1 comments about Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect.

1. What makes us similar to animals? What makes us different from animals? What makes us different from each other, especially those who do not share our emotions or thought patterns?
   The author indicates that emotions are especially significant in sharing experience, and in deciding with whom we share that experience. Almost no one would choose to abuse a human being of low intellectual capacity who looks at us with a trusting smile, and almost no one would sympathize with an intellectual equal who treats such a person with cold cruelty. When we categorize other creatures who share something significant into neatly stereotyped compartments, we often find we are amazingly wrong. The author suggests that when we expand our awareness, we are often positively rewarded beyond our expectations. We can never treat animals as equals, but we can never degrade them without degrading ourselves. If we should discover creatures who are our technological and intellectual superiors, we should hope they will treat us better than we have treated other conscious creatures.
   It's an interesting thesis,and it's interesting to think of the alternatives.

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

1. The book arrived quicker than I expected. It is my bible of raising love birds. Very informative and a must have for love bird fanatics..



2. If I had to pick one book that should be obligatorial to anyone purchasing a lovebird, this one would be it.
   
   It covers pretty much everything you need to know about the purchase, care, feeding, housing, safety, breeding and, last but not least, the lovebirds bodylanguage. I think they've successfully covered the basics. I would, however like to see a little more about games you can do together with your bird, that they enjoy. Tricks ain't something that comes naturually to them and talking is extremely rare in lovebirds. A guy I know use to tear up old newspaper in a bowl and hide treats under the paper-pieces. They'll sort of dig under the paper with their beak (or entire head) and pick up treats. His birds love this, they whistling and cheer.
   
   "Owning a bird", he once told me, "ain't nothing like owning a dog. If you're nice to the dog it will be nice to you, but birds are a little harder to get a grip at"
   
   It's a beautiful little book with huge, pretty photos spread through it. Well worth the money.



3. This is the 6th book I've read about lovebirds, and my favorite one. It has alot of history on the birds, and also talks about training them, how to handle them when they first come home, diseases, and how to feed them and even a chapter on breeding. Very complete, and has so many pictures that it makes it hard not to read. I recommend it!



4. The book has some basic review of lovebirds but fills the rest of the book with explanations of genetics and the mutations and pictures of all the lovebird mutations. It wasn't particularly what I was looking for. I wanted to know their habits, personalities, etc. as I was not looking to breed lovebirds.



5. Excellent communication, fast postage.
   The book I received has all the information I would ever hope to need.

5 comments about Ninety-Nine Newfies.

1. I ordered this book since I was soon to get a newfie pup. I am so glad I did. The book is filled with 99 different stories about 99 newfies. They are short reads that touch your heart. I just have to share the stories with whoever is around while I am reading it! It is a fun and inspiring book. Although there are no pictures ( I like to see photos of the dogs) it is still an excellent book.



2. This book is for anyone who's ever wanted a newfoundland dog! Know what your up against BEFORE you welcome one of these drool slinging, fur dropping, vacumn killing puppers into your life! 'Cause once you do, your done. Your life will no longer be your own, neither will your bank account, house, or anything else you used to hold in high esteem . This book will show you the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, and frighteningly, how much smarter they are than us!
   Read this book to understand you are getting so much more than a "dog". You are getting a human in a dog suit, in other words a Newfoundland!



3. This book shows the true sides - all the wonderful traits that we grow to love. Including the stuff only a Newfie "parent" can appreciate!

   Of course, with 4 of the stories being about my "grandpuppies", I had to have it on my bookshelf!




4. This is a must have for any owner or wanna-be owner of a Newf (or any dog for that matter)! Through the eyes of many different people you can pull together a true picture of what life with a Newfie can be, from the good to the sad to the ridiculous. The varying perspectives come together to show what wonderful, loyal, loving furballs these `Gentle Giants' are and how much they can add to your life. In addition, 90% of the profits made on this book are going to the Newfoundland Health Challenge for scientific research to benefit this beautiful breed. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll want to hug a Newfie! Congratulations and thank you Pat for putting it all together :)



5. While readers of this book will enjoy the benefits of generous doses of laughter (and sometimes tears), Newfoundland dogs everywhere will benefit from the purchase of "Ninety-Nine Newfies." The author, Pat Seawell, is generously donating 90% of the book's profits to the Newfoundland Health Challenge, a trust run by the Newfoundland Club of America, which funds scientific research into Newfie health problems. So buy the book to bring joy to yourself and to bring improved health to our Newfoundland friends.

