Pets Books

I borrowed this book on the recommendation of someone I met at the vet's office, guffawed as I read chunks of it, and bought three copies, one as a gift, one to keep, and one as a loaner I wouldn't worry about. The recipient of the gift was the one who wrote "John keeps wanting to know what I am laughing at." We are both dog nuts. My non-dog nut housemate would probably rate it a 3 or 4.

For those of you unfamiliar with the works of the great author, Daniel Pinkwater, this book is definitely a great introduction to his warm wit, insight and great personality (it can't help but pop off of the page). This book is really a Valentine to all of the dogs that have come and gone in Pinkwater's life. This starts all the way back during his formative years, as a young boy, when his Uncle Boris gave his family a "purebred" Pekignese, up until his acquired Matilda, his elderly wolf hound, when he was already married to his wife, Jill Pinkwater (also a wonderfully talented writer).

Though I haven't read this book in two years, the material is still fresh in my memory. Not ony did these dogs teach Pinkwater how to be a better master, but also brought him some wonderful life lessons, through his companionship with them. I feel that he really had dog lovers in mind, when he penned this book of short stories, but it definitely will appeal to people who have never even owned a pet dog. The stories are so engaging, funny and (even) tender.
I definitely reccomend this....five bones out of five......

This book was not quite what I expected when I bought it. My first thought when I saw it on the shelf was, "Oh, a new Daniel Pinkwater novel! I better get that." About halfway through the first story, though, I began to be suspicious. "This isn't a novel. . .or is it? Is he kidding, or is he serious? Is this nonfiction?" This is one of the great things about Daniel Pinkwater--he keeps you on your toes, always trying to guess what is next to come. By the time I'd finished the book, I'd learned some neat dog-training tips (in case I should ever need them). I'd laughed guiltily and hysterically at the idea of a parrot being frightened to death by the misconception that it was being cooked, and I'd thought a lot about how funny life can be. This book is good for reading over one long sitting or for digesting one anecdote at a time.

Daniel Pinkwater is a very smart and funny writer -- one who knows the value of not taking himself too seriously. This thoroughly enjoyable book points out what most perceptive dog-lovers know: that dogs have a lot to teach us, about them and about ourselves. Pinkwater's dogs have taught him, among other things, that having the capacity to be both silly and dignified enriches a life.

I ended up reading this book one chapter at a time before bedtime, and each night I'd go to sleep with a smile.

If you loves dogs, you'll enjoy this book -- which also makes a great gift for the dog-lovers in your life.

Anyone who knows Daniel Manus Pinkwater's work is destined to buy this book for the sheer pleasure of carefully digesting every syllable he writes, as always. In this autobiographical book he bears his huge soul, his comical side (that we all know and love) and his uncanny, campy, unusual way of looking at the world, all as it relates to his many relationships with Canines.
Buy it! You will not be disappointed.

Illustrated throughout with gorgeous color photography, Unleashed: Climbing Canines, Hiking Hounds, Fishing Fidos, and Other Daring Dogs is a book for dog lovers ages seven to seventy (in human years, that is!). From a floppy-eared German shepherd who accompanies his owner snowshoe hiking or on cross-country ski tours, to a golden retriever who loves windsurfing, to a boulder-climbing pug, the cross-range of passionate active canines is sure to surprise and delight. Every two pages features a brief description of the individual man's (or woman's) best friend and stunning photographic imagery. A real treat for pet lovers and a source of ideas for anyone considering new ways to enjoy physical activity with their pet dogs.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Fun pictures accompanied by short essays about each dog that are very well written, truly entertaining, fun, and inspiring. I am not a dog owner but love the outdoors and animals. I gave it as a Christmas gift to friends who recently adopted a dog. They loved it. This book is a surprising gem!

Lisa Wogen and photographer, Bev Sparks, caputered the essence of why dogs are truely man (and women's) best friend. Of course I am biased being the proud owner of the "cover dog", Wrigley. Thanks for putting out this great book.

Lisa's ability to tell the unique stories about the dogs featured in this book are what makes it a must buy! Her love for man's best friend and the excitement over the human-canine bond are obvious in the way the stories are written. You really feel like you know the dogs after you read about them...and you want to get your dog outside to try some of the activities described in the book!!

Lisa Wogan and her subjects vividly put the "DO" in DOGS. I appreciate her willingness to be part of the movement to help inspire people to become more engaged in their dogs.

