Pets Books

I enjoy this book for the reason that it is simple and fun. Kid's have a natural connection with animals and Martha is a lovable family dog that has a special gift that helps her communicate with her family. I recently purchased it for a few friends who have toddlers. They all love it.
I understand this book is part of a series. I have not read the others, but do recommend this one highly for toddlers and young readers.

From the moment we took 'Martha Blah Blah" off the library shelf, my children were in love. A dog who relies on alphabet soup letters to communicate? Hysterical! The illustrations are homey and comical; they are delivered in comic-book fashion, and the characters' lines are continuations of the text, rather than repetitions. The plot is unusual. The lead character has a wry sense of humor. And since the dog is always the hero, it's a hit with kids of all ages.

This was the first Martha book we encountered, and we immediately sought out more. From there we moved on to Susan Meddaugh's other books, all of which have unusual premises and plots. She is a very enjoyable author, and we love to recommend her books.

We must have taken 'Martha Blah Blah' out of the library 16 times before I gave in and bought a copy. You might as well save yourself the wear and tear on the library card and buy it now!

Martha still speaks ater eating alphabet soup, and everything is fine until the new owner of the soup company decides to save money by eliminating half the letters. No one can understand what Martha is saying anymore. Footnotes let you know Martha's intents, and eventually she solves the problem in an amusing way. Kids enjoy these Martha stories.

Martha Blah Blah is about a dog who can speak when she eats alphabet soup. With her new-found language, Martha has adventures, helps people and animals and learns new things. She does have a dilemma, but she overcomes it to save the day. The illustrations in this book enhance the story. The illustrator uses large watercolor images that are humorous and does a good job of showing what is going on in the story. The author uses words that make the book easy to understand and employs a large font so that they are easy to read. The author also includes footnotes in some parts of the book, which can draw the attention away from the illustrations to the footnotes. Without the footnotes, however, one would not be able to decipher what Martha is saying when she loses her voice. Even though the footnotes draw attention away from the illustrations one can have fun trying and decipher what Martha is saying and then the answer is at the bottom of the page. In a small way, the footnotes make one think while reading the book. I believe that this book is entertaining and sparks the imagination. Like most children' books, it has a happy ending, which makes the story even more likable. Overall, I think that Martha Blah Blah is an excellent children's book that deserves to be read.

I was lucky enough to come across this book while searching for a birthday gift for a little friend of mine. I was intrigued by the title, picked it up, and then had to read the ENTIRE thing. What a fabulous book!

The words are clearly printed on a white background, the pictures are large and colorful, and the humor in what Martha says will keep readers of all ages entertained.

Not only does the story deal with standing up for what you need, but I found that I could use this in my practice as a speech-language pathologist. Martha, when she eats alphabet soup, gains the ability to speak because all the letters go into her brain instead of to her stomach. But when some letters are left out, she has trouble communicating. When she gets all her letters, she can communicate just fine. A lesson! Wow!

I've read a lot of children's books, and this is a gem. Don't miss it.

An awesome book. Light and humorous, yet profound and wise; it takes you on a journey and you return inspired by the courage and faith of both man and dog, and the magic in trusting the invisible. It's moving and inspiring on many levels, and very zen: it's about the journey and not about getting there. It's a gripping read- excellent rhythm of suspense and amusement.

Tom Shelby brings the reader so deeply into the heart and soul of Michelle, you have to wonder if he is part dog himself (or is Michelle part human?). The telling of the very special relationship between man and dog is as compelling as the telling of the searches themselves. Tom's humorous interjection of his dog training tips between search stories makes this book hard to put down. A must read for any dog lover!

What a great read. I was inspired especially when finding out that he not only volunteers his time to do search and rescue but that his K9 partner is a Doberman instead of the typical shepards. The stories were wonderful; I got a feel for what true search & rescue is like....not just all happy or gruesome endings. Hope he continues to write additional books.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you are an animal lover. Readers will find that Tom Shelby seems to inhabit Michelle's brain and soul. Their relationship is amazing and touching. Mr. Shelby's training tips which follow each SAR story are practical and wonderfully simple. Thank you to Tom and Michelle (and all the other hardworking SAR teams) for your continuing work.

