No comments about Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Breeder's Best) (Breeder's Best).

5 comments about Barkley: A Dog's Journey.

1. I am lucky enough to read Mr Martinez' columns in the LA Times twice a week. This book is an extension of some of his columns and is a great description of the trip that he and Cinelli took with Barkley once they found out he was dying. You can even picture what he's describing, as though you are there with them. But it's more than that. Read it and you'll see. Strongly recommended.



2. I very much enjoyed reading this writer's tribute to his beloved Springer Spaniel which includes their final road trip together.



3. Who else will greet you wagging his tail whether or not you bring him a treat? My cats just look at me with distain for being gone all day. But a dog is always happy to see you. There is nothing like a cold, wet nose and wagging tail to wake you in the morning. It hurts to loose any pet but there are sometimes exceptionally special ones and Barkley obviously was. He gave a lot of love but he got a lot in return. Any animal lover will love this book. It brings a few tears but it brings lots of smiles too.



4. Barkley danced into our lives one night last fall, a tail-wagging bundle of energy that belied the cancer that would end his life in a few months. My wife, Roseanne, and I welcomed him and Joanne and Al Martinez into our home, knowing that Barkley was on his last journey and grateful for the chance to share a bit of it with him.
   
   We were greatly saddened when the inevitable happened, but Barkley returned to us a few weeks ago in the shape of his own book.
   
   Martinez has brought his black and white English Springer Spaniel back to lifewith his poetic, funny, sad, and profound writing. Barkley's book is more than just a story about a dog's final journey. It is a look at life, sometimes through a dog's eyes, sometimes through the eyes of the people who loved him.
   
   Even if you have never had a dog, you can know Barkley through his story. You surely will love him through his book.
   
   Gayle Montgomery
   Florence, Oregon



5. If you are fortunate to share life with a pet you loved so much that its death left a hole in your heart, then "Barkley, A Dog's Journey" by Al Martinez is a book you will appreciate. Al and his wife adored Barkley to the degree they wanted to celebrate the pleasure he brought by spending two weeks traveling with their dog and recording their emotions and Barkley's reactions to this adventure as his death neared. Despite tears, the story left a warm feeling, reminding me of one pet whose life and death I never forgot.

2 comments about Ducks of North America and the Northern Hemisphere.

1. Why paint ducks when a photograph will do? The answer is in this book's beautiful illustrations, which accompany the excellent text. The book informs in a readable and friendly way, and there's nothing dull about it: if you just want to browse among the ducks and appreciate their variety and beauty, you will also be rewarded. A very nice production all round.



2. Trevor Boyer's beautiful and accurate illustrations make this book a must-have for anyone researching the physical attributes of various North American waterfowl. John Gooders writes well; the book is an easy and enjoyable read and not at all dry as one might find in other reference books. The only minor problem I have with it is that the birds are not presented in alphabetical order, making it a little tedious to locate them in the table of contents.

No comments about Greyhounds.

2 comments about Step by Step Book About Rottweilers (Step By Step).

1. Very informal, about what you'd expect from any other, much larger, book concerning a specific breed. Straight and to the point.



2. This rottweiler book contains alot of information and pictures of the Rottweiler. I recommened this book to people interested in the breed, and to people who are serious about getting a Rottweiler for a companion.

4 comments about Tarot for Cats: Unlock the Mysteries of Your Nine Lives!.

1. This deck stole my heart long ago, I have not regrets
   buying it tho it's only the major and not the full major
   and minor arcana set... It's unique speaks kind of from
   the cat mind but I get answers when I use this deck.
   Yes this one stole my heart.......



2. I love this book. A longtime fan of odd tarots, this is one of my favorites -- my MOST favorite being Kipling West's Halloween Tarot. The Tarot For Cats' art is more studied and careful than some of West's more vivid monsters and demons, but it is just beautiful. Sometimes even more beautiful. I love the faces of the cats -- there is so much depth there! Fans of cats and of the Tarot will love this. Bring it back into print!



3. Certainly not Regen Dennis and Kipling West, creators of the purrfectly delightful "Tarot for Cats." There have been hundreds of Tarot decks over the past decades, some serious and usable, and some not -- this one is outside the (litter)box! You can certainly use the deck for real Tarot readings if you are familiar with the Major Arcana meanings, but the sheer giggle-factor of the book and the card designs hold up on their own. And if you own cats (as I do), you will find yourself shaking your head in amazement at just how accurately Dennis and West translate cat-thought into this charming effort!

