1 comments about Feeds and Feeding (Threshold Picture Guides, 10).

1. Lots of pictures and drawings to explain all the types of feed. The entire series is well done. Helped us know what and WHY we should feed certain products and what we should avoid. Recommended.

No comments about Advanced Obedience: Easier Than You Think.

3 comments about The Versatile Labrador Retriever: Pure Bred Series (The Pure-Bred).

1. First of all I decided to buy this book because I red lots of good thing about this book on other forums.

   Unfortunately this book wasn't as well. My main problem is the history : there are 10 pages about the early origin of the breed. You can read 4 versions, but all different, so it is not usefull. There is only 24 (eleven) pages on the english history in this 320 page book ! There are only a few old photos, but there are tons of photos about the today labradors. After the usa history there are 30 (!) pages nothing but photos ! But why ? If i want to buy a book with nothing but lab photos i choose an other one !

   There is only 5 pages about the show scene with usa lab photos. But dont expect any usefull info here, no advices about how to show your dogs, no "tricks", there is nothing about how to set up your lab to the show, and so on.

   Also, there are lots of unusefull pages about general dog stuff, what can be usefull for a doctor, but not for a breeder/owner. And there is only some sentences about the real breeding, with no photos, as usually.

   The book is missing a good description about the labs (why choose this dog, are they good with the ppl, etc).

   And the biggest problem : this book is very usa-type book. If you like the very-very easy to read books, with 90% usa infos, and very limited english informations, this is a book for you. But if you want a real lab book, i recomened to choose a different one.




2. This book was recommended by the breeder whom I acquired my Labrador companion. I found this book to be very thorough and precise. Some of the text did become overwhelming for an average fancier such as myself. Overall, this was a GREAT material for those who truly loves the breed!!!



3. In my opinion, this book is the best of the books on this breed published in the last 5 years. It is an extremely comprehensive book. People deeply interested in the breed would probably appreciate some of its points more than those who are "just looking."

   In particular, this book has a lovely, detailed overview of what exactly we do know about the development of this breed in the 18th and 19th century. She does not attempt to formulate a single theory out of the information, but presents it, contradictions and all.

   This book also goes over the basic show and field history, as one would expect of these types of books. But in addition, there are detailed chapters on the versatility of the Labrador Retriever. Extensive chapters on Search and Rescue, Narcotic detection, Guide dogs and the amazing variety of other things Labrador Retrievers can do. Sports are covered as well -- there are chapters on obedience, tracking and flyball.

   There are also some extensive chapters on health problems in this breed.

   The book is very well edited, cohesive and comes highly recommended for those who are seriously interested in the breed. The only way to improve this book would be to add more pictures (of which it nevertheless has a decent sampling of).

   As you can tell, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

No comments about Quick & Easy Tarantula Care (Quick & Easy).

5 comments about Equinox: Life, Love, and Birds of Prey.

1. I've never hunted before - game or fowl. I grew up in the city, and have never held a shotgun in my 40 years. I had no understanding of hunting - it's potential for beauty and forging a connection with nature - until I read Dan O'Brien's Equinox.
   
   Dan's connection with nature through falconry is moving, and at times tangible throughout Equinox. He reveals hunting as a truly noble sport - if approached with reverence for nature and respect for predator and prey.
   
   Dan's prose is straightforward, without frills or fancy, well-suited to the rustic life he describes, stalking grouse on the South Dakota plains with bird and dog.
   
   I think most people will enjoy Equinox, regardless of background, but I especially recommend it to people who have negative feelings about hunting but are open to thinking about it in a new way.



2. I just finished reading the book in two settings, spending most of a Sunday afternoon and Monday evening enjoying this excellent novel. I was captivated by the people, dogs, birds, and environment. This is a must read. I loved it.



3. I liked this book. At times, there may have been too much emphasis on the dogs, or too much on just falcons (red-tailed hawk coverage would have been great, but the author caters to peregrine falcons, so it is obviously his choice). Regardless, the amount of detailed coverage is impressive and written very well. Fortunately, the author eases you into the detail and doesn't toss it in your lap like some books. Whenever a new falconry term is mentioned in the text, there is a small side-bar definition of that term.

