1 comments about InDognito: A Book of Canines in Costume.

1. The costumes are facinating. All the different idea's of the people from the dog world. The photographer caught the perfect pictures of everyone's creativity when it comes to there beloved furbaby ......... including the photographer's creativity of capturing the perfect spooky Shots. The coloration and boldness brings out the SNAP SHOT in all these photo's. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .... KAREN.
   
   Maggie

2 comments about Horsekeeping Almanac: The Essential Month-by-Month Guide for Everyone Who Keeps or Cares for Horses.

1. This is a great armchair/tackroom reference full of tips and information on caring for horses. It is a real help in getting organized. A 'must' for the new horse owner or someone getting back into horsekeeping. It's also a fun, interesting, and easy read for those in-between times while waiting for the coffee to perk or just taking a break. The information is timeless.



2. In my opinion, this is the best new horse reference on the market, and of special value to new owners, regardless of whether their horses are 16 hands or 30 inches. The author's unique approach to caring for our horses year-round is so logical, one wonders why it wasn't written earlier!
   
   A wealth of information is offered in easy-on-the-eyes layout and color scheme, with charming illustrations throughout. The book is organized by season for temperate climate regions, with additional suggestions for adjusting the information for other climate conditions. An innovative "five-season" plan covers Late Winter (January-February), Spring (March-April-May), Summer (June-July-August), Fall (September-October), and Early Winter (November-December).
   
   Everything and anything a horse owner needs to know or do is included. Upcoming January, for instance, gives information and details about the following: performing a late winter visual examination of your horse; horses and weather; setting up records for the coming year; checking feet and preparing for the farrier; cold weather feeding rules and suggestions; calculating your horse's weight; dealing with winter predators; parasite control; care of teeth; winter grooming; pasture & fence maintenance; sanitation and manure management; tractor maintenance; tack inspection and care; income tax overview; and, preparing for foaling season.
   
   Who guessed so much needed to be done in January?
   
   Scattered throughout these 576 information-packed pages are tidbits about wildlife, horse movies, ranch recipes, language trivia, and historical horsekeeping. The author includes sidebars with tips for living comfortably with horses. "Horse Sense and Safety" includes recommendations for moving around horses: "Either walk around a horse well out of kicking range or move around the horse by staying close, with your hand on his hindquarters to let him know you are there. Never walk under or step over the tie rope." The book has a full index, website resources for horse owners, and a list of recommended reading.
   
   If I still owned horses, this book would be my constant companion!

2 comments about Decoys and Aggression.

1. This book is the best I've seen for teaching decoys to read dogs. The information is great for both novice and seasoned trainer. Prior to training any decoy it is required reading. It's great to see someone who has spent time training dogs not just studying theories. It is well written, clear cut and straight to the point, it's filled from start to finish with useful information.



2. Great information for novices and experts alike. Excellent section on reading canine body language and influencing the dog's perception of you by using your body language. I have read and re-read this book many times and have found valuable information every time. This book is essential for all novice decoys, trainers and for anyone who handles dogs that can be aggressive. Get this book, it may save you from being bitten or seriously injured.

5 comments about Catwatching.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3PO5LTOSL56RB Key points of my review: One of my favourite non-fiction books. This illustrated cat bible is full of fascinating facts and beautiful photos. Five stars. This review also available at youtube.com/amazonreviews



2. I'm a fan of Desmond Morris and this book represents some of his lighter work. However, it is full of interesting facts that any cat owner would find interesting.
   
   It is consists of 2-3 page sections organized by subject. It addresses questions like, why cats purr, what effect catnip has on them, how cats find their way home, etc.
   
   Desmond Morris is a zoologist and he has a deep knowledge of many subject areas. This is a simple read, but it is quite interesting and a nice gift book for cat owners.