5 comments about Parrot Breeder's Answer Book, The.

1. This is a very good book. Some authors fill their books with jargons and make the books difficut to read. But Soucek writes in plain language. She makes professional knowledge of parrot breeding understandable to a parrot lover like me. Photos are clear and illustrative. I considered this book is the best one among books of similar topics.



2. Well being a hobby breeder I must say that I had learned somewhat through the years. I walked into a book store and took my husband's advice for once, it turned out to be most rewarding. The Parrot Breeder's Answer Book is filled with so much information which answered alot of my questions concerning my current breeding. Most of all the book is fun to read and the amount of pictuers add alot as well, far from boring like other related books. I must say taking my husbands advise did work out this time since it never ends up good. I would recommend this book to my fellow bird breeder's especially my mother in law she can really use this book as a Christmas Gift.
   
   Yours Truly
   
   Martha Ferrer



3. Very informative, I've been a breeder for 11 years and learned a few things I didn't know!



4. THE PARROT BREEDER'S ANSWER BOOK was written by Gayle Soucek, who has been breeding and training parrots for a number of years and maintains a flock of 70-80 birds at her Chicago home. The fact that she has been able to raise baby parrots in such a cold hostile environment is amazing, especially when she informs the reader that at times she must transport the babies to work because they require "round-the-clock"feedings, just like human babies. Of course she is hand raising the birds she feeds herself. Parent raised babies are cared for all day by mom and dad, but hand raising birds is the key to training them to be friendly animal companions. Reading this book one wonders where Ms Soucek finds the time to care for birds as she works full time for a bird supply business, is involved with a number of bird organizations and writes articles and books. Soucek says "you will never travel again" if you get into this business, and she has a point, although she undoubtedly travels to various locations to speak and lecture.
   
   Soucek covers all the important aspects of baby-bird raising including parent nutrition and avian reproduction; preventive health care, including when to call your vet and when to "do it yourself"; baby nutrition including diets and hand feeding; housing, including cage requirements (do you know the difference between an incubator and a brooder?), air, water and light requirements; characteristics of birds reproductive systems including the difference between DNA sexing and the more invasive laproscopic sexing.
   
   As a full-fledged bird breeder, I found this book highly informative, and recommend it to anyone who thinks bird-breeding is a "hobby."



5. This is an excellent book for those who are looking into breeding parrots. It gives good information on the pros and cons for breeding, and comes with excellent pictures and illustrations. This is such a wonderful guide to breeding parrots RESPONSIBLY. It is incredibly honest and straight forward on the benefits and pitfalls of breeding. Very easy reading and informative. Also comes with a reference guide in the back. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Cairn Terriers (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. because it contains the most concise information and is also a good buy. When I sell my Cairn Terrier puppies, I always send a Barrow's Cairn Terrier book. The book is included with the purchase of the puppy to help the owner answer all their questions in regard to their new Cairn Terrier puppy. I also consult it myself for answers to questions. The pictures of the Cairn Terriers in the book are of good quality and variety.



2. This is a great book! I love the pictures, and it's a very good book for any Cairn owner, whether a newbie or not. I highly recommend it.



3. This book wasn't exactly what I thought it would be like. It is very short and doesn't have lots of specific details. It is however an exellent source overall. One great thing about it not having lots of details is that it is short and very easy to read the entire thing rather than just skim certain sections. I found the grooming section very helpful and informative. However I would have liked a little more information in the training section. Also I would have liked more details in handling those difficult puppy moments such as when they try to bite. I loved that this book is completely tailored to the cairn terriers rather than it being a general dog book. I definitely was not disappointed.



4. I was really happy with the book. There were topics not mentioned in the larger books. The pictures of the Cairns are really good.