   Some have said that the author's attitude gets in the way. When I read the few pages from the website, I also got a little of that. However, when I read the rest of the book, I did not get that at all. Often, appearances can be deceiving.




4. Having begun working with birds of prey (in a rehabilitation center) in the last couple of years I have searched for books that gave more personal insights into the practice of falconry. Mr.O'Brien certainly knows his subject and does a fine job of describing the sport and the birds themselves. His accounts of hacking (early training) young peregrines in particular are excellent. I found his descriptions of what can go wrong, as well as right, in the caring and training of these birds quite illuminating and engrossing. His use of falconers-speak is well balanced with the story and the annotations quite helpful for those unfamiliar with the sport.
   I unfortunately found the overall concept of a man in midlife attempting to convince the reader that he is on a quest for some sort of middle age epiphany a bit trying. His relationship with his wife - an anesthesiologist who spends the majority of her time in a sleep deprived state, taking hospital call, and generally supporting his rather indulgent and self-centered lifestyle- frustrated me and was distracting from an otherwise interesting story about the training of a gifted young peregrine falcon.
   I give much credit to Mr. O'Brien for being a man in touch with nature and clearly environmentally sensitive and conservation oriented. But, as my wife said after finishing the book, he comes across as something of a jerk in his personal life. Given that Mr. O'Brien's skills in describing the beauty of the land he lives on and the animals he has the great privilege of interacting with are most enviable, it's a shame that this aspect diminishes an otherwise excellent story.



5. I was surprised at how good this book was. I expected it to be a primer for my interest in falconry but found it to be so much more. It is a fantastic account of the training of a raptor and the relationship between man and bird. Obviously passionate about his undertaking the author describes the training process in vivid detail making a compelling story to the end. With an equally interesting personal story that parallels his bird of prey adventure this book makes for a very enjoyable read.

1 comments about Puppy School: 7 Steps to the Perfect Puppy.

1. If you have a puppy or are getting one soon I recommend you get this book and follow the advice provided. The book contains everything to set your dog on the path to becoming a well adjusted, well behaved dog that will be a joy to take out with you and to be part of your family.
   
   It covers training, socialising, getting the pup used to being handled by yourself and strangers such as the vet.
   
   The book is easy to read and follow. Everything in the book is well illustrated with tips to help you along the way.

5 comments about The Guide to Owning a Quaker Parrot (Guide to Owning).

1. Have been pleased with the quality and content of information; good resource guide for new Quaker parrot owners.



2. If you are researching the Quaker, as a previous bird owner, this may not be the book for you. However, if you are a first time bird owner, I would give it 5 stars. I would have preferred more specific species information. Thank you.



3. i ordered this book and received it long before i even expected. the book is in like - new condition. i recommend this seller to anyone who wants quick service and you get exactly what they are advertising.



4. Great pictures, makes you want to run right out and purchase your parrot! Very informative also. I enjoyed it.



5. If you are oriented towards a quaker but don't know much about parrots yet, this book is the best to have a quick resume of everything is important to know. Takes little time to read it all but at the end your ideas will be a lot clearer, you'll know the essential to make your decision about getting a companion quaker or not; and in case you've decided to go for it, the essential to take care of your quaker and make it healthy and happy. In a second time you can deepen in your knowledge with more complex (but potentially confusing for a novice) books on the subject.
   The text is quite objective about the level of attention and cares they require but... *beware*, the photos are so endearing that you are not much likely to resist the urge to get one of this cute and intelligent birds right away and start cuddling it...

1 comments about Sports Massage for Horses.

1. I have seen amazing results from having a professional equine massage therapist work on my horse and hoped this book could teach me to give my horse massages that would supplement the professional ones. I was very disappointed.
   
   The illustrations fall short of clarifying the text and the text is quite vague. The writing style is almost too casual and the author's use of British terms could be confusing to some. The book is very short and could have been shortened further if most of the pages weren't filled with white space and pictures of the author grinning like an idiot in poses that do not explain what she's doing.
   
   The techniques the author describes makes one think that just currying a horse will sufice as a thorough massage. I imagine there are better books on how to give a sports massage to a horse. Hopefully I will come across one soon.

4 comments about PugSpotting: A True History of How Pugs Saved Civilization.