3. Well, my toes are being hunted. Somehow, his mayfly attention span has settled on those wiggling things at the end of my leg. His killer instincts awaken, he crouches for his approach, and ...
   
   ouch. I've just got to trim the little beggar's claws.
   
   This enjoyable book describes and explains a lot of what goes on in those furry little minds. If you're among the many fascinated by these familiar, even friendly little aliens, you're sure to enjoy this illustrated series of one-page observations.
   
   //wiredweird



4. This book is full of interesting facts about cats. It was a fun read, and I read it in one evening.
   
   I only have two complaints about it. First, there are no footnotes. Morris doesn't cite any of his sources.
   
   Second, he doesn't tell us why we say, "Cat got your tongue?" He answers several similar questions. He explains why we say, "Let the cat out of the bag," and "It's raining cats and dogs," but he doesn't tell us why the cat has our tongue. That's really important, you know.
   
   Anyway, I would recommend this book just because it's entertaining to read. I also read his book on Horse watching, which is just as good.



5. ive read this book in 4th grade and i was amazed, the way he describes things makes learning addicting. today, at 24 years old, id reccomend this book to everyone and have purchased multiple copies over the years to give as gifts. you are at a loss if you dont read this book, as well as the second book in its series "Catlore"

4 comments about Welsh Terrier (Comprehensive Owners Guide) (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. I found the book quite complete, except it teaches nothing about an important subject as stripping the Welsh Terrier, which was one of my basic reasons to buy it! Besides that, it has a lot of general info about the breed, how to take care of your dog, etc. It also has half a dozen very nice pictures of good examples of this breed.



2. A must have book for every Welsh Terrier parents, he, he. Excellent book to read.



3. Very nicely done, great pix, for the Welsh Terrier owner or fan



4. To the author, thank you! Hudson's just 18 months old, and we've had your book only a week, already we have learned so much we have a happier house and feel more confident that we can have a happier more productive relationship with this breed.
   
   The book is breed specific and each section covers important aspects of the Welsh Terrier. I've seen books like this for other breeds where as much as half the book was the same information found in other books on other breeds.
   
   This one is specific and filled with enough information to help you understand and care for the Welsh Terrier breed.

3 comments about Senior Dogs for Dummies.

1. This book is an excellent resource and an easy read for anyone with a senior dog. It brings to an owner's attention many areas of aging in a pet similar to human aging. It also gives good advice on dealing with problems encountered with an aging pet.



2. This book just won a 2004 Maxwell award from the Dog Writers Association of America in the Book: care and health category, and with good cause. McCullough knows what she's talking about. She covers nutrition, exercise, health cost, typical diseases, what to expect, and - of course - a discussion on when is the best time to let your friend go. Housebreaking can be a problem for some seniors, and McCullough recommends bringing out the crate. Certain problems that seniors are prone to, such as going blind or deaf, are discussed, as well as how to help your dog cope. Her practicality and compassionate approach to canine senior citizens, who deserve to lounge about in the sunshine, comes through clearly. Much of what she says is common sense, but if you haven't experienced what happens to a senior dog, this book will really help you prepare, understand what is happening, and what you can do about it.



3. This is a great resource! I have a 9 year old Sheltie with some health issues and I found this book to have terrific information specific to older dogs. It's a good read straight through or as a reference if you're just looking for information on a particular subject.

5 comments about How to Start a Home-Based Pet Care Business, 2nd (Home-Based Business Series).

1. self help book in starting a pet business. I was hoping for a little more information



2. Salzberg's experience in the pet care industry comes from her work as a groomer, and her book reflects this. While she does briefly cover such topics as pet sitting/dog walking and obedience training with a chapter on each, there isn't a whole lot of information here for someone hoping to break into one of these businesses. There is much more in depth information for those hoping to start a grooming business, but even so about half the book covers general how to start your own business information with a chapter each on starting a business, creating a home office, accounting, insurance, banking and the basics of working at home - none of the information in these chapters was specific to the pet care industry. Some "fluff" on the history of pet grooming and the increasing amount of money people spend on their pets rounded out the information. This book probably won't prove useful to anyone who wants more than a brief overview of getting into the pet care business. Salzberg herself recomends the books Pet Sitting for Profitby Patti J. Moran and The Professional Pet Sitter: Your Guide to Starting and Operating a Successful Service Edition 2005 Newly-Revised Includes Business Formsby Lori and Scott Mangold and these would probably prove better bets for people looking for detailed information on getting into the animal care business.



