4 comments about Communicating with Your Cat (Pets Miscellaneous).

1. Excelent pictures, writing, and presentation. However I think it woud be much more interesting to invest in the main matters and not so much in tricks.
   I would give 5 stars if the method of administering medication were explained more fully, as well as cleaning hears, bathing, etc...



2. Excelent pictures, writing, and presentation. However I think it would be much more interesting to invest in the main matters and not so much in tricks.
   I would give 5 stars if the method of administering medication were explained more fully, as well as cleaning hears, bathing, etc...



3. I found this book extremely helpful. I had been looking for information on my cat's behavior problems, specifically litter box avoidance and furniture scratching, and the other books I'd tried either didn't have much information or were poorly organized, making it hard to find the info I needed. However, Communicating With Your Cat was well organized and well written, with lots of helpful information and suggestions on behavior problems. Not only does the author cover how to deal with behavior problems, but goes into a lot of detail about why they occur, so I understood what was happening and why. The book really improved my understanding of how my cat thinks. I could tell the author really cares about cats, and her suggestions worked -- Squeak scratches on her cat tree now and uses her litter box! Lots of other interesting information, too -- I particularly liked the chapters on how to develop a bond with your cat, the origins of cats, and the cat's senses. Lots of great photos and illustrations, too.

   The book is a bargain. I give it five stars. Everyone owned by a cat should have this book!




4. Helgren did a wonderful job of describing the evolution of the cat and how nature selectively created the breed of the domestic cat that is uniquely capable of loving humans just as much as we love them. The book describes cat behavior and teaches us to translate a simple meow into a meaningful sentence that we can use to establish a meaningful relationship with out feline friends. If you have ever wondered why your cats do the things they do, reading this book will explain it. Many color photos and step by step training included.

No comments about The Whole Horse Wellness Guide: Natural and Conventional Care for a Healthy Horse.

2 comments about Baensch Aquarium Atlas Vol. 2.

1. If you liked the first book you need to have this one too. Very good continuation to first one. Lots of new fish and plant species and some mistakes done in the first book are corrected in this one.



2. A large and recommendable guide to fresh and brackish water fishes and plants, in the style and format of volume 1 (to which it often refers for further information on related species).

   Contents:

   - A section on aquatic plants both sub-aquatic and emersed, including 22 pages dedicated to the flowers of the plants featured (mostly pictures - from the small and humble to the impressively coloured and shaped). 150 plants are described (according to their count).

   - A section on iron and other nutrients: symptoms of deficiencies, fertilisation, CO2 addition and general plant care and choice guidelines (about 10 pages total, includes some pictures of symptoms of common plant problems)

   - A section on algae, including description, pictures and control for: blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), diatoms (a.k.a. brown algae), and cluster, beard, green bunch, green spot, black spot, pelt, black brush, filamentous and suspended algae (9 pages, with pictures).

   - Some 22 pages on anatomy and physiology of fishes.

   - The largest section (almost 2000 pages) describes and contains pictures of some 850 species (again, on editor's count). From time to time a picture of a biotope is included - sometimes with specifications as to the fishy inhabitants, sometimes with miscellaneous comments. The origin of these is quite unbalanced: while South America scores some 17 photos, lake Malawi makes do with 4 (though 2 are underwater ones - the only ones to be so!), lake Tanganyka with just one, Australia with 3 and Asia with 1. The rest go completely unrecorded. To make matters worse most of these are landscape pictures giving little information about the actual habitat of the fish or plants. Only in one picture can aquatic plants clearly be seen (apart from water lilies, that is) - no specific biotope information is given for plants at all.

   All in all this is, I believe, a great reference book on plants and fish. It shows many remarkable plants and fish, many of which are not even normally commercialised. Great for the terminally curious and those whose imagination runs ahead of their tanks' possibilities. But not a good source of biotope information (other than short descriptions and hints contained in the individual species descriptions).

5 comments about Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos.

