2 comments about Bird life in Wington: Practical parables for young people.

1. I read this book as a child and re-read it everytime I visited my grandmother's farm. It never fails to delight people of all ages in communicating the Christian based parables within it.
   I was sorry to see that it is no longer in print. It is timeless.



2. Hooray! I read this book almost 40 years ago and I am so happy to see it again. It contains great parables that kids of all ages will be able to relate to and remember. The issues are timeless and parents would be well advised to read it to and with their children.

2 comments about Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography.

1. Pippa offers the reader an insight into her day to day life. I enjoyed reading this book.



2. Pippa Funnell - the autobiography
   
   The equestrian sport of eventing has experienced a great deal of scrutiny, tragedy and change in the past decade. Though much discussion over the past three years has been of the new format changes, the most uncontested feel-good story in the community has been that of Pippa Funnell. Thankfully, Pippa found the time through a very busy 2004 to record some of the details of her journey.
   Remarkably, she tells the story of her life to this moment in time (21 August 2004 -- such that the book could be launched at Burghley) in such a way that it is not just a summary of happenings. She draws you into to her horse crazed youth. She describes the pains of pursuing the life of an athlete - one where both parents are not always pleased with your decisions. She describes the sacrifices - particularly as they relate to family - that are implicit in the life of one seeking to be the best in the world. She details each event in the book with great success. Information is supplied for the reason of understanding - no more, no less, and we are then able to follow the story-line as it unfolds. She displays the uncanny ability to transmit the feeling of her `nerves' into her written text. Fortunately, there is no tidy epilogue - and this is most suitable as her story continues.
   Her account of the equestrian details is most satisfying. She expounds on her development as a rider - both physically and mentally/emotionally. Her insight in to her cross country riding and balance should be duly noted by many. Through her account of her work with Nicky Heath, we all learn of the importance of the mental game. And of course, she tells her tale in a fashion that pays highest respect to the horses that have made her successes possible.
   When we finish her story, we feel satisfied that she has really `left no stone unturned.' We get the sense that things will never truly go `belly up' for Pippa Funnell ever again. Go ahead, read this book, and then shower your horse with praise.

1 comments about Santa Makes Housecalls Christmas Stories from a Country Vet.

1. Another great book by Dr. McCormack! This time, the stories are centered around Christmas. Dr. McCormack's tales of his life as a country veterinarian in the rural south evoke nostalgia for life in the rural South. This is a great bedside book or gift book!

5 comments about The American Cocker Spaniel.

1. This book does contain alot of information on cockers, especially helpful if interested in breeding or showing.
   Includes grooming and training tips. Was a little disappointed though that the pictures are small and in black & white. Alot of them are demonstration or example photos and are hard to see.



2. The development of the breed is explained and its relationship to the Sussex, Field and English Cocker breeds is defined. The photos are charming. The section on Form vs function is worth the price of the book. This is one book you shouldn't overlook. Dog Fancy Magazine



3. The range of information is immense. A facinating book with a different approach and by today's standards good value for the money. For Cocker enthusiasts this is an encylopedia of the breed which would be difficult to parallel. Our Dogs Magazine of England



4. Dr. Grossman has written what must be the final work on the American Cocker Spaniel. The author has written with clarity, and a tuch of humor sparkles in his style. Every owner of a Cocker will want to own this excellent book as a valuable reference and as a real source of practical information. American Kennel Club Gazette



5. This is a must get. Especially for anyone truly interested in breeding cockers for show, color, and comformation. It has an excellent chapter in breeding for coat color and genetics. The book is written well with a touch of humor from a man who has much experience with the cockers; not someone who wants to publish a book about the breed. He has many references to other reading material, as well as a very thorough history of the breed, including many pedigrees on these dogs. If you only get one book on the Cocker Spaniel--this is THE ONE to get

5 comments about How to Massage Your Cat.

1. A quick read, and very funny, if you have the right sense of humor. There is no real cruelty to animals being portrayed in this book, and the nonplussed look of the cat through the entire thing is priceless.



2. I like this book and it's very funny, but the title is misleading. It's a collection of tongue-in-cheek illustrations, but not only do they not teach you how to massage your cat, they would actually be physically damaging (like "pull your cat's arms out to the side and give a sharp tug"). I could recommend the book, but buy it ONLY as a joke, and then also buy one of the many other books on the market that really do teach you how to massage your cat.



3. I first got this book about 30 years ago, when I was a teenager. It made me laugh so hard then that it brought me to tears. Every few years I pull it out to share with someone and it STILL makes me cry with laughter. I'm sorry to find that some people have the opposite reaction. To me, it's hard to understand. I love my cat and know this book isn't meant seriously. It's a deliciously ridiculous 'how-to'. I will always love it.



