5 comments about Where the Trail Grows Faint: A Year in the Life of a Therapy Dog Team (River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Prize).

1. thanks for a book like this i have a therapy dog myself i trained for me and then i followed his lead when he showed he wanted and needed and was so good at helping others
   i have only read excepts of the book but will buy it my dad is dying of parkinson disease 1000 miles away i am a daddy girl so this time is hard anyway since i have no way to see him
   your book helps so much
   turns out my dads dog-has saved my dad a few times himself by going to get mom everytime dad falls or needs things
   i know if i could get up to dad i could train the dog to do more
   the dog is a cocker spaniel raised from 2 weeks old by my mom,but seems to glue itself to dad as dad got sicker
   as i always said dogs know more then we think they do and do so much for people
   what a gift god gave with allowing us a small time with his critters
   [...]



2. I am grateful to Lynne Hugo for her heartwarming and insightful book. She encouraged me to continue to visit nursing homes and Alzheimer patients with my toy poodle, Lucy, even though she is not trained to perfection. Lucy brings joy to residents and care providers. God has presented me with the opportunity to share my dog and I am proud to serve Him in this way.



3. I can see why this book won a national writing prize. What a sheer pleasure to read. It's thoughtful, deeply considered and the language sparkles as the author deals with terribly difficult issues but helps us through them by injecting literally hilarious episodes at just the right moments. Marley and Me has nothing funnier than sections of this book. My dog and I are Delta Society volunteers, and I, too, have aging parents. Much of this helped me think about my own life as well as my parents' situations, and I'm really grateful that a friend recommended this book. Now I'm passing the favor on and giving this my most enthusiastic endorsement.



4. An enjoyable book! I was moved emotionally by the connections of the dog therapy team, the residents they visited, and the nature around them. Nice symbolism showing how human life events parallel changes in nature.



5. I throughly enjoyed reading "Where the Trail Grows Faint: A Year in the Life of a Therapy Dog Team" by Lynne Hugo. Lynne Hugo is masterful at blending the story of Hannah, her beautiful chocolate lab therapy dog, with the lives of the people who are in the nursing home, along with the lives of her own aging parents. Ms. Hugo has a beautiful way with words; her prose creates atmosphere and feeling....so much so that at the conclusion of the book, I immediately went to visit my own aging mother-in-law, who is in an assisted living facility. This book was clearly written from the heart!

3 comments about The Cult of the Koi.

1. Great book! Equally helpful for the novice and experienced Koi lover alike! Great pictures and detailed descriptions.I highly recommend this book.



2. I don't think this is the best book on Koi. Although it covers all the standard topics (Koi identification, pond building, filtration system, diseasees, etc.), it does not give enough details in each topic. The "Tretra Encyclopedia Book of Koi" is by far the best . I know, it is not available for sale any more, but try to find it in a library. It is well worth the effort and you can save money as well.



3. The book is an excellent reference for beginners and experts as well. It gives a great overview of the history of Japanese, Domestic and German Koi. It gives an excellent review of the different types of Koi that have help me a great deal in identification.

   My local Dianichi and Sankaye Koi dealer also says that their consensus is that Cult of the Koi is by far the best they have ever seen.

No comments about Melita's Legacy.

No comments about Golden Retrievers (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

No comments about The Mammoth Book of Dogs: A Collection of Stories, Verse and Prose (Mammoth Books).

4 comments about The Essential Goldfish (Howell Book House's Essential).

1. "Informative but Incomplete" is, I believe, the "kinder and gentler" way to review this book. I should first review the book, and then offer my assessment of its value.
   
   The Book: Thin--both in quantity of content, and in depth of content. What is there is OK, but there's not all that much there; and what is there only scratches the surface of what one would want (or need) to know if one is serious about getting into the keeping and care of gold fish.
   
   To be sure, there is some interesting and unexpected information and tips offered in this book--and for that I am thankful. The book simply does not go "far enough" in giving this information nor offer any depth or background for it.
   
   The Value of the book: I would have no problem if this were in a pets and hobbies section of an elementary school library--possibly even in a middle school library. However, I do not believe that there is much of value to an adult aquarist (neophite, novice, or beyond)to be found in this book. I found similar, and in some cases better information in some brochures and pamphlets put out by TetraCare.
   
   In short, No. I do not suggest this book as a candidate for a 21st Century wave of book burnings. Neither do I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn very much about setting up a goldfish aquarium, and about caring for the little creatures.
   
   In my teaching days, if this book were submitted as a paper, I would give it a "C," and suggest that it be redone for a better grade.
   
   Fr. Mike Lee



2. After killing several types of goldfish by ignorance, this Hargrove edition saved my life and the life of my latest fishies. They have been alive and well and disease-free for over a year now. Easy to understand tips and advice, with step-by-step set up and care information. I am recommending all public libraries purchase this edition... especially for all those unprepared families who win goldfish at carnivals.



3. I found that the Essential Goldfish was decently-written and had a lot of pictures; however, the pictures were not very informative. Pictures should serve to augment the information in the text, and not as eye-candy. For example, in the chapter describing the different types of goldfish, pictures of each of the described goldfish and desirable traits would reinforce the given descriptions. Likewise, in the chapter on plants describes many plants that mix well with goldfish, but doesn't show pictures of each plant.
   I found that there were some key bits of information missing. The author states that certain kinds of goldfish cannot be mixed together, and gives a few examples. A chart of compatible types would be helpful. Likewise, the chapter on breeding gives some good tips, but it doesn't actually explain how to differentiate between males and females!