1. No other book brings the underwter world to the surface better. After diving the Galapagos this was the only book that I could use to show friends and family what was seen on an everday basis.



2. I just returned from a week in the Galapagos islands, snorkeling almost every day. Several members of our guided group had various wildlife books, but our guide had this one and for fish it was all we needed and almost all we used. The pictures -- usually three to a page with accompanying text opposite -- are excellent for identification purposes, often showing variants. The notes include distinctive identifying characteristics. I recommend this book unreservedly for anyone planning to snorkel or SCUBA dive in the islands. I bought my copy after returning home because it so nicely encapsulates some of my best memories of the trip, but I wish I'd had it along so that I could have annotated it as the trip progressed.



3. Paul Humann is IT when it comes to identification guides. This Galapagos ID book is no exception. It is as complete as they come, the photos are fantastic and the details are right on. Particularly useful are the notes on the abundance of each fish and the location, since so many fish have similar appearances and because the locations can help delineate one fish from another.
   
   I tried a few others. Don't bother, go with this one.



4. I have been waiting for the new edition for about 6 months. Meanwhile I have purchased other Fish Identification books on the Galapagos, and it's true that the format of the Humann/DeLoach books is much more organized - putting all of the information in one place.
   I had read in another review here that the new Reef Fish Identification Galapagos book that would come out in late 2003 would also contain Cocos and Malpelo islands. However, after a first scan through this edition, it appears to only cover Galapagos. I was a little disappointed in this - but still give it 5 stars because after all, it is exactly the high quality one would expect from this series. Having Cocos and Malpelo would have been a bonus.



5. Paul Humann's now out-of-print book is part of an easy-to-use, photo-illustrated series of fish and invertebrate identification books. Information is given to differentiate species, habitat and location, as well as sizes- and often, photos of different color / life phases are shown. Great for snorkellers and divers. Its replacement is not due until late 2003, and then it will cover Cocos and Malpelo Islands as well as the Galápagos Islands. When it arrives, I will undoubtedly give it my highest recommendation, with all the others in the series- well done, Paul and Ned!

   For those who want a more in-depth tome, I recommend Jack Grove's "The Fishes of the Galapagos Islands" (Hard, 936 pages, 1.94" x 10.35" x 7.27" , Stanford University Press, 1997; ISBN 0804722897, cost US$130.00) - THE definitive Galápagos fish identification book for those desirous of more comprehensive information, but by its size and price, no lighweight field guide for novices.

4 comments about The Biology Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles Vol. 2.

1. This three-volume, behemoth of a bible on reptile care and medicine covers almost any topic you can think of or might encounter, either as a herpetoculturist, veterinary nurse or veterinarian.

   Although some topics lack detail, this is understandable considering the sheer size of the books and the vast amount of subjects that are touched. Sometimes a little extra research will be needed if you want to know more, but for most purposes, this set is more than adequate.

   The only deterrant is its price (and maybe its weight!), however it is well worth the money.




2. This is wonderfully edited 3 volume set which is one of the best and most complete series on reptiles available. Even when compared to veterinary texts, which often only focus in on one aspect of biology, the Ackerman, et. al stands heads and shoulders above them as a resource tool. Having purchased this set two years ago, I only have one regret and that is having not bought this sooner. Being an amateur herpetologists for the past twenty-two years, I find this to be a resource that is always helpful.

   Volume One - Biology of Reptiles = This is a great overview of the biology and physiology of the world's reptiles. This volume focuses mainly on the more "popular" reptiles seen in captivity, but most of this data can be applied to other species as well. The anatomical charts and dissection photos are also very useful in knowing the locations of important structures (very helpful for Vol.3) and anatomical landmarks.

   Volume Two - The Husbandry of Reptiles = WOW! This volume is worth the price of admission alone - I have not seen anything as thorough as this for the captive care of any reptile species let alone an entire phyla. Housing, diet, breeding, light spectrums (species specific), hibernation - its all in here and in detail.

