5 comments about Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care.

1. This book will surely convince any horse owner of the benefit of natural hoof care. Jackson provides a thorough explanation of why natural hooves can do the job better than shod feet. This fascinating book is a "must read" for anyone interested in keeping their horse on, or transitioning to, a natural hoof care program.



2. I think this is a great book and a smart move for horseowners. Only downside is I would like a little more instruction on the exact how-to. Easy to read.



3. This book is a great beginners book. It goes into detail about the structure of a hoof, both wild and domestic, internal and external. The detailed instructions for trimming are very helpful and easy to follow. I recomend it highly.



4. After over 35 years of keeping horses and caring for their feet...I have discovered I was wrong...and Jamie Jackson's methods are right...this book began the process of my rethinking hoof care...at 55..if I can change my thinking and start rehabilating my horses feet...you can too...start by reading this book.



5. I'm grateful to Mr Jackson for his pioneering observations of the hoof in nature and for writing them up. But I didn't find the book itself particularly useful. It has very little step-by-step, practical text or pictures; and throughout there is a tendency towards pomposity that gets very off-putting.
   
   I bought this and Pete Ramey's book at the same time, reading Jackson's first, as Ramey advises in his book. Never re-read Jackson, but Ramey's is dog-eared from studying again and again. I also appreciate Ramey's voice--humble, sincere, doesn't have to be "right;" eager to learn from any source and to incorporate new research and better technique the minute they occur.

5 comments about Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs.

1. I was delighted to read this wonderful book about our relationships with dogs. Caroline tries to distance herself from over-attachment to and anthropomorphic views (dogs as "furry people") of our canine companions, all the while remaining firmly entrenched in the camp of those who are perfectly content to live alone, single and devoted to their dogs.She reaches the agnostic and very realistic conclusion that we do not and probably never will know how and what dogs feel and think about us humans, though occasionally it seems possible to build a bridge between our two worlds. I highly recommend the book to dog owners (as well as "For the Love of A Dog" by Patricia McConnell) and commend it for its delightful sense of humor, elegant prose and valuable insights. I was also very saddened to learn a couple of weeks ago about her death due to lung cancer in 2002. Caroline died in the presence of her beloved dog Lucille (I wonder what ever happened to her) and new husband Mark.



2. This is the best memoir an animal lover, dogs especially, will ever read. Have no fear; there is no sad ending here, only an in-depth investigation and revelation of the unique and beautiful relationships we have with the dogs and other pets in our lives.
   
   If you want to know more about the why and how behind these incredible and often (as was the case in Knapp's book) live-saving relationships read the book shown below. I enjoyed it, too, and it provides some surprising insights and valuable, usable information from. It discusses the origin and comprehensive nature of our relationships with animals, providing scientifically sound information on the love we share and the roles we play in each other's lives: The Powerful Bond between People and Pets: Our Boundless Connections to Companion Animals (Practical and Applied Psychology)



3. Before Marley there was Lucille. This is a funny, informative memoir which will, alas, will empty your tear ducts. Knapp was a terrific writer and what a tragedy it is to have lost her. Especially at such a young age.



4. maybe like some people here says this is not a book about training, in the kind of manual to accomplish your dog to do some stuff; neither is the kind of book like the Konrad Lorenz, 'When the man find the dog' or like Desmond Morris about the same theme. And one has to be thankful for it. This book is about the core of the relation, the love and the bond, you can have with your dog. Maybe something not easily understood to the non-dog passerby, nevertheless for us the dog lovers is a tender colection of ideas and reflections on the subject. Even so, there is a research behind it, and some hard facts coming with a decent book list at the end. If sometimes lacks of discipline like some other person says here, well, i really like my love affairs without boot camp, laws and restriction, and even when my dog is perfectly trained, I really like to spoil myself letting me love her without boundaries and restraint, she fills every aspect of my life, and she makes me... human. Long live to Caroline Knapp, and now she is not here anymore, lets laugh and cry with she and lucille, and share that perfect aeternal bond with our dogs. ...And yes my dog is lying here in my bed, quite undisciplined but warm and perfect... if anyone complains, I would not change my bed with 'Amelia' for any human of any form whatsoever.... guau guau guau



5. This is my first book review and, WOW! did I pick a great one to start off with.
   
   You'll have to pardon me if I'm over-enthusiastic with my praise, but I'm telling it as it is.
   
