2 comments about Understanding Equine Hoof Care (Horse Health Care Library).

1. I was very happy with the way the book was written from start to finish, it gave me alot of information and very easy to understand. It was agreat book.



2. I got this book because I wanted to understand more about hoof care, as at the barn I was at there were many discussions on whether a horse should be barefoot or wear shoes. I think this book is good at covering the basics of horse hoof care but does spend more time on the topic of shoes and types etc. I only gave it 4 stars because I would have liked more information on keeping your horse barefoot. But for a first basic book I think it is a good first step and gives you the basics so you can decided what you want to look further into.

1 comments about An Extravagance of Donkeys.

1. As a new owner of a donkey, I eagerly read Ms. Baker-Carr's "An Extravagance of Donkeys." In fact, I devored it in just a few hours, and enjoyed every page. I even learned a few things about donkeys in the process, and read a few passages out loud to my husband. I'm afraid it will only serve to convince me that I can't stop with just one donkey . . .

5 comments about Italian Greyhound: A Complete and Reliable Handbook (Complete Handbook).

1. This book is not written with enough detail, to generalized missing a lot of breed specific info that I already knew. I was not happy with my purchase.



2. This is a great book. It's geared a little bit more towards showing your dog, but it has some great information in it for those who have Italian Greyhounds.



3. This book has a very beautiful cover with great photos. It is very similar to the other IG book I bought at the same time "Italian Greyhound (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)by Dino Mazzanti" . And they are almost hard to tell apart. Great if you are new to the breed, it reads quick, I wish it was longer. Out of the 2 I bought, this one seems a bit more practical.



4. There are very few books available for the Italian Greyhound owner - this is a very valuable book as these are very special and unique dogs. A good reference book, having wonderful photos as well.



5. This is a good starting point for anyone interested in the breed however I do not feel it is worth the cover price. Like many other books of this nature that discuss basic breed specifics, it discusses Italian Greyhounds in a general optimistic way using glossy pages with lots of cute pictures. I would encorage any prospective owner to continue their research using other sources and not just this one.

5 comments about Veterinary Guide for Animal Owners.

1. A good reference my wife and I have already found useful in dealing with our outside farm animals.



2. This book is a must have for anyone who wants to have farm animals and doesn't know anything about animals. It is in depth and informative with instructions on how to enclose, feed and care for your farm animals. It is truthful about when you need a vet and when you don't, if you want to save money, time and energy read this book before you buy your land, animals and equipment!



3. The book contained all the info I was looking for



4. At our house, you never know what the kids will bring home next or the parents for that matter. This book has been a quick reference on any new species introduced to our household as far as domesticated animals---we do have a gecko and unfortuately there is no info on exotics in this book. It has become a well worn book as we thumbed through finding answers to problems and also on ways to prevent future problems. We have 3 cats, 2 dogs, a bunch of chickens(cochins and silkies), 2 pigs, a pygmy goat, a shetland sheep and an African Fat tailed Gecko so we needed a book that would cover a lot and this has answered many questions. It has more than paid for itself----if it saves just one vet visit!



5. This book more than paid for itself in the first 15 minutes of reading. As the owner of 2 cows, 3 cats, 7 dogs, & 8 goats, I have been using this book as my animal bible. It's written in terms that everyone can understand and the directions are clear and precise. It's saved me many calls and visits to my vet. This is a MUST HAVE book for every pet or animal owner.

5 comments about Papillions (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Thank you for your prompt service. Your communication every step of the way was greatly appreciated.



2. having never even heard of the breed this book helped me out alot when I decided to buy a Papillion puppy. I would recommend this to anyone thinking about buying a Papillion.



3. Good value containing a range of relevant general information for maintaining your papillon in good condition throughout it's lifetime. Health comments regarding teeth, patella, false pregnancy relate pretty well to what I've seen. Back pain/spasm is also a problem.



4. Most people have only seen Papillons on television dog shows and never in person, a true shame as these little dogs are among the cutest and most wonderful of breeds. Although this book doesn't come with one of the furry-eared little pups, it is a great introduction to the breed.
   
