2 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Bull Terriers (New Owner's Guide To...).

1. I thought this book had way too much information about showing and breeding...We recently got a new Bull Terrier puppy and were looking for "useful" information. This book didn't have it. It's not a terrible book, but definitely not what I was expecting...Perhaps more useful to someone CONSIDERING getting a Bull Terrier



2. A great book for the new bullie owner. Chock full of photos for those of us who can't get enough bullie pics! Informative about all the basics of puppy ownership...do's and dont's...what to buy...what to teach...also a great history section. An essential guide for the bull terrier owner written by an experienced breeder of the bull terrier.

No comments about Soul of a Dog.

5 comments about Proven Marketing Tips for the Successful Cat Breeder: Breeding Purebred Cats, a Spiritual Approach to Sales And Profit With Integrity And Ethics.

1. This book turned out to mostly be an advertisement for other books in the "Felines by Design" series. It seemed like every other paragraph said something like "it's really important to know this if you want to breed or buy purebred cats, but I'm not going to tell you here. You'll have to buy another book by me." The information it did give was common sense: like be nice to prospective buyers and answer all their questions patiently. Save yourself a couple of bucks and don't buy this book.



2. This book was very dissappointing. The author wasted alot of space complaining about her first experience purchasing purebred kittens. She doesn't point out the fact that she was a totally uneducated buyer. This book is completely useles.



3. I was so confused trying to read this book that I put it down after the first chapter. There are paragraphs written in the first person layered between those beginning with "Jasmine says..". The entire book is written this way. The editor and writer have so hatcheted the writing it is hard to take any of the advice contained in it seriously. Very disappointing.



4. The books have good information, if you can get glean it from the poorly edited and written volumes. These books jump back and forth, in a disturbing way, between first person "I did this.." and "Jasmine thinks this...". Unfortunately, You cannot tell if the book is: a. written by a professional cat breeder b. ghost written FOR a professional cat breeder or c. written by someone that feels alright about talking about herself in the third person.
   
   If you can get past the poor writing style there is good information. Just be warned, it is not all in ONE volume. You are being led into purchasing a multi-volume set. "Jasmine will address this in the next book on..."



5. Jasmine has a way of simplifying the information for the newbies and experienced. I have read it through 2 times already and learned basic info. both times. Cat breeding is not an everyday common venture, it is tough to find people you can trust to help you learn it ethically.
   It was helpful with breeding and with marketing. How to place a basic ad to encourage calls and to protect yourself from un-ethical breeders.
   I am looking forward to her upcoming books as they will be a great learning and teaching tool to help others also.
   Thanks so much.

5 comments about Underdogs: Beauty Is More Than Fur Deep.

1. What a great, sweet little book. This is a must-have for all dog lovers. Great entertainment. It brought a very large smile to my face. I loved it.



2. This book is great for who it's for (dog lovers) and what it is (pictures of dogs).



3. I found this book in a little store in a vacation spot. I thought is was the cutest, most unusal selection of dogs and sayings I've ever seen. It's the kind of book that just lifts your spirits and makes you feel good all over. A wonderful gift for any dog lover in your life. Wonderful photos and inspirational dialogue. You just want to keep picking it up and perusing the contents. Fun book!



4. This delightful tome features some of the (forgive me) homeliest, funniest, sweetest-looking dogs I've seen in one place. Beautifully photographed dog portraits are paired with quotes by the famous and infamous that become witty in this context if they weren't already. This book is a great tool for meditation: every time I pick it up, I find myself contemplating a photo and a quote with a smile on my face. The cover alone is worth the price of the book, just for the happy-love endorphins it releases in me every time I look at it. (The thumbnail reproduction here on the website doesn't do it justice.)



5. Jim Dratfield is at it again with a great collection of character capturing photographs. Fans of Pug Shots and the Quotable Canine & Quotable Feline should be sure to add Underdogs to their collections. The photographs are perfectly matched to witty quotes and my only complaint is that it ended too soon. I gaurantee that this book will be found on the shelf of every dog lover (especially those of us who prefer the less popular breeds and the mutts of the world). Good work Jim!

4 comments about Living With a Beagle: Book with Bonus DVD (Living With a Pet Series).

1. This is a Great book about Beagles. It is not just another dog book. I adopted a beagle mix 8 months ago and I wish that I read this book before. It perfectly describes every aspect of a Beagle's life.
   