1. As someone who doesn't even own a dog, to say nothing of an apparently inimitable pug,this book makes one want to go out and get one! The author has created a delightful read with many charming pictures. the writing is very witty and clever. The historical perspective and pug trivia adds a great deal of interest. All in all, this book was a fun read and is highly recommended.



2. Other books may mention the history, but they usually get the names and dates wrong. This book accurately depicts the historical personages who owned pugs. But it is also brimming with fun pug trivia. PugSpotting contains information and paintings that I've never read nor seen anywhere else, and I think I own every pug book that's out. This is clearly a subject the author loves. Its appeal is in the details. And in the images of the pugs themselves. Personally, I found it such an engaging read that I couldn't put it down!



3. Being a pug dog afficionado, I was looking forward to a better developed, planned-out book. The price was a bit high, the photograghs were what one would expect to see in a scrapbook. The content of the book was interesting, but nothing that hadn't been written about before. If the book retailed for less, I may not have been as disappointed.



4. an interesting story of how pugs influenced different moments in history, with both color and black and white pictures of pugs...a pug lover's delight... the little charmers show to their best advantage in this well-written book. I particularly liked the picture of the pugs intently peering into the refrigerator, with their tails tightly curled. The story of 'pugs in history' makes it a must for pug fans; pictures make it a must for anyone who likes dogs and what they do.

5 comments about Fun Facts About Cats: Inspiring Tales, Amazing Feats, Helpful Hints.

1. I think that cat owner and cat lover are synonymous. Once you have a cat (or more accurately a cat chooses you), it's hard not to delight in their mischief, in their attitudes, and in their affection.
   
   Fun Facts About Cats is an entertaining trivia book for cat lovers. The entries range from interesting information about cat behaviour (why they scratch furniture, eat grass, why they sleep so much, and why they always choose to sit on that Great Uncle that hates cats) through inspiring tales about cats who rescued humans, lived for weeks without food or water, or were left millions of dollars to accounts of various cat lovers and haters throughout history. There are also some great cat quotes and examinations into the validity of various cat myths such as if cats always land on their feet and if they have nine lives.
   
   Whether your Fluffy likes to lounge all day or your Tiger chooses to save your family from burglars, every cat lover will find some little tidbit of information that they didn't previously know about their cat.



2. I love this book! I train and care for MORRIS, THE 9-LIVES CAT, and many cat books don't interest me, but I bought this one. The combination of delightful cartoons and easy to digest facts and stories make this book a stand-out favorite in my collection. I love the drawings of the cats because they communicate the magic that only a cartoon can! I was delighted to find information here that I haven't found elsewhere. Richard Torregrossa skillfully combines both education and fun facts about cats, and with great affection--Fun Facts About Cats is appropriately named. As someone who has spent over a decade working with cats, I really appreciate the book's combination of humane messages with a healthy sense of humor"--Dawn Haney, handler, trainer, and spokesperson for Morris, the 9-Lives Cat



3. A friend of mine gave me this book and I've bought ten copies to give to my other cat-loving friends. Some of the interesting tidbits I picked up about cats inlcude the story about the cat who survived a 16-story fall, a cat who truly did survive nine lives, and that cats sleep about 16 hours per day, so a seven-year-old cat has only been awake for about two years. But it's the jolly cartoons that make this book special. The author knows his felines. They practically jump off the page, they're so real and cuddly. I want my husband to buy me the cover illustration of a tabby I am in love with. I can't wait to buy his next books, which I hope is on animals, too.



4. If you know a cat lover, this is the perfect book. This book captures the simple love and joy of owning a cat. The cartoons are bright and lively and text is full of suprises. Did you know that 80% of pet owners give thier pets gifts during the holidays. Or that one out of four dogs fail out of dog-sniffing school. Sniffing is a talent and not all dogs have it to the same degree. Wonderful stuff. I bought twenty copies. Christmas is right around the corner.



5. This is the most charming collection of illustrations!. Richard captures the uniqueness, personality and the coolness of cats in his adorable drawings. The facts were so interesting I couldn't put the book down. I e-mailed some of the facts to my feline loving friends and they begged for more. This is a great gift idea for all animal lovers. If you weren't crazy about cats before, you will be after reading Richard's book.