Breeds Books

The late Mr Sledge 'hammer' wrote this compelling and often brutal account of his experiences during the grim and bloody battles on Peleliu and Okinawa. He was one of a scant handful of Marines that made it through both battles without a wound. His first hand account draws the reader into the daily routine of Marine life but also splashes mud and blood into your face when he lands on the two contested islands. Although a 60mm mortarman, he shared many of the same brutal conditions the infantry did: enemy snipers, artillery, personal misery, mud and incredible filth. Sledge writes in a straight forward style and a few times, he himself mentions that we was confused and puzzled about just where he was during advances and barrages, bringing this story to an even more personal level.
One of the best WWII related memoirs you will read, right up there with 'Storm of Steel' and 'Goodbye, Darkness'. Powerful, gripping, head-shaking and amazing are a few words to describe his experiences amid slashing shrapnel, Nambu bullets, artillery fire, carrying loads of ammo and hauling wounded Marines in knee-deep mud. Some scenes are horrific and brutal, just as they happened to him and his buddies. Well worth reading and you will not soon forget his book.
Sadly, Eugene Sledge passed away in 2001.

This is one of the most intimate and exceptionally written books about combat I have every read. Eugene Sledge portrays the war in the Pacific in such a way that you feel the pain and suffering of the men who sacrificed everything for eachother in combat. You will be humbled by Sledge's memoirs. A must read for all.

There are so many reasons to pan a book like this, writting, viewpoint, historical accuracy, but this book gets 5 stars in all catagories. So true, so full of action, so sad, so much to say. My true interest lies on the Eastern Front between Germany and Russia, but this was so good it is my favorite of WW2 in spite of the subject matter. Wow.

I have told people that war is the Second worse thing that could happen to a human. The first? Slavery - which is the battlefront against Hitler's National Socialists and the Imperial Japan in World War II.

That's where this story takes place. I have read few books that convey the realism and horror of war so well, without reservation. This is one.

Eugene B. Sledge, an Alabama boy, heads into War in the Pacific as a member of the U.S. Marines. He lands with the famous 1st Marine Division - 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. His training was concentrated and intense - but still nothing prepares one for the onslaught of Pelilieu. He was a vet when he hit Okinawa where the fighting got even tougher. The image that sticks with me about Okinawa is a Marine who has to head back to get ammo. He slips in the mud and slides down the hill, rising to discover that he was covered in the maggots uncovered by his slid that were gnawing away at the dead bodies in the mud. This Marine, inured to death and destruction, is rattled badly. That image has stayed with me to understand the horror of this generation's sacrifice and their quiet acceptance of Duty.

By the time Sledge hit the hell of Okinawa, he was a combat vet, still filled with fear but no longer with panic.

I can't go into detail since I didn't read it myself, but my dad enjoyed it a lot.

Merle's Door is probably my favorite dog book ever and I've read many dog books! What a beautiful story of a man/dog relationship! I have already given this book to several dog lover friends and will purchase more.

You will smile, laugh and cry reading this book. Upon finishing it, you will have been alongside Ted as he stumbles upon an abandoned puppy in the Utah wilderness, as the dog chooses to stay with him, and as the two get to know and love each other. Painstakingly written, this honest account of one man's love for his dog and vice-versa will draw you in and keep you. Months after reading the book, I still think of it's story, and lessons.

I read this book a few months ago and since I've bought it for several friends, They also loved Merle's Door so I bought copies for all my family to include with their holiday gifts. It is a most moving story about a special dog who seems to be an old wise soul in dog form (this time)written by his friend and companion who is pretty wise himself. It is the best book I've read in years and I recommend it the highest.

I cannot really add to what has already been said about this exquisite novel except to reiterate what many others have said...whether or not you love or live with dogs...this is a true treasure of a book. I have read many dog books and live with 3 beautiful dogs of my own (who might be considered "captives" in Merle's eyes!) and this is hands down one of the most impactful and insightful books I have ever read. The love felt between Kerasote and Merle is palpable in the pages; I really never wanted it to end.

But all good things must come to an end and the last few weeks of Merle's life were so beautifully written of. It was heartwrenching to read at the end but again Kerasote's gift for bringing the reader to his place was amazing. I hugged and cuddled my dogs for a very long time after finishing this book and I could not give it a higher recommendation.

