No comments about 101 Horsemanship Exercises.

5 comments about The Ultimate Border Collie.

1. While the entire book was jammed packed with useful information and background history of the Border Collie, I especially enjoyed the chapter where 6 dogs were comparatively judged. Head shots, front, side and rear views of 3 male and 3 female black & white Border Collies were each critiqued by judges from England, the U.S. and New Zealand. Very interesting how each judge interpreted his/her country's standard of ideal Border Collie conformation, as well as being helpful in pointing out flaws of basic dog anatomy in general..
   
   A must read before you purchase that puppy!



2. I got this for my daughter-in-law for Christmas. She has it "dog-earred" and says it is truly the ultimate border collie book



3. Thank goodness for the wise writing and lovely pictures in this book. She does her best to dispell the myth of the 'genius'dog and the other myth of the 'border collies are black and white and stick thin small dogs'.

   As an owner of a mostly white border collie, who is sometimes dismayed by people's comments about 'well she must have (insert breed) in her to be white', it is heartening to see pictures of every possible shade and shape of border collie. Border collies are very diverse - that's because the emphasis is (until recently, some may say) on a working dog, not a certain 'look'. It's their quirky minds that make them so different. A few hours with an obsessive fly chaser and you'll understand :-)

   She has great sections on puppies, activities for your BC and lots of history and opinion. Some of the information may rub people the wrong way - bc people tend to be opinionated!




4. As a soon-to-be Border Collie owner, this book has proven to be very helpful. Its chapter on puppies and puppy care from the day you bring it to your home is very good. Living in Denmark, you cannot find many books about the Border Collie so I was very pleased to find this one. I am picking up my little puppy in less than 3 weeks and after reading this book, I feel confident that we have made the right choice regarding dog breed and the breeder. I can especially recommend this book if it's the first time you're getting a dog.



5. This author has done an excellent job describing the Border Collie. Whether it's behavior, motivations, breed history, stregths, weaknesses, she demonstrates that she is truly an expert. This is not a generic dog book with Border Collie pictures pasted in, it is an excellent reference that I intend to use for many years to come. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has or is considering purchasing a Border Collie.

2 comments about Persian Cats and Other Long Hairs.

1. If you are interested in cats, previously had Persians, have Persians now or are thinking about getting a Persian cat this is the book for you.
   
   This is the absolute best book on Persian cats out there. Unsurpassed in its wealth of information - especially about breeding and colors. Hundreds of lovely pictures (both color and black/white). Anything you want to know about Persian cats is in here.
   
   Jeanne Ramsdale bred chinchilla Persians (also called silver Persians) under the prefix - or cattery name - 'Dearheart'. Her cats were magnificent and to this day stand out for their exceptional beauty. Just to see the photos of these cats - the book is well worth buying.
   
   Jeanne Ramsdale's love for the Persian cat is obvious throughout - the book is well written and always interesting. She writes knowingly about all aspects of cat care and breeding.
   
   Most of the photos are from the 1960's and 1970's - so this book is also a great historical record about the Persian cat.
   
   The 1976 edition is recommended - it comes in a revised edition with nice sturdy binding.
   
   Highly recommended to any cat lover !



2. The author is my great-auntie on my mother's side. She was a grand woman of her time.She was well known through the cat world. This book was written about most of her own cats and experiences throughout her life as a cat breeder. Her husband, Dr.P.N.ramsdale,was a well known veternarian in Long Beach, CA,also helped to write the 3 books she had published. They were fascinating people. I sure miss them. They both tragedly passed away almost 15 years ago. Great information books...

5 comments about Living With Horsepower!: Personally Empowering Life Lessons Learned from the Horse.

1. This book made me laugh out loud, then I cried to read how even "hardened" professionals cried with the loss of their equine partners. I thought I couldn't ride any more until I started with program for handicapped riders.
   I read about the young woman with MS who is totally independent ONLY when riding the trails alone. Her story alone is worth the price of the book, and perhaps a book of her own. I think about her courage,and realize how blessed I am.
   This book may change the way you think about horses and yourself. I would recommend it strongly to those parents who question the value of horses, an expensive luxury, true, in their child's life. The luxury will be seen as an essential for learning life lessons.



2. This is the best book I have read in years It has so many good stories I cant rave enough about it. The only thing missing is an artical about my favorite horse of all times FURY I think the movie industry did him an injustice by his treatment after he was no longer usefull. Had it not been for Toni Ringo Helfer of The Gentle Jungle he wouldnt have been rescued and brought back to health I thank her with all my heart



3. While I was reading this book there were many times that I read and re-read certain lines and even whole chapters just because the words made such perfect sense. I really enjoyed getting the views and experiences of so many top riders from all aspects of the equestrian world with the author putting it all into perspective. The last chapter about losing your friend and riding companion was so well written that even though I was reading it through tears I could feel the compassion and complete understanding of the author. This book goes on the top shelf of my library and I know I will be going back to it again!