5. This is a very informative book. It takes you from A - Z. It is also a great reference book. I would hightly reccomend this book to anyone who is thinking of adopting a Cairn Terrier. This is a good book for breeders to suggest for someone to read before adopting a Cairn.

3 comments about Koi: A Handbook on Keeping Nishikigoi.

1. For centuries koi fish have been a popular hobby, especially in Japan and in the West more recently: now beginners can learn their special needs with KOI: A HANDBOOK ON KEEPING NISHIKIGOI. The authors are experienced koi-keepers and provide all the basics in an easy, logical progression of tips perfect for general interest lending libraries strong in pet references. Chapters cover the natural history of koi and koi varieties and move into building ponds, keeping koi, and even showing koi. Packed with color photos, this is a guide any aspiring koi-keeper needs.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I have been keeping koi for a number of years but am just getting organised as a more enthusiastic koi keeper. This book filled a void in my library by providing honest, accurate advice from a dedicated koi breeder/keeper who is not reluctant to share his 'secrets'. A definite must read for any koi enthusiast, from beginner to seasoned breeder.



3. I have a good-sized collection of books on Koi and Koi keeping. I've also paid four times the price of this book and gotten less than a third of the information it contains.
   
   What I really like about the book is the authors' clear and concise approach to what can be a rather complex subject. They keep it simple and easy to understand, while letting you know that the hobby has deep roots in Japanese culture. The more you learn, the more you will want to know.
   
   There is good, solid information on starting a collection, including what to look for when selecting individual Koi. The pictures are very good, the colors reproduced quite well. You will learn that you aren't just looking for "pretty fish," you are investing in the future.
   
   I was looking for a good book to direct people to when they ask me what they should read. (I get asked about this a lot, as I've been in the hobby for more than 10 years.) This book not only gives a good overview of the hobby, but also provides a great deal of definitive information on just what it is that should be appreciated about Koi, what makes one a "garden pond" fish, and another a "show quality Koi."
   
   All books have at least one failing. In this book, it was the in the translation. In the section on Water Quality, where dissolved oxygen was discussed, a word that should have been translated as "venturi," was mistranslated as "flowmeter." This mistake was repeated several times in that chapter. A picture of a venturi in operation made it obvious to me what was meant. Perhaps it can be corrected in a future edition of the book.
   
   That aside, I think this book offers a great deal, even when compared to others that cost much more. A good start for those collecting Koi, or collecting books on Koi. You could certainly spend more on such a book, but you'd be hard pressed to get more for what you'll spend on this one.

5 comments about Found Dogs: Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet.

1. These are without a doubt heartwarming stories that leave the reader thinking "What if that person hadn't been at that spot at that time", or other mind-bending questions, but all in all, the lack of detail provided in the stories fails to draw the reader into them, leaving a choppy feel to the whole book. This, in turn, fails, to do what the writer hoped to accomplish, which was to show the fantastic chemistry between people and dogs, and demonstrate that dogs are capable of thinking and emotions far more complicated than humans have believed thus far.



2. I purchased Second Chances last year for my 9 year old son so I knew this book would be just as good. If you want to read very short stories about stray dogs who found loving homes, this is the book. It will make you laugh, cry, and just feel good all over.
   
   Everyone should "adopt" a shelter or stray once in their life. There is is no better feeling...they seem to have a way of "finding you."



3. I loved this book so much.I recently adopted a dog after many years of only pedigree versions. I will always save a life and adopt from now on! My other 3 dogs with papers aren't so sure of this decision!



4. As a dog lover and a current owner of 4 dogs (2 of whom were rescues) I applaud each and every pet owner in this book and I thank Elise Lufkin for putting these stories together so that they may be enjoyed by the people who rescue any animal or is thinking about rescuing. The joy and love these pets bring into a home is unbelievable.



5. As the mama of an adopted stray dog from the ASPCA I am very interested in saved cats and dogs,(I have also taken in a stray cat). To me rescued animals are the best pets. The books that I have read are all happy books, there may be a lot of saddness in them, but for the most part they have a happy ending.
   Amazon is full of books on cats and dogs, the selection can't be beat!

5 comments about Living with a Shih Tzu.

