while driving out to the bear camp I was reading the "close call encounters" stories to the men and we were all talking about it and having a great time!
   
   If you are serious about bear hunting, or just getting into the sport than I would highly recommend this book!



2. Somewhat good for techniques other than baiting. Locally, I have to spot and stalk. That doesn't keep me from going to places where I can bait. The tables showing bear populations and other data will help me choose my trips. Furthermore, I can use bait if I'm not hunting. Photography and scouting come to mind. This book has great photos.
   
   Vaznis' instructions for dealing with guides, including naming names, is also good. I liked the bit on bear camp dynamics too. The discussion of the bear's senses and the behavior of different bears is great. Old boars get very wary and can live for a long time. Sows, cubs, and young boars are easier to notice, but subordinate.
   
   I definitely enjoyed the hunting stories. Not just the successful ones, but the very many unsuccessful ones. I make mistakes and learn every time out. Hopefully, I can avoid some of the mistakes the he mentions. Vasnis also gives a sense of how time/labor intensive it can be crawling around looking for sign.
   
   Lastly, thanks to Vaznis, I'm going to pack more than a 9mm along with my bow. I guess that bit of fear that comes with bow hunting such large carnivors never goes away and is well founded. I will never huff on a predator call in grizzly country (again) unless I have about 5 12 gauge slugs backing me up.



3. I was excited to get this book in the mail to help prepare for a western bear hunt, but was pretty disappointed after getting through the first few chapters. Each chapter opens with a story of how the author got lucky (or unlucky) on a given trip, then meanders into how baiting is somehow related to the chapter title. It's a good book, I suppose, if you live in one of the rapidly decreasing number of states that allow baiting, however for the majority of states, this book holds little value. What I was hoping to find: more in-depth calling techniques, descriptions of food sources with pictures and parts of the country they may be found and during what time of year, better identification of bear sign, droppings, etc, shot placement and anatomy, maybe the various state regulations regarding bear hunting at the time of publishing - plenty of stuff other than "where to set up your bait station in a corn field, in a swamp, or in the timber." Sorry Bill, there's a ton you could have added to my knowledge on bear hunting, but fell very, very short...



4. This book was very informative and included an absolutely wonderful section on the skinning part of the hunt. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about their animal and be more successful at obtaining one.

5 comments about What's Wrong With My Snake? A User-Friendly Home Medical Reference Manual (The Herpetocultural Library) (The Herpetocultural Library).

1. I enjoy having this book. I wish I had stumbled upon it sooner. It would have helped me to solve some of my more puzzling predicaments that I had to figure out on my own. That having been said - this book contains mostly medical problems that can be avioded by proper husbandry, and doesn't get too specific. I have used this book several times, although it never really told me much I didn't know or suspect. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of getting a snake, or lizard too really. I have kept herps for a decade now and only got the book a year or so ago, so I'd already read about and learned a lot through experience and other herp reading, but this does give more information than care sheets, or generalized herp books. I would have liked it better if it had more problems covered, as several times I have thought to check the book, only to find no mention of my specific problem. But for the most common problems the book covers prevention, home treatment, and vet treatment. It is a must-have for any reptile owner, or prospective reptile owner.



2. If you're like me, you're at a point where the "Keeping blank Snake" books are getting *very* repetetive (how many times do you have to read how warm to keep a python...?) and textbooks are more than you need. However, it is nice to get new information about your pet. This is an excellent book for that. Nothing ground breaking or earth shattering, but an excellent resource for illness, and, better, something a little bit different and good to read and learn about.



3. It's a great book, there really isn't much else to say about it. If you're even thinking about getting a snake, buy this.



4. I have been raising and breeding snakes for over 30 years and I found this book to be very helpfull for most ailments and has good suggestions for treatment. I would have really liked more color pictures, but for the price it will be hard to beat.



5. I bought this book on a whim. I was trying to find something that addressed all the problems that snake owners encounter. This book is wonderful with very clear descriptions of illnesses and injuries. You are able to look at your snake, and then immidiately look it up in the book. It gives you immidiate treatment, whether you need a vet's help or not. It covers all the most common antibiotics, their doses, and purpose. This is a MUST have for anyone with a snake, or an entire collection. This is the only book I found that covered just about everything I have ever needed to know about snake care and preventative care.

5 comments about Chinchillas (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. I shuddered when I saw the back cover with the picture of the chinchilla eating corn. According to the breeder from whom I bought our chinchilla, CORN CAN CAUSE FATAL BLOATING IN CHINCHILLAS. I even saw the painful effects of corn on a female chinchilla (she had to be euthenized). Most of the information in the book is solid, but the book lost credibility with me on this issue.