I bought Merle's Door because the sub-title "Lessons from a Freethinking Dog" caught my eye. I was in Pet Smart buying a bag of Eukaneuba kibble for my nine-month old Standard Schnauzer puppy named Otto, who is about as freethinking a dog as you are ever going to meet.

Ted Kerasote leads the reader/dog owner-lover on a wonderful adventure into the hidden life of dogs; not simply "what dogs think," from a Pavlovian standpoint, but why dogs are the way they are.

On more than one occasion, this book brought a smile to my face, or tears to my eyes as I learned something new about dogs. This book will bring you closer to your companion animal in a way you never dreamed possible. Dogs are a lot more than pets we shape, mold, and train to our liking; they can be companions with whom we can connnect and share experiences with, if we will let dogs be themselves.

This book is very well written and very informative,
I have recommened this to my friends.

I have a couple of paperback first aid books for dogs but I wanted something more comprehensive. We live in a rural area so a quick trip to the vet not possible. This does not take the place of seeing a vet when necessary, but the book gives easy to understand answers for many everyday problems and well organized.

Very helpful book, easy to use, full of information about different dog diseases and ailments. I highly recommend this book hand in hand with:
The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) These books should be in every dog owners' home.

This is a excellant Book for any Dog Owner. Has lots of information that is useful.

Very concise and to the point. Great index in the front of the book to help quickly identify and find the dogs ailment. Very detailed and has a lot of incredibly useful information. A must-have for every dog owner.

Certainly Tina has had a very interesting life. But I was looking for a book that was more about Shiloh Shepherds. Not the life of Tina and her ups and downs. I feel that Tina has shared too much personal about her life in this book distracting the reader. We need a book about Shiloh Shepherds that is less political and states the facts. Let the reader decide for themselves. Tina has enough web pages to read through of her other stuff. I am very thankful to Tina for developing this breed. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude. I have owned GSDs, Pembroke Corgis and currently have two amazing Shiloh Shepherds. I will never live without a Shiloh in my life again. This is my opinion only.

If you owned or knew one of the old time German Shepherds of the 1960's this is the book that will reintroduce you to these wonderful dogs of yesterday. Excellent history of the development of this breed. Do not be confused by others that call their dogs Shiloh Shepherds, make sure you are dealing with the original breed founder!
Excellent and very informative. Loved It!

I strongly recommend this book to dog lovers who have been disheartened by the dishonesty and greed that is an all too common part of the experience when dealing with breeders. This book will re-awaken your faith in humankind and provide you with the assurance that there is still a breed of dog out there that is the intelligent and gentle hero that you have read about in story books, an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I bought my first ISSR Shiloh a few months ago and had her shipped to me from New York to Oklahoma. This dog is everything that was described to me and more. It was not until after I had my dog that I bought the book, now I understand that truely great things are not created without a vision and an incredible amount of sacrifice, determination and faith. Read the book, but don't be surprised if your next purchase is a Shiloh Shepherd.
Michele McKenna
Tulsa, Oklahoma

I own an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I loved reading about the history and all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into developing the Shiloh Shepherd! I am truly inspired by Tina Barber's strength and perseverance.

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a very helpful tool to learn the truth about the Real Shiloh Shepherd and the breed founder.

This book gave a Shiloh owner insight into the intent of the breed founder. Tina has inspired us to do whatever we can to further her dream. She allowed us a brief look into her struggles that shows us how much sacrifice is necessary to live your dream. I am telling everyone I know about this book and letting them know it's a must have!

I purchased this book as an expectant toy breed mother. It is a light hearted but informative book on the joys and pitfalls of having a toy breed in your house. I was a little disappointed in the lack of information on my particular puppy, a Chinese Crested, but then I didn't expect a lot of info on the Cresteds since most people know little about them. For more breed specific information, it's advisable to get a breed specific book. However this is a great reference for those who are looking at the toy breeds and don't know a lot about them. It's an easy read and the general information is great. The breed specific information is just enough to perhaps help someone choose which breed is a good fit for their family.

This well researched book covers all of the information that is needed before acquiring a small dog. Darlene Arden covers all of the breed specific information, including temperament, challenges and attributes for all of the small and toy dog breeds.