   From page one, I totally related to this lady (Caroline Knapp), from the time she was 'just thinking' about getting a dog, to going to the Dog pound to 'just look', to 'should I adopt or not?' to 'well, maybe' to finally getting the pooch.
   
   I think I even got the same Mutt breed that she adopted.
   The Pound informed me that my Sara was a GSD/Mix. Ms Knapp adopted a Shepherd/Mix. She says this is Dog Pound code for
   "We really don't know."
   
   I became so engrossed with the human/dog connection we have with our soul mates, that I looked Caroline Knapp up on GOOGLE.
   
   Sad, it is to say, I found out that she died of cancer at the age of 42.
   
   Her loyal companion, Lucille, was there at her bedside, faithful to the end.

5 comments about Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs.

1. This was really an amazing book-- I learned so much about dogs and how much they can help us. Sharon Sakson makes the science understandable, and her ability to get you into the lives of people and their dogs is just amazing. Truly a book I couldn't put down.
   
   Neil Plakcy, author of Mahu Fire: A Hawaiian Mystery



2. I bought it as part of my research into Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy and it has been such an inspiration! The author has found so many wonderful true stories about dogs and people who are really making a difference, and she writes about them is such a beautiful way. Dogs do not receive enough credit for all the ways in which they help humans, from detecting cancer and warning their owners of seizures to helping abused children though their ordeals in court and providing comfort to people in institutions. I now talk about this book with everyone I meet!



3. What a wonderful book! The writing is great, and it blends heart tugging stories about the love between owners and their dogs with interesting snippits from scientific studies. There are also entertaining stories about dogs and their connection with people throughout history.
   
   Ever heard of St. Roch? Turns out he is the patron saint of dogs. He was starving to death when a dog began to bring him loaves of bread.
   
   I expect everyone who reads the story of Toaster, the Mexican hairless who learned to warm and comfort a handicapped woman, will fall in love with him.
   
   Really, unless you have a heart made of stone you will love this book.



4. I savored every moment of this book. Sharon Sakson enthusiam for her subject comes trough and makes the pages fly. Parts of it almost read like a triller-- you can't wait to find out what happen next. She combines a ton of fascinating research with wonderful storie of incredible dogs. The book isn't exactly was I expetect-I thought it would be a bunch of stories about therapy dgs. but it is much more than that. It is engagingly written and the information is so interesting that it turns out to ba a book you can't put down.
   She does a great job of making the scientific information interesting and useful. it is all so interesting and some time surprising, that I was never bored, even though I thought I knew plenty on this subject.
   And if you like this book, you should really go back and read her first book, Paws & Reflect: A special Bond Between man and Dog. some of the stories are Hilarious.Ans so well-written



5. I just recently completed this book and was positively amazed at its power. Once I picked it up, I found myself sneaking around so that I would be able to read it uninterrupted. The content blends little known information on dog history and lore with the most awesome stories. I indeed believe that to be able to draw the audience into the words on the page is a gift and Ms. Sakson is certainly gifted. I laughed at some of the stories, smiled and of course, shed a tear at some of the other "tails" that were shared. When I reached the end of the book, I looked for more pages, but there were not any. I am always able to tell the best books whenI am left wanting more and I was looking!

5 comments about The Last Will & Testament of a Very Distinguished Dog.

1. My husband found this book and bought it for the time when our beloved dog passes on. A friend's dog passed on a month ago and I gave her our book. We read sections of it when 8 of us gathered to comfort our friend. The words brought tears to our eyes and helped us honor the memory of her small companion. We repurchased the book to help us get through our grief when the time comes. Definitely recommended to anyone with a beloved dog.



