5 comments about Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet.

1. After 6 weeks of being unbelievably depressed and being unable to figure out why I couldn't get over the loss of my little kitty, I purchased this book through amazon.com. Reading it brought me relief almost overnight and helped me know that I was not alone.



2. This book was a beautiful source of comfort when Jim and I lost our beloved cat, Dori, to cancer. I had lost pets in the past, but it had been 15 years since my last pet passed away and I had forgotton how devasting the loss of a much loved pet like Dori could be. I received the book while I was trying to cope with the decision to let her go and it helped so much. I want to thank Moira for such an wonderful book! Debbie



3. This is a hard book to read, especially when you have lost a pet or know you are going to lose a beloved pet soon, but it is very useful. Everything about it is kind and understanding, from the abstract cover that does not feature a happy dog or cat to the chapters loaded with advice about all those tough topics we'd rather not think about, including saying goodbye, euthanasia, what to do with the pet's remains, deciding whether to get another pet, providing for pet care in case you die or become disabled, and what to do if you're forced to give your pet away. We don't want to think about these things, but sometimes we need to know. Allen, a writer and pet lover with a master's degree in counseling, has produced a reference every pet owner should keep around, just in case.



4. I purchased this book a few weeks after the loss of my beloved black lab Java at 13 yrs of age. The pain I felt the morning I had to make the dreaded decision was visceral and made breathing difficult. It was beyond anything I had experienced and simply numbing. The book offered amazing insight into the grieving process and assured me the emotions were expected, natural and eventually the pain would lessen. It also addresses the guilt we feel and our questioning of "could I have done more" or "maybe I made a mistake" which are quite powerful.
   
   This book is a must have guide for any pet owner. My prayers and thoughts are with all of us sharing the pain and loss of a beloved animal, both now and forever.
   
   -bob



5. My best friend died 1.5 years ago and I still miss her terribly - she was my 15 year old cat. This book was very useful to me during my time of intense mourning. While I know that her loss was a significant and horrible event in my life, recognition of the death of animal companions is not common in our society. This book helped me to see that I was not alone in my grief and that it was okay and normal to feel such grief. I actually purchased several books on this topic and found this one to be the best.

4 comments about A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Species (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional).

1. A good guide to the many fishes & accurate. I bought a Spiny Puffer, who the author said that he's prone to Ich. I was skeptical, but after just the first overnight, I found a big white spot on his head.
   
   I will heed this guy's advice more closely in the future.



2. What can I say? This is the best book when you're ready to stock your saltwater tank. Do the fish a favor and read this BEFORE you buy a Naso Tang for your 90-gallon tank. Helps avoid many costly mistakes. And it's not just the cost: this book saves fish lives!



3. This is an updated edition of this series of guides. It does contain more fishes and is a little more organized but I did notice that some fishes were left out that were in the older edition. Otherwise, this is a great guide for aquarists and reefers alike.
   
   I rated it four stars because it a great guide, but not perfect.
   
   Ejoy your fish!



4. Part of the outstanding "The Pocket Expert Guide" series from TFH Publications, Reef Aquarium Fishes by Scott W. Michael is a comprehensive and in-depth guide and reference for a vast number of fishes suitable for home or office aquariums. Enhanced with colored key codes for aquarium suitability and reef compatibility, Reef Aquarium Fishes knowledgeably presents a wealth of succinct information on over five-hundred species. Reef Aquarium Fishes is profusely illustrated with color photographs of the fish and offers aspiring aquarium owners with intricate and detailed descriptions with expert coverage of all the most popular and commonly available reef-appropriate species, along with up-to-date information on their selection care, and feedings. Simply put -- no aquarium owner should be without a reference copy of Reef Aquarium Fishes.

3 comments about Breaking Bad Habits in Dogs.