"Unleashing Your Inner Dog" is a wonderful blend of prose and illustration. Mari Gayatri-Stein has the rare distinction of being both a literary and a visual artist, and both talents drew me delightfully through the book. The writing is lyrical without being precious, authentic without being confessional. The cartoons are wry and kind - the best combination for such illustrations, and a difficult balance to attain. "Inner Dog" is one of those handy books you can read in manageable bites. I looked forward every evening to sliding into bed and reading for five or ten minutes, then falling asleep in the kind of good mood only a dog can inspire. Whether you want to treat yourself to a little gem or give a welcome gift, I recommend this book unreservedly.

Mari's love for her dogs and her boundless insight into their character illuminates every page of her book. You find yourself immersed in a doggy world that soothes your soul and lifts your heart. Her delightful and amusing drawings enhance every page. This book is a real treat.

Your Best Friend's Guide to Life is the story of how our dogs can rescue us from a life of delusion & instruct us in the art of love & joy. By observing our canine companions, we can learn to be our own top dog.

It always amazes me to watch our Buddy-dog's abandon & joy in each new day, nay every time the front door is opened & he is invited into the outside. I remark at least once a day at how unconditionally I am loved by this four-legged fellow whose needs are so ordinary & attainable.

With whimsical cartoons & pen strokes, this author has composed a lovely, mature, witty & cosmic caper inspired by the furry & tailed angels in our lives.

While you don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book, it does help! Unleashing Your Inner Dog would be an inspired gift for your dog-loving friends! Something they'll treasure you for giving!

As a meditator striving to live in the moment and appreciate the small miracles of every day life, I was absolutely delighted to discover Mari Stein's "Inner Dog." She describes the challenges of being human with warm, loving humor. And the illustrations are exquisite! This is a book I can pick up over and over, each time discovering some new way to practice "loving kindness" when seeing myself through the eyes of my pet. I might add that I am owned by a cat who continually teaches me to stretch my body and my mind and not get too attached to anything.

I was so caught up in the illustrations, that I didn't want to distract myself with the words, but when I started to read, I didn't want to stop to look over at the illustrations. Profound concepts simply expressed. I found Unleashing Your Inner Dog to be delightful and clever, a treat for the eye, the funny bone, and the soul.

I was captured from the very beginning to the very end, and couldn't put the book down until it was finished. The auther has a delightful way of sharing herself and her experiences with the reader. You'll feel like you have a new friend by the time you finish her book.

What a delightful little book! Hughes has extraordinary insight into the human psyche, including her own. From her "View from the Corner" (the title fits perfectly} She sees the humor, absurdities, and sometimes pathos of behavior that most of us miss, and she shows them to us.

Ms. Hughes entertains her readers with a rich view of life's every day experiences and relationships with children, family, friends, patients, and those who come into her life as guests at her B&B. With a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, the author delights us with her stories, some humorous; others quite sobering, that bring us back to reality. I will definitely read this book more than once!

Within the 145 pages of this book of essays on life, life in Maine and "la vida loca," Ms Hughes will make you laugh, cry and cry with laughter. The comparisons to Bombeck are inevitable and enviable. Hughes writes with a flair that somehow encapsulates everyman (and woman) in her stories about relationships and the world we live in. I feel this is a book I could read over and over and over again. I know I will!

We lead different lives, but share the same life experiences. The difference between us ? L.E. Hughes is able to put the emotions,the memories,the lessons, the fears into words and give them a meaning.
SHE has written the book, but it is one I can share with my daughters, my best girlfriends, and tell them, "THIS is how I AM."

this is incredibly eerie for a kids book. very good concept behind the story; simple, yet as previous reviews state raises many questions and possibilities.

really good illustrations aswell. i read it years ago for the first time and havent forgotten it since.

I love this book - it is so clever and stirs emotions of confusion within the reader so easily. The only thing that I didn't like about it when I first read it, was that it raised so many questions that I had nowhere to find an answer to! Well never fear, make sure you read the sequel - BENEATH THE SURFACE. It shows how the watertower affects the world. Truly breathtaking storytelling.

The Water Tower is different from any other picture book I have ever read. This book shows what boys will do if they are left alone with a water tower. The Water Tower is rather bizarre and you really have to think in order to get the point of conquering your fears. It starts out with two boys that want to go to swim in the eerie old water tower that sits on the top of Shooters Hill. The boys go up the water tower, but only one has the guts to go swimming in it. The pictures are well drawn and help you understand what is going on in the book. There are some hidden things throughout the book you have to look out for, so keep your eyes open. Overall, this is a great book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars because it was too short.