2. I, unfortunately, have bought this book about 12 times. I buy this as a gift whenever someone close loses a dog from their family. Anyone who has lost a canine member of the family can use this book, it becomes personal to anyone.



3. i think this is an excelint gift for someone who has lost a loved dog.



4. ...as only a master of literature can do. This is a beautifully told tale, one which I have shared with friends who have lost their best four-legged friends. O'Neill captures the depth of feeling these creatures share with us for too short a time...
   A wonderfully positive, uplifting book for anyone dealing with the loss of a beloved pet.
   A treasure.



5. I have sent this little book to dear friends who have recently suffered the loss of a canine family member. They have told me that this little book has brought them tremendous comfort at a very difficult time.

5 comments about My Recycled Pets: Diary of a Dog Addict.

1. This was a great book and what made it even better was that it included resources at the end so you could get involved. The book is well written, draws you in and makes you feel like a part of each rescue and tragedy. I plan on reading this again and again. It gives you hope that one person can make a difference one or two dogs at a time



2. I loved this book! I found it very inspirational and motivational. Thanks to people like Randi, I have the most amazing little rescue dog and I love reading about other successful rescues as well. As a dog lover who also sometimes volunteers for dog rescue in the Bay Area, I was touched by Randi's stories. I also love her spiritual approach, of searching for divine order in a chaotic world. The book has inspired me to begin volunteering/fostering for rescue again, and to give dogs that might appear unreachable a second chance.



3. A current trend in books about dogs is that the dog(s) serve as a back drop for the author to talk about himself or herself. This book is not one of those books. And Randi Berger does a wonderful job telling the dogs' amazing stories.
   
   I truly enjoyed reading this book about troubled dogs who are rehabilitated by Ms. Berger and end up as wonderful pets.



4. Berger's stories of her years managing her full-time dog rescue organization are not only entertaining, but inspiring and sometimes painful to read. This is real-life in the dog-rescue world. Very hard work. You really get a sense of the committment and the endless effort it takes to run a successful rescue organization. Berger laces her book with humor, wit, and lots of great dog photos so you can really get a feel for each of the dog characters she writes about. I recommend this book to ANY dog lover...but especially to those who've rescued a dog from the street, a shelter, or a bad situation. You will enjoy this book. A must-have for your dog library!



5. This is a most enjoyable book and the first I have read to tell how someone begins a dog rescue group. I got my dog from one and have wanted to know more about these groups. The writer should continue to tell her story of dog rescue and of other such groups as well. Her writing style is entertaining and informative.

5 comments about Keeping Chickens: The Essential Guide.

1. I found this book filled with lots of great information. I enjoy chickens and am always looking to learn more about them.



2. This book is loaded with great color photos and tons of good info about how to set-up and maintain a small flock of happy, healthy chickens. Perfect for someone just getting started or, like me, a city gal who just likes to dream about being a farm girl...



3. I really enjoyed this 2007 British book. It is designed for the family considering keeping a few hens in the garden, and is full of information and things to think about. There are (very) brief descriptions of many breeds. A great strength of this book is it's lovely and varied photography (it even has some nice paintings!). It's very entertaining and a FUN read, even including crafts to do with the kids related to chickens! Overall there's a lot crammed in to 150 pages.
   
   Just don't believe the reviewer who said this could be the one book you buy- definitely not true. This is a fun, clearly written book for "dreaming about chickens"-- you'll still need other resources for more indepth information in different areas if you decide to take the plunge. More comprehensive info can be found in "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" by Gail Damerow. I also really liked "Living with Chickens". "Choosing and Keeping Chickens" is a great guide to choosing the right breed for your family.



4. An entertaining and informative read, good for the novice or anyone that is just starting with chickens



5. I have been keeping laying hens for fifteen years, and this is the best book that I have ever read on the subject of keeping chickens. It is written with the small flock owner in mind. A caring, humane attitude toward these wonderful creatures comes through both the written content and illustrations in the book. The book covers the usual topics, such as the various breeds, housing and cleaning, feeding, breeding, and health care. It also has chapters on the prospective chicken owner's rationale for having chickens, crafts with eggs and feathers, and yummy egg (not chicken meat!) recipes. The color photos and illustrations are spectacular, and the writing is clear and full of useful information.
   Whether you are new to chicken keeping or are an experienced flock tender, I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Introduction to Dog Agility.