1. I purchased this book to help with socialization and separation problems of my beloved Morkie. Mr. Tenant's ideas helped with both these problems AND I ended up using many of the tips on other dog behavior topics as well. Since reading this book, I have a better understanding of how dogs think, which means that I now have a better behaved dog. The book is well organized, so it is easy to find information on particular dog behavior problems. The pictures complement the text extremely well. This book is by far my FAVORITE "dog behavior" book out of the many dog "how to" books that I own. I would highly recommend this book as a "must have dog book" for any dog owner.



2. This book cured my dog of moderate Separation Anxiety. I would highly recommend it. The chapters are organized according to the kind of problem, so you can find what you're looking for fast. The directions given are concise and easy to follow. Finally there are tons of pictures to help you along.



3. After adopting an out of control dog a couple of months ago, I have purchased many books on training. Most books say the same things, how to train basic commands. That would be easy if the dog would listen to you in the first place, but many dogs have behavior problems that make training impossible. Every chapter in this book was VERY helpful and informative. I would HIGHLY reccommend this book to anyone who is at their wits end with their dog. My dog behaves much better now and I am able to have guests come to my home again.

5 comments about Manual of Fish Health: Everything You Need to Know About Aquarium Fish, Their Environment and Disease Prevention.

1. The book is pretty good for most aquarists as all should have something to help with the diagnostics and treatment of their pets. There's some pretty good photography of various diseases that simplifies the text, and in each section there is a little box of explanation of a point in the text, be it a bacteria type or similar. Where the book falls slightly short in my opinion is in the treatment section. I would not advocate the use of all the chemicals in this chapter and some may well be impossible to obtain for most people. In this case, I would recommend using the book then visiting a professional fish keeper, specialist shop or vet with your diagnosis after consulting the treatment section to see if there is an alternative.
   
   All said and done anything that can help easy diagnosis and lead to the correct treatment of fish disease is a good thing.



2. I bought this book based on the great reviews here, and have not been disappointed. That said, there are a few deficiencies that drove me back to the web for more information and hence this review.
   
   There is very little information about contemporary brands and their products that can be used to treat fish diseases. Using the book, one can easily diagnose pop-eye (which I was combating in my prize altum angels). But the suggestions are not terribly helpful in finding the right product to treat this affliction. For example, there are 3 or more different drugs under the Mardel brand that all claim to treat pop-eye. Some target gram-positive bacteria, some target gram-negative bacteria, and some are broad-spectrum antibiotics. At the same time, some can be simultaneouly administered with other treatments, some cannot. And so on. It would have been helpful if the book had helped me sort these details out (which I eventually did) and if it had suggested possible courses of action. Even something that lists all common antibiotics and adds a classification chart to go with them will address this concern.
   
   And as one reviewer pointed out, some of the suggestions are beyond the scope of the hobbyist. But let this not detract you from purchasing a guide that will save you time and help you narrow your diagnosis.



3. I have Aquarium books coming out of my ears. In my quest for knowledge on how to care and treat my freshwater fish, I have purchased books, but most left a lot of my questions unanswered, or were vague on discriptions of fish diseases and/or how to treat. This is by far the best all around book for the Aquarium Hobby enthusiast. It has everything you need to know about aquarium fish, their environment, disease and prevention. The pictures of diseased fish help you pin point the proper ailment, bacteria, and cure. I give this book 5+ stars and highly recommend it to anyone who has aquarium fish.



4. This book is amazing! I absolutly recomend it to everyone I've talked to. Not only does it use casual scientific terms but it does also explain them for anyone that doesn't have a BSc. Great information not only on fish disease, but on maintaining a properly balanced aquarium & preventing diseases from occuring in the first place.

   Personally I think it should be a manditory buy with ever first-fish purchase.




5. The fish hobby is made up of two different types of people. Some hobbyists do not really bother to understand their fish, they simply buy replacements when the current ones die. The second type of fish-keeper wants to know as much information as he or she can on the types of fishes they keep. This book would be of most value to the second type.

   Sometimes, we mistakenly assume that fish are fragile and that there is simply no way to maintain them at optimum health. But that is not the case. Most fish are quite hardy. They can easily be maintained in the home aquarium if attention is given to their particular needs. Even so, from time to time, our fishes do get sick despite of our care. This book will help you diagnose some of the more common diseases that afflict fishes, as well as some possible remedies.

