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.

5 comments about Cat Massage: A Whiskers to Tail Guide to Your Cat's Ultimate Petting Experience.

1. Maryjean writes a complete nose-to-tail guide to massaging your cat. Its step-by-step instructions are just fantastic. It's a great way to socialize and enjoy your cat.



2. I do a lot of cat rescue and adoption and find that even people who've had cats for years don't understand how to touch them so the cat will enjoy it. This book gives easy to follow instructions which can be used to improve anyone's relationship with his or her cat. Cats have an unfair reputation as being aloof. Hopefully this book will change that!



3. I would only recommend this book to people who have never owned a cat until now. This book is basic common sense and really not worth the money spent if you have already owned cats for years. If you have, then you will find pretty much nothing new in this book.



4. But that doesn't mean this isn't the top cat massage book on the market. Believe me, I have read them ALL and nothing could hold a leaf of catnip to this one. I said I wouldn't buy this book again because my dog had an accident on top of it and I had to throw it away, but since the techniques presented were so easy to follow and so nicely illustrated, I was able to retain the whole book in my head. I plan on buying a cat to go along with this book in due time.



5. This is a great book becasue it is a joy to follow, is illustrated to follow easily, and works! My four cats, Maui, Shima, Gumpy, and ChiChi, all love me more because of what this book has allowed me to do - how about a book on dogs - my new lab is feeling left out - GREAT book, if you have a cat - this is the message manual!

1 comments about No Pet Left Behind: The Sherpa Guide for Traveling with Your Best Friend.

1. This is an excellent book on traveling with your pets. It leaves nothing out!
   
   Books on travel with pets abound, but most are specialized, dealing with hotels that allow pets. Until `No Pet Left Behind', there wasn't a book that dealt with all aspects of traveling with your pet.
   
   This book, deals with it all. Just once glimpse at the table of contents, and you know you have found the `bible' on pet travel. A total of eight chapters address such things as Pet Etiquette, Domestic Travel, International Travel, Best Places to Travel with your Pet, If your Pet Gets Lost or Sick, etc.
   
   From rules and regulations for national and international travel, to the health certificates needed for state-to-state travel in the US -- you will find it here.
   
   Add to the above topics, the Resources list at the end of the book, which spell out where to go for what, including websites and phone numbers, and then throw in the detailed checklists provided -- and you have a book which does all but go on the trip for you.
   
   What I was most impressed with is the level of detail on the checklists! I am in my 60s, have had dogs for 40 years, and traveled with them much of that time - yet I learned a lot of tricks from this book!
   
   Many people forget that animals (dogs) may need veterinary health certificates to legally travel across state lines. The author lets her readership know what their obligations are on this dicey topic. Years ago, through a corporate move, I was made aware through the corporate transfer department, that, if our dog bites someone (or licks them the wrong way??), while we are traveling and away from our home state - the authorities in the state we are visiting can detain our dog, in a kennel of their choice, at OUR EXPENSE, for up to 30 days, while they make certain the dog has no communicable diseases. However, if we have the health certificate signed by an authorized veterinarian, we are free to go on our way. Most people don't even REALIZE this fact! Since that point in time, we have been believers in getting state health certificates and CVI's for our pets, whenever we travel!
   
   You also need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for your pet, if you travel to another state - and I'll bet even those reading this review, didn't realize that. The author also covers this topic in detail in the book.
   
   The author makes suggestions on how to develop a Pet Preparedness Kit for emergencies, then use that kit for regular travel as well. This would save people a great deal of time in packing. She includes a well developed list on what to put in this Preparedness Kit also - saving the reader even more time.
   
   It is a fun book to read; it deals with my favorite topic! I will be getting a second copy to keep in our pet's Preparedness Kit; and I will be getting the book as a Christmas gift for a few friends of ours, who regularly head south for the winter.
   
   This book is very nicely written, covering all aspects of traveling with pets. If you have a pet, and you travel, this is one book you will use a lot.

5 comments about The Dog Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance.

1. This is now my favorite dog book of all time! My favorite part of the book is the Top Selling Models page where thay talk about some well known breeds. A lot of my favorite breeds are on it like the German Shepherd, Chihuahua, Doberman Pinscher, Collie, Dachshund, Akita, Boxer, Greyhound, Pug, and the Newfoundland!! My "model" is a Newfoundland. What they said about Newfies is so true. They drool A LOT but they are just sweethearts, and the ideal owner is someone with a large house and yard and we have that. and I was so happy that there in it but only in one picture which is my favorite picture. It's the picture of the Top Selling models on pages 30, 31, and on 36, and 37.This book is very informative too. I never knew that raw carrots and air popped popcorn without butter and salt could be good snacks for dogs nor did I know that if dogs eat too many onions they're red blood cells will burst. Ever since I learned that I give my "model" raw carrots all the time! He also loves bannanas. But I knew some facts already like NEVER leave your dog in a car in hot weather and never feed dogs chocolate. So all in all this is a really great book just keep in mind for those of you who are parents there are some pictures in this book that aren't appropriate for kids. So if your looking for a "model" to love and have a friend GET THIS BOOK!!!