4. I didn't find this book all that funny, but then, that's just me. I'm sure any potential buyer can get the gist of what the book's about from reading these reviews, so if this sounds like it's up your alley then go for it.
   
   I do think it's silly to claim anyone who doesn't like this book is an idiot. The images do depict an animal being hurt - certain people will never like seeing pictures of that, even if they know it's a joke. So some people are turned off by violent images in general and others don't mind as long as it's all clearly in absurd good fun - that doesn't mean one group has no sense of humor, or that those who are not bothered by the images can't enjoy the book.



5. My family owned this book 25 years ago and I thought it would be out of print... everyone loves it, from kids to elders.

No comments about The Complete Guide to Rat Training: Tricks and Games for Rat Fun and Fitness.

5 comments about People We Know, Horses They Love.

1. I have seen this book before and decided to get it for myself, so I can ponder over the different chapters, and personages at leisure. Filled with one surprise after another, the book delivers photos masterfully done, interwoven with stories of people we know that share a common bond... horses. It is a great gift for the horse lover or the person that likes to read about people in the world of celebrities. Again, I must emphasize that the pictures are truly stunning and well composed. Having been a photographer for over 40 years, I always pay more attention to the details, composures, and art-full feel of pictures, and these photos are charming and "story telling" in their own light. One picture is worth a thousand words, is very true in this book. Buy it, enjoy it, keep it and give it.
   Vern



2. This book has some really well taken photography shots of people and their horses. It dosen't lie in its title...alas..the title is incredibly accurate...it shows a bunch of celebrity with their horses and a few with the dogs also.
   
   Did I say the photography was wonderful?...It is.
   
   The choice of the persons included in this book was well thought out..as she included several minority persons for which I give high marks for doing so..as minorities are very poorly represented in most equine books.
   
   The horse crazy among us..(like Myself) will devour this book in less than 30 minutes if you read it..and even faster than that (maybe) if you just look at the pictures. Teens..young adults...minority horse lovers should jump on it...because it contains people that you have seen ..that could be you or your kids in it..and for that reason..it is excellent for the younger crowd too !!!
   
   It isn't smart..or difficult..or magical...or knowledgable......its a good look at American Celebritys the horses they own..and how they got connected to them.



3. Where should I start? With the many blurry, grainy photos? Or the photos of celebrities and horses that are hugely under exposed so the "background" can come shining through? I thought I'd get to see celebrities with their horses - in focus. Disappointing photography.
   
   The interviews sound somewhat "canned" and "redundant". As though the celebrities were asked to fill in a form and then the interview was written from the form.
   
   Why two stars? Page 1, Richard Gere and his horse; Page 13 Robert Duvall and horse; Page 89 Kim Novak and her horse.



4. This oversize book with photographs by Linda Solomon is exactly as advertised by the title. We see photo-montages of stars like Robert Redford with his favorite horses. The text burbles on about his screen credits and career and the Sundance film festival. Robert Redford talks about his (horseless) childhood and why and how he learned to ride. The other stars that Rappaport and Wilkinson interview and photograph are Gisele Bundchen (super model from Brazil), Chevy Chase, Robert Duvall, Richard Gere (who raises Appaloosas), Melissa Gilbert and Bruce Boxleitner, Whoopi Goldberg (who currently doesn't own any horses, so was photographed with NYC's finest mounted police), Kelse and Camille Grammer, Joe and Billie Perry (Friesians), Katharine Ross and Cleo Elliott, Jane Seymour (who prefers driving to riding), Maria Shriver, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Jeff Bridges, Christie Brinkley, William Devane, Morgan Freeman, Kim Novak, Jack Palance, and Dennis Quaid.
   
   The book has two other, shorter sections titled "Pro and Show" and "Healing Hands, Healing Horses." My favorite interview was with ex-jockey Julie Krone. What a gutsy, determined athelete! There are also short articles on the U. S. Equestrian Team, Dressage, and horse healer Buck Brannaman.
   
   "People We Know, Horses They Love" is a pleasant hodge-podge. I would recommend it to star-struck teenagers who also happen to love horses.



5. I've been a horse lover since I got my first pony at the age of six. I am also a working entertainment reporter, so I am always on the lookout to talk to celebs who have horses -- but this book taught even me a few things! Who knew Chevy Chase has Icelandics? That's my favorite breed!
   
   People We Know, Horses They Love is not only very well-written and informative, but the pictures are beautiful too. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because that rating for horse/picture books is reserved for Robert Vavra :)
   
   Staci Layne Wilson

5 comments about Cats (EYEWITNESS COMPANION GUIDES).

1. It's been over a decade since my little Tabby cat, Gretchen, died at 19; her calico sister, Chowder, lived 13 years (she got diabetes and, for 6 months, I had to inject her with insulin each morning until she finally succumbed to the disease). Some of the best friends I could ever hope for. . . . So, this book was a lot of fun. Those who have cats tend to think of them as clever and smart. So, it was with pleasure that I read the section on cat intelligence (pages 226-227).
   