   The book covers the Papillon breed itself, giving a short history and breed standards, then goes on to discuss what to expect in a pet, delves into care and touches on grooming and showing, peppered throughout with color photos. Yes, the dearth of printed Papillon literature in the US does mean that this book is the choice by default for many wishing to learn more about Papillons, and some of its information is both dated or at times erroneous, but overall, it's a good introduction to those hoping to learn more about one of the cutest and most endearing breeds of toy dogs out there.



5. I found more information on papillions, specifically-online! I found most of the information to be general as opposed to specific about the papillion breed. I recently brought home my papillion puppy, three weeks ago and I am not impressed. It is definately not a "complete pet owners manual".

4 comments about The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog of Destiny.

1. If you enjoy the BMD breed, this book is a must have. The photos capture the beauty and personality of the Berner much beter than other books that I have seen about the breed.



2. This book sets the standard of "compleatness" on the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is way beyond that of just a typical guidebook. Bernd Guenther has left, proverbially, no stone unturned here. The author's breadth of research, resources, insights, and details are on a level of the highest competence as to be priceless; this kind of preliminary (for the new and even seasoned owner) information cannot be overestimated.
   But it's more than just an information book for breeders and owners; you are made to completely inhabit the world of this legendary, mythological breed. Guenther takes you on a delightful life-guide of several Berners, noting distinct personality traits, whimsical anecdotes, and a good deal of sharp-viewed observations. Without ever being heavy-handed, Guenther takes the reader onto a serious study of the breed. As he makes clear, this is an extraordinary dog, one that needs like considerations. No prospective Berner owner should be without this book, as the author has the kind of sagacity and knowledge that was gleaned as a true lover and connoisseur of not just his own dogs, but for the breed in general. Indeed, some of the information is not to be taken lightly, especially genetic problems, and some tough sacrifices one must potentially make. And - this is a good thing - the book will either make you say a firm "yes" or "no" when considering bringing a Berner into your life. On the one hand, this beautiful, loyal, human-like dog may have you on the phone tomorrow looking for one; on the other, the responsibilities can be made to seem overwhelming - be prepared to GIVE UP your life BB (Before Berner) as you have known it! You cannot get any dog as if you would a piece of furniture, but with Berners, there are absolutely no options: the dog has to be a total part of your family, your life. Guenther makes clear as to what adoption of a Berner entails. Freedom will be limited. Berners are not for jet travelers or workaholics. After reading Guenther's precise requirements, a prospective owner will be made to realize the exacting responsibilities involved. Berners are frighteningly intuitive creatures, and to compromise the existence of them would be sheer misery for them.
   
   Crowning this achievement are the astonishing photos; they will literally make you gasp. Some will bring tears to your eyes. You will see why this breed is the King of Dogs: their physical magnificence is almost unreal. Perhaps the most fascinating set are of one dog, captured from the time of near birth, from every few months, and then to yearly intervals, to near the end of its life.
   
   This is more than just a book: it is an incredible generosity of spirit. Don't even THINK of bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home without it.



3. The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog Of Destiny by Bernd Guenter (a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the World Dog Press Association) is so much more than just a simple coffeetable book of wonderful photographs showcasing a specialized canine breed. The superbly presented and "user friendly" text commences with an introduction and history of the breed, then addresses the "Bernese Mountain Dog Standard". Then their are entire chapters devoted to puppyhood, the adolescent Berner, the adult Berner, showing the Berne (European Style), breeding the Berner, and health issues (including veterinarian selection, vaccinations, deworming, experternal parasites, and specific health problems affecting the breed). Enhanced with appendices for Breed Standards; Useful Addresses; Bibliography; and List of Abbreviations, The Bernese Mountain Dog is comprehensive, exceptionally well written, superbly illustrated throughout, and a "must" addition for the reading list and reference shelf for anyone who's canine companion is the Bernese mountain dog.



4. Every photograph in Bernd's book is literally a work of art. The detail in the photographs and the background scenery just takes your breath away. I especially love the photographs in "The Berner Circle of Life" on pages 134 through 141. Bernd chronicles the life of a newborn berner through his senior years. He has posed the Berner in the same stance from ages 5 weeks through 9 years. It is fascinating to see the progression from a young puppy, to a gangly teenager, to a full grown adult male who is absolutely gorgeous!!

