5 comments about Dogs of Dreamtime: A Story About Second Chances and the Power of Love.

1. In many ways, this is the classic tale of the hero's journey. Shanley starts out in the ordinary world minding her own business. Until she has a dream that draws her into something much larger; a dream that will set off a chain-reaction of events that will challenge what Shanley knows about her dogs, and ultimately what she knows about herself.
   
   Shanley's love for her dogs drives her to continue the search until she finds the answers and the knowledge she needs to transform both herself and her dogs. Throughout the process, she demonstrates an inspiring degree of courage, grit, and determination. As with the mythical hero, Shanley returns home from her journey with a gift that she shares with the rest of us -- her hard-won lessons learned.
   
   I loved this book. The writing is beautiful, the story is moving, and both humans and animals are memorable. And if I were to come back in my next life as a dog, I know in whose dreams I'd want to appear.
   
   Karen Shanley, I hope you're hard at work on your next book. In eager anticipation....



2. There are many wonderful stories about relationships between humans and dogs. I was expected another one of that genre. But, it has a few unexpected and extraordinary elements worth noting: (a) A profound sense of spirituality that never becomes preachy, and (b) A focus on the delicate intricacies of navigating a relationship with a spouse or partner, in which one is more connected to dogs than the other. Both these elements made this tale a particularly meaningful one. I read it in a single day.



3. What a truly wonderful book. I was often moved to tears while reading it. A word of advice to anyone who reads it is that you skip the Prologue until after reading Chapter 12 (up to page 171). I fortunately never read these so had skipped it and was so glad I did. Had I read it first I would have already known everything that would happen and wouldn't have been able to enjoy the book as it is written.



4. Just finished this book and stopped back to buy a couple more copies for friends. Now everyone is entitled to their opinions--even German girl--though I wonder what ax she has to grind, but don't believe for a second that this book is anything but a beautifully written love story by the author to her dogs. That we get to be flies on the wall, so to speak, is all the better for us. The author's 3 amazing dogs have come into her life to show her what she does and doesn't know about dogs, and what she does and doesn't know about herself. The author rises to the challenge on both counts, and in the end, turns herself into a dog owner worthy of any dog. Loved this book. Loved it, loved it, loved it.



5. For anyone who's done a lot of learning and growing with their dogs, and handled the inevitable curve balls thrown along the way, you'll totally relate, and smile and nod with recognition.
   This is a book that will get you laughing and crying and thinking, and loving your dogs more than you already do.
   A book not to be missed!

5 comments about Natural Pet Cures: Dog & Cat Care the Natural Way.

1. This book is one of 4 books that I have on natural pet care. I refer to it along with all the others every time I need guidance. I have found it useful for some health issues, and will continue to reference it in the future. I always cross-reference the advice against my other books, then make a decision based on my own gut instinct as to what's best for my animals.



2. Although I have yet to actually read the book. (I'm buying it today) I must disagree with all of you who were against the idea that animals should not be spayed and neutered. The owners, not the animals are responsible for the countless animals being murdered at shelters. I would 'fix' myself before I'd do such a cruel thing to my dog. Have you ever fixed an animal yourself? My family raises show goats and bands the young males when they're old enough. To watch the physical and emotional trauma these poor kids go through is enough to break your heart a million times over.
   Also, my mother insisted two of our cats were spayed. The emotional trauma there was also heartbreaking. No reaction? These cats dispised my mother for weeks for putting them through such a terrible thing.
   If animals were meant to be neutered or spayed, they'd be born that way.
   Perhaps all animals shouldn't have children, but removing parts of their body because their owners aren't responsible enough to look after their pets is never going to be alright. Especially as far as the animals are concerned.



3. I bought this book to use for a college course even though the reviews were poor. I found this book to be helpful. It had some different alternatives to the usual holistic and natural cures. Give this book a try.



4. Like the writer from Memphis, I too bought this book in good faith. I had to re-read the author's comments on spaying and neutering a thousand times I was so dumbfounded. "Spaying and neutering deprives a dog from the joys of parenthood"? Are you kidding me? It is absolutely that kind of thinking that leads to the millions of homeless animals that have to be euthanized. My advice to the author, spend a few weeks volunteering at a shelter (I have volunteered at one for 3 years) Witness shelters that are bursting at the seams because of his logic. Maybe then the author would realize that the "joys of parenthood" mean nothing when faced with the realities of euthanasia



5. I bought this book in good faith that it would help me with three rotty puppies I rescued.One got sick with parvo so I started the treatment on the hour with the formula described in this book. I even started the well puppies on the formula on the hour.My puppies are so sick at this point,4 days later that I am putting 2 down today because they are to weak to throw up.I wish I could sue.My heart is breaking.

5 comments about The Dog Lover's Companion to the Bay Area: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog.

1. This book is really good. I found several places to take my dog for a day trip. I was surprised that this book did not cover Monterey/ Carmel or Santa Cruz areas. I was disappointed with that so I ended up buying the California book too.



2. This book rocks! I love it! It's thorough, informative, fun to read and overall just a wonderful guide. My only regret is that I bought City Dog first, a book that was just terrible. Live and learn!



3. I just moved to Walnut Creek, CA for work. This book is amazing! It is helping me find my way around the Bay area and letting my pups get some exercise in the dog parks along the way.



4. When I first moved to California from the midwest with my dog we were lost as to what to do with him. We used to have property and didn't have to worry about dog parks and could leave him at our parents house when we went on vacation. Well, time came for a family getaway here and we were beside ourselves thinking about kennels.
   
