5 comments about Dog Years: A Memoir.

1. I was really looking forward to Doty's so-called memoir, Dog Years, but it just didn't deliver. While there are some fine and moving passages here and there about loss and loving an animal, this book doesn't really qualify as a true "memoir," and it's not much of a "dog book" either. If you want to read a good dog book/memoir, try Hal Borland's classic, The Dog Who Came to Stay. It's great. Doty's effort simply strays too far afield from either genre to suit my apparently plebian tastes. There are sections here, littered with quotes from Emily Dickinson and Doty's ruminations on same, or references to Cezanne or Heraclitus, which could have been lifted from his Freshman poetry lectures, which is not what I expected - or wanted. Maybe there is so little about Doty because he's already written two memoirs. Well, okay; but don't call this a memoir, because it's not. I'm tempted to read his first memoir; maybe that would be a real one, but this book is sub-titled under false pretenses. The narrative meanders here and there and sometimes I wondered where the hell he was going with it. It was a struggle just to finish it. Sorry, Mark. Write a memoir or write poetry, but don't try to do both at once. - Tim Bazzett, author of Pinhead: A Love Story



2. Mark Doty has penned an absolute gem of a memoir that touches not only on our umbreakable bonds with our animals, but also with our mates and the many places that we will call "home" throughout our lives - and the grief that we all must embrace and learn from in the loss of all of these. His story of Wally, Arden and Beau is a masterpiece of the heartfelt thoughts and feelings that all dog owners will experience if they are lucky enough to be loved unconditionally by one, or more, beloved human beings and furry angels.
   In Chapter 15, after the recent death of his mate, Wally, and one of his dogs, Beau, Doty tells us of an abandoned dog that he befriends on Calle Canal in San Miquel de Allende, a hill town north of Mexico City.
   He tries to rescue her and is heartbroken to have to leave her behind, writing, "I am grateful to have felt even this sharp sadness. The dog on Calle Canal awakens me; she shows me that I have come through something now. I write to bless her delicate head, the paw raised in hope. How should we know ourselves, except in the clarifying mirror of some other gaze?"
   I finished the book in one day. And if you aren't into full throttle tears by Chapter 16 & 17 (the final chapters), then you have never known the joy and anticipation of there being "someone at home, waiting to go for a walk."



3. The poet shares the relationship he had between his dogs and himself in "Dog Years: A Memoir". Mark Doty (born 1953 in Maryville, Tennessee) is the only American poet to have received the T.S. Eliot Prize in the U.K. He received his Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Vermont. Doty, who is gay, has written about his struggle with coming to terms with his sexual identity, and with the impact on AIDS on the gay community. In 1989, his partner Wally Roberts tested positive for HIV, which drastically changed his writing. Wally died in 1994. Doty is currently the John and Rebecca Moores Professor in the graduate program at the University of Houston.
   Mark Doty relates his experiences of his time with his two dogs, Arden the black retriever, and Beau the gold one. Mark also shares the passing of his long time partner Wally who was diagnosed and died of AIDS. Arden kept Mark alive, uplifted his soul and gave him will to live by its comforting gestures and by giving joy in his little ways. Arden and Beau became his true friends, became part of the household, and played a big part in Mark Doty's life. The dogs were his companions during his lowest moments, shared his grievances, and happiness as well.
   
   Mark starts a happy new life with his dogs and Paul, also a writer. But a time came when his dogs starts to decline because of illness. Beau developed a kidney disease, while Arden is having a high fever and showing unusual signs. Along with this is the devastating 9/11 where Mark continues to differentiate despair and depression. According to Mark: "Depression is always the consequence of despair, a despair one cannot feel one's way through in order to emerge from the other side, a despair will not be moved".
   
   The dogs' everyday struggle reminds Mark of how hard Wally's gradual passing was. In Mark's recollection of the years he spent with the dogs, Arden and Beau gave him unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives.
   Dog Years is one beautiful way of giving tribute to all dogs in the world, who are loyal and ready to accompany their masters until their dying day. The book depicts an unforgettable experience between a man and a pet. At first, I got confused between his dogs and his boyfriend, because he describes his dogs like human beings. I love the poems he puts after every chapter, it makes the book more interesting although I don't really understand some of them. I'll admit some of the chapters in the book were boring and depressing, but I was moved when his dogs became really ill and helpless. They really are like humans. I have a Shih-Tzu named Bruno, and I can't imagine losing him too when the time comes.
   
   On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an eight. The book failed to get my attention in the first few chapters, but the book helped me a lot in understanding my dog's feelings, and the last chapter was very moving that I almost cry. I would definitely read another book by Mark Doty, I'm planning to get the Firebird when I'm not busy. I'm recommending this book not only to dog lovers or owners, but also to anyone who has experienced attachment and loss.