This book has kept the students in my grade 4/5 class at Acton School in Burnie, Tasmania captivated throughout this whole week. At first when I read it to them they picked up that the town residents eyes were funny looking but on further investigation they found many other peculiarities in the story. They were crowding around the book trying to see the different pictures and solve the mystery.

Erin says her favourite part was when Bubba came out of the tank and Spike wants him to show him his hand. Bubba says "No" because his mum would be worried however at the beginning he says that his mum would not care!

Alaster says that his favourite part of the book is solving all the mysteries.

Laura says her favourite part of the book was the picture of Bubba's face up close.

Melissa Lowry agrees with Erin that the part where Bubba came out of the Watertower is her favourite. Actually most of the class agrees that this part was the best. I think this is because it began all the questioning about the story.

Aaron and Matthew say that the mystery is related to the pitchfork that is seen on all pages.

We will be continuing to use Gary Crew books for language and drama work. We would love to hear from any one who has solved the mysteries in the story or of any activities you have been doing in the classroom. Thanks. .............

This eerie tale will keep the reader intrigued long after finishing the book. In the town of Preston, an old rusting water tower stands on the edge of a hill. Two boys decide to go inside for a swim on a sweltering summer day. What happens inside is a mystery, but one of the boys is forever changed.

This 1995 Australian Picture Book of the Year winner uses the contrast between colorful illustrations and black background to great effect. In a twist on the usual picture book, the illustrations tell the real story, while the text provides the background information.

What a great puzzle. This is the kind of book that I could not stop thinking about, even long after I read it. This is an engaging book for adults as well as for children.

If you love words, open to any page of this wonderful book and delight in the diction - smart, playful, and endlessly entertaining, just like the feline characters it describes. If you like fonts and graphic design, you will savor every elegant page. And, of course, if you are passionate about cats, you will fall in love with these clever and memorable kitties. A delicious read!

G. Edwards (English teacher)

A cup of hot chocolate and The Well-Lettered Cat--now there's a great combination!
This book is so fun, I'm sending copies to friends as holiday gifts.

This is a really lovely book, just the kind I like to give as a gift. It is smart, witty, and absolutely beautiful in its stylish craftsmanship. It reminded me of the series Griffin and Sabine with which I was so enamored: art and elegance intermingled in a compelling tale. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

I'm a dog lover. Always have been, always will be. BUT, who could not love these well-lettered cats?! They are hip; they are chic; they purr into your heart and bat your brain. How can they be so learned? Must have something to do with "The Mother."

Each kitty character sports his letter as a springboard for a journey through literature, history, mythology, and entertainment. This volume is rich with visual and intellectual energy.

A beautifully bound Book about curious Cats, doing Daily what cats do, Even essaying to make Fonts fun.

The pages are filled with Gaily gamboling gallant globe-trotters, and Happy, haughty, Intelligent incredible Jumping jocular Kitties, apparently quoting Keats and Kafka.

Literary leitmotif leads to lots of Merry, magical moments, and Naturally Occurring Phenomenon, presumably Quite Regular behavior relating to this Serene, superior species.

Though Tiny, the tome is a treasure trove for people who love cats, and Unsurprisingly, it's a very Visual tribute, Waxing warmly and whimsically as the Xenophobes and Xenophiles Yawn, and then Zealously seek out the best place for some ZZZZZZs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Okay, that was fun - this is essentially a compact coffee table book for people who love Cats. The concept is to share little stories and snippets about cats, going through the alphabet in order, and using a different font for each letter. Extremely well presented, with gorgeous photographs of our feline friends, this might be a good gift for someone on your list, but maybe not a good choice for your dog, bird or pet rat.


Amanda Richards, November 20, 2007
(Not a cat lover (due to allergies), but appreciative of good art)

If you like animals, the environment and laughing out loud...this book (as al of Durrel's books are) should not be missed!

Even for a person with an insufferably short attention span, I was not once bored during this book. It's not a thriller, or anything of the sort, but it managed to truly involve the reader in the author's journey.
The story of an Englishman who is on a trip through Patagonia to collect animals for his own private zoo, this book manages to bring out the animal lover in any reader. The descriptions of the land, the people, and the animals are beautifully crafted in well done, straight forward prose. I highly recommend it.

Even for a person with an insufferably short attention span, I was not once bored during this book. It's not a thriller, or anything of the sort, but it managed to truly involve the reader in the author's journey.
The story of an Englishman who is on a trip through Patagonia to collect animals for his own private zoo, this book manages to bring out the animal lover in any reader. The descriptions of the land, the people, and the animals are beautifully crafted in well done, straight forward prose. I highly recommend it.