   The book starts with a quotation about cats from Theophile Gautier, "Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!" The book begins by placing cats in perspective (domestic cats are probably the descendants of the African wildcat), including their evolutionary history and the variety of cats on each continent. Also considered are the ways by which different cultures treat domestic cats, how cats appear in artistic works and literature, and even cat collectibles.
   
   The next section examines different breeds of cats, including recent varieties (e.g., the Savannah originated in the 1980s in North America), and are divided into shorthaired and longhaired cats. Lots of photos and brief descriptions of each type. Just fun to rummage aimlessly through the pages.
   
   The final segment of the book is tellingly labeled "Keeping a Cat." Here are brief essays on cat biology, how to live effectively and in harmony with felines, and a final section on cat health.
   
   A fun book. Discussions of specific topics sometimes left me asking for more. But, that aside, this was most enjoyable.



2. I own several cats, and always enjoy picking up a book on cats because I find them so fascinating. This is a good book for the novice cat owner. I liked the many color pictures throughout the book, the history of cats throughout the ages and so much more. This book is more contains more information about cats, and their place in history than it does being a pet owner.
   
   The book has many different sections about where cats have come from, when and where they have been regarded in history, and so much more. This book will give you a good background on learning all about cats. The book does contain some information on owning cats, and how to take care of them.
   
   My copy of the book was a paperback book that is about 8 inches high. I know other reviewers may have had a different experience. I found this book to be very entertaining in learning about cats. If you are looking for a book about how to take care of cats, you may want to chose another book. Overall I found this to be an enjoyable and an entertaining read.



3. I'm submitting my review under this book as it is essentially -- almost exactly -- the same book in a beautiful thick little paperback. I adore this book! Of course it could be because I found "dead ringers" for both my Sabrina (pg60 -- Norweigian Forest cat) & my best friend's Gracie (pg 222-223 in my addition -- a Chartreux) We were both wrong on our cats' heritages. (Adopted.) I always thought she was mostly Maine coon because my neighbor's Norweigian was so much bigger. (Think he's just a tad overweight though.) 'Brina is a fit 15 lbs. I just love her long whiskers, big eyes & loving disposition. She is also good with my little grandchildren.

   Anyway, it's like a cat show in a book! Dr. Fogle knows his stuff.




4. There is some interesting information contained here but it is still a major disappointment. Unless one physically sees the book before ordering, one can easily take note of the 400 pages and feel they are getting something of value for their dollar. However, it should first of all be noted this book is less than four inches high! I found the book just too overwhelming small and frustrating to bother with and certainly not worth the price.

   If the reader truly wants value for their dollar, I highly recommend any and all of the books by Desmond Morris, such as "Cat Breeds of the World." Readers should not be disappointed in any of his books. They contain an endless wealth of information and beautiful photographs of cats. In my opinion, all of his books are worthy of a five-star rating and certainly worth the money.




5. This book was everything I would expect from DK - great pictures, good information, easy to search through, but I did not expect it to be only three inches high! Now I know to look for the dimensions with every book I order. A great book for children to look through, because the book is really to small for adults to use on a regular basis.

5 comments about Laboratory Medicine: Avian and Exotic Pets.

1. This is an excellent book, but is more advanced than I, as an animal rehabber, can use. Our members with a nursing, microbiology background really like it.



2. I'm very satisfied with my item; I'm very happy to have bought from amazon because it was very fast in sending and the item was very neat



3. This is an excellent, excellent reference. It is a "must have" lab guide for anyone who treats birds. It provides state of the art information on Avian Laboratory tests and their interpretation.

   It is also very good for as a reference for exotic species. There are a number of other contributers to various sections in this book. They are all well known experts in their field.

   In this every changing world, this book provides leading edge information.




4. This book provides a solid reference on common clinicopathological features of Birds, Reptiles, rabbits and ferrets, although the title misleads us to believe that other popular exotic species would be covered. The avian section is pretty comparable to other sources, but the reptile section is very unique to this book. The reptile section could benefit from more specific chapters on more diseases, as opposed to only the "LIVER AND GI" (which is mostly liver), Renal and Reproductive. In order for this info to be useful, one has to use the book after having an index of suspicion of a certain disease process and see if the data fits the book's discussions (as opposed to being able to look up differentials for certain enzyme elevations).

   Section 3, on ferrets and rabbits, is also very comparable to other published books. I reccommend this book as an adjunct to others in your private library, but not as the sole source of information on this subject.




5. Because is a good book about avian and exotic pets

1 comments about Red-tailed Boas and Relatives.

1. Filled with lots of pictures including some nice ones of bolivians. Goes into detail about some of the different subspecies, and morphs. Also some genetic information on breeding.