4. This book moved me to write a review here, my first. I can hardly express how touching this book was for me. Sad in nature but told with such exquisite elegance it took me months to finish because though I enjoyed it throughly, reading it was an intense emotional experience, not unlike grieving. There are single lines and sections in this book that when thinking of them later, tears snap to my eyes. I am a true dog lover who can relate to the deep devotion and attachment to our dogs as expressed in this book. Mark has used language beautifully to tell his story.



5. (I read this book and was touched by it enough to write an email to my Dog Loving Friends) Here is what I wrote:
   
   Dear Dog Loving Friends,
   
   Over the past few days I read a book that I checked out of the library called Dog Years written by Mark Doty.
   
   The book moved me so much that I intend to buy a copy for me to keep as my own. (And I never ever buy books to own.)
   
   I recommend it to you (if you will endure the more poetic parts of it and seemingly random diversionary discussions), and I recommend it to Connie's hairdresser given that he owns 14 dogs. Susanne, if you can pass this on to Connie or make mention, I would be grateful.
   
   The book is told in the first person. It is a memoir of sorts - reminds me of a scrapbook in a way - with lots of "photos" (the photos being stories) of dogs, but other "momentoes" stuck in the book such as random musings on poetry and sidebar discussions on such non-dog related topics as Judy Garland, the difference between dispair and depression....and boy does he nail it when he decribes depression. I am not quoting directly but something like: "Depression moves in heavily and sits in the sink as the dirty dishes from yesterday" ....
   
   As strange as all the pieces were, it comes together quite lovely. Like a meal or a recipe in which I would have NEVER thought to combine all those ingredients, but it worked beautifully.
   
   This book all made sense to me (except for some of the poetry..ok, ok, so I admidt I am missing the Emily Dickenson gene along with the cooking gene, but I will go back and carefully re-read some of the poetry.) I especially liked the poem on the wind. See that is the great thing about this book. I just finished it and already I am eager to read it again.
   
   The book starts slowly and gets much better after a few chapters. I was momentarily confused between a dog named Wally and a man named Wally, and I was mildly irritated that the author used the word "fierce" or a very similar word 3 times on the same page. jeeze, picky, picky.
   
   But then on the other hand, I rather LIKED this "flaw" because I felt like he was not a honed pretentious writer following all those rules we learn in English and writing classes, but instead he was really writing from the heart. And I myself, of course, cannot even write one smidgen as well as Doty.
   
   Doty, an artistic insightful angst ridden gay man, recollects his past and how important his dogs were to him. He brilliantly perceptively and precisely captures what I think we see and love in our dogs. I was constantly saying "YES, YES, YES!" outloud to myself while reading. I wept copiously at the end.
   
   The manner in which he desribes his dogs "resonates" with me (I hate to use that overused word, but it really fits here).
   
   Because Doty is a poet, he sees his dogs through poetic artistic eyes.
   
   The book will make you laugh and cry. I hope you take time to read it. See the reader reviews in the link below. (and I copied in the link to Amazon for my friends to click to).
   
   - later -

2 comments about The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior.

1. I bought this book because I am a big fan of Turid Rugaas and it is on her recommended reading list. I had purchased and watched a Twazer seminar video with Abrantes, in which he is obviously very knowledgeable but too showman for my taste. This book makes some really important and original points, that I didn't find in other great books on canine evolution(i.e. Coppinger's Dogs) about dominance theories. Abrantes suggests that some dogs are innately more dominant,(just born that way, without being anthromorphic) and others less, while still refuiting the outdated classical dominance theories. Abrantes scientifically explains why this innate difference is useful and necessary in dog/wolf evolution.I have studied this argument alot and a light bulb went off and did some serious reflecting. There are some other pearls. I highly recommend.



2. This little book is a must for everybody who are seriously interested in ethology and especially canine behavior. Most of the social behaviors are described with examples from the wild canids, but it indeed also gives us a better understanding of the instinctual behaviors our domestic dogs show. Even though it is of high scientific quality, it is not too difficult to read and can also be read and enjoyed by regular dog owners.

5 comments about You Bake 'em Dog Biscuits Cookbook.

1. I just got a puppy and have been very concerned about what goes into his food and treats, so I decided that I want to try making my own (not to mention that this makes for great gifts to give). When I went to the store to find books on this type of thing, it is surprising that not many books are just about biscuits. I love my dog, but I find it a little ludacris that many doggie biscuit books actually have real meals for dogs in them (Labradore Lasagnia, Pup's Pizza, meatloaf, even Arroz con Pollo)... I'm truly serious! If you make meals for your dog, I appologize and do not mean to affend, but I barely have time to make my own meals, let alone something for my dog. Baking biscuits is one thing... but actual meals each night is another.
   