2. This book provides some info. on chins but after reading I was disappointed with how some parts of the book were so false. Chinchillas are not nearly as neurotic as what the author states. They arn't as alarmed by other household animals either. I currently have six chinchillas, four of which were bred recently. My chins live right next to my canary's and their singing doesn't disturb the chins sleeping habit at all! Yes, chins are semidemosticated but they are not nearly as untame as what the author states. I know this for a fact because after several months of training on a rodent harness my Chile can travel anywhere with me. Of course you can't walk him like a dog but every time I put the harness on him he dosen't figit at all, and after awhile of getting use to being outside he has come to enjoy our little outings. If anyone is thinking of buying this book, you should probably do a bit more shopping, you should also talk to pet store owners, vets, or any one with a chin. to get a first hand telling of what life with a chin. is really like, which for me has been a wonderful experience!



3. This book caught my eye at the pet store I work at. Having kept Chinchillas myself, I was very impressed with how thorough yet short the book is. The book is extremely accurate and detailed with regard to husbandry and makes potential keepers examine their ablities to keep such a beast. I have noticed that many people believe the book to be pessimistic, but in reality that makes the chin keeping experience more magical. The author, unlike many, puts all of the cards on the table and leaves the chinchilla owner with very few suprises. In animal keeping, suprises are not always great. Chinchillas can be difficult pets to keep, but the author, in the spirit of all honesty shows both the good and bad of chin keeping. In the many, many years that I have kept exotic animals and chinchillas this is by far the best book that I have found. I truly wish that this book had been available to me the day I first brought my little boy Cheech home, it would have definately made our life together less hectic and allowed me better to understand his needs and strange, strange habits. This is a must have for anyone who is considering a chinchilla as a companion, already keeps one or who just wants to know a little more about the crazy creatures.



4. Well, I bought this book from a book store, because I thought it look like it had good info even though it was small. Leter, I regretted not reading betweeen the lines. I was appalled by the negative veiw point of chinchillas by the author. She explained that they had a tendency to be neurotic, and untamed. She ealso explained that 'if your planning on breding for a profit, think again. There are far too many chinchillas already, and you will probably end up giving them away.' I bought his book when it was fairly new, and now, almost a year later, I have two wonderful chinchillas, and my girl, phoebe is pregnant, and I already have five people lined up that would like to purchase a baby. I'm afraid I'll have to dissapoint a few by telling them to wait until the next littter! Of course, it may have a certain effect on 'us Americans'(laugh) because the author is German and it was published there first.



5. This book gives a brief overview of chinchillas. It contains great photographs and reviews the basics about these unique creatures. After finishing the book I still had many question about having a chinchilla as a pet. The author seemed to have a bitter view of these pets that is a bit unfair.

5 comments about Cat is Watching.

1. Cats and I share several traits, not the least of which is curiosity. Always fascinated by these mysterious yet loveable creatures, I picked up Roger Caras' little book out of curiosity and learned a tremendous about of information about how cats tick - how they sense, perceive, process information, think, and make decisions. Anyone who has lived in close proximity to animals senses that they can perceive things that humans never notice. A Cat is Watching, written in a pleasant conversational style, has helped me to better understand my own little brood, Trudy, Tooncis, and Fuzzball. Great fun!



2. If you love cats, you'll love this book! Caras really gets to the heart of the mysterious and curious nature of cats without professing to have all the answers to our many human questions. Indeed he has watched and been watched by cats! Caras also offers much information and insight into the scientific and behavioral studies of cats. A truly enjoyable read that brought me many laugh-out-loud moments and fond memories of my own relationships with cats.



3. This is a great follow up to Roger Caras' A CELEBRATION OF CATS which I have also reviewed. In the first book, he gives an overview of the history, geneology, and psychology of the cat and of the cat's relationship with humans. In this book, he zeroes in on understanding of the cat and on seeking the cat's perspective.

   The first few chapters deal with the biological makeup of the cat and with the cat's basic five senses. Much of this we already must realize. Some senses including that of smell and that of hearing are superior to our own, and much of the cat's behavior can be understood by realizing how their senses present our world to them. From that foundation, Caras' goes into cat psychology and discusses a number of issues such as how cats tell time, how many know how to get home if lost, and much more. Such topics as how cats respond to music, their thinking abilities, and even their emotions such as love and hate are examined. For those who have read A CELEBRATION OF CATS, there is little repetition, just what is necessary for those who haven't read it as a basis for the thrust of this volume.

   Not all questions that are discussed are answered. Caras presents possibilities and leaves it to us to decide.