This is truly a touching, heroic,adventerous and even spiritual collection of events that illustrate a marvelous relationship of a Search and Rescue team: Tom Shelby and his dog, Michelle. The writer expresses rare and meaningful insites that trainer and dog can have for each other as they put themselves in harms way.
Tom and Michelle share a connection that goes so much deeper than just a person with a pet. They are truly in tuned to each other.
The searches are riviting with excitement, suspense and written with a sense of humor, honesty and an extreme passion for sharing his wealth of knowlege of training dogs. One can only better appreciate training, the Search and Rescue efforts and a deep mutual reletionship owners and their dogs must have. At least these two do! Thanks for a very meaningful and touching book!

Bruce Franklin has done saltwater ecology a monumental service by explaining the sea's utter reliance on a healthy menhaden population, and exposing a gross dereliction of duty on the part of "regulatory" agencies designed to protect the marine environment. The little fish that few have heard of, is crucial to the health of every species of shellfish and gamefish. The menhaden's unique ability to remove algae and phytoplankton from the water provides a cleansing effect that is of incalculable benefit to all sea creatures.

Largely unfettered by meaningful regulation, the menhaden reduction industry has systematically plundered and devastated the menhaden population, first along the north Atlantic coast, and then the mid Atlantic. Now the ecology of the Gulf coast is threatened by the wholesale plunder of their vital menhaden population.

Franklin provides numerous examples of how the industry, represented now primarily by Omega Protein, continues their rape of the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf coast even though a token and meaningless cap was put on the menhaden harvest in the Bay.

If you want to understand why we need to immediately shut down the destructive menhaden reduction fishery, get this book, read it, then get in touch with your legislators and regulators. Or join the Coastal Conservation Association and become active.

Very informative book. A little scientific for the general public, but great for surf and boat fishermen who target Striped bass and Bluefish.

Written by H. Bruce Franklin (Professor of English and American Studies, Rutgers University-Newark), The Most Important Fish in the Sea is the true story the menhaden - a small, unappetizing fish harvested for its omega protein used in everything from animal feed and oil to linoleum and lipstick. Yet the once abundant menhaden has become increasingly threatened; as its numbers dwindle, bigger fish and birds dependent upon them starve, and seas and bays they filter becoming increasingly choked with toxic algae. Today one small company, Omega Protein, insists on its right to kill as many menhaden as it wishes, while millions of environmentalists, recreational anglers, and commercial fishermen seek to contest this unnecessary and dangerous attack upon the aquatic environment. A riveting cautionary tale about the potential catastrophe that could be unleashed should a small fish hardly anyone in America knows about go extinct.

I found this book when doing a search on "bunker". I am a new recreational angler in NY and while fishing for Striped Bass I usually use bait that is called "bunker". Curiosity ensued and I did a search and found this book. I started to read the background information and reviews and picked up a copy. I was glad I did. What a great read for my commute into NYC. It is chock full of interesting facts and historical data. It opened my eyes to the importance of this fish to us here in the Northeast and to the Atlantic coast in general. Just for kicks I decided to visit Omega Protein's site and as advertised they argue that they are managing the Menhaden (the correct name for this species) resource to as they say "remain productive for the foreseeable future." It was like I was reading the book all over again.

In my opinion this book was well researched and brings the facts home on an issue that I think is important to the recreational fishing community as well as the Atlantic and Gulf coast communities as well. If you are a recreation fisherman, someone who loves seafood or you just have a general interest in marine life and ecology then I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes to a topic that I think needs our attention. Believe me this is coming from someone who isn't an environmentalist but the reality is spelled out and being objective I realize that the devastation of Menhaden will spell certain doom to many of our great sporting fish.