2. What makes this the perfect book for new dog owner is its readability. The authors keep you entertained from cover to cover, while providing you with all the information you need. In addition to being a good book for new owners, it's also something that you can easily refer back to whenever you have questions because it's well-organized into logical, bite-size bits of information.
   
   When I got my new puppy, I received this book and "The Art of Raising a Puppy." I read The Dog Owner's Manual in one sitting; I never made it past the first few chapters of "The Art of Raising a Puppy." Why read a novel when you a highly entertaining version of Cliff Notes!?



3. This book is incredibly informative and hillarious at the same time. Talks about the dog as if it's a new car or microwave and not a living thing. Information is given in a way that's easy to understand and entertaining so you might actually read the whole thing. Also got the guide for babies for some new parents I know and they found it quite amusing as well.



4. If you've never owned a dog, it's a good place to start. If you own a dog or are getting a new puppy soon, it's a fun way to brush up. Loved the illustrations!



5. This book is the funniest book i have read in a long time. While it is very informative, I would highly recommend it as a gift for anyone, dog owners and people without a dog.
   
   It had my friend and I in stitches and tears the whole half hour trip home from the city. Anyone on the train would have sworn we were on something other than just sugar and happiness.
   
   Would not recommend as a book for young dog owners as some of the pictures are rather inappropriate.
   
   Buy it, you won't regret a cent of what you pay.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Foaling: An Illustrated Guide for the Foaling Attendant (Howell Reference Books).

1. Was expecting my first 2 foals this year and needed help to know what to
   expect and do. Very imformative though I never got to use any of it as both my mares delivered quietly and safely on their own. I missed it! :-(



2. I have been meaning to write this review for a year. Last year my foal did not get enough oxygen and could not suck. This book explained *exactly* what this was and how to deal with it. It was only on a couple of pages, but it was precisely what I needed to know. My foal could have died due to my ignorance, and as far as I am concerned, this booked saved his life. Today he is a big beautiful yearling and his new owner adores him.
   
   Now I recommend this book to everyone on my horse list. The least I can do is write a good review for the author.



3. This was our first foal and after reading this book we expected the worst. Fortunately, we put to use some things we learned from the book and we have a beautiful new addition to our farm. However, reading about everything that could go wrong did not accentuate the positive. The illustrations are in black and white and there are not enough of them and they are often not clear enough.



4. As far as I'm concerned, this book is required reading for all foaling attendants. Thank you Dr. Karen Hayes for writing it. The book covers a single topic, and does it better than any of the other foaling guides I've read (and I've read quite a few). Those other foaling guides are on a bookshelf; this is the book that goes in the foaling kit! It has saved our farm from disaster on more than one occasion. Dr. Hayes clearly, calmly and concisely communicates the important facts and techniques the foaling attendant needs to know. The detailed diagrams make all the difference in illuminating exactly what is going on at each stage of parturition. Detailed descriptions of what's normal and what's not, techniques for resolving problems before they become critical, and advice on what to attempt yourself and when to call the vet are invaluable. You will find other fine books about breeding, mare care and foal care, but this is the best book on the actual process of protecting and caring for your mare when it's time to deliver her foal. Dr. Hayes' more general horse care [...].is also highly recommended.



5. I would like to have more information regarding what to do next. The information was good, and the illustrations are helpful, but I needed to buy another book to help with what to do with the foal once it had arrived.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freshwater Aquariums (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. Reading this book is like having an aquarium-expert friend to take shopping with you. The author tells you which fish are best for beginners, what fish shouldn't even be sold, what qualities a dealer should have, what equipment you should buy, what equipment is a waste of your money, what products are dangerous, what plants are no good but are sold for aquariums anyway, etc. I finally found answers to a lot of questions that other books didn't cover. The book discusses cleaning schedules, necessary floor strength, and moving concerns. It explains water chemistry as simply as possible. There is list of the author's favorite aquarium books and other info sources. He even tells you how you can reach him.
   
   The reasons why I didn't give this book 5 stars are trivial: Hard to make out black + white photos and substandard proofreading. Still, everyone who has or wants an aquarium needs this book.



2. Are you starting an aquarium? Well, I've been running one for a while, and my dad used to keep one, and I can definitely tell you that it is absolutely critical to have at least one fish book on hand in order to set up your fish tank properly.
   
   To the book. So why is this so hyped and high rated? First of all, it doesn't lie. You will learn why water changes are important, what pH is, and why you don't keep oscars with neon tetras. You will learn how to position and set up your tank, and you will learn the difference between a canister and undergravel filter. And most importantly, you will learn how to keep fish. Like some others have said, this book does mainly focus on the care and setting up on the aquarium, so for the fish and plants it would help a lot to get a separate book that specializes in those, because his descriptions are not that detailed. However, I can nearly guarantee you that you will not fail in your aquatic endeavor with this guide at hand. Good luck, and may your filter never crash when you are on vacation.



