5 comments about A Snowflake in My Hand.

1. No exaggeration here, this book is quite possibly the best book I've ever read - and I've read a LOT of books. I probably average 100-150 books per year and this book stands out like a shining beacon of what a book should be.
   
   Without melodrama or saccharine-laced manipulations, the author manages to successfully illustrate the pain, no, the agony, of watching a beloved animal slip away. She shows the behind the scenes anguish and dedication of those who care for and strive to better the lives of our furry children. Nowhere have I seen animal-human relationships portrayed with such tenderness, sincerety and respect without a trace of the maudlin.
   
   Ms. Mooney does not proselytize nor does she moralize, yet somehow she manages to bring forth a sense of the divine and everlasting bond possible with a special animal. She gives the sense also that however difficult, life does go on and that somehow, it must.
   
   One other important note about this book - With her words, her attitude, and her wisdom, Ms. Mooney does a better job than could 12 trained counselors at helping to appease any guilt a companion person may have at any decisions made out of love for an animal.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever loved an animal or even anyone who has simply had a friendship with one. This book speaks to a level rarely seen or addressed in a simple paperback book.



2. In law school, in a cinder block dormitory, Samantha Mooney's cats were a surrogate animal family for me, but such a tragic family, since death came sooner for them than for most of our pets. This was one of the very few books I carried home with me and I have never let it go in all the intervening years. If we must acknowledge that we are destined to outlive most of our pets, again and again we need a book to remind us to cherish their lives but not tether them to hopeless life when they are ready to let go. Many animals have shared their lives with me in the years since I graduated. This is the book I turn to when that sad day comes around for each of my animals in turn.



3. It is a simple book, written for the average person. Nothing fancy, just a book written from the heart. If you've ever had the love of a cat, dog, or any other creature in your life then please get this book. It will warm your heart and make you feel what it's like to know true, sincere love. For those who think that humans are the only creatures with souls and feelings, you should read this book and maybe realize that we are truly not alone, there are intelligent and caring lifeforms all around us.



4. Hard to believe this book would ever go out of print, or that the author apparently wrote nothing else. I got this book when it first came out, and periodically reread it -- and I'm not even a cat person. A wonderful book, beautifully written, about life, love, loss and renewal. Get a copy, this one is a jewel that shouldn't be missed.



5. Lyrical, poignant, tender, this is a book clearly written by a cat lover. A slim memoir of her time as an veterinary research assistant in the oncology department of NYC's Animal Medical Center, the author is above all hopeful, despite the inevitable early demise that awaits most of her patients. She knows that while the doctors may not be able to cure the cancers of their feline patients, they can certainly improve the quality of life, allowing the cats to live out their lives as happily as medically possible. Highly recommended.

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

1. I have two pugs (11 and 2) This book is the BEST!



2. I found this book a good reference for taking care of pugs. With their little noses pugs use their paws a lot, much like cats to fell around. Their paws are sensitive. Generally pugs are good natured. Like all pure breeds they have their individual needs so this book is a good way to learn about them.



3. Our pug puppy was supposed to come 2 weeks later, then he showed up 24 hours later (long story). We bought this book on our 1st trip to the pet store with the dog in tow. Very helpful information about pug puppies, the history of the pug, grooming, etc etc. This book has helped me relax and feel confident that we are doing everything right for our puppy.



4. I can't say enough about this very informative Pug Handbook. It touches on everything you would ever want to know about pugs and more. This IS the book you want to get, most definitely, if you have a pug, or if you are thinking about getting a pug.
   Thank you Brenda Belmonte for taking the time, to care enough about our pugs, to write such an exceptional Pug Handbook.



5. Having been researching this breed for the past few months, I found this book to be the best. Just about every question you could have about this breed is covered in basic terms that are easy to understand.

   Of particular intrest was the chapter related to the health of the dog. I now feel I am more aware of the needs for pugs, and what type of problems to watch for.

   If you want to learn about pugs, this is a MUST.

5 comments about Straight from the Horse's Mouth: How to Talk to Animals and Get Answers.

1. Interesting book. I think it was a good overview of what the author does and a good attempt at describing how she does it. I wonder if it would be possible to commmunicate with animals without involving all the spirit guides, goddesses and guided imagery she deems necessary? Sometimes I questioned whom she was communicating with: the animal or the contacted spirit guide talking for the animal . I'm truly not sure communication with animals is something you can learn from a book. I appreciated the lists in the back on recommended foods and products that are not tested on animals.