   Extra kudos for the Maine Coon as the Emperor. Oswald, my twenty-pound version, agreed completely -- and promptly napped on the card.




4. Tarot for Cats might seem like a gimmick, but it is a very charming and original turn on conventional tarot decks that will please cat lovers and tarot enthusiasts. This inventive set features exceptional artwork and clever text.

4 comments about Breeding Purebred Cats.

1. I found this book to be very informative, especially about the day to day management of a cattery which is what I was looking for. The advice is practical and based on the author's experience. I feel that this is the best book on the subject of cattery management that I have found so far.



2. "Breeding Purebred Cats" was a lifeline for us when we decided to purchase and breed a Maine Coon female. As the author says in her introduction, "It's a simple matter to throw two cats together and hope for the best. But somewhere down the road, disaster and disappointment await the person who believes that 'nature' will take care of everything."

   In the exclusive world of the Cat Fancy, it's not even a simple matter to 'throw two cats together'. Everything has to be arranged for in advance (most catteries won't allow their males to breed an unknown female, even one with papers, because of the chance of disease). At any rate, suppose you earn the trust of a cattery owner, or purchase your own male. Then what? Your queen is pregnant. What should you do to ensure that she gives birth to and raises a healthy litter?

   This is when "Breeding Purebred Cats" will become indispensible. The author explains in clear, succinct terms how the queen should be handled, how to determine whether she is indeed pregnant, how to figure out when she's going to give birth, how to assist at the kittening, and when to call for help. And "Breeding Purebred Cats" isn't just about breeding and giving birth. It covers all aspects of breeding practices, raising kittens and selling them, and cattery management. We found Anne S. Moore's book essential for the proper care and upbringing of a healthy litter of Maine Coons.




3. Breeding cats is not easy and this book gives the exact idea of what it means. This book is precious for both new and experienced cat breeders. Interesting, easy to read and full of absolutely essential tips and suggestions. A "must" for all cat breeders!



4. "Breeding Purebred Cats" walks you through the entire process beginning with purchasing your first purebred cat through, housing, breeding, birthing and placing kittens. Filled with loads of practical advice this book is a must for first time breeders.

5 comments about The Perfect Kitten: How to Raise a Problem Free Cat.

1. A wonderfully thoughtful and comprehensive book. This one goes beyond the usual healthcare descriptions and pictures of breeds that fill the pages of most such books. The most compelling part is the research presented into a kitten's early environment and the effects on its future personality. Great insight into cat behavior for breeders and cat lovers alike.



2. I bought this book expecting it to be about kitten care and it told entirely too much about breed and the 'evolution' of cats. It didn't explain how to care for and raise a kitten. I was not impressed with the content.



3. This book is wonderfully written and definitely will give many people a better understanding of their pets. It can teach you the basics of identifying behavior, training, life stages, as well as food and litter information. However, due to the vast topics covered the book is unable to spend a great deal of time on details. Consider this book a great read for someone just starting off with a cat, or who wants to understand them better, then grab something more in depth for whatever section you really wanted more in.



4. This book has helped me to understand the stages of development my new kitten, Princess Elizabeth Talker Mischief Wafer Fritter Gremlin Peekaboo, has just gone through, is going through and has yet to face. The author details everything from the various kinds of cat foods and litters to the minutiae of grooming (a soft toothbrush is helpful for the face and around the eyes) as well as body posture meanings and socialization requirements. There is a lot of good information, and I am sure I will refer to it again. Though I think some of the information, on dental care for example, could have been more in depth.



5. Chapter 1: The Raw Material
   Chapter 2: Cat Breeds
   Chapter 3 Finding the Right Kitten
   Chapter 4 Your Kitten's Development
   Chapter 5 Preparing For Your New Kitten
   Chapter 6: Bringing Your Kitten Home
   Chapter 7: Your Kitten's Lifestyle
   Chapter 8: Feeding and Litter Training
   Chapter 9: Health Care
   Chapter 10: Going on Vacation
   Chapter 11: Cat Behaviotr
   Chapter 12: Learning and Training
   Chapter 13: Preventing Behavioral Problems
   Chapter 14: Growing Up

   This book is easy to read and understand. The book is also packed with infomation on how to care for your new kitten. Some of the many topics covered in this book includes:

   How kittens learn
   Toys and games kittens like to play
   Introducing your kitten to a new baby or pet
   Preventing behavioral problems
   Basic equipment your kitten will need
   Giving your kitten medicine
   Feline communication

4 comments about Blessing The Animals: Prayers and Ceremonies to Celebrate God's Creatures, Wild and Tame.

1. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found the perfect poem for a friend who had to euthanize her best friend, a yellow lab. The selections are diverse, and seem to have been compiled by someone who understands the loss of an animal friend



2. There's an even MORE in-depth book entitled, "Blessing of the Animals" by Diana L. Guerrero (Sterling Publishing). Guerrero's book contains more than quotes -- it also has great ideas for activities to celebrate animals, such as birthdays, new pets, loss of a pet, religious ceremonies, and a lot more. You may want to check it out as well.



3. As a collector of poems, quotes, and tributes to beloved pets, I plan to keep this beautiful volume close at hand for browsing, comfort and inspiration. The author has done a wonderful job of compiling literature from many faiths and representing all animal species. As I am anticipating having to say goodbye to a much beloved dog, I found the passages suitable for memorials very meaningful and uplifting.



4. I wanted a book I could use to lead prayers for my dog, dogs that I volunteer with at the shelter, and the animal world at large. This book fits the bill perfectly. Poems, prayers, and blessings from many different faiths (buddhism, native american, protestant, jewish, many differnet ones. Deep and meaningful prose from a variety of authors. Beautiful!

5 comments about If Only They Could Speak: Understanding the Powerful Bond Between Dogs and Their Owners.

1. I enjoyed "The Dog who Loved too Much" (which might have been better titled "the Dog Owner who Loved too Much") so I picked this book up for more engaging stories of animal behavior and problem resolutions. My interest was further piqued by the chapter heading, "The Pit Bull from Hell". As the owner of a 9 year old pit bull, I have to say that Mr Dodman does not really "get" pit bulls. It's probably because the people who tend to have pit bulls cannot afford fancy schmancy animal behaviorist sessions.
   
   Mr Dodson seems to imply that aggression against people is something normal in pit bulls, just lying beneath the surface of even those "cupcake" pit bulls he mentions in passing. I have lived in a densely populated urban neighborhood where pit bulls are popular for over 30 years, and I have never felt threatened by any of the local pit bulls including those used for dog fighting. I have been menaced by rottweilers, a rott-GSD mutt, and GSD mixed breeds running off leash in a local park.
   
   The author describes a somewhat naive young man who tries to adopt a pit bull at a shelter but is directed to a pit bull breeder (WHY? with so many pit bull puppies ending up in shelters everywhere!) The dog he acquired seemed to be a product of careless dog breeding, but we are told nothing of the breeder. The animal developed a decidedly atypical aggression towards adult humans, probably a genetic error compounded by the ignorant owner's lack of understanding of dominant dog behavior.
   
   I'm surprised that Mr Dodson didn't take this opportunity to point out the extreme importance of training puppies not to exhibit food aggression, as I did with my little pit bull. Food aggression causes so many dangerous problems with dogs and people that every dog, not just pit bulls, should be trained to allow people to take his food, bone, or whatever away from him at any time. This is most easily done when the animal is very young! I think Mr Dodson needs to get out and meet some good pit bulls, those entertaining and loyal companions which will never find their way to an animal behaviorist.



2. As if we don't have enough to worry about in regards to the children of today being overmedicated...now our pets, too?! His solution to almost every problem was prescribing an antidepressant. Also, his writing of his patients' owners came across as very egotistical and condescending. Some of the stuff had merit, but it was the same thing any trainer or behaviorist would tell you to do...establish dominance, ignore bad behaviors and reward good, etc.



3. Dr. Dodman is a world renowned animal psychiatrist and his and all of his books are great sources for information about understanding dogs and correcting bad behavior.



4. This should have been a fine book, but the author's stilted prose and misuse of words on every second page nearly ruined it for me. Dodman swings wildly from overly prim writing to embarrassingly slangy, a sure sign of a bad writer.
   
   Oliver Sacks, please report to the Veterinary School!



5. I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!