1. Another great book if you own a Shih Tzu! The book has a lot of great information on the breed of dog! Lots of tips and suggestions!Good pictures...



2. This book was somewhat helpful. It was interesting to know about the personality of this breed. But I have a lot of unanswered questions now that I have had the puppy for two weeks.



3. The book is a great manual for Shih Tzu owners. From day one it was helpful for us to understand how to handle our puppy. She is now 8 weeks old and is healthy, active, curious, mischievous and sometimes seems to have read the book before we did. The author perfectly describes the usual behavior of this breed and, best of all, she provides useful hints and instructions on how to deal with specific situations and problems such as feeding, discipline and playtime. We recommend the book with enthusiasm.



4. As a trainer and breeder of Shih Tzu for over ten years I highly reccomend this book. It has great practical advise and is full of great pictures and stories. I give this to all my Shih Tzu puppy buyers. Enjoy your bundle of joy!!!



5. As the owner of an eight week Shih Tzu, the book provided many good ideas on raising my puppy. This book was recommended by the breeder as a "how to" book.

1 comments about The Guide to Owning an Australian Shepherd.

1. Sheila has done an outstanding job on this new book about our wonderful breed ! It gives very important information on our breed including care, training, grooming, nutrition, and even includes information on the breed's rescue program...
   Its a MUST for new Australian Shepherd owners and a good reference book for those who have been in the breed for awhile...
   I strongly suggest breeders puprchase a copy to go home with every puppy they sell....

5 comments about The Perfect Match: A Dog Buyer's Guide (Howell Reference Books).

1. As an Animal Control Officer, I use this book often to help folks find compatible breeds. It is brief and to the point on each breed with easy reference guides to all the basic questions one would ask while exploring different breeds. I only wish it had color photos.



2. I keep this book by my desk and use it a lot to get information on different breeds. It gives a quick easy analysis of each breed, giving the reader a real good idea of the breed's positive & negative aspects, the information a person considering buying the breed really needs to know. Things like what health problems are characteristic of that breed and to ask breeders about, what the breed is Best With (for example: "fenced yards, obedience, close human contact, industrial-strength vacuum") and Not For (for instance: isolation, robotic obedience, inactive people")
   The author's comments on English Bulldogs is funny, honest, and a good example. "Sleeping is this breed's favorite activity. Eatng is next, but they do love a good belly rub." "After drinking, they carry water in their jowls, slobbering across the floor. A sense of humor about the breed's propensity for flatulence is a good idea."



3. This book helped me find the PERFECT breed for me. You know how people try to tell you all about breeds from what they hear, or dogs they've known, but often they are wrong, or just plain uninformed. This book is ACCURATE, concise and totally reliable.
   
   A MUST HAVE for anyone who is interested in buying a dog and being educated and realistic about the dog's needs and their own.



4. One thing I've always disliked about breed selection books is that they seldom give you a balanced description of the dog. Often it's heavily weighted for a positive outlook which makes every single breed seem like it could be the one for you. This book is different, and that's why I like it.
   
   Describing the AKC recognized breed as of 1996, as well as a few rare breeds, you get a snapshot of the good, the bad, and the ugly with each breed. All of the basics are covered (protection ability, energy level, behavior with children/other animals, grooming) as well as some not typically covered (health problems, working ability). It also describes ideal and less-than-ideal types of owners. For example, the Rottweiler is described as best with strong confident owners who will train and socialize it early, not for pushovers with an invisible fence.
   
   While a more detailed and lengthy description of each breed would be useful, you have to remember that this book has to cover 150+ breeds in less than 200 pages. This book is intended to help you narrow it down to a handful of breeds you might like. Once that's accomplished you go to breed specific books and other resources.
   
   I give it 4 of 5 stars simply because it's from 1996 and doesn't include some of the breeds known today.



5. The reviews were very concise and well focused on the criteria that a prospective owner should consider.
   The book only covers breeds -- it would also be nice to have a chapter on "choosing a mutt" and what the criteria, benefits and pitfalls might be.
   Color pictures would make it easier to recognize familiar dogs, but, ultimately, it's not vital to decision-making.