Pets Books

Dr. Seuss teaches us how critical it is to care for the environment in this riveting, rhyming masterpiece!

"The Lorax" is one book I always have in my teaching bag as I go from school to school, especially in the Spring, when Earth Day comes near. The other I always bring is "The Sneetches", that teaches brotherhood and fairness. I always read it to the kids at school for Dr. King's birthday. Many of Dr. Seuss's books hold a special life lesson for the readers, young and not so young. "Horton the Elephant" teaches us to keep our word and be steadfast, "The Butter Battle Book" shows the stupidity of war, for just two examples out of many.

One more I always have with me is "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" by David Saltzman. The lesson is "It's Up To Us To Make A Difference, It's Up To Us To Care." Also," Laughter Is Hiding Inside Each Of Us". David wrote this beautiful, engaging picture book when he was suffering from non Hodgkins Lymphoma as a senior at Yale. After he died, his mother and dad had it published and started an amazing non profit, "The Jester and Pharley Phund". This organization benefits hospitalized children, promotes literacy at public and private schools, and imparts David's beautiful spirit and his lesson of love and laughter to every reader.

All of these books make us better people and a more beautiful society. They are all not to be missed in the education of our young.

I had forgotten just how good,..and sad this book was. I purchased it for my 3 year old because he loves Seuss but found that my 5 year old enjoyed it even more. I had forgotten the details of this story and bought it to add to our Seuss collection. It is a cautionary tale about greed and pollution but leaves room for hope if even one person takes action. This book is a classic but the message is more pertinent now then ever. It has become one of our favorites.

Dr. Seuss' best work is still, 'The Cat in the Hat'.

But this one is not too bad. On the one hand, it could
be taken to be an allegory about European Imperialism,
and the exploitation of Africa, for minerals, diamonds,
metals, and so forth, while the indigenous people are
treated with contempt. It could also be taken to be
a cautionary tale about overconsumption and the destruction
of the environment. One thing to note, especially if the
reader is Jewish, is that the Traffula trees bear fruit.
The Law of Moses allows for the cutting down of trees which
do NOT bare fruit. The Traffula trees however, bare fruit.
The trees are also used in the production of clothing, Thneed
suits. According to the Law of Moses, a tree which does not
bare fruit, may be used to make housing.

President George Washington, according to myth, is said to have
chopped down a cherry tree when he was a child, and is then said
to have claimed that he was incapable of telling a lie.

That said, the Traffula trees reminded me of cotton plantations.
Some economists have said that slavery in the US South ended,
only because it became too expensive to keep slaves. The machine
age, with cheap oil, made it possible to harvest cotton without
using too many labourers. And so, this story may also be seen
as being racist, in the sense that it suggests that expensive
oil, might lead to the return of the "brown bara-ballas (sp?).
"They" (Babylon) will use persons like light bulbs, a disposable
resource. Instead of killing people, "they" would rather enslave
them, keep them alive so long as they are productive. Economists
refer to slaves as "human capital".

I did not like this story, but it did provide some food for
thought. Wherefore, I recommend it for adults only. Yet, how
can you fight an enemy if you do not know the enemy exists?
When is the appropriate age, to tell a child, An Inconvenient
Truth? Such as, slavery and exploitation, what is called
"racism", exists?

Very cute book for elementary-early middle school-aged children. I use it in my 6th grade science class as a fun way to wrap up our environmental studies unit along with the movie version.

My students loved this book. It was a great introduction to our natural resources unit.

I was initally drawn to this book because I am a dog lover, but was plesantly surprised to find that this book had so much more to it. I felt like it combined both a vivid description of the war and also how the compassion of so many people helped save one scruffy, abandoned puppy. I would recommend this book to everyone and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

That book was received in excellent condition and arrived in a timely manner. Service was excellent.

R. Chasse

This was a surprisingly great read and I have been recommending it like crazy to all my friends. FROM BAGHDAD WITH LOVE is a heart-warming and somewhat heartbreaking story that had me captivated from beginning to end. It tells the story of a starving abandoned puppy named Lava and the hardened marine who along with wartime journalists, Iraqi citizens and many,many others saved him from certain death on the bombed out streets of Iraq and eventually got him onto US soil.