Gerald Durrell will make you roar with laughter even in a whispering land. The fact that this book is still in print after half a century gives you some idea that it is still quite readable: In fact, it reads as if it were written yesterday.

I devoured this book as part of a reading program I planned for myself for a trip to Patagonia. The first half of the book is set in two areas in Patagonia that I planned to visit: Puerto Deseado in the south, once visited by Darwin on his circumnavigation of the earth on the Beagle, and the large wildlife preserve at Peninsula Valdez, near Puerto Madryn. There, Durrell visited penguin rookeries; saw the breeding grounds of sea lions and elephant seals; and saw guanacos, Geoffroy's cats, rheas, and tinamous.

From Patagonia, Durrell went to the area around Jujuy in the tropical northwest of Argentina. There, he went into collecting mode as he employed locals to track down wild animals that were being kept as pets by the indigenous population.

Durrell's encounters with the local people are funny and at times heart-wrenching, as when he finds a self-taught naturalist named Coco who must work at a sawmill to make ends meet. But Durrell's encounters with animals are utterly hilarious, as his attempts to tame a captured Geoffroy's cat (gato montes).

One of the best chapters relates to the difficulties that Durrell has in exporting his animals and getting all his bureaucratic ducks in a row. His final departure on a ship bound to Europe is held up until a last minute solution satisfies a particularly mule-headed customs official.

I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to read several more of Durrell's works soon. It is hard to believe that the author is the brother of novelist Lawrence Durrell, author of THE ALEXANDRIA QUARTET.

A charming little book about an animal collecting trip in South America. Durrell paints both an enchanting picture both of the Argentine people and of the flora and fauna of the country. He encounters vampire bats, a puma, and many birds. He rescues an ocelot from a cruel local owner who is starving the cat and convinces a baby Geoffrey's cat to eat by pairing it with a lovable tabby kitten who sets the example and provides it with company.

Durrell was one of the first naturalists to develop the notion of captive breeding to ensure the survival of endangered species. He obviously cares deeply about the animals that he collects and goes to extra ordinary lengths to make them happy and keep them healthy. His descriptions of caring for a sick taper, even sleeping beside her to comfort her, are delightful. His wrangle with custom's officials are amusing, and his description of a plain trip in Argentina is particularly hilarious.

Also, Durrell's tireless work and observations were sometimes the first and best studies into how to care for these animals in captivity. When possible, he takes his specimens from private owners, rather than taking them from the wild. People like Durrell were not responsible for the endangerment of these animals. He worked for the salvation of many species and was probably responsible for the continued survival of some today.

An interesting book. My dogs thank the authors for the information which is informative without being preachy. A good book for the book case to refer to as needed or for the doggy person that you know.

This book should be a requirment for all dog owners. It is what every new dog owner needs and what people that have had dogs for a long time should have. It is easy to read and understand. It covers feeding and many preventative health care tips. It is not only very informative but a very attractive book with many color pictures. A must have. Edith Chupp

Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A Natural Health Handbook for Dogs and their Owners, by Jill Elliot DVM and Kim Bloomer VND, is the best book I've ever seen on all things dog, both in its content and layout. It teaches us that health is not just absence of disease but an overall high functioning, vibrant, joyful, and fulfilling life that is available by following the simple yet profound precepts this book contains.



Elliot and Bloomer start by outlining how a healthy dog actually appears and acts, all the way from his outer coat to his innermost attitude and personality, providing a user-friendly checklist. All chapters have beautiful photos, illustrations, and bulleted points that make it easy and fast to grasp the many helpful suggestions. The authors present common canine diseases and their causes, give us detailed information on how to choose the veterinarian that is right for our dog, and explain a variety of holistic health care options (such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, and essential oils).



They also discuss the pros and cons of vaccination, the needs of dogs at different ages, and solutions to common mental health issues. Their explanation of food and nutrition is especially enlightening, culminating with the many benefits of a raw food diet. There is an important chapter on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as well as more detailed information on both natural and conventional remedies to boost our dogs' general health.



The book ends with a much needed discussion of environmental toxins and natural solutions to them. Of the four helpful appendices, my favorite is a detailed table stretching 3 pages listing common ailments together with their suggested natural remedies and appropriate dosages.



If you want your dog to be as healthy and vibrant as he can be, follow the invaluable suggestions in this easy-to-read book. Its excellent information and upbeat tone will steer you in the best possible direction for your canine companions!