   This book was right to the point and had everything I desired in it... buscuits, treats, and even cupcakes for when he does have a special celebration. The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredients seem easy to find. I think this book is a real treat and paired with the right cookie cutters makes a great gift (see also their set that comes with cutters). I got the book as opposed to the set because I also got "Make Your Own Healthy Doggie Biscuits" by Jonna Anne that came with 3 cutters (also an excellent book and set). I may also get the You Bake 'em Dog Biscuit mini set so that I have a smaller bone. I thought this book hit the target and I love it!



2. This book has silly graphics as somebody else had mentioned, but I don't care about that. It's kind of cute actually. The recipes are straight forward and there are tips for storing the treats. The book even has recommendations for throwing a dog party. I'm anxious to make the pumpkin muffins for my guy and his dog buddies.



3. enjoyed this book. Good info,easy to read and use. Has a lovely selection and variety of recipes.Thoroughly recommend it.



4. This book not only gave you the recipes, it had little helpful hints in regards to what ingredients are not good for your pup.



5. I bought this book based on all the good reviews and was a little disappointed....almost every recipe calls for a food processor and not having one at the moment pretty much excluded alot of the recipes. Of the ones I did make my two pugs weren't crazy about them. It is O.K. but there are many more that are better out there...

2 comments about The Whole Dog Journal Handbook of Dog and Puppy Care and Training.

1. This is a great book for anyone with a new puppy or dog, even if it is not your first dog. I breed Border Collies as a hobby and I give a copy to new puppy buyers. Even if you are experienced in puppy and dog care and training/behavior, I still highly recommend this book... Especially if you are buying or adopting a new puppy or dog: Get the book and read it BEFORE you bring your puppy/dog home. This book has up to date methods on everything from preparation for your new pup to training, feeding, veterinary/health care, to issues with behavior, old age, etc. This comprehensive pet care book covers just about everything you'd ever need to know. Breeders, rescue groups and shelters: This book should accompany any dog you place! All natural, positive, and holistic methods of pet care that really work.



2. I love the Whole Dog Journal and this book is just as wonderful! I am so happy to have such a great resource to which I can refer and also one I can happily and wholeheartedly recommend to clients, friends, and family. I especially love that so many of Pat Milller's fantastic training articles are included. I gave this as a gift for Christmas and plan to give many more in the future!!

5 comments about The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider.

1. This is a good little reference book for owners of Red Eared Slider turtles. I adopted one of these turtles and was clueless about how to care for it until I read this book. Although it's a small book, it is very comprehensive. I would advise anyone who is thinking of getting a Red Eared Slider to read it.



2. I'm the classic "how much is that puppy in the window?" case. I was in New York city walking in China town when I happened upon a bowl full of baby red ears. I just had to 'save' one of these squirming babies. Then I was worry about how to feed, house, and generally take care of my turtle, who was looking up at me with those moist, cat-like eyes while we sat on the subway. I had no idea how big it would get, or what to keep it in, or what to feed it besides the turtle pellets I got ripped off on.

   I tried websites about sliders, while my baby sat in his styrofoam enclosure with his bowl of water and pellets sprinkled around him. Then I found this book on amazon.com. Right away I ordered it.

   It has helped me alot. I bought a tank and food for my turtle, Mr. Dude. I learned how big he would get and where he came from. I also learned that it is illegall to sell baby red-eared sliders!!!

   If you have a red-eared slider, or are looking into getting one, this book is a must-have.

   (Good Luck!)




3. This book adequately covers the essentials of owning a turtle: housing, feeding, breeding, and diseases. The section on breeding is a little more extensive than in other intro books. A plus is that most of the pictures are in color. One thing missing from this book and others is a discussion of turtle behavior and sensory capability. Do they hear, see, smell, taste well? Do they like to hide? How long do they or can they stay submerged? Apparently and incorrectly, it is assumed this is all common knowledge. While this book will give one a start, owning a turtle is definitely a work in progress.



4. This was a very good book. It taught me a lot more than I used to know. I usually just look at the pictures but now that I've read this book I know a lot more. This book taught me how to take care of them and all of the diseases. If your looking for a good book to teach you every thing you need to know this is the one.



5. This was a very good book. It taught me a lot more than I used to know. I usually just look at the pictures but now that I've read this book I know a lot more. This book taught me how to take care of them and all of the diseases. If your looking for a good book to teach you every thing you need to know this is the one.