Well written and containing 8 pages of photographs there is no secret to Lava's outcome but this is still an utterly fascinating story. Lava is initially discovered by the Third Marines unit known as The Lava Dogs when they storm an abandoned house in Fallujah Iraq and almost shoot him. Then not knowing what to do with the 5 week old puppy and forbidden by military law to keep pets the marines begin feeding and caring for the dog as they set up a command center in the abandoned house. Lava's presence allows the soldiers a pass from reality, a small piece of sweetness and normalcy in their daily hell and something else to think about other than getting killed. Has anybody fed the dog today? There are some touching scenes as we witness these big, tough military men falling apart, talking in baby talk and playing with the puppy as he pees on their boots and destroys their belongings and they think he's cute.

Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman is eventually adopted by Lava who chooses his boots to sleep in. Subsequently several scenes play out like a movie as Lava is hidden and moved from red zones to green zones and finally crated as they attempt to drive him across the Jordanian border. The last few chapters are really exciting, and even though you know the outcome you will find yourself wondering, how exactly are they going to pull this off?

I learned a surprising amount about the war in Iraq reading this book and really got a feel for what the soldiers go through on a daily basis living in a war zone. Just how hard it must be to maintain your sanity amidst all the chaos and death. The ending is WOW and had me close to tears, as it's Lava who ultimately saves one marine from the emotional ravages of war. This is a book that I can highly recommend, especially if you're a dog lover in addition you'll get to learn a little something about a war that most of us barely notice anymore when the images and numbers flash past on our TV screens.

I read this book after a friend recommended it. I found it a great story that shows the love between man and dog. A Marine disobeys orders, convinces others to do so as well, and in the process brings a bit of humanity to the early days of the war. The book is about the struggle to survive in war torn Iraq. I read it in 2 days and found the story touching and heartwarming. I creates a clear picture of life in Iraq back in the beginning and how many sides can come together for achieve what may seem impossible.

I thought this book was so amazing! The things this Marine went through to get this little friend to America. Dogs play a big role in some peoples lives. To be in the situation that he was in, with all of the killing and death and never knowing about tomorrow, I think this little mutt brought some kind of stability and a sence of "home" to some of those Marines.

This is a must read for all pet owners. I wish I had gotten this book sooner. Could not put the book down. We are killing our pets with drugs and this offers an alternative. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!

This book is a must read for all pet owners. Dr. Marty's insightful witt and wisdom changed the lives of both my pets and myself. Thank God for vets like Marty Goldstein.

Dr. Goldstein's book is very informative for people with any level of understanding of health care of dogs and cats. It completely changed the way I care for my dog. After starting Dr. Goldstein protocols my 13 year old Sheltie seem to become years younger and here digestive issue are greatly improved. I recommend this book to all pet owners.
~Jillian

I absolutely loved this book. The only negative thing about this book is that is was first published in 1999. I wish Martin Goldstein would update the book and re-publish it, I'm sure he even found more holistic approaches than what was current in 1999. This book has some very good information in it, from advice about immunization to how to deal with a Lipoma etc. I wish more vets would embrace a holistic approach, there are very few holistic vets in this area and none of them seem to be as thorough as Martin Goldstein. One can hope that the future vets who are in school right now will go this route.
If you can only afford to buy one book with holistic advice about taking care of a dog or cat, this would be the one I recommend!

I love that this book was written by a veterinarian who is not locked in the "give them a pill" box that unfortunately, so many are. This makes the book especially useful, as it is written by someone with a specialty in veterinary medicine, but who is also extremely well-informed about alternative, holistic approaches to health. The sections on nutrition and vaccines will be eye-opening for many, and the book should be required reading for all pet owners.
- Nicole Wilde, author Energy Healing for Dogs: Using Hands-On Healing to Improve Canine Health and Behavior

This book is about the life of an veterinarian (James Herriot) in the 1930's. This book starts out when the James gets out of veterinarian school and lands his first job. Each chapter in the book is a short story about one animal case that James was evolved in. The book goes into great detail about the surgeries and procedures involved in working with the animals. In reading the book one gets a good feel for the small town in England and the life that people lead in the town. One thing is that drinking and driving was not considered a problem in those time, because many times in the book they describe drinking at the bars all night and driving home without a second thought.

Even though the book is a bunch of short stories it still have a slight common thread running through it and a nice ending. The book started off slow, but I got really attached. It was a nice relaxing read.

I read this series of books years ago as a teenager and enjoyed it immensely. It's a surprise I didn't go into veterinary medicine. I am now a people doctor and frequently wish I were a vet. The book is extremely charming, heart felt, humorous and realistic. Many times, I feel like I am there with James as he is treating an ailing animal or owner. I also purchased the audio CD, unabridged, and have a great time in the car listening to a very personalized voice narrating the book.