1. I like the way it is written and the pictures to show what the author is talking about.
   
   Is helping both my dog and I as we start down the Agility Road.



2. If you're interested in competing, this is a very good book to get started with and to use in conjunction with agility classes. If, like me, you just want to know more about the sport and maybe do a bit of backyard agility with your dog for fun and to give her an occupation other than chewing everything in sight, then it's really too advanced!



3. It gives good instruction for teaching a dog the begining of Dog agility. It makes anyone feel as though you can understand and perform any of the tasks written and described. It also teaches all of the basics of the sport. Very informative.



4. I bought this book a 1 1/2 years ago because it was recommended by a local trainer and handler. It sat through my first little class of agility at the local Humane society. But, my dog loved Agility so much, I found a need to look further. What a great book for someone with little time to spend reading and a great deal of learning to be done with an active dog. It has helpful tip boxes. So, if like me, you don't read it by the chapter, but by need you get to what you are looking for fast. Clear easy language. The Contents pages are listed under concise titles and appendixes are straight forward and helpful. The equipment list for simple backyard stuff... I can actually build. The useful info on various National club's focus and their differences; and where to get more info... great stuff. Why write a review now... well, I am buying another book for a friend who is getting into agility and buying the next book too for me. And it's on sale...a bargain especially if you think how little time the class instructor has to instruct you on handling your dog.



5. I read this book a few times, and liked it. It has lots of pictures and does a good job explaining the obstacles. My dog appreciated to book too. She enjoyed learning the tricks and the time we spent together while we were training.

5 comments about The Complete Standard Poodle.

1. The book came on time. It was a delight to read and very informative. I especially devoured the chapters on Puppy Care, Understanding Your Poodle, and The Versatile Standard Poodle.I read it from cover to cover in two days. Discovered that a local breeder, whom I had contacted about a puppy, had a champion dog of her's pictured in the book on page 159!



2. Gorgeous book! Beautiful color pictures on almost every page. 20 pages dedicated to grooming including a variety of hair styles and all major topics are covered such as health and training. Of all the poodle books I've purchased this is by far my favorite.



3. This book is full of wonderful pictures and a complete history of the standard poodle. However, the author is a former show judge in the UK and spends a considerable amount of the book discussing British standards for show. The recommended diet (raw human food) is contrary to what most American vets prescibe. The information on grooming the standard poodle is quite informative and includes pictures of finished cuts. However, it does not include enough information for a novice like me to attempt the trims.



4. Eileen Geeson does a fabulous job of giving background information pertinent to standard poodle owners. She touches on a broad range of topics, from our emotional attachments to our furkids to puppy-raising information and everything in between. One of the most helpful sections gives warning signs of injuries and diseases prone to standard poodles. The pictures in the book are precious, and Geeson's book is a fluent read.



5. What a wonderful book! I bought my first Poodle and this book was a treasure!

5 comments about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Your Happy Healthy Pet.

1. I buy one of these for all my new puppy families. It's complete, updated, lots of photos and very helpful information about the breed and dogs in general. A must for every first time Cavalier owner!



2. D. Woods's Amazon Review describes this book very well.
   
   We've lived with Clive, our black and tan Cavalier, for two and a half years, and haven't found one error in the book. The author is clearly an experience breeder, and describes this type of dog very well in easy to understand language.
   
   I'm writing this Review to emphasize a point the author makes; this breed gains weight very easily, particularly if the dog is castrated or spayed. It's partly the pleading eyes and loving personality, but it must also be in the genes. It must be terrible to be so hungry all the time. Clive and I take three to five mile walks a couple of times a week, and yet he can put on two pounds in a week.
   