   Some of the procedures in the textbook are simply not feasible for the average aquarists. Most of us do not have access to a laboratory. However, there is enough solutions in the book that are easy enough to follow. I highly recommend this book.

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.

No comments about Equine Angels: Stories of Rescue, Love, and Hope.

5 comments about The Best Dog in the World: Vintage Portraits of Children and Their Dogs.

1. Of course we all believe that we have the single best dog in the world, but as the images in this wonderful book show, there have been and will always be children (and adults) who believe that their dog is truly the best. You can't help but get drawn into the lives of the children who are photographed a century and a half ago in beautiful sepia images with their beloved pet. Though I do not consider myself a true "dog person" I have the deepest affection for the dog I spent my childhood with and indeed was photographed with her in much the same fashion, although in color. This book brought back those memories of childhood and having a true best four-legged friend rushing back to me. I picked up off of the shelf and could not put it down.



2. What a great little book. I loved the photography and the history. Wonderful book for dog lovers and history lovers.



3. Ms. Long's daughter is in my class and so I got the oppurtunity to look at the book at length. The photographs are smile-inducing and original. Who can resist photographs of children with their dogs? But before you think its all about cute overload, let me say that the most interesting aspect of the book is actually the well researched text. It goes into the delination of breeds and their uses without being overly verbose or scientific. A lot of the photographs have inscriptions on the back and those long forgotten letters are included. This is the true selling point of the book because it give you insight into the lives of these people and the their lives with their loved ones (both human and animal). A worthy buy for not only dog lovers but lovers of social history.



4. I came across this book while looking for a gift for a friend. I wasn't thinking to get a dog book, but after seeing the pictures and the interesting facts about the various breeds, I knew instantly this was the book to get. It makes a great gift for anyone who owns a dog or for someone who wants to experience the loving bond that children have with their dogs. Who can resist!



5. I got this book on the recommendation of a friend who also loves dogs and was not disappointed. The pictures are amazing! I also learned a few things about the backround of some breeds I wasn't aware of and other tidbits like how to tell boys and girls apart in those vintage photos when they are all wearing "dresses". This book will stay permanently on my coffee table for visitors to see. I highly recommend it to anyone with a love of dogs, kids and history.

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 Wolf Empire: An Intimate Portrait of a Species.

1. I have a deep fascination with wolves and I'm always on the lookout for more to read about them. This book was a gift from my husband, and it didn't disappoint. Barry's writing is friendly, informal, and informative. He is clearly in awe of his subjects and treats them with respect, but also has a sense of humor that makes his text and his photography equally engaging. If you skip over the text, that's fine, because the main attraction is the photography. Barry captures some truly intimate pictures of wolves. They are at once as familiar as domestic dogs and as fierce and mysterious as folklore has always depicted them. The elaborate rankings and rituals of wolf society are depicted and helpfully explained, but what really interested me were the shots that showed the individual personalities that make up a pack, and the pictures of wolves' faces that were so expressive. The stark black and white tones allow you to focus fully on the wolves, but Barry's descriptions of a wolf's eyes or the subtle shading of color in its fur made me wish at least a few pictures had been in color.



2. This is a wonderful collection of images. One of the most beautiful wildlife collection I've seen in a long time. A must for wolf lovers!



3. THIS IS THE BEST OF THE MANY BOOKS I'VE SEEN ON THE DAILY LIFE OF WOLVES. THE PHOTOS ARE GRAND AND MR. BARRY'S WRITING BRINGS YOU INTO THEIR WORLD. IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING IN EVERY CLASS ROOM IN THOSE STATES THAT WANT TO HUNT WOLVES AGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES.



4. This book was awesome, if you're a wolf lover at all you'll love this book. It has great photo's of the wolves lives and their personalities really shine through on each and every page!



5. The pictures were fantastic. A great book for anyone interested or wants to learn about wolves.