3. This book was informative however please note that it is very US focussed and will not be of great assistance with regards to regulations in other countries.
   
   The book did not provide an all round knowledgebase for setting up a dog walking business - mainly focussed on grooming.



4. There are two main aspects to a home-based Pet Care business, or in fact to just about any business. First is the part of the business that is special to the particular business. For a pet care business this includes such things as grooming equipment that is unique to this business as opposed say to starting a car repair shop. Second is the standard rules fo business. For instance, what do you need in the way of business licenses, will you be a corporation, what about insurance -- all that stuff. This book draws a nice balance between the two requirements.
   
   There's only one point I would do differently, not so much differently as with a greater emphasis. That is: Get a Computer. You don't need the latest and fastest, I bought quite an acceptable computer at a thrift shop for $75. Then get some accounting software. When they get around to questioning you, the IRS will look at computer generated reports with a lot more acceptance than they will at any manual system. QuickBooks is a good package (there are others). The latest version will cost you two or three hundred dollars. Or you can buy last year's version on eBay for about a hundred, or the year before that for about $65. Each year buy an income tax package, about $20. Do your own taxes and then have an accountant go over them. You can type stuff into the package just as well as he can and he will charge you a bunch.
   
   All in all the book is very well written, the authors clearly understand the business. The writing style is clear and informative. Highly recommended.



5. this is a great book to give a first time entrepenuer good guidance

1 comments about Become Perfect Partners: How to Be the Owner Your Horse Would Choose for Himself.

1. Anyone with a horse should read this book.
   
   Kelly Marks builds on her excellent first book, "Perfect Manners" and has written the amazing guide to getting that special partnership with your equine.
   
   Easy to read chapters on how to choose which horse to buy, develop your ground and ridden training techniques, how to handle common remedial issues and how to gain a deeper understanding of the horse psyche should excel this book into being one of the definitive horsepersons bibles for 21st Century.

5 comments about Every Living Thing.

1. I have just finished this book after having read the other books in the series many years ago. The magic is still there. I would not ordinarily be attracted to a book of animal stories but the animals in Dr. Herriot's practice are a stage for something more. The author gives the reader a slice of life from a different time and a different place (Yorkshire). I was quickly enamored with the characters and the telling. This book is really about gentle spirits, kind humor, unpretentious people, dedicated lives. Reading it makes the heart glad.



2. This is my fifth review of a James Herriot title, and if you've missed my first four reviews because you live in a cave, I presume you've heard of the TV series called All Creatures Great And Small. That was based on the first collection of wonderful tales from a Yorkshire veterinarian, or possibly the first few. More than a decade passed between this book and the one before it, and I believe this was his last original book. At first there is a dip in the quality we've come to expect, but once he gets back into his groove, it's every bit as entertaining as its predecessors, and I hated that it ended. It's well worth reading and I enjoyed it immensely.



3. I read his books as a teen and loved them. Bought the whole set for my grandsons, [teens]. They laughed until they cried. [so did I].



4. I read this book many years ago, I enjoy animal stories, I loved books by James Herriot, I read all of his books, the one perchased recently was a gift for my grandaughter who likes animal stories.



5. As usual, I enjoyed the stories written by James Herriot; maybe not quite as much as previous books but it still made very enjoyable reading!

5 comments about First Aid For Birds: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.