   Our vet suggested that slowing Clive's eating would help him maintain a healthy weight. We tried putting rocks and later tennis balls in his food bowl, but he quickly learned to extract the impediments and scarf down his food. The Brake-Fast Dog Food Bowls - Small Red looked like a joke gift, but in fact it is amazingly effective.
   
   Clive has to work for at least a minute to work around the prongs and finish every last morsel. The bowl can be put on a mat so it won't move, but it takes him even longer to eat when he pushes the bowl around our kitchen floor. We sometimes a bit of egg white and microwave the bowl for a few seconds to "glue" the food in place. The result:
   
   Brake-Fast Small Dog Food Bowl: $[___]
   
   King Charles Cavalier Spaniel: $[___]
   
   Watching Clive growling with frustration as he pushes his bowl around the floor: Priceless
   
   Robert C. Ross 2007 2008



3. This is an excellent well rounded book written by someone who really knows and loves the breed. It is a hardcover with 144 pages of good information and great photos. If you are new to the breed and are getting only one book, this is the one to buy. It covers almost everything you can think of, although doesn't cover breeding much because serious breeders and exhibitors discourage people from breeding dogs, which they believe is best left to the people who know the breed standards and health concerns.



4. Great book to have before purchasing this breed of dog. There are alot of things people need to know before finding a breeder for Cavalier King Charles.



5. This book by Norma Moffat is excellent! I decided to buy another Cavalier puppy as a result!

5 comments about The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book.

1. I have ridden and trained horses for over thirty years and I was very impressed with this book! It breaks up common myths about saddles, saddle fit and horses. What if your horse's bad attitude was from back pain? What if it was a simple saddle repair that put you both back on the road to sound and safe riding? This book takes the saddle literally from the ground up from the styles and construction of the tree to the leather that ultimately goes over the top. It describes: seat styles, stirrup position and how it affects you ability to effectively communicate with your horse, bars and how important they are to a correct fit, Seat size and how to measure they way the saddle maker intended not they way the saddle shops do, how to test and measure your current saddle and horse for a correct fit and some reccomendations for changes to make to enhance that fit for both you and your horse. Really this is one of the best books currently on the market for saddle information. There are some refrences to English saddle and fit for comparison between the western saddle and the english saddle. If you want to break the myths and solve some mysteries about how and why, then I would suggest this book!



2. I've kept a copy of this book in my permanent library. It is an excellent reference for English saddle fit issues for both horse and rider. Covers a wide variety of saddle styles, pros and cons, etc. How to evaluate the soundness of saddle trees on used saddles. Common conformational issues and how they impact fit. Even pads and fittings get are covered. Just a wonderful, all-around go-to source.



3. I purchased the book because I was looking for a new horse and was concerned about conformation of the wither because the saddle slips forward onto the shoulder of my current horse. Not only did I find the answer to this problem but I learnt much more including the influence of saddle design on the rider's position. Highly recommended for those interested in English-style riding.



4. It's frustrating to buy a book that appears to be exactly what you need only to discover that it is at best marginally relevant to the issue at hand. Imagine buying a "Dog and Cat Home Veterinary Manual" and then finding that it only has information on cats -- and you only have dogs. It's similar here. I wanted help fitting a western saddle and only that information that is applicable to both western and english (e.g., ideas such as "keep the shoulders free to move") was helpful -- and I had to pick through piles and piles of irrelevant info to find it.
   
   By not specifying "english saddles only," the author implies that it's a general saddle-fit book. That, necessarily, would include western saddles. However, I believe that she has a "western saddle fit" book and I am considering the purchase of that because I suspect that this book -- if I had been trying to fit an english saddle -- would have been just the ticket....
   
   So, if you're trying to fit an english saddle, this is probably the book for you. If it's a western you're considering, look elsewhere.



5. I bought this book after hearing the author speak. I am a mixed animal vet, but by no means a horse person, and didn't get much on saddle fit in vet school so I thought it was worth a read. The background information and the step by step evaluation of both horse conformation as well as saddle fit and pads were excellent. I use the information from this book all the time now and have helped many horses in the process. I recommend this book to anyone who has a saddle or is going to buy a saddle.