3. This is a very good quide for the beginner. Mike walks through all the steps required for setup and maintaince of an aquarium. Gives good suggestions on fish & plants selections. If the steps in this book are followed the aquarist will have minimal problems to deal with.
   
   Not much here for the experienced aquarist.



4. This is an informative, clear, funny, and brilliant book.
   If you are just starting an aquarium, this is the book to get.
   The beginning is all about the tanks, lights, and everything before the fish.
   There is a section about fish but the photos are black & white so if you want to know more about the actual fish you probably want another book too.
   Overall, a great book for beginners!



5. WOW! This book was ESSENTIAL to our successful (and fun) entry into the world of fish and aquariums. Great tips, easy to follow directions and explanations of "what, why, when and why NOT", written in a funny (if somewhat corny) manner, this book is easy and fun to read. I actually found myself taking it on a trip - and trust me, I have NEVER taken a reference book on vacation unless I was expecting to work on vacation. So, this book gets five stars. Buy it used if you have to do so (we did). We bought five different aquarium books, and this one was the best, and we refer back to it often.

5 comments about Havanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This is a wonderful owners manual for anyone wanting to own this wonderful breed of dog. The book is very knowledgeable and clear to understand. Very good tips on being a good Havanese owner.



2. Interesting to read about the breed from the Cuban perspective. The history of the breed, however, seems to be skewed by a lack of free information exchange in Cuba...it doesn't quite mesh with the history as presented in other countries...but, it was an interesting book and worth reading.



3. I was very diappointed in this book. Having read the reviews I looked forward to receiving it but in fact I thought it no better than generic dog book descriptions of the havanese breed. So many of these books, like 'Puppies for dummies' for instance, just repeat the same old stuff. I really wanted to know more about choosing and raising a havanese puppy, but it was of little use as its main focus seemed to be for potential breeders. There was very little about health problems, temperament or behaviour. In fact the book's layout and presentation looks 20 years old and I have already given my copy away to a thrift shop.



4. Excellent book - especially for the first time owner of a Havanese. I would have liked to see a little more about the eye problems that pertain to this breed. Wonderful photos throughout. We enjoyed the section explaining the history of the breed.



5. This is a comprehensive and very informative book for anyone interested in learning about Havanese dogs. Its caught the attention of so many of my family and friends that I will be giving it out this holiday as gifts. Highly Recommend!! P.s. loved the extra pictures of Havana...

1 comments about Angelfishes of the World (Oceanographic Series) (Oceanographic Seies).

1. To put it simply, I ordered this book on a whim, recommended from a fellow marine aquarist, and since then I haven't been able to put it down. I have never seen a more comprehensive and affordable review of Saltwater Angelfish, including many images of extremely rare species and hybrids. The images of Angelfish Aquariums maintained by aquarists in Asia is a unique section that really makes you think about how we keep our own aquariums. The only section I found lacking was the section which covered the current captive rearing of marine angelfish - I believe the author could have done more in-depth research, especially into the farm-raised Pomacanthus currently being produced in Asia.

5 comments about Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems.

1. The information in this book is all accurate. The author clearly knows what he is talking about. Unfortunatley there isn't much detail about certain aspects of owning a red-eared slider such as how much to feed it, issues of egg binding, behavior, how they process sensory input (vision and smell)etc. I was actually able to find more information on certain websites after doing a Google search. Not worth the money.



2. I have used this book for a couple of years now sort of as my "Bible" on raising my slider turtles, thanks to it I was able to sucessfully raise a hatchling & make upgrades to my setup to meet the needs of 3 growing turtles. It covers a broad spectrum of just about everything you need to know from housing to feeding to breeding. This is just a great book!!



3. All you ever wanted to know about this particular yet popular pet. Easy to read, all topics covered, small, cheap, get it.



4. I like this book because it easy reading.



5. This is a good basic book about red-eared sliders. You will learn details about sex identification and varieties, environmental needs, diseases, feeding, and even breeding. The author does a good job of describing the types and sizes of enclosures needed, water filtration, basking and light needs, and temperature. The need to have an easy system of water cleaning is emphasized. There is some discussion about recognizing symtoms of sickness and how to solve the problem usually either through changes in the environment or diet. Even with a book such as this, caring for turtles would definitely be somewhat of a learn as you go endeavor. This book can get one started but careful observation and fine tuning is required.

2 comments about How to Train Your Bichon Frise (How To...(T.F.H. Publications)).

1. I got what I ordered in swift time. The product was in great condition and if there were more books I needed, i would order them from this person again. Thanks so much.



2. This is a excellent book on the total care of the Bichon Frise. It is the only book necessary to answer all your questions. I'd definitely rate this book a 5+ ! It is a wonderfully illustrated hardback that you will want to keep as a reference. It offers great advice from littering to the elderly adult dog.