4. Yeah, I thought I did. Being a copetetive showjumper can give you a "big head", but after reading LIVING WITH HORSEPOWER, I saw the horse in a new light. Witter's interviews with top horseman that everyone admires taught me that horses do have feelings,they love you, and they can put you in your place quickly. Reguardless of the size of the animal, and there more commonly spoken about "stupidity", I have come to realize through this book that horses can reason. I swear I can disagree with any scientist that horses CAN do these things. LIVING WITH HORSEPOWER, has truly taught me to think like a horse, and has made me become a better horsewoman. I would like to now thank Rebekah Ferran Witter for this new "life".



5. Ms. Witter seems to have captured all that is truly equine, and then some. Being a "Saddlebred" person, I was thrilled with Ms. Witter's interviews with Tom Moore and Mrs. Crabtree who today are the icons of the Saddlebred world.

   I could relate to every chapter in this book from horse communication, to detective work, to the chapter on loss. This book is a MUST have for anyone who rides or has horses in their lives! A fantastic read...A fine job!

2 comments about James Herriot's Animal Stories.

1. Easy reading for a light min



2. James Herriot writes of his various experiences as a country vet. Laugh with his humorous mishaps, and share the joy and fulfillment of his career.

4 comments about Bailey Bymyside: Golden Lessons for Life (Howell Reference Books).

1. i have actually read this book 3 times....what an enjoyable read and a time to reflect....want to feel better---buy a copy and you will immediately cheer up (with a few tears shed along the way). of course i'm a bit prejudice, believing that golden retrievers are our gift from heaven....



2. Anyone who owns a Golden Retriever will see a little bit of Bailey in him/her. Patricia Burlin Kennedy has been able to put into words what so many of us feel in our hearts. Anyone who reads this book will "feel" the connection that these four legged creatures have with us. You will smile, you will cry and hopefully, you will pause to think about these life lessons and promise to be a better person because of these reminders. Please buy this book for your children and encourage them to live by Bailey's example.



3. Bravo! Kennedy and Christie have done it again. "Bailey Bymyside" is not simply a book about the amazing life of a fine Golden. It is a spiritual journey that will teach the reader some of the most important lessons life has to offer. Each page carries a profound statement with a glorious accompanying illustration, that will make you pause and reflect sometimes sirring a tear or a "dog earred" grin. For example, the lesson "that compromise allows us to move forward together" with a picture of 2 dogs swimming upstream with a shared stick in their mouths. What an profound message in today's world! This book is really for the young and old. Pair this book with their first book, "Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy" and you will be giving the best holiday or birthday gift a dog lover has ever received!



4. I received a copy of this book hot off the presses; and, I imagine that it will always remain a treasured part of my personal library. Not only are the Golden photos and situations universally recognizable, but the accompanying Golden "lessons" are truly therapeutic.

   As a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Private Clinician, and Graduate School Instructor, I utilize a cognitive-behavioral style such as that noted in Ellis' Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy [REBT]. And, it is that same kind of rational thinking that shouts out from this book. You see, sometimes us human folks fail to watch our Golden Retrievers close enough and we consequently miss the big picture. We fail to understand how our furry companions are so proficient at managing the ups and downs of life. Patty Kennedy's precious "Golden Lessons" do just that. They set out to help people think in a better more healthy way. And, in REBT, it is only when we are able to THINK better, that we will come to FEEL better.

   This FEEL BETTER book has an incredible 106 pages with 52 full-color Golden Retriever illustrations & lessons. One scene typifies what Goldens continually do for us, rain or shine. It shows Golden Bailey smiling at the family's front door as it is being opened due to someone returning home. This illustration is accompanied by the lesson: "that it's not the size of the house that matters, but the love that dwells within." A deceptively simple statement, but one that is so often ignored. How much we worry about what others think about our homes -- whether they are big enough, have the best furnishings, or are in the best of neighborhoods. Yet, when it comes down to what truly matters, it's whether you have made this house into a warm, loving 'home,' appreciating the strength and well-being that can come from such a place of love.

   Do yourself a favor and get this book. You certainly don't want to miss learning about Bailey's other 50+ lessons!

5 comments about ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Caring for Your Cat.

1. This book manages to cover all basic aspects of cat selection, preparation for a cat and cat care for most pet owners. It is easy enough reading for older children with liberal, well done illustrations - enough text that it gives enough information but not so in depth that it is set aside and not read. I recommend this book to my kitten buyers.



2. I've had this book through 4 cats and kittens, and if you have a really healthy cat who never develops any illnesses, it's great. I find myself using the Cornell Feline Health Center online for my cats.
   
   The diagnostic tree is just too vague, the descriptions of diseases are also too vague and there's just not enough information. Using a vet's resource center with a dictionary handy does you--and your cat--more good, especially if your cat has something really serious.



3. This book has a very serious omission on the subject of outdoor cats. The book does not mention at all that outdoor cats are in grave danger of attack by coyotes in many parts of the country. Coyotes are in places where many people wouldn't even expect them, such as in cities. There are precautions you can take to eliminate this danger or greatly reduce the chance of an attack. Unfortunately, this book does not list the precautions that should be taken. And by the way, bobcats will also be happy to kill a house cat and similar precautions would apply.



