5 comments about Dachshunds Short and Long.

1. I love this book! The pictures and captions that go with them are just great. The personality of the dachshund is captured throughout this book. A good buy for any dachshund lover.



2. I met Amanda at a SPCA gathering, she is a wonderful person and very kind. Of course I love this book, because my pooch is in there a few times! A bunch of great wieners met up at the beach for an afternoon of shooting, we had a blast! Amanda has a knack for capturing the essence of her subjects, which you can also see in her other books. I love her work, even if my doxie wasn't in here!



3. THIS BOOK IS FULL OF EXTRAORDINARY DACHSHUND PHOTOS. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOU LOVE WIENERS THE WAY WE DO! OUR DEWEY (STANDARD SHORT-HAIR RED) JUST LOOKED AT THE BOOK AS IF TO SAY, "THERE IS NO DOG AS CUTE AS I AM IN THAT STUPID BOOK!"



4. What a sweet face on the front cover! Wish I could see the whole dog on the inside though. Love the doxie with his/her head down and repentive eyes. Nice coffee table book. Friends and family comment favorably. I have a loveable mini longhair choc dapple!



5. I ordered this book after reading a SF Chronicle review of other works by Amanda Jones, who clearly loves dogs. I found the book a little lacking--it's a very short book with photos of the dachshunds of her friends. Two of the cutest photos are on the front and back covers of the book jacket and NOT reproduced in the book--another shortcoming. I was not overwhelmed by this book and would not have bought it if I had seen it in a bookstore and perused it. I own two mini dachshunds and thought this would be more clever--and two dogs long--in it's treatment of our beloved weiner dogs.

2 comments about Remembering My Pet: A Kid's Own Spiritual Remembering Workbook for When a Pet Dies.

1. Pets are (or should be) a part of every child's growing up. Caring for pets teaches children so many essential values about life and responsibility. One essential and unavoidable aspect of having a companion animal is that they will inevitable die. Sometimes of old age with all the medical complications associated with aging. Sometimes suddenly from accident or injury or error. The death of a pet is also a life-teaching aspect that if properly handled, can provide a child with values that will carry on to their benefit throughout their adult years as well. "Remembering My Pet: A Kid's Own Spiritual Workbook For When A Pet Dies" is the collaborative effort of Nechama Liss-Levinson and Molly Phinney Baskette to provide parents with a means of helping children ages 7 to 13 to cope with the loss of their pet through such means as planning a memorial service, recording photo memories of their animal companion, honoring their pet's memory by sharing with and giving to others, and so much more. Strongly recommended - especially for anyone who has lost an animal companion - "Remembering My Pet" will enable a child to express and deal with their feelings by drawing, writings, reading, creating, and engaging in activities that will result in a memorial keepsake they will treasure for the rest of their own lives.



2. This is a great gift for any kid whose pet just died, whether the pet is a dog, cat, hamster or rabbit. I really like it because it respects children's feelings, and understands that the loss of a pet can be as profound and sad for a kid as the loss of a friend or family member. At the same time, it offers ways for kids to learn to remember, grieve and go on with life.
   Missy Chase Lapine
   Author, The Sneaky Chef

No comments about African Greys (The Birdkeepers' Guides).

3 comments about Cats in the Parsonage (All God's Creatures Series, Book 1) (All God's Creatures).

1. Cute cat stories interspersed with miniature sermons.
   
   While I enjoyed the cat stories, I didn't think they were particularly well-written. Not poorly written, mind you, but it is quite clear that the author is not accustomed to writing long works or well-experienced at stringing his anecdotes together. (As he is a minister, I assume he is proficient at the shorter works he must compose every week for his sermons!)
   
   Most chapters end with a sermon, attempting to tie the stories of the chapter to a Christian lesson. These would have worked better for me if they had been gently worked into the chapters, but many will enjoy them -- I found them too preachy and an abrupt departure from the cutesy cat stories.
   
   Moreover, I think I would have been a lot more impressed with the lessons he claims to have learned from the cats if one of them had been "Hey, all these outdoor neighborhood cats we love keep getting run over by cars -- let's bring them inside or at least spay the mothers so they stop dropping doomed-to-die kittens" instead of "You should keep loving even though sometimes it ends up hurting you." It's really sad to read the occasional mentions of these poor outdoor critters among the cute indoor cat stories, and doubly sad because the author, his wife, and his neighbors don't seem to think about it or how they could stop it. Giving playful lectures to the stray female cats about promiscuity is all very well, but a trip to the vet would have been rather more effective.
   
   In the end, I can't recommend this book to cat lovers -- and who else would really be interested in it? I'll be selling my copy to the used bookshop or putting it up on BookMooch.com, because I'm not interested in keeping such a thing.



2. What is more fun if your a cat lover, than reading this wonderful book. Full of religion and cats. The preacher and his wife learn to enjoy the antics of their cats. This is a wonderful inspirational book.