2. I loved this book because the author clearly loves what she is able to do, takes us step-by-step through her processes and is a personable writer. Concepts like these can go "airy-fairy" pretty quickly but Ms. Kinkade's humor keeps us rooted to an earthy plane as our hearts and minds soar into the quantum possibilities beyond the realm of our 5 senses.
   
   I highly recommend this book for it easy to put into use methods and optimistic musings of its upbeat author.



3. This was a very informative book - Amelia Kinkade did a very good job at explaining how to talk with animals. A lot of what she said I could relate to, and with her style of writing, easy to put in focus. Her chapter on "crossing over" was especially well written and informative. This is one of the only books on this subject I've read from cover to cover, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding and trying to "talk" with your pet. I have not been able to "talk" with my animals, but that's my problem - I have difficulty finding "quite" time in my life. After reading this book, I would be very interested in attending one of her training sessions, if she comes to a town nearby.



4. This book is well written, concise, easy to follow, a good guide for anyone who wants a better understanding of how animals and people can and do communicate.



5. I loved this book and have read a lot of them on animal communication. Amelia Kinkade explains thoroughly how she communicates and then gives specific instructions and meditations on how you can do it, too. I admit I love her methods and have tried them myself and they work!!!

5 comments about PugTherapy: Finding Happiness, One Pug at a Time.

1. This is one of my favorite books. I always joke that pugs are better therapy than I could ever provide!! My husband and I are profoundly pug people, and this book exemplifies the natural humor and grace of our curly tailed loved ones! An absolute must have if your favorite therapeutic tool snorts a lot and farts like crazy!!! (smile)



2. This is just an adorable gift book with equally adorable pictures of pugs in costume and in their natural condition. Little tidbits of advice are given, but mainly this is just a feel good book with some cute pictures of cute chubby curly tailed pugs.



3. This is the most adorable book with lovable pugs. The captions are so cute and fit the charm of the pug.



4. I went through a really dark period in my life. After trying everything, even electroshock therapy, I found this book and it changed my life. Thank you, pugs!



5. As a wanna-be pug owner, this book is the next best thing! This is the perfect gift for the pug-lovers in your life. The photographs are beautifully done with inspired captions. It's nothing less than page after page of cuteness. If you are a fan of pugs, this is the book for you.

5 comments about Riding into Your Mythic Life: Transformational Adventures with the Horse.

1. This book was interesting . I just felt it got a little to unatached in the mythic life areas. Great to have some ideas for session time. This book took helping people to a different level. The sharing of the different tribes beliefs was fascinating. A lot of Mythology history shared from a new perspective.If you want a book grounded in reality for EAP work this is probably not what you are looking for, but if you are looking to make your EAP program more creative this book has that. The title is what this book is all about.



2. Horses are here defined as mythic creatures, and RIDING INTO YOUR MYTHIC LIFE comes from a therapeutic riding instructor who has developed her theories in over twenty years of working with horses and children with special needs, developing horse camps for teens and adults alike. RIDING INTO YOUR MYTHIC LIFE is for horse enthusiasts and therapists alike, and will appeal to any collection strong in new age theory or equestrian interests.



3. The author of Riding into Your Mythic Life, Patricia Broersma, is a therapeutic riding instructor who founded Saddle Light Center. She is also an instructor with the North American Riding for the Handicapped and president of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association. In her work, this author has seen the healing connection that can occur between horse and human being. It's truly a magical transformation, not unlike that of the hero and his allies in Joseph Campbell's Journey of the Hero.
   
   Riding into Your Mythic Life is an interesting work. The book is part philosophy, part self help, and part horse training guide. The author equates the bonding between a person and their horse in terms of a journey of self-knowledge. The resulting connection further serves to facilitate deep healing within both individuals.
   
   The text itself is filled with touching stories showing the potential of such equine-human relationships. Chapters are organized by topic with each subject building upon the knowledge attained in the previous section. Each of these sections includes practical exercises that serve as a guide to the reader's own hero's quest and the strengthening of the connection between them and their ally.