Trisha Howell
Actor, author, animal enthusiast

This is the book that every pet owner should have. This book is well written and easy to read and understand. It opens up a world of natural pet care not only for dogs but for other pets as well. Let's take that statement further. The book also gets you thinking about your own health and what you can do to improve it naturally. Once you start reading Whole Health, it is hard to put the book down. It is packed with useful information on treating various ailments and also discusses the problems our pets face in a world filled with man made chemicals and toxins.

"Whole Health" is appropriately titled because this book looks at the "whole picture" and brings to light everything in the house, yard, environment and food that effects a dogs health. There are so many things to consider that we do on a day to day basis. Did you ever think of what that floor cleaner is doing to your dog when he licks a crumb off the floor or walks across it with wet paws? Natural pet care is more than what your dog eats. The authors take it a step further by offering additional resources for expanding your knowledge to give your pets the healthiest life that you can.

This is a book that I will enjoy reading again and referring to many times. My two dogs are moving around better and I can tell they are feeling better and happier. Thank you Kim and Jill for your passion and dedication to providing better lives for our furry companions.

I proudly place this book in my library within easy reach, as I will be referring to it often. Copies of this milestone book will soon be given as gifts to my family, friends, co-workers, and my vet. Such wonderful information should be shared with everyone who has a dog or is even just thinking about getting a dog. Perhaps the most interesting chapter to me is the one about diet. It makes perfect sense to feed a species appropriate diet, yet so many people are clueless and continue to feed their dogs garbage that's not fit to dump in a compost pile. Fantastic work Dr. Elliot and Kim Bloomer! Your book is truly exceptional!

This is a wonderful collection of images. One of the most beautiful wildlife collection I've seen in a long time. A must for wolf lovers!

THIS IS THE BEST OF THE MANY BOOKS I'VE SEEN ON THE DAILY LIFE OF WOLVES. THE PHOTOS ARE GRAND AND MR. BARRY'S WRITING BRINGS YOU INTO THEIR WORLD. IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING IN EVERY CLASS ROOM IN THOSE STATES THAT WANT TO HUNT WOLVES AGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL AGES.

This book was awesome, if you're a wolf lover at all you'll love this book. It has great photo's of the wolves lives and their personalities really shine through on each and every page!

The pictures were fantastic. A great book for anyone interested or wants to learn about wolves.

I have a deep fascination with wolves and I'm always on the lookout for more to read about them. This book was a gift from my husband, and it didn't disappoint. Barry's writing is friendly, informal, and informative. He is clearly in awe of his subjects and treats them with respect, but also has a sense of humor that makes his text and his photography equally engaging. If you skip over the text, that's fine, because the main attraction is the photography. Barry captures some truly intimate pictures of wolves. They are at once as familiar as domestic dogs and as fierce and mysterious as folklore has always depicted them. The elaborate rankings and rituals of wolf society are depicted and helpfully explained, but what really interested me were the shots that showed the individual personalities that make up a pack, and the pictures of wolves' faces that were so expressive. The stark black and white tones allow you to focus fully on the wolves, but Barry's descriptions of a wolf's eyes or the subtle shading of color in its fur made me wish at least a few pictures had been in color.

This is the best book on Akitas I have ever read.
Wonderful pictures and very informative.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the breed.
Buy a used copy if you can. It's well worth it !

This book is packed full of information for anyone interested in the Akita.A valuable reference for beginner or experienced breeder.Lots of wonderful photos,history and present day dogs and breeders.I have other Akita books;if I had to pick just one,this would be it!!

I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the Akita. BJ Andrews, OBJ Akitas, has outdone herself with this book. It's full of beautiful color photos of the breed's great Akitas. She takes a common sense approach to owning, raising, training, breeding and showing Akitas. I like her style!

I have bought a lot of books for Akita dogs but this book is the best because is written from a person who is in love and understand Akitas. A must for any serious fun.

Most breed specific books contain a lot of information on dogs in general and common sense opinions, that if you're like me, you alreay know. If you're looking for a book on Akitas that will tell you about things that you don't already know and give you the insight that only a 30 year love affair with the breed can give, then buy it. I have two Akitas, and had had them for two years before reading Barbara's book. I was in tune with my dogs' body language, their behavior, the predjudices exacted upon them, and their faults. I was in heaven reading this book for the first time. Finally, new information!: Genetics, nutrition, training, breeding, aesthetic details, personality issues; and, all Akita specific! This book is MSRP at around $... at a retailer, that s why I read it out of the library. I'm Buying it at Amazon.com for about $.... Friggin' awesome!