1. Two weeks ago on a Saturday morning, I found blood all over one of my Cockatiels. I now know that he had pecked at a feather abscess which had burst and splattered its contents everywhere. THE COMPLETE BIRD OWNER'S HANDBOOK by Gallerstein provided me with the information I needed so that I could determine if the bleeding was life-threatening (such as a broken blood feather), and whether I could treat it. This information allowed me to wait until the following Monday to have my bird seen by a bird vet who performed surgery on the cyst and ran several tests (biopsy, etc. to make sure it was not something that would kill my other birds) -- thus a $300+ vet bill instead of something much worse in at emergency service. I bought FIRST AID FOR BOOKS after this incident thinking it would provide me with additional insight into bird health situations, but it does not. Though more accessible, FIRST AID is a synopsis of some of the more common crises discussed in the larger book by Gallerstein.
   
   In FIRST AID FOR BIRDS, Julie Rach and Gary Gallerstein explain that their book addressed the immediate steps to take in selected health crises (no feather abscesses here). Each topic covered is divided into several parts: the crises (for example fracture), the signs (leg hanging at a funny angle), home treatment (confine bird....), Veterinary treatment. (The book will help the bird owner figure out some steps to take in a selected crises, but the owner should read the larger Gallerstein book before a crises arises.
   
   FIRST AID deals with some of the more common upsets covered in any good bird book, so I did not find any information I did not already have on hand, except a list of possible sources of lead poisoning including items like curtain weights - and believe me I am not going to try to figure out what poisoned my bird if he or she acts as if poison is at work, I am going to seek medical help immediately.
   
   FIRST AID (the book) is mostly about prevention - how to follow a proper diet and eschew household hazards. As I already had a good deal of this information on hand in other sources, I found this book disappointing. It would have been more useful if it had provided me with "triage" information to address various crises, i.e. what do you look for in a bleeding bird, i.e., what signs help you determine if bleeding is the result of a broken blood feather, an abscess (I had never seen a feather abscess), or something else, and what to do in each case.
   
   HOLISTIC CARE FOR BIRDS by McCluggage and Higdon addresses home remedies as well as preventative measures and is thus acts as a complentary book with much greater detail on the home remedies offered in FIRST AID. Gallerstein's larger book includes photographs of pus filled abscesses and other groovy stuff, so you will want to buy all three books if you can, but FIRST AID FOR BIRDS will get you started.



2. Most of the information in this book was right on for treating avian injuries. It had good suggestions for preparing an emergency kit and for acquainting a pet lover of what situations may arise when their bird is injured.

   However, one piece of information was very very wrong and it upset me to read it in an otherwise fine piece of avian literature. On page 112 it advocates packing a blood feather with styptic powder which is painful for the bird because styptic powder should NEVER be applied to live tissue. This worries me because there might be other errors in the text that may ultimately be painful, dangerous, or even deadly to a pet bird.

   This book is OK for reading through to familiarize yourself with bird injuries and how to treat them, but because it lacks a detailed index and a scant chapter listing, it may not be helpful in an emergency unless you have dog-eared the book for your bird's most frequent health issues. It is also a poor reference for this reason.

   However, compared to relying on unreliable websites, this book is arguably a better option.




3. This book is a must-have for all bird owners! Buy and read it to familiarize yourself with first aid procedures and then stash it as a quick reference if your bird should fall ill or have an accident. This book is a well-organized reference for what you can do to help stabilize your bird before you go to the vet in an emergency. It also tells you what problems are emergencies and must be treated without delay and what problems can wait a day or two.



4. Accidents and illness do happen to birds, be preparded and know what to do should someting happen to you pet bird. This book is loaded with helpfull information.



5. This is an excellent book. It gives first-aid kit suggestions, discusses normal bird health, and gives a list of symptoms with suggested treatments and when to call the vet. Our local library has this book and I found it very helpful. It is in a series of pet books, all of which are pretty good. A great addition to any bird-owner or bird-lover's library!