3. I received this as a gift because I LOVE cats! I could only read so much. In the first 17 pages, the author has an "outside" cat that gives birth to 5 kittens, 2 of which get run over. Those 3 then have kittens of their own, bringing the total to 16 cats.
   The author doesn't think about being a responsible pet owner and having them spayed or nuetered. One of the cats has a
   hard time giving birth, and is weak and sick for days afterward. Does the owner take her to a vet? Of course not!
   He leaves everything up to God. The writing is peppered with religious talk that makes me sick, because the owners won't even take care of their pets! I couldn't finish the book- it made me so angry.

2 comments about Corn & Rat Snakes (Complete Herp Care).

1. I feel that this book is very complete and extremely helpful. If you own or are interested in corns pick this up because it will be helpful, also the offer lists some considerations before purchasing a corn which is great to see.



2. One of the most reader-friendly and authoritative books of its kind Ive ever read. Not only does this book give a solid outline of the natural history of these snakes, but it also answers (Thoroughly!) all the questions/issues that might arise in the captive care/breeding of the corn and rat snakes.
   
   The author, Phil Purser, is an authority on these snakes whom I once had the honor of meeting at a university lecture; his name on a book about herps is a definite stamp-of-quality.
   
   If you have to buy a corn snake book, THIS IS THE ONE!!!!
   
   ~Derek

4 comments about Gold Rush Dogs.

1. My dad gave this to me for Christmas because I have been interested in the history of mushing since I started about 8 years ago. I am extremely happy to see Togo in here! I really don't like how Balto has gotten all of the glory, I mean, he only did the last 40 miles!
   This is a great read for any dog nut or anyone interested in the gold rush.



2. It's time people recognize the "true heroes" of the lifesaving Diphtheria Run to Nome which began on January 27, 1925 in Nenana, Alaska. The true heroes were not Balto and Gunnar Kaasen. The true heroes were members of twenty dog teams. Wild Bill Shannon left Nenana with 300,000 units of serum to be relayed a distance of 674 miles by twenty dog teams, before finally reaching Nome. On January 28, 1925, Leonhard Seppala and his dog team led by Togo, left Nome to collect the serum 254 miles away at Nulato for the final run into Nome.
   
   Togo was a small gray dog eager to be a sled dog. It was by chance that Leonhard Seppala discovered the leadership Togo displayed when first harnessed in the wheel position. Because of Togo's determination, he was moved in stages to the front of the line, soon becoming a once in a lifetime leader. Seppala entered and won every major race in Alaska, many of them several times, with Togo in lead position.
   
   Late in the serum run, Seppala was unaware that Nome had made the decision to send three additional dog teams to relieve Seppala. The teams were to space themselves every 20 miles outside of Nome. Rohn, Olson, and Kaasen...whose team was led by Balto...drove the three additional teams. Kaasen hit a blizzard at Solomon and was instructed not to go forward. Kaason alleged there had been little wind that night in Solomon, visibility was good, and the Safety Roadhouse displayed the proper signal light acknowledging the waiting dog team. Kaasen continued on, bypassing Safety where the serum was to be turned over to Rohn, who in turn was to take the serum into Nome.
   
   Kaasen reached Nome on February 2, 1925 with the serum. Kaasen had been accused of bypassing Safety in order to claim the honor of bringing the serum into Nome. The men of the "Great Race of Mercy" were awarded $25.00 each from the Territory of Alaska along with citations of bravery and inscribed medals. Kaasen received an additional $1,000.00 along with an offer to star with Balto in a Hollywood film. Kaasen traveled Outside to the lower 48 states giving lectures about the serum run. Balto not only received recognition as the "wonder dog" but was recognized for Togo's racing achievements as well. The city of New York erected a bronze statue of Balto in Central Park. The other nineteen dog teams and their vital part in the serum run were soon forgotten.
   
   Kaasen and Balto had carried the serum 106 miles. Seppala and Togo covered 260 miles in 40-degree below temperature through a raging storm, a distance longer than any team on the trail. Togo received permanent injuries during the serum run and would never race again.
   
   After the serum run, Seppala continued touring on the Outside. He later moved to Seattle where he died in 1967 at age 90...never forgiving the events that followed the serum run. Togo's remains are displayed at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska. The Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award is presented each year to the Alaska Iditarod musher displaying the highest care and concern for his or her team. Balto's bronze statue still stands in Central Park. Balto's remains are displayed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
   
   Togo and Leonhard Seppala were the heroes of the serum run...along with the other eighteen dog teams that were soon forgotten amongst all the negative controversy.
   
   Please note: It is not my intent to take away the achievements of Balto; nor was it Balto's intent to dishonor the nineteen great dog teams. The one that finishes the race first is not always the winner. In this case it was the nineteen teams that brought Balto to the finish in Nome along with his fame and glory.



3. Dog lovers and history buffs alike will relish Gold Rush Dogs, a celebration of notable dogs of the Gold Rush era, from John Muir's Stikeen to Baldy of Nome. Black and white photos from Gold Rush days depict dog and man alike in this excellent blend of history and animal insights.