As I stated this book is a great read and should be on at least every East & Gulf coast anglers list.

Franklin weaves a compelling tale that includes the biology, natural history, fishery development, politics, and ecological significance of menhaden to marine communities along the Atlantic seaboard of North America.

Menhaden are unusual fish. They are filter-feeders that can strain phytoplankton, tiny free-floating photosynthtic organisms, out of the water. That diet causes menhaden to accumulate high concentrations of oil in their tissues, and that makes them a poor food fish for humans. On the other hand, their oily bodies make them a prime food for other fishes, such as bluefish and striped bass - highly prized food fishes for human consumption.

In this book you will read about how over 100 years ago enterprising commercial fishermen found that they could use purse-seine nets to capture huge numbers of these tightly schooling fishes, take that catch to nearby shore facilities, and press their bodies to collect high grade oil in a pre-petroleum economy. They could also use the remaining partsof menhaden bodies to produce either fertilizer or protein-rich animal feed. Then, through increased fishing pressure and improved fisheries technologies manhaden schools that once contained billions of fish were decimated.

You will be amazed when you read about how fisheries scientists uncovered the significance of this low profile fish to the ecology of the Atlantic seaboard, and to estuaries, especially the Chesapeake Bay. Fewer menhaden meant less filter-feeding, and that meant more algae, and that meant ecological shifts...

Maybe menhaden ARE the most important fish in the sea - at least along the North American Atlantic seaboard.

5 stars all the way!

This book should be of interest to sport and commercial fishermen (though the latter will probably not like or believe the main theme of the book), ecologists, conservation biologists, and just about anyone interested in the environment and how the world works.

Wow! Cynthia Rylant makes you love old Mr. Putter with words that are so easy a beginning reader can read the book, and yet incredibly profound with such simplicity.

"All day long as Mr. Putter clipped his roses and fed his tulips and watered his trees, Mr. Putter wished for some company."

Mr. Putter finds a very old, lonely cat at an animal shelter and now they both have companionship and their lives are no longer lonely.

This is the first book in a wonderful series about an older man who finds companionship with a pet. My daughter is now 7 and we began reading these when she was 4 or 5. Even though she reads at a level well beyond this, she still asks me to read these books to her. They are sweet and charming and I think help children to see older people in a very sympathetic way. They are all terrific books and we own the entire series. I look forward to enjoying them all over again when my three year old is ready.

This is a story about a fundamental human need, that of companionship. Mr. Putter is an old man who lives alone, has muffins in the morning and tea in the afternoon. He works in his yard during the day, but there is no one to do it with. Therefore, Mr. Putter decides to get a cat.
He goes to a store, but all they have is kittens, which have too much energy for him. The clerk suggests that he go to a shelter, which he does. While there, he finds an old yellow cat whose bones creak; hair is thinning and appears to be a little deaf. All characteristics shared by Mr. Putter.
Once he gets the cat home, he names him Tabby. They hit it off immediately, becoming the best of friends and Mr. Putter is once again enjoying life. It is a charming book with a powerful and correct social message about how the elderly live their lives.

I am currently raising my third daughter through the beginning reader phase. It is very hard to find books that are engaging enough for a bright child during this stage of developement. I find this series has more in the way of a plot than Rylant's more popular "Henry and Mudge" series. My 2 older daughters who are now 12 and 14 begged me to by as many Mr. Putter and Tabby books as I can for their 6 year old "baby sister". We are a household of avid readers, and this is our favorite beginning reader series.

My mom and I absoutly love this book! It's so cute how he's lonely and he wished for some company. So he goes out to the pound and finds the perfect cat. With similar qualties as him. From then on they do every thing together. They drink tea, eat muffins, sing opera, tell stories, garden, took long walks, take naps, and grow old together. Tabby knew just what Mr.Putter was going to do next. Mr.Putter knew exactly where Tabby was going to sleep next. It's just such a sweet story about the love Mr.Putter has for this cat and the love the cat has for him.