   Volume Three - The Healthcare of Reptiles = This is the volume that sold me on the entire set. This covers many ailments and pathogens that can affect reptile species. Symptoms, preventive measures, and medications (with dosages) are plotted out in charts and diagrams; color photos of pathological conditions and treatment are given; dietary supplements; surgical and necropsy protocols and procedures are also included.

   All three volumes are filled with full color photographs and plenty of charts and text. I have seen this set quoted at many different prices and I suggest you shop around be it online or at a herp store...




3. This text proves useful in understanding the physiological make-up of herps in volume 1. The volume on husbandry (vol.2) is weak if you are looking for species specific information or in-depth information regarding vivarium set up. The real strength of the work lies in the final volume on discussing the health care of reptiles. The Ackerman and Ackerman work does not eclipse Frye's _Reptile Care_ but it does give more recent clinical applications on the medical care of your herps than its predecessor. Overall, it is a wise investment for both hobbyists and professionals.



4. This set of three volumes are wonderfully illustrator and well written. Each book is geared to a different aspect of reptiles care. The first covers in great detail the biology of all reptiles species. They document and show detailed photos of each species anatomy so that you will understand how a reptile functions. In the husbandry volume, they cover everything from proper housing to diet with examples and photos of what to look for if something is incorrect and the reptile is ill. I was very impressed with the health care one. It was so well done that I felt my vet could do a procedure detailed in it (that they might not have dealt with yet in their practice) with ease. This set is a must for anyone serious in the study and raising of any reptile.

1 comments about Understanding the Older Horse (The Horse Health Care Library Series).

1. very disappointing. Targeted audience is apparently the first-time horse owner that bought an older horse. Too much time is spent with GENERAL good horsecare and not geriatric care. Very elementary level. I've gotten more information about caring for older horses w/in general horse care books.

5 comments about Companion Parrot Handbook.

1. My veterinarian recommended this book when I bought my baby lovebird. Six years later, I became a foster parent to two rescued cockatiels that had never been handled. I refer to this handbook frequently. My lovebird is a joy, and I was able to train both cockatiels to be adoptable in a couple months. Fantastic book!



2. If you have birds, getting a bird, thinking about getting a bird, would like to know about whats and whys of avian behaviour, this book is an absolute essential. It doesn't cover everything (nothing can), but it's one of the best bird books I've come across in my working in avian rescue organizations. If you can only afford one, you probably shouldn't have a parrot, but make this the first one.



3. Sally Blanchard is an authority on owning and enjoying companion birds. She is a conservation-minded individual who understands the fine line between owning companion birds and keeping wild birds in the wild. Her advice on companion birds is very thoughtful, informative, and inspiring, and I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to obtain a companion bird. In addition to being fun and enjoyable, people need to know that taking on a bird as a companion is a lot of work, and so these animals are not for everyone. The advice Sally offers in this handbook is absolutely essential to anyone wanting to own (or currently possessing) a companion bird.



4. I breed and sell parrots and this is one book that I strongly recommend for all of my buyers to purchase. After thumbing through my copy, many buyers can't wait to order theirs and offer to buy my copy. I agree and had sold my original copy, plus a few replacement copies, before buying a box of them to have on hand for immediate purchase.
   
   As a breeder who cares about the home where my birds are going, I feel much more confident when my babies are going to someone who has read this book.



5. Just got the book and read it half-way through but already it is clear: this book is fantastic! I've had an African Grey for 24 years (now at my parent's place), moved into a new house recently, and got a Blue Indian Ringneck to liven up the place (quite a different bugga from my Jaco). So, decided to read up on Ringnecks et al. (surprisingly the Internet contains little informative data). Anyhow, I acquired several books including a couple by M. Athan (see my review). Mostly they were disappointments, esp. the behavioral ones. A lot of half-baked psycho-babble and generic tautologies that leave you almost as clueless as before (and I've had a temperamental birdy for some while).
   
