1 comments about German Wirehaired Pointer (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. We bought the book after getting an 8 month old male puppy at a super adopt-a-thon thought to be "mostly" German Wirehaired Pointer. I feel like the author was observing our dog, describing him to a "T". Because this breed is extremely energetic and intelligent, they can be quite a handful. This book has been very helpful in providing insight about how to handle our new pet by teaching us about this particular breed's characteristics.

2 comments about Keep Your Cat Healthy the Natural Way.

1. This author babbles on about horrific case histories & never does get to the point. This book grossly lacks anything the reader can use to keep their pets healthy in any shape or form. I was very annoyed. Thanks, Lynn



2. This is the only health and/or nutrition book I've read cover to cover. The topics are fascinating, and the writing style engaging.

   Lazarus provides general information about feline nutrition (or lack thereof) and diet suggestions, as well as sections dedicated to a variety of feline medical problems and both their standard and holistic treatments. She cites numerous holistic veterinarians, but this is not a tirade against conventional medicine. It does offer hope through alternative solutions.

5 comments about The Coral Reef Aquarium: An Owner's Guide toa Happy Healthy Fish (Happy Healthy Pet).

1. I first bought this book because of the author. When I recived it and thumbed through the pages I concluded that it was a book for beginners. In any case, since I had already spent 11 bucks I thought what the heck, if I could get at least one good idea out of it it will be worth the time and money.
   
   I was delighted to find the clearest explanations I've ever read on aquariun systems. I have a much better understanding now. I also picked up some very useful tips.
   
   Fantastic book. Very clear, easy to understand but detailed explantions of complex systems.



2. This is a great book to ease your way into learning about the reef. It uses simple and scientific verbage to teach the basics about the coral reef. I love it, read it twice, and will read it again. :)



3. I was disappointed by this book.

   For one thing, this is a very small book. It has only about 100 pages on a 4 X 8 size paper. And most of it is occupied by photos. But I also have to accept the fact that this book is much cheaper pricewise than the other comprehensive books out there such as the one by John Tullock.

   So in view of its shortness, the subject of coral reef keeping is not covered comprehensively. There is very little in depth explanation of the equipment and the biology of the hobby. As a rough comparison, most of the other coral keeping guides are more than 400 pages long.

   Coral reef keeping is an advanced subject (as opposed to marine fish keeping), and the equipment are varied, from lights, filtration, skimmers, chemical additives, chillers, etc. Each of these subjects is covered in a couple of paragraphs, as opposed to pages.

   A beginner will not have enough advice to start a new tank error-free, while a more advanced hobbiest will not be satisfied with its simple explanations.

   There are much better books out there.




4. This was the first book I've purchased as I was recommended by various hobbyist whom I have lots of respect for. When I started reading this book, first thing I told myself "Wow, how little I knew". I would highly recommend anybody who is getting started with Reef Hobby. Dr Ron is not only an experienced (PhD) Marine Biologist, but an active participant/contributor in various related Forum, Magazine and so on.

   On a different note, I would like to respond to the reader from Kingston, MA. Bristle Worms are your friend :p . They are mostly scavengers and will be a great member of your cleanup crew. There are some cases where aquarist found bristle worm gorging on their favorite fish, but the truth behind that almost always is, your fish died of other reason and Bristle Worm really doing its job, cleaning it up for you. If you have a super huge Bristle Worm, you may or may not choose to relocate it. Happy Reefing.




5. I fell into reef aquarium ownership almost overnight. I didn't know what I was getting into and bought an established 140 gallon tank with rocks and fish. The second hand tank had been neglected and there were only 3 surviving fish and the rock didn't look too healthy. I had no idea what I was headed into and I bought and killed a number of beautiful, expensive fish out of total ignorance.

   This book would have not only saved me a lot of money, but a lot of headache, heartache and trips to the local fish store.

   Dr. Shimek includes tips on inexpensive ways to equip the hardware and contents w/o spending an arm and a leg on overpriced items at the store. He tells you what animals to avoid (especially for beginners) and which ones are must-haves.

   For a beginning book, it is packed w/ info in just over 125 pages and in a very affordable package. Most aquarium books are VERY expensive and you'll never read the whole thing.

   I read this book in about 2 weeks (I work full time and I'm a slow reader) by taking it with me during my lunch hour and it has already saved me hundreds of dollars in items/livestock I was considering on purchasing.

   My only criticism is the lack of photos of critical things the author was citing. There are tons of high quality photos in this book, but some creatures were mentioned that I would have like to have seen represented in a photo and still have no idea what the author was talking about.

   The author does assume some knowledge in some areas where it seems he may have forgotten his audience. Had I not already dealt w/ some issues during my "baptism by fire" experience of learning the hard way for months before buying this book, I wouldn't have understood some of the concepts he brought up.