Every pet owner should read this to understand the realities of what happens. Then pass it along to their children. Shelters are overwhelmed with these stories. Some end well, but many more do not.

Great for any pet lover or aspiring owner. You'll be moved to run to the shelter on your lunch break and make a new home for some eager little animal. Thanks Patrick McDonnell! Love Mutts. Love this book!

Pet lovers and those who enjoy the Sunday funny pages have a treasure indeed in "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.", a compilation of over one hundred of McDonnell's Mutts comic strips; on the opposite page of each strip are full color photos of pets found in animal shelters and their heartwarming success stories. A perfect gift for the dog or cat lover, "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed." is highly recommended for community library pet and humor collections.

I awaited the release of this book very eagerly, looking forward to seeing a lovely little all-black shorthair cat named Pauline featured as a starlet. And there she is, cute as can be!

Entertaining and poignantly written together with adorable photographs. Helps bring the plight of shelter animals to the forefront. It was a much appreciated gift to an animal lover friend.

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I have been anticipating this book for quite sometime after stumbling onto Shawn's page on myspace- then meeting him one night at a local restaurant. I read the book in one day- I could not put it down. He writes about his life in such an easy and charming way that you really feel like you were there with him the whole time. Gwenn, his family and friends are amazing- and I am so happy to have gotten to know them better through the book. This book is wonderful and I am so happy that Shawn did something positive with his pet virus instead of letting it take over his life. I also am waiting for the sequel. :) Everyone should read this book. You are one of my heroes Shawn...well done!

I loved this little book so much. Of course having a golden retriever is what made me purchase the book and it shows what a great love and bond that can form between a Golden Retriever and it's human family. My retriever "Einstein" is a blessing in a beautiful gold fur coat that I just love with all my heart. His precious nose is always at my finger tips when I'm walking around at home and his big beautiful brown eyes are filled with so much love it makes my heart swell. A golden gives so much unconditional love and all they want in return is as much love as the give. This books tells that story over and over again. I never get tired of hearing it.

I felt so honored when asked to provide my Golden story for this book, and when it arrived I let it sit for a few days. I was worried that some of the stories would be sad and open old wounds for me. One day I sat down and read it cover to cover and am a better person for doing so. Author Margo gently nudged each and every one of her authors to speak from their hearts in their own voices and each tale is utterly unique and beautiful. This book pays a fitting homage to the most loving and companionable breed of all time, the Golden Retriever. It is a wonderful testimony to what adopting a rescued Golden can do to enrich the lives of the adopter and adoptee.

My Golden Frosty's story in in Margo's book. I read it first when I bought it, I was so proud. Then I started reading each of the other wonderful stories and was feeling every emotion, from tears to happiness and whatever lies in between. Each and every story brought such emotion to me. There are so many out there who love Goldens so much they devote their lives to them. I am very proud to be included in this wonderful book and to have been owned by such a wonderful dog.

In her book, Margo McHann proves that whatever you put into a dog, you get back with interest! The forward to this book couldn't encapsulate it any better: rescued dogs are not second-hand throw aways! Hopefully this book will convince many people why they should adopt from breed rescue groups.

Kudos to Margo McHann for putting together such a wonderful book, that will tug at the hearts of all Golden Retriever lovers everywhere! This is a must for anyone who loves or has been loved by one of these wonderful dogs. My own little girl is featured in this book and it will forever be a very special book to me! Thanks Margo, for opening the eyes of the world to "Rescue" and what it is all about!