4. I recently entered the world of goldfish ownership. To prepare for the experience, I read many books on the topic (checking them out from the library), and looked at many more in the local bookstore. After reading some pretty scholarly tomes as well as some light, "So You Have a Goldfish" fare, I decided that this book, The Essential Goldfish, is everything a beginner like me needs.
   
   The book starts by swiftly covering the basic varieties of goldfish, providing enough information so that you can tell the difference between the types and so that you can make an informed decision on what kind you want and which kinds to put together (and to avoid putting together). Along with that basic information, it gives guidelines for choosing your goldfish, and for creating a home for your goldfish.

   Next, the book addresses aquarium maintenance, plants, feeding (with some surprising facts about what you can feed your goldfish), health, and even breeding, and concludes with a list of resources and an index.

   As a professional indexer myself, I would say that the index is the weakest part of the book. There are terms that are indexed where the term is mentioned, but not defined or discussed in any way, and then other places where the term actually is defined, but is not in the index. In this case, the book is small enough and well organized enough that one can still find most of what one is looking for, but in the case of at least one term, one would have to read every page quite carefully to find the definition.

   I should mention that this book is an abridged version of the older "The Goldfish: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet (Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet)," by Carlo De Vito and Gregory Skomal. Some of the sections in both books are nearly identical. However, the outdated information in the older edition was removed for this edition, and this edition is also more attractive and easier to hold and handle than the earlier edition.

   In summary, setting aside the weakness of the index, and after having read several books on goldfish, I would heartily recommend this book for the beginner and intermediate goldfish owner. It is complete enough, small enough, and focused enough that you are more likely to read it from cover to cover, thereby giving your goldfish a better chance of being properly cared for.

2 comments about The Guide to Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Guide to Owning A...).

1. We bought this book when purchasing our corgi puppy. It's a decent book, though nothing different from any other book on the breed.



2. This book has great photographs. The information it provides is simple and easy to understand/read. I would recommend it for someone who does not know the breed and is interested in an easy place to start. The book provides an overview on the breed, breed characteristics, care and basic training. The book does not go into depth on any one aspect. Not neccesarily for the more experienced Corgi person.

2 comments about Good Mews: Inspirational Stories for Cat Lovers.

1. Good Mews: Inspirational Stories for Cat Lovers
   
   Good Mews, dedicated to Kitty Chappell's husband of 47 years, invites and delights the reader from beginning to end.
   
   Kitty Chappell writes from her heart about her love for cats and about the lessons she has learned from them. She ties her feline-lessons to pertinent lessons from our loving God. The lovely, small gift book brings visual joy with every page; not only are the stories powerful, yet powerfully simple, but also the pages are filled with very subtle, soft and furry pictures of kittens and cats playing, preening, and probably purring throughout the book. Some actual photos of Kitty and Jerry's cats are in the mix!
   
   What a wonderful book for anyone who loves cats (and dog-lovers, too)! Kitty has a gift of drawing the subtlest of messages from her experiences with her feline friends. We glean soul food from: Kitty's lessons learned, the playful kittens on the pages, the exciting "cat quotes" from a huge variety of people (some easily recognizable, some historical figures, and some simply "anonymous"), and the carefully chosen and very appropriate scriptures.
   
   Finally, Good Mews reads on many different levels, so you may share it with a child who will delight in the pictures and the content of the surface stories; however, you may personally find many deep and profound lessons of life as you burrow into fur-filled comparisons with the compassion and, sometimes, gentle censure of our loving Father, His dear son Jesus, and our companion, the Holy Spirit. Fortunately, rather than Kitty's messages being "in your face religious," she speaks with a subtle, funny, gentle, and very soothing voice. I love this dear book, and I trust you will, too. Treat yourself to an evening or two of luxurious, delightful, and downright fun reading; then, if you can bear to part with the book, share it with a friend.
   
   Linda Perkins--book-lover



2. I bought Good Mews as soon as it was released because I have an animal loving 12-year-old daughter. We don't own a cat, but we have a dog we love a lot! I found that much of what Kitty Chappell says about cats really speaks to the heart of any animal lover. So many of her cute stories reminded me of our dog. And the lessons learned apply to all people, not just cat lovers. So even if you don't like cats, you'll still love this book! Also, my daughter LOVES Good Mews. We are reading it as her nightly devotion. The lessons Kitty learns from her kitties are entertaining and easy enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to impact one's life. This is a book for all ages! You've got to get it--and buy one for a friend! It's a great gift book.

No comments about All Setters: Their Histories, Rearing & Training (A Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic - Irish Setter / English Setter / Gordon Setter).

2 comments about Wild Discovery Guide to Your Cat: Understanding and Caring for the Tiger Within.

1. This book gives an excellent overview about cat behaviour and care. It is very direct and not complicated. However I did not give 5 stars because I wish they would have detailed more about feline diseases such as FIV and leukemia. For those who already have cats (like me) the book makes clear certain attitudes that we all know such as lots of sleeping, hissing, feline intelligence, the way they show their love and so on.

   On the other side, if you plan to get a cat/kitten from your shelter or any other place have this book first, it has an excellent section on how to choose the right cat. And also a good section why you should not declaw your cat and all the care you will have with your feline companion.




2. After owning my first cat, I decided to read about cats. I found "Wild Discovery Guide to your Cat" very helpful in understanding more about my cat. I discovered why my cat behaves the way he behaves and how to treat him if he becomes sick. This book made me understand my cat a lot better and to be able to make a better home for him. The book ranged from topics on the different types of cats to how to help a cat adjust to a new home. I especially enjoyed the sections on what to do when a cat is sick or injured, particularly what signs to look for in a sick cat. Of course, the pictures of the various cats were great and helpful in understanding various situations with cats. Overall, I was very impressed with the book. I plan on purchasing the book for friends who are cat lovers.