5 comments about Parrotlet Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. A mi parecer contiene informacion muy util para novatos como yo. Sobre todo es que no hay casi informacion sobre los Forpus en la red. Hay una seccion sobre otras especies que no es muy logica a mi parecer en este libro, pero en linea general me ha gustado.
   
   Very good information for nobels like me. What i did not understand, is why the litle information about other parrots. But in general a good book



2. A better title for this book might have been "The Small Parrot Handbook". I thought I was getting an in depth handbook on parrotlet care and breeding, but what I got was a book that deals in generalities of many different birds. Forget buying this book. You will learn much more from surfing the web. A total waste of money. Wait! I have just discovered that if you carefully remove the pages, they will fit perfectly 3 wide by 3 deep in the bottom of my bird cage. Maybe I should give another star...



3. If you are looking for information on the care of pet parrotlets, take a pass on this one. There are few pages devoted to that topic, and lots and lots about the history of the breed, and lots and lots about small parrots that are not parrotlets.



4. Because I keep many birds, I've read many books on the topic by Matthew Vriends. Vriends raises several kinds of tropical birds, visits their natural habitats, is involved in the preservation of wild birds and their habitats, and writes extensively on these topics. He is also a PhD (Dutch born biologist and ornithologist). I bought THE PARROTLET HANDBOOK in spite of the fact one reviewer said there was not much of interest about Parrotlets in this book, mainly because I have read so many of Vriends other books on other birds and found them helpful.
   
   THE PARROTLET BOOK is very interesting, but it is also geared to the breeder of this type of bird. As the owner of two brother Parrotlets, I don't foresee joining the breeder group any time soon, even though Vriends makes a compelling case for becoming a breeder of Parrotlets who are under threat from the deforestation of the Amazon jungle.
   
   In spite of the book's bias - which I truly appreciate, it does include many helpful tips and a good deal of information about the various types of Parrotlets who are companions of people like me. For one thing the book helps one understand the origins the little birds whose ancestors come from South America and who seem be thought of by some as the little brother of the larger Macaw.
   
   My Parrotlet brothers have been hand raised from the egg stage and they are Soooo sweet. However, I am told the Parrotlet can administer a nasty bite should he be "wild" or displeased. My birds perch on my finger (two at a time) and are a lot less messy than my Cockatiels and Love Birds. Maintenance-wise, keeping Parrotlets is a bit like keeping Canaries. However, they are as playful as my Senegal parrot.
   
   I found a really great article on Parrotlets entitled "True Confession-Parrotlet owners bring down the house with tales of pin-sized adventures" in the January 2004 issue of Bird Talk Magazine (if you keep birds or are thinking of doing so, subscribe to this magazine). I recommend both Vriends book and Bird-Talk magazine for the serious bird owner.



5. I bought this book hoping to find out more about parrotlet care, training and behavior. Instead, it reads like a mini0encyclopedia of all small parrots. Most of the parrots listed in this book are not even seen in pet stores. The author should SERIOUSLY think about revising this book OR changing the title.

5 comments about Grieving the Death of a Pet.

1. An excellent book to help with the grieving process. Wonderful real life examples of others who have experienced the same overwhelming pain and how they were able to deal with their loss. I would recommend this book for anyone who has lost a pet and is experiencing on-going depression.



2. I have been waiting for Betty Carmack's book all of my life. My feelings have never before been so validated. Throughout childhood, I have had numerous little creatures: hamsters, birds, dogs, turtles, and mice. Now after 45 years, I can finally grieve the loss of those precious creatures without anyone calling me foolish or overly sentimental. No one will ever again tell me that "little boy's don't cry." Little boys cry--right along with the rest of humanity--at the loss of one of these precious companions.
   