4. Gold Rush Dogs is a great book that shows just how loyal dogs can be. Not only that she tells about the history and shows the important role that dogs played in developing Alaska. Besides this, she tells nine amazing stories of dogs that are famous in the region of the state that they stayed at.

   Sure, you probably know about Balto in the Dipheria run, but you may not know about Togo, who was equally vital in the relay. Then there is Patsy Ann, the friendly stray who's ability to always know when and where the ships were coming in earned her the titile of "Official Greeter of Juneau.

   Whether your a dog lover, or just love stories about Alaska, this book is full of amazing stories that capture the grandure of Alaska and the heart of dogs.

4 comments about Salty Dogs.

1. Pure enjoyment for the dog lover in you. Each page featured a page that would make any dog lover envious and make you wish that you and your dog were at the beach. The quotations on each page only enhanced the page-turning appeal of this book. A must read for the dog lover and a must buy as a gift for the dog lover in your family or circle of friends.



2. This is a great book for everyone who loves dogs and loves the beach. The photos in this book are fabulous and the quotes put with each picture are just right and a slight reminder to us all what life is really about. I gave this as a gift to several Dog People and they loved it. We should all be lucky enough to have a salty dog in our life. So If you enjoy watching dogs romping on the beach, buy the book, it's well worth the cost of admission!



3. You can actually smell the ocean while reading SALTY DOGS!
   This book is for anyone who loves dogs and the beach(or both!)
   Dogs and the beach just seem to go together,well like the sand and the
   surf.The captions capture the perfect melding of canines and salt-water
   and sand.
   I particularly like the one that goes: "Happiness is not a destination,it's a method of life. After reading SALTY DOGS,my destination is....you guessed it...THE BEACH.....with my smooth-fox terrier....NUGGET! That's if I can get him out of our swimming pool first!



4. "Salty Dogs" is a title that no dog lover should be without! Each page in Jean Fogle's book is has an exceptional photograph of a canine on the beach, plus a fitting quote to accompany the page. This book will be a perfect gift book for all your dog-loving friends, this holiday season.
   
   Do yourself a favor and check out "Salty Dogs," it is sure to bring a smile to your face.

5 comments about Good Owners, Great Cats.

1. I really like Kilcommon's advice on behavioral issues and methods to train cats. His advice has a slightly different angle than what you will find in a cat book by a vet. One point he makes, which I strongly disagree with, is his advice that if you can't tame a feral cat, have it euthanised. I presume he wrote this out of ignorance, since TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) wasn't widespread ten years ago, but since then has become the best and most widely accepted way to manage feral cats. They can live perfectly happy and healthy lives outside if they are spayed, neutered and cared for. Other than this, a solid book and good addition to cat care information.



2. My husband and I recently adopted a fearful/shy dog from a local canine rescue group. The group recommends this book to "new" parent(s). This book has given me some great advice in understanding, owning, and training a dog, as well as, how my behavior/attitudes/emotions affect the dog's confidence. Originally, I checked this book out from a local library; I am going to purchase this book to have as a general reference.



3. I am a brand new cat owner and so I checked out 3 books from the local library, this being one of them. In reading each of the books, I realized that "Good Owners, Great Cats," almost always had the best, most common-sense advice written in a very "no holds barred" way. Kilcommons doesn't mince words and he's very opinionated, but his opinions seem to be right on the mark. I've only owned dogs in the past, and without reading this book I think that I would be clueless in how to train/discipline a cat. In the few short weeks that I've had the cat and the book (which I've purchased) I've used its hints and advice innumerable times.



4. A very thorough book on one of America's favorite companions! Great pictures and information. It made a wonderful gift for a friend too!! I highly recommend it! "Good Owners, Great Cats" and GreatPets.com - where else do you need to go to find out about cats?!



5. This is a fabulous book! I had a good cat to start, but I wanted to understand her better. Brian and Sarah's book helped me understand what my cat was trying to tell me with her body language. Consequesntly, my cat has become more outgoing when people come over. In addition, this book was the main reason I was able to keep the peace when I brought a new dog home.

   I read some other animal training books, and this book manages to cover the core of what you really need to know about cats better than the rest. I liked it so much, I also purchased Good Ownners, Great Dogs - which is also the best in its field.

No comments about The Weimaraner (Terra Nova Series).

1 comments about Chihuahua (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. I love this book! It has a really good history section and very nice photos, even one of a fennec fox, a theorized relative of the chi.
   
   The only section that is missing from this book is a chapter on breeding, but for the pet owner this book has it all. There is even a section at back to put a photo of you dog and record other important info.
   
   The health section is reasonably through, and even shows photos a many common problems along with what to do to treat them. Has a good chart on diseases and what causes them, however does not mention some other problems like hypoglycemia, hrdrocephalus, collapsing trachea, patellar luxation, pyometra and cryptorchidism. However this info is in lots of other chi books and info can readily be found online. A must have for ever chi owner in my opinion!