How can anyone possibly not love the series of books about the English country vet "James Herriot"?
What wonderful stories! Not only well-written, but filled with humor, understanding, and at times total pathos. Books to laugh and cry with--what could be better?

In the late '70s, I discovered them in a Heathrow bookstall--something to read on a long flight to West Africa. I was instantly enchanted! I've read them aloud to my children and find that, now as adults, they often re-read them. As do I.

I loved these stories when I read them many years ago, but reading time is harder to come by these days. Christopher Timothy does as good a job reading as he did in the BBC series! Great for long trips, while sewing, etc .. any fan would enjoy this, or anyone who loves animals, or anyone interested in human nature (Herriot is a great observer of people).

I really liked this memoir of being an English countryside vet in the late 1930s. The book, though it did follow a loose chronology, seemed more like a series of articles or anecdotes than a cohesive novel. Some chapters did flow together, but the vast majority did not. That's not to say that I didn't like the book, because I did, I loved it - it had many parts that were laugh-out-loud funny - the brother, Tristan, was an especially comical character. The memoir was educational too, but the veterinary technicalities were well explained. It actually had less to do with animals than I thought it would - there was a great deal about people - even a central romance!

I read this book 9 years ago, shortly after adopting my deaf Australian Shepherd. I loved that the chapters were written in an alternating fashion so that you would be on the floor laughing out loud one chapter and going through half a box of tissues the next. I loved the story - the love story of a man, a dog, a man, and the start of a wonderful business that changed the face of canine cuisine. (I HAVE eaten the vanilla and carob cookies myself when I was hungry for something sweet and had only these cookies in my pantry.) More than the story, however, this book provided me with the courage to work through the problems I had with my deaf pup and learn about how our animal pals adapt to their disabilities just fine.

I absolutely loved this book and wish there were more written on this level of warmth and understanding. I especially like the way that humor was mixed throughout the book, along with deep love and understanding for animals and the wonderful joy they are able to bring into our lives.
I just lost my Doxie companion to kidney failure, and this book was touching and comforting to me at this particular time. I would recommend this for anyone who loves animals, and even those people who are not as animal friendly as some of us. The author shows in this book just how animals and humans relate, and how very much we all have in common.
Read this book---you will not be sorry you did!

This is the greatest dog lovers book. It is so amazingly funny and something anyone with puppies can relate too. I enjoyed this book so much more than even Marley and Me.

Amazing Gracie was for me the best book I've read in a long long time. I couldn't put the book down and mourned the moment I realized I'd read almost all of it. The author took me right there with him. What I read that he experienced, I too experienced with him. The book is humorously written, so I laughed, cried and wept her passing. Like losing a loved one, you never fully get over that loss, there is an emptiness inside where your pet-friend resided & nothing can or will take it's place. I cheered for Gracie when she won a battle, & made her 'dad' laugh, and cry. Thank you for writing such a moving portrayal. NOW I miss Gracie too.

This is an amazing book. Sweet, tender, inspiring, honest, and very touching. This book is along the lines of Marley and Me but Gracie isn't as "bad" as Marley. Along the lines of A Good Dog, but without the aggression issues. Its a story of love, chance, friendship (human and dog), liberation, hope, oh you name it and you got it! You will quickly fall in love with Dan, Gracie, and the rest of the family. Dan Dye has a great sense of humor. The way he writes the book makes one feel like he is a friend chatting over coffee about his dog.

This book is great if you are a starting out or an intermediate student of astronomy. The best thing about this book is that it is aimed at getting the reader interest or re-interested in the bodies and matter scattered about the universe. This is a book I would buy for anyone interested in taking up the hobby.

The book contains just about everything that a stargazer needs to know about the night sky. Dickinson explains celestial things very well, and discusses earthly objects (telescopes, etc.) with the same detail.
This is one of the best "introduction to Astronomy" books available.

Even though I am fairly well past the beginners stage and have many beginners astronomy books, I consider this one is well worth reading. There are several books I could recommend for beginners. This one is definitely in the running for first place.

For those that are not so new to astronomy. This book is fun to read and enjoy, if for no other reason than the almost poetic way it is written. I will definitely keep a copy on my shelf for future reference and to loan out, with strict warnings about the consequences of not bringing it back.

It is intended to be taken outside while viewing, judging by the way it is constructed as well as by statement. If have not tried using it this way yet. It looks to be a winner in that category as well.