It is well written, fun to read and very thorough. And... it is a must read for choosing the right breed of dog.
Marilyn Krieger, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

What a wonderful book! This book explains every concern imaginable for the small dog owner. From basic socialization, to common health problems, to reproductive issues; this book has it all. To top it off, is it loaded with some of the most heart-warming photographs I've seen in a while. You are doing yourself as well as your pint-sized buddy a huge disservice if this reference book is not the most read book in your collection. Reading this book allows you to feel the passion of the author. Feel the passion...read this book.

I was very anxious to get this book. In fact by the time I realized there was a second edition of the Irrepressible Toy Dog, I had been waiting several months. This lead me to several other small dog/ breed specific books. This book is definitely top notch However, I was a little biased having read similar information in several other books before reading this book. This made me less excited about its content, however I have to say that it is extremely well compiled, lots of good information and has the best health section on small breed specific disease that I have seen to date. The picture sections are cute, however it could have included more breeds instead of the same breeds over and over. It however was not as much fun as other books, and lacks in the training section when compared to other books. It is a great overall guide on toy dogs and every toy dog owner should keep a copy for a reference guide.

As the owner of 4 small dog rescues, I have found all of Darlene Arden's books extremely helpful and "small dogs, big hearts" is certainly no exception. It is filled with valuable information and should be a must read for anyone who has or is even remotely thinking about getting a small dog. Like all her books, this one is well written in Ms. Arden's easy to follow and understand style. I especially like the fact that this book contains mixed breeds and all the pictures are a wonderful addition.
I applaud Darlene Arden for emphasizing that these small breeds are not toys to be played with, but real dogs with real dog issues and needs.

You need to read this book. It is the most comprehensive book of its kind. You will find all of the information necessary to help you make the right decision. Greys are the greatest breed of dog on the planet!

This book is an essential item for any who has or will be adopting a racing greyhound. Practical information presented in a logical, no nonsense way.

This book has a lot of important information about caring for your greyhound. I found it to be a great source!

I am a first time Greyhound adopter and I'm so glad this is one of the books that was a pre-adoption requirement. I enjoy how Cynthia is so in tune with these wonderful dogs and she gives you the info directly from her heart! They said any book by Cynthia Branigan is worth purchasing, so I'm going to buy her other book on Greyhounds next.

This book was such a help as the breed was new to me. I knew nothing about the personality of the breed or what to expect. This book will help any one interested in adopting a Grey through the first months and the life of the pet. The medical information is invaluble as these are things some vets don't know let alone the pet owner. The book not only assists you in knowing the breed before you bring one home, but can greatly assist you in deciding if this is the right pet for you.

I love this book ... It is a great love story and life story. I have read it 3 times and never tire of it. I love Gavin & Tessa - they endure the hard times and come out stronger people for it. Highly recommended.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The time period in which it was written is fascinating, and DeBlasis does a wonderful job of bringing it to life. Gavin and Tessa have a truly legendary love story!

Well then look no further; this is one of the best I've found yet. The Proud Breed begins in the 1840's as Tessa McCloud prepares for her sixteenth birthday. Great granddaughter of Don Esteban, one of the original Californio ranchero families, she has been "sold" by her father to the very evil Don Luis to pay off his gambling debts. Looking for a final respite before meeting her fate at the hand of Luis, Tessa goes to her favorite spot on the ranch and while swimming in the buff she is spotted by Yankee Gavin Ramsey who mistakes her for a servant girl and assumes she's fair game for the taking. Tessa attacks Gavin with her knife, but then nurses him back to health when she realizes he's been sent with a message and birthday gift from her great-grandfather. Love blooms, but the couple must find a way to escape her engagement to Luis and repay her father's gambling debts.

Once wed, Tessa and Gavin begin their lives and build their fortune in Monterey, the capitol of Old California, along with Gavin's partner, Indian. The old ways of the original California rancheros are threatened by an indifferent Mexican government and an influx of American settlers anxious to take control. As their business enterprises continue to grow and California reaches statehood Tessa and Gavin's marriage is threatened by jealousy, treachery, bigotry, adultery and the horrific acts committed by the revenge minded Don Luis -- yet they survive it all to build a family dynasty in the new State of California.