   This book was one of the best purchases I've made in regards to aiding my hobby. Thank you, Dr. Ron!

2 comments about The Proper Care of Cockatoos.

1. Layout is good but too many photos and not enough text. This is a very basic guide and left me hungry for more which I am having trouble finding. Can you believe I have found more indepth information on Tarantulas than I can find for Cockatoos?



2. Gave a good background on cockatoos for the new owner

No comments about The Complete Equine Emergency Bible: The Comprehensive Guide to Coping With Every Horse-Related Emergency From First Aid to Road Safety.

1 comments about BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets.

1. Now in a newly revised, expanded and updated fourth edition, BSAVA Manual Of Exotic Pets is the British Small Animal Veterinary Associations is comprehensive and indispensable reference to the biology, care, treatment, medical problems, special features, and more of raising a broad selection of unique and unusual pets ranging from guinea pigs and rabbits to fancy pigs, birds of prey, lizards, ornamental fish, invertebrates and more. A superbly presented, "user friendly" compendium of sound and reliable information for any aspiring pet owner seeking for something more unusual and noteworthy than the typical cat or dog, the BSAVA Manual Of Exotic Pets is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

3 comments about The Boston Terrier (Terra Nova Series).

1. This book seemed somewhat out-dated. All the information in the book I had already found by searching the internet. The pictures looked old, and it was a very generic book, it didn't tell me anything new.



2. This is a well written book that offers the history of the Boston bull, which is a hybrid breed. Bostons are the result of crossing old English bulldogs with small white terriers. A hardy, sturdy little dog, the Boston bull is intelligent and lively. Bostons are also excellent family pets.
   
   This book provides clear, concise information not only about the breed, but about care and training. Breeders will be especially interested in the special care pregnant Bostons require. Bostons more often than not have to have Caesarian deliveries because the puppies have extremely large heads. This is a reader-friendly book that all will enjoy, from owners/breeders to those who just love the Boston bull.



3. This is a very good book filled with background information on the breed, breed characteristics, and training suggestions. It is not very long which actually makes the book very readable. The training methods are very good, as well. Because the book provides just enough information for the average Boston parent on the numerous topics that it covers, some owners looking for extremely in-depth and lengthy explanations might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, most owners who want a well-trained pet and who also want to learn a little bit about the breed would be pleased with this book.

No comments about Birds of the Chesapeake Bay: Paintings by John W. Taylor, with Natural Histories and Journal Notes by the Artist.

2 comments about Maintaining a Natural Horse: Essential Understanding for choosing and keeping a barefoot riding horse.

1. There was some good information contained in this book, but the writing style made it difficult to follow. It's almost as if the writer dictated his thoughts and then transcribed them because there was a bit of rambling.
   
   I was hoping to see some photos and a more detailed discussion, which is why I rated this good but not great.



2. I got this as a gift combined with Ware's two videos. Really enjoyed reading it. Lots of stories from actual experience. Lots of good explanations. Different from what you'll find from others. If you've got an open mind, there's lots of good info here.

4 comments about Dog Parties: Entertaining Your Party Animals.

1. I picked up this book as part of my research for my dog's first birthday party. I'm a dog lover, so I was convinced by the other reviews that I would be pleased with my choice, but this book fell short of my expectations. If you're interested in seeing how Lola the Chihuahua and her friends socialize in their "high-society dog soirees", then this is the book for you. Whitman's "Dog Parties" isn't so much a source for planning ideas, as it is memoir of parties held by a small group of uber-elite dogs. You'll come across the planning ideas contained in this book by doing a five minute Google search for free.
   
   If party planning is your aim, I highly recommend checking out "Dog Parties: How to Party with Your Pup" by Arden Moore instead.



2. If you love your dog, then you'll love "Dog Parties" by Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. It is the definitive, high level book to pampering your pooch with a much-deserved soiree. Need to spice up your pet's love life? Try a doggie wedding like one that's profiled in this book. Think your dog may not be as "in crowd" as it wants to be? Host an art gallery opening complete with doggie art. Ms. Schelgel Whitman, based on her other book, "The Pleasure of your Company" seems to be the consumate hostess - for humans and pets. These books will inspire you to live a more glamorous life indeed. Plus, they also make the perfect gifts.



3. A fantastic and clever book. Absolutely adorable pictures and very witty text. In addition to the fun of flipping through this book, there are actually great ideas to pamper the pooches for the dog lover in all of us!



4. It doesn't matter if you have a dog, cat, or reptile. If your pet is special and you want to celebrate, this book has GREAT ideas. Beach parties, weddings, I LOVE it. Dog Parties has original ideas that are unique and modern...perfect!!
   
   Cheers to man's/women's best friend...and cheers to the writer for her unique gift in the party world.