   Betty Carmack's decision to let the "experts" be those who have actually grieved the loss of a pet gives her book more validity than if she had quoted from a thousand researchers. We hear the stories of these people and their companion animals through all the stages of grief. Pets are not just "nice things to have a around." They are the truest and most steadfast listeners to all of life's pains and joys. When they die, they leave a hole in our hearts. For some people, their cats or dogs or lizards are their closest companions. Such companions are never too tired to listen. No matter what we look like, whether bathed or not, shaven or not, they hear all that we are and hope to be, uncluttered by "unfinished business" in human relationships. True, they cannot take the place of another human being. Likewise, no human can ever offer the degree of unconditional love that animals, fish, and birds can.
   
   "Grieving the Death of a Pet" is a triumph. It is a gift, given by an expert who was humble enough to let the very people she comforts be our comforters, the very people who know best what we feel and why. How can I thank someone for giving me back my feelings and childhood memories? Thank you, Betty Carmack. Thank you for the gift of your book and the gift of you.



3. This book is a touching and insightful look at how people grieve when their beloved pet passes on. Many overlook how pets have helped people get through tough times, and given unconditional love to their owners. I've seen dogs that help heal (in the sense that they give lots of attention and love) people with acute and/or chronic illnesses.
   
   By the same token, many people grieve over the loss of their pets, particularly those who have been in the family household for over five years. Why else would children want to place their animals' remains in a special place in the backyard? Ms. Carmack not only shares people's heartfelt stories, but also gives good insight on just what is needed to get through those tough times. I gave this book to one friend who had lost a cat that he owned for twelve years, and he said that reading it really made a difference to him on that struggle.
   
   To complain that this book doesn't fit a certain person's view on Christianity doesn't do the book justice. Just because pets aren't mentioned in Scripture doesn't mean they aren't important to people and healing. And to discount pets as instruments of God is very sad and lacking insight.
   
   Thankfully, this book doesn't recommend spending thousands of dollars in pet cemeteries. BUT, that's up to the owner and none of other people's business, no?



4. FOr the reviewer who does not beleive animals go to heaven. Well why not? Didnt God create animals as well? Why would He discriminate against the most innocent creatures on earth by not letting them into heaven. I just lost my cat whom I considered to be my child and I dearly hope that when I get to heaven that she is waiting there for me. It just shows how egotisitcal human beings can be. I hope others that lose a beloved pet do not share this persons view and look forward to reuniting with their special pet one day.



5. My nine-year-old Great Dane just died, and I am devastated. My sister sent me this book because she said that she knew the author and she thought it might help me cope with the loss of my lovely girl.
   
   I am about halfway through this book, and it is actually making me feel worse. The reason that it is making me feel worse is that included in this book are stories where the pet owners -- out of their sheer stupidity, ignorance, and irresponsibility -- actually caused the death of the pets that they should have been protecting.
   
   One pet owner caused their German Shepherd to get heat stroke. Another couple put their friendly Rottweiler to sleep because he had bitten other dogs, and they were afraid he would bite a child. There are numerous other alternatives to euthanasia in circumstances such as those. Even the author caused the death of her first dog by actually pulling her dog overboard into a fast-moving river and then let go of him, causing him to drown. The author never should have jumped in the river herself let alone pull her dog in.
   
   I just can't finish this book because I can't read any more stories where pet owners caused the death of their pets. I am very sensitive in that regard, and I think other animal lovers are the same way. I would never put any of my pets in harm's way like the author did. I know accidents do happen, but many of these people could have and should have been better informed and made better decisions concerning the safety of their pets. Many of these people set the stage for an accident by making a series of bad decisions. This just angers me at a time when I already feel sad.
   
   Furthermore, this book has not told me anything that I did not know already. The author spends a great deal of time letting the reader know that it is okay to grieve over the loss of a pet. It wouldn't have even occurred to me that it wasn't all right to grieve the loss of a pet. You would have to be heartless not to do so.
   
   If you are grieving the loss of a pet, seek comfort in your friends and family and find a different book to comfort you.

2 comments about Debbie McDonald Riding Through: An Olympic Medalist's Lessons on Life and Dressage.