   It is not just the photographs that make this book a "must have" for every Berner person and for those who are seeking information about Berners; the text is also excellent. Bernd Guenter is from Germany and his command of the English language is absolutely amazing!! This fantastic book is full of great
   information about the breed - you can tell that Bernd has lived with Berners and has been around Berners and their people for many years and from many countries. He is able to take his knowledge of Berners and turn it into a most informative and delightful book that is easy to read.

   You will find yourself shaking your head in agreement, laughing at the antics of the Berners, gaining a lot of knowledge about Berners and staying up late at night to finish just one more chapter. It a book that you will treasure forever.

   THANK YOU, BERND, for writing and photographing such a lovely coffee table book about our Berners!!!!!!

5 comments about Siamese Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. A MODERN KNOWLEDGIBLE CONCISE RESOURCE FOR HUMANS OWNED BY SIAMESE CATS. BEAUTIFULLY DONE PHOTOS MAKE LEARNING ABOUT YOUR CAT AN ESTHETIC EXPERIENCE.
   
   THE "COVER CAT" IS A HIT, AS WE ARE OWNED BY A LILAC POINT MALE. FROM OUR EXPERIENCE, IT IS TRUE THAT THE LILACS ARE THE MOST QUIET AND AFFECTIONATE OF THE SIAMESE BREED.



2. The book 'Siamese Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)' is a good basic book on Siamese Cats. I was pleased with the quality of paperback edition and love the photo illustrations.



3. Talked about different types of siamese the shape of their heads, colors. Also how their personalities are different from other types of cats. They are quite chatty. The book had some good information on Siamese and regular cat care.



4. The material presented is well-presented for the average lay reader. It's a general over-view of Siamese cats, with a fairly extensive section on breeding.
   
   I would have preferred for Collier's book to have dealt more with behavior and training. The two subjects receive some attention, just not enough.



5. This book is a good introduction to Siamese cats. My version is somewhat dated as it still recommends FIP and FeLV vaccinations. It also doesn't describe the risks of rabies vaccines. I've yet to find a really good reference book for comprehensive feline health information. Cats often exhibit much more subtle symptoms than dogs. I also would like to find better information on issues relative to purebreds. The Cornell Book of Cats is a good next book, but I'm still searching for an advanced layperson's book.

5 comments about Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches (New Edition).

1. This book came in very handy. Was easy to read and understand. I have just had my first litter of pups and your book was spot on out of all the other books I have purchased.



2. I have just started raising my English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs and was worried this book would lean more towards the little dogs like most books. It was great! I had it right next to me when the time came for the puppies to come!



3. A great book for breeders. Book is what it says... focuses on the care of your girl.



4. This book is a bible for many serious dog breeders out there. When someone recently asked a group of people at a national dog show for recommendations on whelping books - we ALL had and suggested this one. With that being said, this is NOT a book about pregnancy and whelping ( although that is covered of course). This book is about the owning a bitch and all the things that go with it from purchasing the dog to medical problems to placing puppies. It is complete and detailed. I pull it off my shelf for any bitch concern for reference and it (and the kit that they suggest) has sat beside me with every litter I have ever whelped.



5. Excellent reading; a must-have for beginners and useful to breeders too

4 comments about Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement.

1. This book is very complete with information and diagrams for all parts of the horse and how they move. Well written and a great resource to refer back to. Lots of detail on muscle groups and what they do. If you are interested in bio-mechanics, this works! I do lots of ground work with dressage horses and rehab for injured and arthritic horses. This resource is particularly helpful for me.



2. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to fully understand the basic gaits, movement and conformation of the horse. There is information on the natural gaits of the horse and how a rider can enhance or hinder the horse's movement and balance. The format will assist both novices and advanced equestrians. It is written in easy-to-understand language. The information is also very accessible simply by browsing through the illustrations. This book would be a great addition to any horse enthusiast's library.



3. Yes, Ms. Harris did the sketches. Her sketches really capture the movement of the horse and enables you to breakdown the gaits and jumping actions to see what is really happening. Utterly fascinating!



4. An excellent presentation of the elements of balance in the horse's movement at various gaits. The illustrations (Did Ms Harris do them?) are grand and support the text very well. It is an excellent resource.

5 comments about Urban Tails: Inside the Hidden World of Alley Cats.