   It even includes some (though limited) information about Health Care issues. The only thing it missed is how to deal with the occasional "Reverse Sneeze" attack.
   
   It includes a Training DVD that will give you pointers on dealing with Beagle issues.
   
   It is a great Book for anyone who is thinking of getting or owns a Beagle. It is a quick read (128 pages) and a good Beagle reference book.



2. This is an excellent book about beagles by someone who has been directly involved with the breed for many years. Since this author is also a veterinarian, this book is written with professional acuity. Breeders especially will love this book as it gives good practical advice on breeding their hounds and finding others who do.
   
   Good general care such as vaccinations and regular checkups is included. I recommend this book for anybody who owns this delightful breed. I love beagles!



3. this book is really helped me to understand my beagle. i love it and recommend it and training your beagle. i was able to teach my dog to sit within five minutes and he still does it.



4. "Living With A Beagle" is an excellent new book about beagles, not your run of the mill "boilerplate" dog book. The author has been involved in beagles for many years and is also a veternarian! I was particularly pleased to see the information on choosing a reputable breeder, and how to determine if you are dealing with one when purchasing your beagle pup.
   Due to her medical background, there is also lots of up to date info on vaccinations, disease, and even doggie first aid. I most heartily reccomend this book to any one who owns, or expecially anyone who is thinking of getting a beagle!

5 comments about A Cat Named Darwin.

1. This should be required reading for every human being! Animal lovers, beware, you will be drawn into this book and, from the moment you pick it up, it will be on your mind every hour of every day! It will help support that which you already know-- human beings are not the only creatures with great insight and intelligence on this planet. For those of you who do not consider yourselves animal lovers... for those who don't yet understand the inextricable bond between human, and animal, and our world entire, please give yourself the gift of this book. It is a life changing read for anyone who opens the cover! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it changed the very physiology of my brain-- and it will remain a part of me "until the molecules of memory and spirit blend together in the earth." Thank you, William Jordan, for sharing such an intimate story!



2. An eight year old female tortoise cat entered my life at the time my mother became ill and passed away. I did not believe a cat could become such a vital part of my existance and bring me compassion and love...but she did....what William writes about Darwin is so in line with what I have felt...and yet it is not shmalzy or cute..it is an honest assessement of what it is to be human if one allows oneself to be human....the fact that I too am single by choice, without even a room mate yet find the solitude of such important....and the cat named Mable has made that even more comfortable. I cried as I have not cried for any movie or book in a long time. This is a must read.



3. This was a phenomenal book. I'm an RVT, so I had no problem with the technical language. I loaned the book to a neighbor who got a bit bogged down by the techno-speak at times, but still loved the story of Darwin. I've been there, done that, but cried like a baby when Darwin got tired and could not go on. I also totally understand Mr. Jordan's inability to see Darwin off. I loved the the incidental stuff, like his taking in Hoover (great name!) and stating he was not a new cat, but a "rescue". I totally love Lizard Brain, and Noggingod. A Phenomenal book! Would love to talk with the author about similar "rescues", but am pretty busy with feedings, cleanings and meds. I feel like a kindred soul...
   
   Terilynn, RVT



4. Biologist/writer William Jordan's exploration of his relationships with two beloved rescued cats, Darwin and Hoover, make for interesting, if complex, reading, with high and low points aplenty. Though Jordan is not without serious flaws in his treatment of cats (and, in the past, a dog, and other animals), ultimately, this book is a tribute to the cats who penetrated his scientific detachment and, as he himself admits, turned him into a human being. For anyone who does NOT love cats and cannot understand those of us who do, I recommend this book -- it just may result in your wanting to find out for yourself what it's all about, and if that is the case, you'll never regret it. For those who already love cats, A CAT NAMED DARWIN is an unusual and unique look at the relationships of one man and two cats, told in a style unlike any other. In either instance, I recommend the book.



5. I found this book by seeing a newspaper item on the speaking engagement/book signing here in my town. I arrived early, purchased the book, then read the first half in the car. I had a hard time stopping to go in for the lecture. What a dear story. The author heroically resisted, but eventually succumbed to love's sweet sickness. I have read this book over and over with pleasure. Sure, he's a flawed being, but his love for Darwin overcame all. If you liked Peter Gether's books about Norton, you'll like this one too. Bravo:)

1 comments about Bring Me Home! Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby (Bring Me Home!).