4. This is a wonderful book. My wife and I have 7 cats and we received this as a gift from my in-laws. This is the only cat book we own and we look at it all the time. The book has great pictures of various cats acting out various behaviors, what a kitten should look like at a certain age, and even different parasites that a cat may get. Also included is a list of emergency situations and ways you can help your cat if he/she is injured. This is a great book no cat owner should be without.



5. I find this book highly informative and well organized. I have 5 cats and own many cat books, but this one is by far the most referenced. I especially like the health reference section since I have not found this in any other books.

5 comments about Postcards from the Pug Bus: The Continuing Education of a Pug Dog Owner.

1. This book is a wonderful addition to my pug collection. There are echoes of my own pugs antics in every story the author presents and I have read myself into giggling fits, my pugs snorting, snoring and sleeping nearby.
   
   As mentioned in a couple of earlier reviews, there are a couple of chapters that are a bit graphic and, yes, the one was "yucky". But that is exactly how the author intended to portray the whole incident since that was his reaction to the experience himself. It also conveyed his lack of experience in the breeding arena and his horror at certain practices, things I can indentify with myself. More importantly, at the top of each of those chapters he has a note stating that this particular chapter has graphic material in it not suitable for children.
   
   He does repeat one story from his Pugs book (Hans Goes Swimming) which is one of the funniest stories I have ever read. I had my own scare with my pug one day when I took him to the dog park that borders Puget Sound. I don't find the repitition offensive, as mentioned in another review. For me it means that the story was so good it could afford to be told in two different places. As a writer myself, I understand how you sometimes need to recycle material. Also, not all readers of Pug Bus will be readers of his other books. There are thirty chapters in this book. I guess he can afford to repeat one story.
   
   Mr. Maggitti is a satirist. If you do not like that style of humor you will probably not enjoy his writing style. I don't know why he would be criticized for talking about his personal life. Isn't describing your relationship with your pets one of the most personal things you can share with others? For me, Mr. Maggitti was neither self-indulgent nor inconsiderate of his reader.
   
   I am glad that I added Pug Bus to my library and recommend it highly. But there are definitely chapters, or postcards, that are not for "children under thirteen or for adults who have a sense of propriety" as Maggitti himself states in the disclaimer at the top of chapter seven.



2. I completely agree with eph's review below. I would also like to add that this book is not for children. There is way too much information on artificially inseminating a pug. I'm all for openness and honestly dealing with sexual matters, but this was just plain "icky".



3. Anyone who loves pugs cant help to be charmed by this book. I felt that I got to know each pug as I read through each chapter. If you own or have been around pugs as I have you will recognize many of the endearing traits and foibles that are present in this wonderful breed. Highly recommended.



4. I was looking forward to this book because I still refer to and re-read Maggitti's small Barron's text, PUGS: A COMPLETE PET OWNER'S MANUAL for information and chuckles, as it is full of good information and fun anecdotes. This book was a huge disappointment. I was surprised at the lack of content that is actually about the adorable snorting creatures I love (and presumably anyone who buys the book loves). Much of the text (which is wrapped in a cheap looking package--did he self publish?) is self-indulgent and repetitive. He repeats anecdotes from the aforementioned pet owner's guide, and he even repeats the same stories within PUG BUS--does he think we're so slow we won't notice? It seems so, as much of the book is arrogant rambling about his "wild ways" and anti-social behavior. He attests that this is his last work before retiring; I attest he wrote one too many.



5. This book will be enjoyed by all dog owners, but particularly by those who own Pugs. Mr. Maggitti captures the playfullness, stubborness and endearing qualities of our furry Pug friends. The book is a compilation of stories about the authors' adventures as a Pug owner, which will have you rolling with laughter and nodding your head with understanding. I would highly reccommend reading "Postcards From the Pug Bus".

No comments about First Aid (Horse Illustrated Simple Solutions).

3 comments about Aquarium Fish Breeding.

1. I have purchased several other books on general fish breeding over the years and then a professional breeder recommended this book. Well I must say that it is the most comprehensive general book of its kind - full of delightful illustrations and lots of technical detail. The author clearly "knows his stuff" - from actual breeding, to building fishrooms to producing live foods.
   
   I recommend this book wholeheartedly.



2. I bought this book shortly after reading Mr. Hemdal's Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques (a book that I've found to be very useful and informative). I am very pleased with his Aquarium Fish Breeding, as well. Whatever your skill level or motivation for breeding, you'll find invaluable insights in this comprehensive resource. A great choice for freshwater and marine breeders alike.



3. As the author of this book, I'm obviously a bit biased, but this book is the only one on the market that fully covers all aspects of fish breeding. Marine fish, freshwater fish, invertebrates and plants are all covered in detail. I wrote this with intermediate aquarists in mind, so both beginners and experts may also find some "cross-over" in the material.
   
   If you want to propagate home aquarium fish, invertebrates and plants, this book is a must-have!