1. Debbie's new book is definitely worth buying if you like dressage. But like it's title, I wanted more connection! The book is more a generalists approach to the sport of dressage. Describing her horse career and switch to dressage, Debbie's story should become a movie!
   
   Later chapters do give dressage pointers. But if you are looking for something new to unlock the secrets of dressage, you won't find very much here. There are some specific exercises and maybe something you haven't tried with your horse; but all in all, this volume is a elementary look at the Olympic rider's career.
   
   The photographs, diagrams and graphic design are EXCELLENT, colorful and a good window into the quest for dressage perfection. However, if you are looking for the exact details on how to teach your horse to piaffe, for example, you will not find it here. So, Debbie, I would have found another title. As such, I give it 6 (out of 10), "horse needs to be more supple and THROUGH. (How many times have we read that under the judges remarks!)"



2. Debbie is so down to earth and this makes this book an easy read. I love the "check" boxes which explain the hows and whys of riding, training and understanding dressage. After reading the book, it is easy to apply what you have learned to your everyday riding and training.

5 comments about Having Fun With Agility.

1. This book is great for a novice like me. Shows how to keep it 'fun' and not get all serious.
   
   My dog appreciates me reading this one.



2. I really like this book - it is very informal and has great ideas. I just wish it had more information on how to make your own equipment. Don't want to compete with my dog - we just want to have some fun and this book has been a great help.



3. Since my main goal in Agility is to have fun with my Golden Retriever, Pooka, I thought this would be a good book. It is! Lots of great training tips and super ideas to increase the enjoyment for handlers and dogs. Margaret Bonham's style is easy to understand, the pictures and illustrations are clear and encouraging. Maybe next summer Pooka and I will throw an 'Agility Party' for our classmates!



4. Super way to obtain this material! The book is well written and documented with outstanding pictures. All my dog and I needed to get started having a FUN time with AGILITY!



5. Hi, this is Maggie Bonham (the author) and I hope you'll check out my latest book on agility, Having Fun with Agility. This is a fun book aimed at people who are looking for something to do with their dogs, but not necessarily looking to compete in it.
   
   This book is laid back, discussing the obstacles and how to train your dog. I have a wonderful section on clicker training your dog to do agility as well. I also have sections for dog owners who have dogs who aren't necessarily fit enough to do regular agility but to provide some sort of activity for them. Lastly, I have information on how to throw an agility party.
   
   Sounds fun? It is! Check out this book and my other agility book (for the more serious competitor) Introduction to Dog Agility.

5 comments about The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes.

1. Everything you ever wanted to know about breeding common and not so common marine ornamentals...



2. Let me put it short and sweet - if you are considering the cutting edge of the aquarium hobby, you're talking Marine Fish Breeding, and this book will literally bring you up to speed on the last 40 years of marine ornamental fish breeding right up to 2007. Matthew Wittenrich continues to be on the cutting edge, having raised more than one new species since the publication of this all-encompassing review of hobbyist-level marine fish propagation. This book, covering over 50 successfully reared marine fish species, is enough to give the average hobbyist decades of "projects" to reattempt, as well as providing current insight into how future breakthroughs and acheivements might be reached. Easily worth 4-5 times the price you'll pay. Simply a book that will floor you.



3. Matt Witterich's book `The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes' is aptly titled. The book discusses comprehensively the details of marine ornamental captive culture, from broodstock rearing, breeding to larval rearing of up to 90+ species. This work distilled the author's decade-long experience in ornamental fish culture, making the hobby more accessible to beginners and adding new insights to the repertoire of professional hobbyist. The breadth, meticulous detail, scientific precision and excellent photography show the expertise and dedication of the author in the field of marine ornamental culture- not just as a hobbyist but as a scientific researcher in the field. While this book will undoubtedly become an indispensable `guidebook' for the hobbyist, I believe that the book will become very useful as a reference for colleges and universities teaching in ornamental fish culture and to researchers in the field. This book advances both the art and the science of ornamental fish culture!