1. I was very impressed with this book. It covers a lot of information starting from what you need to consider while deciding if you and your family are even ready to add an aquarium to your home. Then it goes on to helpful information like whether you want a fish only or mini reef, costs involved, choosing the right tank, choosing a theme, decorations, live rock, how to set up the tank, how to cycle the tank and which tests to perform, info on some of the most popular fish and how to choose the right ones, how to choose a good dealer and what questions to ask them (and they list the answers you should get to tell if the dealer is good or not), and how to keep your fish healthy. And that's only the things I can think of off the top of my head!!
   
   There's just tons of excellent info and some common sense tips that may not have occurred to you along with helpful charts that you can photocopy and use. Very helpful and worded in a way that was very easy for a beginner like myself to understand. Definitely invest in this one if you're just starting out. You won't regret it.

1 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Celebrates Cats and the people who love them (Canfield, Jack).

1. Great stories, the only complaint is that the book is too short.

No comments about Dog First Aid.

5 comments about Companion Parrot Handbook.

1. My veterinarian recommended this book when I bought my baby lovebird. Six years later, I became a foster parent to two rescued cockatiels that had never been handled. I refer to this handbook frequently. My lovebird is a joy, and I was able to train both cockatiels to be adoptable in a couple months. Fantastic book!



2. If you have birds, getting a bird, thinking about getting a bird, would like to know about whats and whys of avian behaviour, this book is an absolute essential. It doesn't cover everything (nothing can), but it's one of the best bird books I've come across in my working in avian rescue organizations. If you can only afford one, you probably shouldn't have a parrot, but make this the first one.



3. Sally Blanchard is an authority on owning and enjoying companion birds. She is a conservation-minded individual who understands the fine line between owning companion birds and keeping wild birds in the wild. Her advice on companion birds is very thoughtful, informative, and inspiring, and I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to obtain a companion bird. In addition to being fun and enjoyable, people need to know that taking on a bird as a companion is a lot of work, and so these animals are not for everyone. The advice Sally offers in this handbook is absolutely essential to anyone wanting to own (or currently possessing) a companion bird.



4. I breed and sell parrots and this is one book that I strongly recommend for all of my buyers to purchase. After thumbing through my copy, many buyers can't wait to order theirs and offer to buy my copy. I agree and had sold my original copy, plus a few replacement copies, before buying a box of them to have on hand for immediate purchase.
   
   As a breeder who cares about the home where my birds are going, I feel much more confident when my babies are going to someone who has read this book.



5. Just got the book and read it half-way through but already it is clear: this book is fantastic! I've had an African Grey for 24 years (now at my parent's place), moved into a new house recently, and got a Blue Indian Ringneck to liven up the place (quite a different bugga from my Jaco). So, decided to read up on Ringnecks et al. (surprisingly the Internet contains little informative data). Anyhow, I acquired several books including a couple by M. Athan (see my review). Mostly they were disappointments, esp. the behavioral ones. A lot of half-baked psycho-babble and generic tautologies that leave you almost as clueless as before (and I've had a temperamental birdy for some while).
   
   Not so with S. Blanchard's book. It is insightful, to-the-point, well-organized, well-written (entertaining parrot humor is a bonus), and makes an immediate difference. Blanchard doesn't over-generalize, ramble on about a simple point, nor does she hide behind scientific parrot factoids (I have a couple of books on the factoids) or too many second-hand hearsay. Many of her observations strike a chord (and will be useful to complete novices and non-experts alike), such as her shower-shy African Grey who feared the water spray and how she got around it. My Jaco remains to this day shower-shy, the water spray being one of her arch enemies. I've ordered another book and sent it to my parents.
   
   Perhaps the most important lesson that one gains from S. Blanchard's book is a correct attitude towards these cute & devilish buggas. Blanchard states that whereas dogs project unconditional love, with the parrot the emphasis is on conditional. Like golf which can ruin a perfectly good walk (to paraphrase M. Twain), parrots can ruin a perfectly calm existence. But what fun amidst the up-and-downs! I'm a scientist and therefore a harsh critic on what I perceive as dressed-up nonsense. This book is an unqualified gem. And the book contains but a couple of sentences that allude to ringnecks, my original problem.