3 comments about Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques.

1. took a little long with shipping but book is what i was looking for and in great shape



2. I picked this book up in the gift shop of the San Diego Zoo, one of the few of substance they had. Even for me, a casual, but intelligent zoo visitor, this was worth $30.00. There is much more to animal captivity than I realized. Every zoo has two sides: the happy, visitor side, and the business/breeding side. Everyone knows about the happy side of a zoo. This helps lift the curtain on the other side of animal management and makes me even more appreciative of the huge expense and efforts of countless thousands of dedicated people who toil in the background. Articles on anesthesia of large animals, ethics of zoos, breeding, all are informative, basic information that the informed animal lover should know about. Although this is written for other zoo professionals, I recommend it to the average Amazon browser who wants to dig a little deeper into life and its mysteries. Because these are articles from technical journals, they can be read in any order and used as a reference book. There is an excellent bibliography after each chapter, although for the layman it is doubtful if they would be read. At any rate, I'm glad I bought this book.



3. This long awaited volume updates Crandall's long standing and now out-of-print classic "Management of Wild Mammals in Captivity." Contains a total of 48 separate contributions from 76 different authors covering a huge variety of topics including: Basic Husbandry; Feeding and Nutrition of Herbivores, Carnivores, and Omnivores; Exhibition Techniques; Behavior; Reproduction; and more. An essential reference for anyone maintaining mammals in captivity. Illustrated with some b/w photos & drawings, numerous graphs and tables, and five appendices. This book comes in a paperback as well as a hardcover edition.

5 comments about An Eye for a Dog: Illustrated Guide to Judging Purebred Dogs.

1. An Eye for A Dog is a good book that requires the reader to work very hard in order to get the maximum benefit from it: it should really be a DVD. It explains clearly and with excellant line drawings about dog structure and movement but the reader has to carry out excercises on just about every page in order to "get" the point that the author is making. The system works but it is rather like going back to school and requires effort. Additionally some of the authors comments are rather old fashioned in today's dog world and some of the breeds chosen as type examples are not generally popular ones, so that one tends to start to lose patience with the author. As said, this is a subject that today would be more user friendly if presented in DVD format with an accompanying booklet.



2. This was purchsed as a present for my sister in law. She was very impressed with it as she is a Judge for working dogs and this will help her a lot.



3. If you want to be a serious breeder, judge or handler this book is a must have. There are secrets in the show rings and whelping boxes that only the best and most successful breeders know. It doesn't come around often when a breeder will open up their head and give you a glimpse of what makes a great show dog. This book will show you with a ton of pictures and diagrams the subtle differences between beautiful and drop dead gorgeous. New and old alike can benefit from this book. People tell you to go and sit ring side and you still don't see? Next time take this book and go sit ring side and see just what they mean. Ever had a handler tell you to hold a leash or a head a certain way and you didn't know why? Next time you will with the help of this book. Check it out for yourself.
   -S



4. This book is not that easy to follow if you haven't already studied about structura and gait. which bone and muscle do what? why is it that this breed has a longer pastern than the other? why would a dog need to be under or overangulated? etc. Anyway, you should acompany this book with some other about structure and gait analysis so that you can really understand the difference between the dogs illustrated in this book and also study the breeds standards. Definetely not for beginners.



5. I found this book brilliant to learn about what to look for in judging a dog for conformation , as it tests you as you go you really have to think and learn and imediately know your mistakes And its clearly written
   will buy more as presents
   robin

5 comments about Nature Aquarium World: Book 3 (Nature Aquarium World).

1. I have been an advanced aquarist since 1994 and have read (and own) most of the plant books on the market. This book, as well as his others, are not meant for beginners (or even intermediate users) in search of a solid how-to manual. Better sources for that would be The Dynamic Aquarium: Building Living Ecosystems (by Adey and Loveland) or Peter Hiscock's 2 books, Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants and Aquarium Designs Inspired by Nature or The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad.
   
   But, if you are a beginner looking for inspiration or scope of what is possible, this is a good beginner book. I suspect that majority of aquarists who actually get a lot of practical use from these books are those who can readily take the data from each photo and put it to good use. Amano's books, if used as such, assume the aquarist has an advanced understanding of lighting, water chemistry, nutrient balances, biological filtration, fish behavior, etc. For advanced aquarists, these books are invaluable in that they supply tested permutations that can be immediately applied. This saves the hobbyist much experimentation when it comes to combinations of plant placement, relative to CO2 levels and lighting and nutrient regimes.
   
   In my opinion, this book is not required for beginners, although they can certainly learn from and enjoy it. But, it is required for any advanced plant-loving aquarist. I would highly recommend it for anyone who loves aquariums or appreciates the natural world.