   Just in time someone gave me a copy of the Dog Lovers Companion to California and also an older version of the Dog Lovers Companion to the Bay Area. I could not believe our luck! These books are chuck full of hotels, inns, parks, beaches, lots and lots of places, that we realized there's no reason to leave Frank behind! Since that fun vacation we have used the books to find loads of dog friendly places. It even has restaurant that allow dogs outside with you. We've stayed at beautiful inns and even taken horse and carriage rides with Frank thanks to the books.
   
   Parks are ranked on a four paw scale and have an easy to see leash free symbol. The writing of both books is so fun that I would read it just for kicks sometimes. The author is funny and slightly irreverent but only in the best way, a way that helps readers really understand a place for better or worse.
   
   The information is extremely accurate. I've read that this is a doggy bible, and it's funny because one day I was sitting at a cafe with Frank reading the book and laughing about an amusing story about the author's dog, and two different people saw the book and raved about it being their bible. I hope the author sees this because she really did make life in California great for our dog and us! Any Californian who cares about their dog should have this book.



5. I can't say enough about this book. It's a hoot to read, I laugh out loud sometimes. More than this is the excellent infomation provided. I was scared to take my dog to a restaurant but I ended up taking her with me on a lunch date to a cute Union Street San Francisco cafe because of the book. My dog loves it because she gets to go more places now. Five paws for the Dog Lovers COmapnion!

No comments about Test Your Cat's Personality.

2 comments about PETiquette: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multi-Pet Household.

1. (Note: Review below sent to author's website, posted with permission)
   
   This is one dang fine book!! It's comprehensive, full of more than useful information, and a ''must'' for suckers like me who can't pass up a needy critter. It's written so that anyone can understand it, and it's clear in its message. You have written THE book for people who love animals and see them as family members. Thank you for what will be (for me) a useful tool in helping Sparky, Poky, Molly, Shadow, Bachi, and Pepper co-exist. You're good at what you do!!
   
   A fan,
   
   Humphrey Fish



2. This book was a Godsend. I found it the day before I finally, overwhelmed, had scheduled to put my 11 yr old cat to sleep after trying many strategies (vet check, diff litters, boxes, odor removers, special food, etc.,etc.) The book led me to a website about a special cat litter called Cat Attract, which to my shock, has saved our cat and our happy home! The book also had other suggestions which I employed as well, probably contributing to this success. Very clear and practical, tips I had not read in other sources.

No comments about Animals and the Afterlife, Book 2: The Journey Continues (Animals and the Afterlife).

No comments about Cattitude Boxed Set.

5 comments about Aquarium Fish (Pet Reference Books).

1. This is by far my favorite book. Excellent quality pictures and references



2. very good book for beginners in that it gives quick, direct,
   and concise instruction on general care of a wide variety
   of freshwater fish. outstanding photos so one can really
   appreciate these fish. this book tries to cover so much that
   it is forced to be too brief with its information on any one
   group of fishes. excellent for quick references.



3. This is actually a pretty good book if you want information on fish ie. breeding, care, disease treatment and prevention, characteristics, benefits, what fish are good with what fish. It has lots of pictures of freshwater fish with brief descriptions of each. There is a page or so of generalized information concerning each species and then pictures with a paragraph describing some of the specific subspecies.

   It's really light on plant info. So if you want info on plants go find another book. Also if you are looking for information on how to start up or maintain an aquarium you'll need to go else where.

   All the information is pretty basic so this is definatly a beginner's book, it doesn't go into anything in any real depth.

   So I gave it three stars, it's not a must have by any means but it does provide some good helpful information.




4. A reasonably good book for a beginner wanting to start an aquarium with a bit more thought than the usual community tank.The part on biotopes is not only interesting but is of great help fro the aquarist who would like to set up a tank/ecosystem which is as close to the real thing as possible. However, the 159 pages did leave the me "dissatisfied", I really could have done with a more detailed book. . If you want to keep/keep a planted aquuarium like I do, then you do need other books like Amano,s Nature Aquarium World series, and Barry James' Illustrated Guide.... for more details and ideas.



5. A reasonably good book for a beginner wanting to start an aquarium with a bit more thought than the usual community tank.The part on biotopes is not only interesting but is of great help fro the aquarist who would like to set up a tank/ecosystem which is as close to the real thing as possible. However, the 159 pages did leave the me "dissatisfied", i really could have done with a more detailed book. . If you want to keep/keep a planted aquuarium like I do then, you do need other books like Amano,s Nature Aquarium World series, and Barry James' Illustrated Guide.... for more details and ideas.

No comments about Bettas and Gouramis: Understanding Siamese Fighting Fish, Paradisefish, Kissing Gouramis, and Other Anabantoids (Fishkeeping Made Easy).

1 comments about Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe (Princeton Field Guides).

1. Since 1978 herp loving Europe has been waiting for an update of the Collin's Field Guide. Finally, about 50 'new' species are added to this comprehensive guide. My old guide with intensive markings was getting a bit chaotic to read...
   As the first (1978) one, this guide is thé book to purchase for herp hunting all over Europe and (in contrast to the 1978 edition) beyond (non European Greek islands, Canary's, ...).
   Again the superb illustrations by Ovenden add even more scientific en estethic value to the book.
   Congrats to both authors!
   In any case of doubt: no, I was not hired by the publisher.