Amy D. Shojai is the author of 16 pet books, and a nationally known writer of pet care and behavior topics. In Shojai's latest book, PET CARE IN THE NEW CENTURY, [she] interviewed nearly 100 experts ... including members of the ACVS, ACVIM, and other speciality colleges. Never before has the veterinary profession been able to offer such amazing medical treatments and such a high level of preventative care. "I am amazed that a person can create a book that covers all aspects of modern veterinary care," says Robert A. Taylor, DVM, ACVS. "This book will prove to be an invaluable resource to companion animal lovers, students and the profession."
---ACVIM SPECIALIST QUARTERLY, August 2001, Newsletter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Shojai interviewed nearly 100 experts for the 315-page book, including many members of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), and other speciality colleges. Chapters discuss how modern medicine builds on past success; the way veterinarins are trained; advances in diagnostic tools, medications and surgery; how research studies work; and what questions to ask and where to find specialists (or research trials) to meet the needs of your dog or cat. An A-to-Z guide of a wide range of conditions is listed. The book also includes inspirational true stories of dogs and cats that have benefited from today's most innovative treatments.
---ACVS Newsletter, Summer 2001

[Shojai's] new work features the latest medical advances for cats and dogs. It also includes true stories of miraculous recoveries from pet lovers. Success stories in the book include: a two-pound pooch that's saved her owner's life nine times; Ronald McDonald house for pets; kidney transplants, cancer cures, open heart surgeries, dramatic arthritic treatments, behavioral help and paralysis cures using lasers. Also included in the book is an easy-to-use A-to-Z reference for specific health and behavior problems and frank dicussions on ethical issues such as how much to spend, cloning pets, organ donors and other areas.
---Herald Democrat, Texas

Here is an up-to-date reference book covering modern veterinary care. More than a hundred veterinarians, among them quite a few from Penn, explain many health and behavior conditions, arranged alphabetically . . . The appendix lists veterinary colleges in the United States and their websites. A specialist has completed additional training and is a "Diplomate" of a veterinary specialty college. The appendix gives contact information. The human-animal bond brings up ethical questions, which are thoughtfully covered. . . The difficult subject of genetics is briefly covered. This book covers many advances in veterinary medicine and shows you how to take advantage of them. It's a worthwhile addition to the library of dog and cat owners.
---Bellwether "Animal Crackers" Book Review, publication of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

This book is a must for any pet owner. I have an extensive collection of pet health books, and most of them do not contain the new, state-of-the-art medical and technological options that this one does. In addition to the newest information available, the book is inspiring for any pet owner facing illness, as various treatment options are easily explained in detail. It is also a terrific book to review before a veterinary visit so appropriate issues and questions can be addressed.

Must admit that I am probably biased since my daughter,Dina Dembicki, was involved in the "making" of this beautiful tribute to the drivers and their "kids". Having seen what it takes to put it together makes me appreciate it all the more. Dina spent 12 to 18 hours a day doing the layout and putting the book together. As the Design and Print Production, Graphic Arts person, she spent every moment loving this book. Ryan and Krissie Newman are not only wonderful human beings and loving "pet parents" they are generous with their time and aid for all living animals. The Ryan Newman Foundation is responsible for the Catawba County Humane Society's new housing facility for which this book donated all net proceeds to the new building construction. These are the kind of folks who can be assured to make it to Heaven!! This book is now in it's 2nd printing thanks to all animal and NASCAR lovers who bought one. My thanks to them and everyone else responsible for making this book such an astounding success. By the way, Krissie is even prettier than her photo!

I love this book!! I love the Nascar drivers and how they show their love for their pets!!

This is a BEAUTIFUL book that provides funds for a GREAT CAUSE. NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie, have made humane treatment of animals their personal mission. It is encouraging to see a young couple consciously chooses to "GIVE BACK." Buy this book for the cause as much as for the enjoyment!

This is a WONDERFUL book for anyone who loves pets and NASCAR. The photos are wonderful. The stories show these NASCAR people just like families everywhere who love their pets. Great read. Easy book to read "a little at a time".

This book was alot of fun to read and had great pictures. I am a dog lover and a Nascar fan so this book was perfect. It helps you get to know your favorite driver by the type of pet he has and the stories about them. You will not be disappointed by this one.