   Also, Caras tends to demystify many of the "mysteries" surrounding cats, but this demystification tends to heighten one's respect for the cat's uncanny abilities. Certain aspects, such as whether or not cats have ESP, are left for the reader to decide.

   The book is profusely illustrated with drawings, reproductions of artwork, and photographs, and as in the previous book, there is humor. Caras draws on many authorities and on personal experience in presenting us with an entertaining, educational, and thought provoking work.

   As much as I enjoyed the previous book, A CELEBRATION OF CATS, I found this to be even better. Any person with one or more cats in her or his life should gain a lot from this, and I quite recommend your reading it.




4. Caras is so into animals. He has studied and researched them, but more importantly, he has lived with and loved them. Here he pours forth on what one must consider one of his favorites, cats. He's had much personal experience, and has investigated the subject thoroughly, and thus has much to offer.

   One can learn much about cats from this read. For example, I never knew that kittens were atricocious at birth, their eyes and ears are shut. Also, Caras' theory about cats and dogs finding their way home by sensing magnetic fields is utterly fascinating, and could be true.

   Curiosity and the cat is intriguing. Sensing the info a cat must accumulate and act upon instantly for safety and survival seems relevant. Caras shares the size ratio issue as basis for this. Made me think about the first time our 8 lb. cat saw our 120 lb. Great Pyrenees. Ran and hid for days, only later to become the dog's best and trusted friend. The ratio here is 15 times greater for the dog. Consider how the cat then sees me; 22 times bigger, similar to my viewing a creature that was 22 times heavier than me, or around two tons! What a creature to watch and observe, to know when to scramble for my life so the thing wouldn't crush me, and know its moods thoroughly.

   A great read for cat lovers.




5. This is a great book for anyone who has or had or doesn't have a cat. If you want to know anything about a cat get this book. It tells you why they act the way they act and explains the mystery of the cat. It is full of interesting stories you will love. I can't put the book down

5 comments about New Complete Dog Training Manual.

1. This is my second purchase of this book. The first copy disapeard. When we obtained our second dog I had to have this book. It is filled with great ideas and very simple easy to understand training tips. My youngest son trained our first dog to laydown using this book and he was 8 at the time. AWESOME book!



2. A simple book, easy to follow.
   Its a little heavy on the treats system for me to say I Love it. It does however, tell you to eventually wean out the treats and replace with praise.
   
   It certainly helped my daughter get a start on working with our puppy, and it does have plenty of other good tips on restraint, and control.
   I really want to give it 4 stars... but the treat thing... just keeps it at 3.5



3. This is a nice coffee table picture book. However, when a specific behavior issue comes up about my dog's behavior the text is lacking. Wish the author would give more specifics on the select topics covered in this book. Not an on the spot survival kit!



4. I recently acquired an Alaskan Klee Kai (mini husky) & he thinks he's the leader of my pack - I bought this book hoping that as a new puppy owner it would help me better understand how to train him, but it was so basic that everything it explained I knew already.



5. This book has some good ideas and good techniques but it is VERY basic and short. Seems more like a picture oriented training manual for kids. Not really what I was looking for but ok if you just want some good advice and pictures.

5 comments about Bearded Dragons (Reptile Basics).

1. This book is by no means complete. It gives a very brief overview of the animal and where it came from. It didn't really include anything about how to properly care for the dragon.



2. This book had no information about what to feed bearded dragons. It was not specific. Just said vegetables. Did not say what kind, how much. It had no information about the proper habitat. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was not very informative. I would appreciate a refund.



3. The book was easy to read and concise. It offered the information one needs to maintain these animals and keep them healthy, without launching into the seemingly mandatory 45 page narrative about the state of the global ecology and what you or I can do to help. I have seen the infomercials,... I don't need to get lectured in a book which I paid for.
   
   The information seems in line with all the other literature I have collected on these animals,... however to be frank the majority of information contained is also readily available for free on the internet. Having said that, the author does go beyond the precursory information one finds online to further explain the ins and outs. It is nice to get the "how and why" as well.
   
   This should be the only source a beginner will need to properly set up a habitat for, maintain, and breed bearded dragons.



4. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has recently acquired or are thinking of acquiring a bearded dragon. Whatever your questions are...this book has the answers. I recommend that this be the first book you purchase.



5. I happened across this gem in my local pet store the other week and have really taken a shine to it. The quality of the photographs is first class and the information is presented in a really easy to follow manner (as well as being very thorough). Although there are no earth-shattering revelations to be found between the covers, I heartily recommend this book to all Bearded Dragon owners- it's a definite 'keeper'!

   Bill Mears, BorderView Bearded Dragons