2. This really is a fantastic book. Try to understand the Japanese culture and you'll understand the way mr. Takashi Amano disigns his aquariums.
   The use of simplicity is amazing but not easy to realize. For every aquarist is the whole serie 1,2,3 a must. Fantastic. Good written and very nice taken photos as well.



3. the first two books were great with my personal fave being Nature Aquarium World 1 but this one was beautifully designed and illistrated. Not only are the illistrations wounderful but the "about takashi" section of the book made for some brief and enlighting reading.



4. I got this book and I was suprized to find out that it had very little information whatsoever as to how his tanks were set up and the techniques he uses. I would not recommend this book for anything other then something nice to look at and wish that you hand the time to put into making your own tanks look like that.



5. Important to note this is part III in the series. If you own part one, this is a nice addition. If you don't own part one, get it first. It's the best of Amano's photo books. Yes, these are well photographed coffee table books, not manuals to "do it yourself," although they do give you a lot of good info to work with.

   The plant names don't correspond with Western plant names. You'll have to ID things yourself based on the photographs.

   A great book of inspiration once you know the essentials of aquatic plantscaping & fishkeeping.

   Amano's tanks are a living work of art. If you're already into freshwater planted fishtanks, get this book! After you've bought book one, Nature Aquarium World, of course

5 comments about Barker's Grub : Easy, Wholesome Home-Cooking for Dogs.

1. Books like this are well intentioned but totally off the mark. Dogs would *never* eat grains in the wild and cancer cells feed on grains. Take it from a dog owners who's precious pet has been on a life long home made diet which included grains, who's precious baby is showing multiple cancers at age 7. Do not feed grains to dogs.



2. This was a good book that gave me a great place to start my cooking for my dog. I would recommend



3. I was stuck with no diagnosis for my dog that kept throwing up dog food. A trial of 2 weeks would go by and my dog would be in the ER. After this book I was able to keep my dog completely healthy. Without this book I don't know what I would have done. There is a lot of information you can listen to or not but take it for what it is... a dog can eat human food with proper combinations of foods. My other dog does eat dog food. This is a great solution for a dog with digestive problems.



4. this is a great book, it gives you excellent supplements, and nutritional information. i recommended it to my vet. thanks.



5. Easy to read, all recipes very "do-able", for a non- gourmet chef, but a pet owner who wishes to feed their pets good food.

5 comments about Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs.

1. I didn't gain a lot of useful information from this book. There are a couple of chapters that make the book worth buying.



2. Let me preface this by saying that I've been working with animals for about 10 years in varying capacities, including working as a sealion trainer, and I have done extensive reading of various training methods. In this book, I expected to find new ideas for training interesting games with my hyper dog. Instead, pretty much every training suggestion given in this book involved "jerking" the dog's leash if they didn't immediately comply with what was being asked. I have always worked with positive training methods, and continually yanking on my dog's throat just doesn't fall in with those methods. Because of their high energy, hyper dogs need even more patience to teach them productive and appropriate ways of using their energy, but instead of patience, the authors of this book recommend routinely punishing the dog for being hyper- exactly the dogs this book was written for.
   
   Sadly, this book was a total waste of my money, and I really can't recommend it for anyone. Thankfully, my dogs won't be subjected to the discomfort suggested by the authors of this book.



3. This manual is a great resource for any dog owner. It breaks down ideas into easy, understandable steps and will work if your dog has lots of energy or even if he/she doesn't. Great how-to photos and common sense manners training for a happy relationship with your best friend.



4. I just love this book. It's easy to follow, and they don't over complicate the wording so anyone can easily pull info from it. Gathering information is easy, because the topics are clearly labeled. They also have little exerts of helpful hints, which are very useful and easy to read. If you have a dog who you think is a bit hyper, this would be a great help. Especially if getting rid of your dog ever crosses your mind, because you don't feel you are giving the dog the stimulation it needs, or the dog is getting into mischief because it's not getting the stimulation it needs. It puts things into perspective on what a dog needs and what you need to do to give it to him. It teaches you how to train your dog and helps you to understand the way they think. It gives you great tips on traveling with your dog to, barking and baying to pulling on the lead. Some of the tricks they teach in this book are awesome and would impress the heck out of your friends. It even covers dogs with new babies, toddlers and children. The book is like one stop shopping for any kind of behavior problem. Definitely worth the read, there's so much info in it, many more topics than I have mentioned in this review.



5. This book is great and comes as no surprise after reading Amy's other
   books. Common sense, down-to-earth approaches by Amy and her experienced
   trainers! You'll love this book even if you don't have a hyper dog!