1. The pictures are great. I love how the author captured the society and different personalities of the cats. However, I was disappointed that the writer didn't get around to explaining whether the cats were neutered/spayed until the end of the book. There were references to the old tom cat, beat up. Why didn't they get him neutered? Or the momma who had more than one litter. I don't know when this was written, but it is standard practice now with feral colonies to trap/neuter/release on a regular basis to manage the colony and keep everyone healthy.



2. I'm so glad I ordered this calendar, I couldn't beleave it was on my dorrstep the next day, it was like they new I was going to order it and sent it in advance, amazing. The calendar is so preciouse with all the pictures of street living cats, but the real jewl in this is the stoy the photographer shares on who these felines are, where they live, how he came to know them and take tell their stories. It makes one want to go out and take pictures of forgotten community of homeless and stray animals. It's a work of Heart.



3. Photographer Knox and freelance writer Sara Neeley have teamed up to produce a stunning, poignant photo essay highlighting the beauty of the hidden world of alley cats. Knox, well known for his gritty urban photojournalism, was inspired to photograph the feral survivors he encountered in his work. He soon uncovered a complex underground family structure of cats surviving the clash between nature and modern civilization. The authors readily acknowledge that this book shows only a sunny glimpse at the brutal life of street cats (for "who would buy a book that accurately showed the suffering" they endure?), but their purpose is to document this world and inspire citizens to make small changes, including spaying and neutering both domestic and feral animals.



4. A stark account of the lives of urban feral cats. The book may leave you sad and angry, but the black and white photos are precious, and you will run to give your own sweet, safe, healthy kitty an extra hug. I bought it for a fellow cat friend.



5. The concept of this book fascinated me because all of my life I have been surrounded by stray cats. Ever since I was a child, my family have always left food out for our neighborhood strays. Eventually, some of those strays made our backyard their home, regardless of where we have lived. Many, many cats - all with their own names and distinct personalities - have shared our yards and our lives. Some for fleeting moments, some for many years. We even have photos of some of these cats in our family photo albums, because they were like a family. Even now at their present home, my family has a colony of about 15 cats living in their yard. The numbers vary as they come and go as they please. Some never return. Like the cats in this book, many have met with sad ends - not due to coyotes, but mostly to cars and human cruelty in the form of poisonings. But the cats that remain are loved and fed, their antics entertain us, and they are buried properly when they die.
   
   My mom has been trapping and taking all the strays that she can to be spayed and neutered for years now. I didn't even know it had a name (trap-neuter-release). It is hard work, though, because of her extremely limited financial resources and uncooperative or unable animal welfare agencies. The Humane Society of Miami, where we used to take some of the strays for low-cost neutering years ago, no longer performs this service for stray cats (only for those that are adopted from them), which I find unbelievable, as what can be more humane to an animal than to neuter it and prevent the inevitable suffering of their unwanted (by humans) litters?
   
   Instead, they refer us to the city Animal Control, who has recently put a limit on the number of cats a single person can take in to be neutered. They also used to have a mobile trailer that went to different points in the city throughout the month to have cats neutered at free or low cost, but due to budget cutbacks this service has also been discontinued. My mom has had to fight tooth and nail and written to everyone from the mayor to the directors of the Animal Control simply to get permission to neuter a few more cats. My mom cannot afford to do this at a private vet's office, and she knows of no private vets nearby that provide this service for free or at a cost as low as the Animal Control. It's too bad that these agencies are unwilling to help the very animals they are supposed to protect.
   
   Back to the book. It's a great book! Like another reviewer mentioned, if you only love purebred cats and see them as a status symbol, then this isn't for you. This is for true cat lovers who see as much beauty in a scraggly little stray kitten as in an expensive purebred Angora. The photographs are striking, but what I enjoyed most was actually the text. At the end of the book, the poignant stories of some of these cat characters are offered. Some have happy endings, some do not. But they are nevertheless fascinating to read. I would have read a whole book worth of them.
   
   I think it's especially important to have a person who hates cats or at the least thinks they don't have as much personality as dogs to read this book. It will show them just how much love, loyalty, and devotion cats can truly have towards each other, and how intelligent and resourceful they can be. Most importantly, it should tug at the heartstrings and inspire feelings of compassion in people so that they stop needlessly hurting and killing these little animals. They need to stop seeing them simply as nuisances or pests, and more as creatures like us: with real families and real feelings, who mourn the loss of their relatives and would fight to the death to defend them.