4. I've always felt a deep connection with horses, even during the times in my life when none lived with me. 'Riding into Your Mythic Life' takes its readers on a hero's journey to explore that connection. I love the blend of myth, science, poetry and personal stories. It seems that if you open your heart and let in the message that Broersma and the horses have to share, it could truly change your life. I keep this book on the kitchen table and read it with my morning coffee. I am finding that I go back to it and reread chapters after working with my horses.



5. I would recommend this new book by Patricia Broersma to anyone who has an appreciation for horses and a desire to befriend themselves at a deeper level.
   If, in addition, you happen to own or have access to a horse, this therapeudic riding instructor can lead you into a profoundly deep relationship, heightening your sensitivity to your horse and teaching you new ways to communicate and learn from each interaction. Reading this book, I felt I was being gently guided on an experiential journey through my own life, discovering it from a much larger perspective and learning how to appreciate the magic and wonder of it. With Broersma's guidance, I found it easy and very empowering to see the events of my life in the framework of a personal mythic journey, as the great adventure it is. What a gift!

5 comments about American Pit Bull Terrier Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. This book is great reading for someone who is or will be a first-time APBT puppy owner. It explains the special needs of these great dogs and why they've developed a bad reputation. If you are looking for more extensive info on training and activities for you and your dog, i recommend another book.



2. The book is excellent and provides a usefull information for raise and American Pitbull Terrier



3. This book was helpful when I first got my APT a few years back. Besides teaching you the basics of taking care of him/her, it also goes into how the breed has been abused and misinterpreted. American Pitbull Terriers can be the most loyal and friendliest of dogs, if taken care of properly. (I can attest to that, being a former owner).



4. This book gives a truthful picture of APBT's. It also has exclent information on caring for this breed through it's life. I purchased it for my mother, who was nervous about the breed, before I adopted my dog. After reading the book she was looking forward to having the adition to the family come and was sharing her new found info with friends and family who had negitive reactions when hearing I was getting an APBT. An exclent book to have on hand and share with those intrested in the breed, who own the breed, and who don't know the breed.



5. Even though I knew that this dog wasn't as "mean and aggressive" as people made it seem, this book was extremely interesting and i learned many new facts. Besides being a great care-guide, it explains the breed's character and history.Everything that you would ever want to know about the American Pit Bull Terrier can be found in this book, accuratly portrayed.The book is clear on how to prevent accidental fights and that this great dog should only be owned by responsible people. Hopefully the APBT will one day gain the respect they deserve and people will know the truth about them.

5 comments about Dogue De Bordeaux: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This is a dog that seems interesting, but I knew nothing (and I mean nothing) about. This book filled me in on all about this amazing breed of dog. Very good for the dog lover who is unfamiliar with the breed.



2. This book is great ! A must for a Dogue De Bordeaux owner or those who are thinking of getting a pup. Well written with beautiful pics.



3. This is an excellent book with plenty of information on the breed of dog. Also lots of tips on training the cute puppies who grow in to large dogs. It informs you on how to encourage good and obedient behavour from these dogs at an early age.
   
   I would recommend this book



4. Absolutely fantastic book with enough infomation to help anyone from the novise to the very experience Dogue de Bordeaux breeder I loved it .



5. This book is a good beginner book for new Dogue de Bordeaux owners. The book covers a little history on the Bordeaux breed as well as information about how to care for the breed. This book was a little too "beginner" for me for it covered a lot about how to care for dogs in general such as house breaking, create training, etc.

4 comments about Golden Retrievers Complete Owner's Manual.

1. No extraction information from purchasers or medical veternarians. (Not anticipated for this type of guide.) One of the more mediocre and sub par publishings on sale. This book is not overly technical in a matter, however not the basic lore a beginning purchaser may need to progress to the more advanced handbooks. The author has not likely obtained enough research for complexity to please most critics in modern day style. To put it rather briefly, the one manual worth the expense would be Nona K. Baur's guide, which contains better categorization, specifics, and overall quality. This is the only manual most definetely worth the expense and payment.



2. It is an extremely awful & boring books that I had read. The content was very 'rubbish', please don't buy this book.It's waste your money and more important, it's waste your time, too.



3. This Is the best book ever for puppy training



4. I found this book very imformative without being over done. It was exactly what I was looking for in a first time book on Golden Retrievers. I highly recommend this book if you are considering puchasing a GR or at all intersted in this breed.