I bought this book a few months ago after I bought my telescope. This book continues to wow my friends and family who love to look at it on the coffee table. But I use this book for my starfinding as well. The quality is great the pages are nice thick and glossy. There are multiple star maps included which are extremely useful. The book also includes guides into proper viewing and telescope types. Anyone looking into amateur astronomy should purchase this book without a doubt. It'll help you decide, use, and perfect your astronomy hobby.

I have found this book to be a great help. I have always been interested in astronomy, but I have only recently taken to the outside to view the stars and planets from my own backyard. There is great information in this book. I had already had binoculars, but have used to it to help pick a future telescope. It gives a lot of info on brightness and star charts and explained everything in simple terms. I purchased others but this book is by far the best.

The book arrived in good shape but it took 2 weeks before I recieved it. I also ordered a second book from another vendor and it was here in just a short time, both were ordered the same night on the same order but it took an additional week or more before this one arrived.

This book is really relatable for pet lovers. make sure you have a tissue handy, though. I bought this book for my mom after her dog passed away, and have also read it myself. I know the understanding she is able to get from these stories has helped her. there are some very memorable stories, and the short story format lets you read at your own pace. don't get me wrong- not all the stories are sad!

As both a dog and cat owner, and a would-be everything-else owner, too, I love this book! I have several "Chicken Soup" books, plan to add several more to my collection, but this one is probably my favorite so far. It keeps you between tears and laughter from beginning to end. All pet lovers will see themselves and their furry, feathered or finned friends somewhere in here, I'm sure!

Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

I didn't quite know if I was going to make it through this book. Through about the first 8-9 stories, I kept on crying. I was thinking "This is ridiculous. I can't read one doggone story without crying after I read it." I kept thinking of my dog, Shep, who died a couple years ago at the age of 91 and how badly I want another dog. There is a dog beach by my house so usually everytime I see a dog, Shep pops up to mind. I pretty much had sunglasses on when I read this book in public so people wouldn't think I was completely crazy. Somewhere towards the middle, I hardened up and was ready to read this book without blinking a thousand times.
These were wonderful stories about everything from cats, dogs, snakes, bears, gorillas, and birds. I enjoyed every last one of them except for the one about Bush's dog. It was very impersonal and told the whole story like it was some sort of nursery rhyme. That was the only reason the book got four stars. I don't even understand how that story made it past submissions.

What a profund array of life-forms in the sea rich and dazzling in all i,ts beauty yet it is this commonsense info bible handbook that has people helping to be smarter in choosing to select the most respected viably effective speciesmen for keeping in a retail water-moving pump glass tank for responsible maintaince.

I am an experienced marine aquarium hobbyist of some 10 years. I found this book to be fantastic. I have learned many new tricks. The author is also big into conservation and gives tips on how to avoid endangered or improperly gathered animals. I'm very satisfied with this purchase.

I usually don't comment on things, but this is one of the better books geared towards beginning hobbiests. On the whole, well written and easy to follow, a must read if you plan on starting a marine aquarium. I've been involed with the hobby for the better part of my life and still took may things way from it.

Excellent book for someone new to Saltwater. Gives excellent detail on how to start a saltwater aquarium and maintain it. Better than other books. This book actually spells out the levels the PH, Nitrate, Nitrites and Ammonia should be and how to maintain them in addition to other important aspects of a saltwater aquarium. I highly recommend this book to those new to the hobby.

I enjoyed this book and it is beautifully put together. However, it lacked a lot of detail when it came down to building the system. Yes - there were a lot of detailed diagrams but that was for one rudimentary system and for the plumbing only. It didn't really discuss alot when it came to chioces of fish communities, light systems, setups, etc. What it does do it offer a lot of information but you will have to do quite a bit more research to make an informed choice. I highly suggest getting Palletta's "New Marine Aquarium" book first, this one second.

Great book! Lots of new information in addition to the first Ferrets for Dummies book. Diffidently a must have if you are looking into owning or adopting a ferret or if you already have ferrets. The more you can learn about your ferrets, the better for the ferrets.

This is a wonderful book for the experienced ferret owner or the beginner. I've read other books and they only scratch the surface with information compared to this book. I learned so much from reading this. It covers every subject you can think of when it comes to ferrets in depth. I highly recommend this to any ferret owner.

I recently moved out of CA where ferrets are illegal, and so while I really wanted one, I had no clue where to start. I bought and read this book, and it really helped with setting up a cage, behavioral needs, and with letting me know what to expect! A good buy for people just starting out!