4. As a breeder of clownfish in the past, I'm always interested in what progress is being made in breeding marine ornimentals. Those of like mind may wonder, as I do, why more captive bred exotics arent offered in the trade. I've heard pygmy angels are being bred, why aren't I seeing many in the shops and internet dealers? When I do see them, why are they so expensive, do they not disperse thousands of eggs when they spawn? Can I succeed in bringing a new tank raised species through metamorphosis? Are successful breeders of newly reared species sharing their secrets? Is it worth trying to breed something new without a huge bankroll?
   
   Some of these questions are answered, some not. There is little doubt, however, that anyone interested in the subject would be glad that they picked up this book. The concepts described in the text are clarified with very good photography, and it offers a new perspective on a lot of things that anyone who has ever tinkered with this sort of thing would be interested in.



5. Whether you're a hobbyist, enthusiast, or entrepreneur of saltwater fish this book is necessary collection for your library. This book covers everything from setting up tanks properly, to choosing and spawning your broodstock and most importantly larval care. The secret steps of larval care and diet are described for 90+ species and accompanied with easy to follow fabulous photos. After reading through the steps in the book I was able to successfully, spawn and rear Neon Dottybacks to metamorphisis. A definite must!

5 comments about Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids).

1. This book is great for anyone who is interested in wolfdogs. It describes their different dispositions, how to deal with each, housing suggestions, what works and doesn't work, feeding, training tips and lots of fun things to do with your wolfdog pets. I have read several other books on this subject and although most of them are helpful this is the best one I have found so far.



2. A MUST HAVE for anyone who owns a wolfdog! After purchasing a puppy (Rocko) not knowing that it was a wolf dog I immediately jumped online and ordered this book through Amazon. I turn to the books often as a resource and have read it cover-to-cover - - twice. I know my family and Rocko owe this author much thanks!



3. The most helpfull book, easy reading and full of information that you cant do without, if you have a wolfdog puppy.



4. I loved Nicole Wilde's book! It is very apparent that she is not only very experience but very knowledgeable in working with wolfdogs and her techniques applies to dogs as well. I especially appreciate the positive and down-to-earth approach she takes in tackling everyday situations sometimes associated with owning wolfdogs. In addition, she has a whole section dedicated to nutrition - whether you have a dog or cat! With the recent discoveries of poison in some dog and cat foods, she provides a crucial alternative to feeding packaged foods!



5. This book is the second by Nicole Wilde on the subject of wolfdogs. I think this one and her first, Living with Wolfdogs, are must-have books for any wolfdog owner. Practical advice from someone with experience, entertaining stories, lots of good photos. This book is an easy and fun way to learn more about your wolfdog and how to be a better wolfdog owner.

5 comments about Carriage Driving, Updated Edition (Classic Edition): A Logical Approach Through Dressage Training.

1. This book is easy to understand for the beginner yet is full of quality classical driving and training principles. It also incorporates natural horsemanship(so old it's new again!) principles. Highly detailed but not overwhelming. Excellent book. This should be the bible of Carriage Driving.



2. I have only read portions of the book at this point but plan to read all of it. I am completly ignorant of harness driving but recently purchased a miniature horse that I plan to finish in carting. This book has been an excellant resource. It is very detailed, but easy to understand. It mentions things to keep in mind that might not be obvious (like if you're new to harness or your horse is, you should have a bucking strap on your harness to save you a lot of frustration). I also like her approach to working with the horse - it is definately working WITH the horse and not BREAKING the horse. I have not read any other driving books yet to compare, but I am happy that I started with this one.



3. This is the book for anyone who is serious about training their horses for driving with no corner-cutting. It is obvious that this book was written by a true horse trainer for true horse trainers, people who love horses and are dedicated to making the training experience a joyful and life-long experience. Heike Bean's book covers everything you need to know starting with the very basics, horse anatomy, hoof structure and shoeing, conformation, collection, bits, harness, carts and carriages.