   Not so with S. Blanchard's book. It is insightful, to-the-point, well-organized, well-written (entertaining parrot humor is a bonus), and makes an immediate difference. Blanchard doesn't over-generalize, ramble on about a simple point, nor does she hide behind scientific parrot factoids (I have a couple of books on the factoids) or too many second-hand hearsay. Many of her observations strike a chord (and will be useful to complete novices and non-experts alike), such as her shower-shy African Grey who feared the water spray and how she got around it. My Jaco remains to this day shower-shy, the water spray being one of her arch enemies. I've ordered another book and sent it to my parents.
   
   Perhaps the most important lesson that one gains from S. Blanchard's book is a correct attitude towards these cute & devilish buggas. Blanchard states that whereas dogs project unconditional love, with the parrot the emphasis is on conditional. Like golf which can ruin a perfectly good walk (to paraphrase M. Twain), parrots can ruin a perfectly calm existence. But what fun amidst the up-and-downs! I'm a scientist and therefore a harsh critic on what I perceive as dressed-up nonsense. This book is an unqualified gem. And the book contains but a couple of sentences that allude to ringnecks, my original problem.

No comments about The Rainbow Bridge.

4 comments about Pet Rats.

1. The book was very readable, but a little short. Not as informative as other books on rats that I got that were half the cost of this one. Some sections were unique, like the parts on dealing with death of pet rats. I enjoyed it, but I would recommend getting other books about rats as well.



2. Bought the book AFTER I got rats and had looked up a ton of information on acquiring pet rats on the internet. Personally feel like this book would have been most helpful if it was a first resource I looked at. However, I would not recommend it for purchase as a first resource at the current price since there are cheaper books with the exact same information. Although I did not look at the book specifications before purchase, I expected the book to be a hard cover and with more detailed information for the price.



3. I had hoped I would learn new things about rats, but unfortunately I've read most of what the books contains on the Internet, in one form or another. For someone who hasn't researched rats on the 'net or is new to rats, I'd recommend the book, but for folks who have done the research or are a long time rat owner, I wouldn't bother with it.



4. Rats in the pet stores don't really come with an instruction manual, and good books on ratties can be hard to come by, so I was really happy to get this book. It taught me everything I need to know about taking care of pet rats, from feeding them to even some outstanding instructions on potty training a rat. I highly recommend this book for anyone who gets that cute rat from the pet store and is wondering what to do next.

4 comments about Scent: Training to Track, Search and Rescue.

1. The good: The principles in this book are sound, and much of the instruction is common in many other books that I have read on the subject of training a dog to track. The authors are very knowledgable and seem to present the material in a structured and logical fashion. I believe those interested in tracking titles will enjoy this much more than those of us who are intraested in search and rescue.
   
   The bad: If the authors were to write a book on how to drive a car, they would probaby devote the first 4 chapters on how to build a vehicle from the groung up. My point is while the sections about scent theory are mildly interesting, I think they are a bit overblown and unnecessary. A much simpler discussion would have piqued the interest of the reader.



2. I WOULD NOT recommend this book to serious trainers wanting to learn more about tracking. The main idea is very blurry and hard to grasp. THe author gives theories and not facts and not very good training for tracking dog. The author has confused the ideal of tracking and air scenting. Even though it says "S&R", this book has a poor approach to it. This book was published in 1982, so much has changed since now in tracking. I truly think this author wanted to make a book more than educate people about tracking.



3. I think for the overall comment on this book is " It is VERY tracking based". If you are getting it to help you in search and rescue you won't get what you think you are buying (I don't think). If you are getting it for tracking it will probably be your "bible". I really enjoyed the scent theory in the begining of the book.



4. The first section of this book deals with scent theory and the canine gift of olfaction from a physical and anatomical examination of the dog. This is one of the best references to be found anywhere. The tracking portion of the book is a little weaker, but overall an excellent book!