I'm a new ferret owner and this book was suggsted to me. This book is very informative and you can tell that the writer is someone who loves ferrets and has written this book to help the reader be the most informed about their ferrets and to ensure a happy and healthy environment for your fuzzy!

I am still reading this book, but from what I have read so far is great. I have learned a lot of things about ferrets that I did not know about before. It is also easy to to read and understand.

Patricia McConnell is not only exceptionally bright and knowledgeable, she is the best writer in her field. And what a writer! This book is very insightful, appropriately compassionate, empathetic and richly emotive. Although there can be no one, all encompassing way of understanding all dogs and their spectrum of behavior that is clear, coherent and comprehensive--without accounting for omissions and contradictions--this book comes close--from one perspective. After all, it does address understanding the emotions experienced by our companion animals and appropriately interpreting their behavior that we see as a consequence. Dr. McConnell is very persuasive and she extended what can be known and experienced in my personal understanding and interactions with dogs.

This book relies upon Dr. McConnell's professional training, teaching, as well as her years of practical observation and experience living in intimate relationships with several dogs on her Wisconsin farm. Her empathy and compassion are extraordinary just as her ability to share them with the reader makes this an unusually engaging book for the mind and heart. Her knowledge is impressive because she is not merely responding or reacting to what she observes. But she does live it and it is that level that we can initially understand and share prior to gaining deeper insights and knowledge about behavior that we can apply. Although it is personal and anecdotal you are really getting a range of useful clues and wisdom. To clarify the meaning of dog behavior helps you, in turn, act, in order to have a healthier, happier pet that is easier and more joyful to live with. For example, in what variety of ways does dog behavior and expression convey nervousness, fear, stress or unease? How can you clearly respond that successfully communicates calming reassurances? How we act and interact has consequences.

Regardless, use whatever ideas work best for you and for your specific breed of dogs, their temperament and each more specifically, one's specific, individual personality. Perhaps it includes a critically specific history in the case of a rescued dog. This author's assumption is that you love and feel responsible for the dog's well being. This book is not really a training book but a book about explication, perception and the importance of recognizing emotions we send as messages with or without our cognizance and those sent by our best friends, unfortunately, are often ignored or misinterpreted. We all search for solutions and knowledge that works and provide answers. But for something deeper, perhaps at times more ethereal, possibly more intuitive at times, but always well informed by a lively intelligence and impressively encompassing life experience, I found this delightfully well written book especially insightful and I believe, exactly on target. You too could begin to observe your dog much more closely from now on. Questions will abound and possibilities will mount. Nonverbal communication will have new meaning. You might find yourself speaking what appears to be for the most part, a universal Canine language, most often in a paralinguistic manner that seems to work. Ultimately that is what really matters.

I really enjoyed this book, gave food for thought for at least 3 of the 6 dogs we have as to how to approach issues with them. I have a difficult time finishing a book but this was not one I had a problem with as the data was salted with experiences of the author and filled with qualified opinions and findings that were supported. It sure gave me a different view point from the dominant approach taught by Caeser Millan that most dog people are familiar with and how that can be a the worst approach for certain issues some dogs have. I may even re-read this one and I never do that!

This review is for the audio download version. I fully enjoyed listening to this audiobook and feel I can relate to Patricia McConnell's love of dogs. Being an animal behaviorist, she presents each chapter with realism and facts and not musy, gushy content. However, the parts regarding her relationship with Luke, her beloved dog, his life with her and his passing, brought tears to my eyes, as well as other true events concerning dogs in her past.

This book is not only interesting but informative also. She describes the human brain and why it has similarities to that of a dog. At the end she gives instructions on teaching your dog to stay. The narrator, Ellen Archer, is excellent, and narrates in a distinct, soothing voice with great emphasis where needed. This book is for those who love dogs and want to know more about their emotions and how they relate to humans and is presented in a factual, yet heartwarming way.

I truly appreciated the author's knowledge of, and empathy for, those of us who are so smitten by our dogs that they are as much family to us as are our human relatives without the baggage.

Patricia is one of the easiest reads I have found in the many many dog training books I have read. She will have you crying along with her at hopeless cases and feeling great elation when you put into practice her advice on behavior problems. I began using her methods the first day I started the book with amazing results. She is always first and foremost, kind, in her treatment of dogs. Tons of great info. Read all of her books for super results. She is right up there with Cesar Millan in my book they each have valuable info.