4. This is truly the best book on carriage driving ever written. It is the bible for people who know the sport. This is the one book you truly need if you want to learn carriage driving. You can tell from the first page you are in the hands of an expert.
   The only thing wrong with this book is you can hardly ever find a copy. If you find one, grab it. ( I don't know what's going on but there were about 10 reviews of this book here, all of them glowing, and they seem to have been erased. Everyone in Driving knows how great this book is.)



5. This is the best book on driving ever written. Extremely well organized and easy to follow. Answers all your questions just as you think of them. There is only one problem with this book -- it is very hard to find. People never resell their copies so if you can find one, grab it.

5 comments about Help Your Dog Fight Cancer: An Overview Of Home Care Options.

1. This book arms you with the information you need to know in order to be able to help your dog fight cancer. It tells you what to expect, so that you're not caught unaware about things that can and do happen to your dog with cancer.
   A Must!



2. When my Siberian Husky got leukemia, I did not know what to do. Do we treat it? Is it the right thing to do? Will my dog suffer? Money was not an issue, I just wanted to do what was best for my dog. This book answered my questions and helped put my mind at ease, and we went on to treat my dog for her cancer. She lived another year and a half to age 13 (she died from an unrelated illness). She had a high quality of life, even while being treated for her cancer (her treatment was primarily oral chemo - yes, just pills! I put them in Pill Pockets and she thought she was getting extra treats!!), up until the last couple of weeks. I am indebted to Laurie - thank you for writing this book and giving us more time with our beloved Sheena. Her efforts in this book and The Magic Bullet Fund are nothing short of extraordinary. If your dog is diagnosed with cancer and you want to learn more, this book will help you become a more educated doggie parent.



3. This book is full of insight, information and the love of a wonderful dog. It is written by the dog owner, who in not a vet. Therefore, the information comes from opinions and research of many professionals and trial and error of the owner/author. It was very helpful for us.



4. after reading the book, I found it to be very informative and am hoping things work out for anyone who has a dog with this disease.



5. A friend loaned me her copy of this book when my sister's dog was diagnosed with cancer. Now that I've read it, I'm buying my own copy to have as a ready reference. This book will not tell you how to treat your own dog; it will help you devise a plan which is appropriate for your own dog and your own personal situation. The author reviews all of the things you need to consider, and shares her own decision making process by telling Bullet's story. It's a good story, one you'll want to finish. Even if your dog is healthy, buy this book, read it now, and you'll be prepared if your dog, or a friend's dog is diagnosed with cancer.

3 comments about Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff.

1. For the shelter veterianarian just starting out or those that have been practicing a long time. There are no current quality resource textbooks available for shelter veterinarians. It covers all the animal species most likely to be encountered in a shelter enviroment and all aspects of shelter medicine management. This book is a valuable addition to any shelter veterinarian's library.



2. This textbook is certainly useful for people involved in animal shelters and rescue groups. It offers detailed, in-depth information about many aspects of animal sheltering. Don't expect cookbook formulas for the beginner though. Shelter medicine is a complex subject with no easy answers, and this is a text aimed at veterinarians and trained staff, so it contains some detailed scientific and medical information. It is a helpful and insightful resource.



3. This book was very informative. I would recommend it to anyone who is intrested in animals

3 comments about Horseback Riding For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. I wanted this book as I am just getting into the field of riding. I am a fearful rider and was wanting something to ease my fears and help me understand what to do in those 'what if' situations. This didn't seem to address anything what I was hoping to find. It covered just the basics, this is your horse, this is a saddle, this is the difference between western and english, things I already knew. This might be good for someone who has never encountered a horse in their lives and need everything explained to them simply, but for someone wanting a little bit more information about the mechanics of riding, including the problems you may encounter, this won't help at all.



2. I found this book very informative and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it at night before going to bed.



3. Had not been on a horse for over 30 years. I bought this book to get acquainted once again with techniques before taking lessons or coaching.
   This book is recommended for the beginner or intermediate rider. It is easy to read. Easy to use for research on particular points of riding. Good easy style of writing.....welcoming you to go out quickly and confidently......you don't need to be a dummy!!!