This book was such a great comfort and confirmation in regards to the reuniting of all my beloved pets I have had. I miss the ones I have lost and this book gave me that extra comfort knowing I will be back with my pets...forever. I loved the first book "There is Eternal Life for Animals". It was such a great reference with Bible Scriptures to back up how God loves all his creatures and they will not be forgotten. Then "Animal Prayer Guide" was a great follow up for praying over my pets I now have. This newest book has so many famous and reliable people backing up the scriptures and also confirming what I always believed in my heart that my pets will be in heaven with me.It is great to know I am not alone in believing this. Thanks to Niki for gathering up the information in a third book. The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain This is a must to own and a real comfort to share with others. Bless you, Niki for taking the time to write another great book.

This book bought me much needed comfort and compassion after the loss of my cat "Thumpy". I was amazed at how many times animals are mentioned in the Bible and they are truly part of are after life. I also enjoyed reading about the near death and out of body experiences. The author Niki Behrilis Shanahan writes from her own experience of loss with much compassion.All her books are wonderful reading, I have bought a few for friends. Thank you Niki for writing this book and God Bless you! We will see our fur babies again!!

Wow...I"m so glad I purchased this book! I searched and searched (and read many reviews) to find the perfect one, and I'm so glad I purchased this one. I also purchased another one, but I immediatley started to read this one first. She has such a way with writing and totally eased my heavy, painful heart after loosing my 15 year old beagle. I struggled with would I ever see her again, because my mother told me years ago that since dogs do not have souls, that they would not be in heaven. This truly tortured me and I desperately wanted to know the truth. Look no further...this book put my concerns to rest. I now know that my sweet beagle has her eyesight in heaven and is doing one of her very favorite things right at this very moment...chasing those silly squirels and lovin' her life as she once knew it here on earth. I"ll see you again my sweet Mudsey...but until then...I miss you so much.

This book and it's author, Niki Berakis Shanahan, are truly the gain of all who have ever lost a beloved animal companion. I have read her other books ("There IS Eternal Life for Animals" and "Animal Prayer Guide") as well and they are all wonderfully uplifting and inspirational. "Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss is Heaven's Gain" was especially so to me, particularly the section dealing with coping with grief and depression. Ms. Shanahan offers very helpful insights and ways of reconciling our moving forward with our lives while keeping our little ones in our hearts and memories. As she states, to recover from mourning does not mean we are forgetting or being disloyal to our animal companions. In a gentle and eloquent writing style, she encourages us to focus our thoughts on Heaven and the positive future God promises all of His creation--including animals.

Ms. Shanahan's work is blessed and her books are a must-read for all pet owners and animal lovers. I very highly recommend them all!!!

Niki Behrikis Shanahan's gentle and beautiful book is soothing balm to those who have lost pets they love. I like the way she comforts grieving owners with the assurance their beloved pets are waiting for them on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and that God is watching over them with tender loving care.

In addition to the beautiful Biblical tone/theme of this book, Ms. Shanahan discusses domesticated animals throughout history and how pets are an important part of countless people's lives. Each such account warmed my heart and added cheer to my day.

Each chapter includes information from the Bible and how it applies to pets and people who love them. This book tackles relevant topics such as depression and how to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. I like the way Ms. Shanahan paints an optimistic face on the future. It IS extremely comforting to think of the pets one has loved and lost awaiting a joyous reunion across the Rainbow Bridge.

Her chapter about conducting a Memorial Service for pets is another way of providing a sense of closure and acceptance.

I salute Ms. Shanahan and would like to join in with another reviewer in giving her a standing ovation. Pets ARE part of life's circle - they are waiting for their owners to join them in a loving reunion across the Rainbow Bridge. Her perceptiveness and loving awareness are to be commended. I say this with tears in my eyes, a heartfelt thank you to Niki Behrikis Shanahan. Thank you and bless you, Ms. Shanahan on behalf of everybody who has loved and lost pets and thanks to this wonderful book countless people can take comfort in the thought of seeing their beloved pets once again. Please read this and share it with somebody. You will be very glad that you did.