5 comments about Yiddish for Dogs: Chutzpah, Feh!, Kibbitz, and More: Every Word Your Canine Needs to Know.

1. Being the YENTA that I apparently am, I must spread the word about this MISHUGGEH of a MATZIAH to the whole MISHPOCHA out there! What a METZIAH! Be a MENSCH and buy one, yourself. Not to make a big MEGILLAH, but any MAVEN would KVELL over such a gift. Only a GONIFF wouldn't buy it! Don't get all FATACTST about it, this is no DRECK. No one would have the CHUTZPAH to give this a bad review. It costs BUBKES, and everyone on your gift list from ALTER KOCKER to BOYHICK will declare it a YONTIFF when they receive it!
   
   Even if your dog is a VILDA CHAYA or a VONTZ, there will be no UNGABLOOZEN when they get this prized TCHOTCHKE. Only a SCHNORRER would read it at the library! Buy it now from Amazon.com and you'll never Be a SCHMANDRICK again. Stop SHLUFFIN and get it now. No more SCHLEPPING, because this is no SHLOCK!
   
   To not buy it is a SHANDEH!



2. I grew up in a New York Eastern European Jewish household where Yiddish was spoken interchangeably with English. We never ate chicken gizzards, and I would pale at the thought of eating stomach, but I loved the "pupick".
   
   When something was bad a simple "Oy!" would do, but if you heard "Oy vay is mir" you knew things were really bad. Instead of glowing with joy we would "kvell". And people were never crazy, just "mishugeneh".
   
   So much Yiddish has entered into typical American English vocabulary that it makes sense that our dogs, even strays from a "goy" background, would still understand the words.
   
   I mean, what dog likes to "shlep" her owners around? And who wants only kibble when there is a "mishmash" of food in the trash? Why be on a diet when we can "fress"? And how can a dog not start barking or "plotzing" when lots of people come over the house?
   
   This is a short picture book written from the viewpoint of dogs. So we have fat fireplug of a dog saying : "What can I say about FRESSING? Obviously my favorite activity. And believe me, I'll eat anything that you put in front of me." And we have a "shlemeil" cigarette smoking dachshund sitting in front of a "no smoking" sign.
   
   If you are Jewish, a dog lover, or both you should buy this book. Short, hysterically funny, and the pictures are just too cute! Keep it out for company, show your friends, look at it when you're in a bad mood, and don't forget to keep speaking Yiddish to your dogs lest they lose the tradition!



3. Mmm, yes, a language fit for a dog. How charming! Goebbels would have liked it; or did he write it?
   
   P.S. I'd give it 0 stars, but that wasn't an option.



4. great pictures and text. it contained all the yiddish top words and expressions with comical explanations....however if you know them already one read is probably all you need



5. This is a short-ish book which consists of some well-known and some less known Yiddish words illustrated by pictures of various dogs. Some of the pictures are rather appropriate for the words but others are just cute pictures. This isn't a book to read as a serious Yiddish primer but is amusing and serves to remind non-Yiddish speakers of how many of our words are actually from that language (for example, I had no idea that "mishmash" is Yiddish).
   
   This probably works best as a gift book or a coffee table book.
   
   Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

5 comments about All-Breed Dog Grooming.

1. I bought both of these books and it is word for word the same book. This is a good general information book but don't buy both. The other book is half the price - buy that one.



2. i have groomed my own dogs for two eyers.
   I LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT HAS STEP, BY STEP ,TO GROOM ALL BREEDS!
   I HAVE TEN DOGS YORKIES,SHIH TZU ,CHIHUAHUA,POODLES,SCHNAUZER AND HUSKies and it worked great!!!!! (BUT IT IS NOT FOR STARTERS YOU NEED TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT OF GROOMING)



3. Wonderful illustrations, easy read & a great book to refer back to



4. The book is ok, it lacked detail. Would of been nice to have step by step insructions with pictures.



5. OK, not for the professionals, but I have been grooming in a salon for 3 months and this book is a great help. Step by step without being over-explanatory. The section on poodles is extensive giving many different types of cuts. The pictures give a nice idea of what the standard cuts should look like for the various breeds.
   It was good for me!