De Blasis does an incredible job of taking the reader on a grand ride through California's history -- from the now dying ways of the Californio Rancheros, old Monterey, the gold camps, lawless San Francisco with it's fires and the vigilantes, through the Civil War to the turn of the century and more as Tessa and Gavin's marriage withstands the tests of time and their dynasty is eventually passed on to their children. Peopled with memorable characters and abundant historical facts this was a highly enjoyable tale about a very strong willed woman and the man she loved until death did they part that will have you reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I did find the way the author worked Gavin and Indian into the Civil War to be a bit of a stretch, but other than that a near perfect read for me, and a highly enjoyable way to learn more about a fascinating period in U.S. history. Readers might find the last 100 or so pages are a tad bit slow at times, but well worth it for a very very bittersweet epilogue as the Ramsay family rings in the new century at the end of 1899 - have the tissue handy. 4.5/5 stars and highly recommended.

I first read this book years ago, and have re-read it many times. I could really relate to the locations, as I live in the San Joaquin Valley in CA close to the foothills. I could envision them in Monterey, San Francisco, etc. and traveling inward to the valley and foothills. It is a beautiful, moving and very real story. It would be nice if it was reprinted. My copy is getting tattered!

I found this book on my bookshelf years ago and when I started it I couldn't put it down. This is the best novel I have ever read. A lot of books don't follow the characters as far as this book does. Tess and Gavin do experience hardships, but it makes the book even richer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

A fun read for humans of all ages and their four-legged friends alike. Uniquely written from the dog's perspective. A must-have for Boston Terrier lovers!

A fitting tribute to the Boston Terrier, a remarkably personable, intelligent, loving, and lovable breed of dog-person. My Boston thoroughly enjoyed his brush with fame when he played a little game of ball with the book's "author" during a visit to Mickey's Onancock, VA home.

I find that I share this book more between friends than any other book I have owned! The photos, limericks and insights into everyday life through Mickey and Winnies' eyes are wonderful! This book is a must for Boston Terrier owners or those researching the breed for a companion. Other breed lovers should read it also! My Boston Terriers give it a paw's up also!!!

Took a great sense of humor to write this book as it is written as if the dog is telling the story!

This was a very cute book, it is very rare that I come across a book about Boston's that is so interesting. I received this book as a gift and it was the best Christmas Gift last year. To read about the similiarities that the Boston Terrier's in this book had with my own was so facinating. I shared this book with many of my friends, this is definately a winner!!!!

I've been a sheltie owner, both of pets, show, and obedience dogs. This book is the best book of any breed book on the market. It covers everything you need to know, and though most sheltie owners aren't going to breed(nor should they), I believe that every sheltie owner should read about the breeding portions, because I've met so many people who think their sheltie should be bred. This book at the very least gives information on that aspect, as some colours shouldn't be bred together due to genetic abnormalities.

"Sheltie Talk" is the best Sheltie book out there, in spite of it's age (1985). I keep hearing rumors that there will be an updated edition, but I haven't seen it yet. I keep hoping.
This book has more information than most people will ever need about the breed, and it's very accessible even to the novice owner. Give this one 'paws up'!

It is the Sheltie "bible" for all breeders. I recommend it to all puppy buyers. It is not only for breeders and exhibitors of Shelties but for the companion dog owner as well. I know people with other breeds that just LOVE this book and have it as well!
Definately a FIVE star rating!!

This is an EXCELLENT book for the new sheltie owner. Very in depth information, and very easy to read. Contains info for everything from bringing the new puppy home, to basics in obedience and agility training. Only reason she didn't get five ***** stars, is because she got a bit "windy" with long explanations, and it is so easy to read, they aren't necessary. You must have this book!:)

The books is very detailed and has a lot of information. I was a little disappointed with it though, as it seems to be geared more towards breeders and people who show their dog.

Now one may argue that the average pet owner does not need THAT much information.. but I would beg to differ. Some parts of the book relating to ownership could have been bigger, while other parts of the book are unnecessary to the average pet owner.

For me, there was far too much information about the breed's standards.. and then the information about mating and whelping... All totally unecessary to me. I could have used more information about training, what to expect as the dog grows, and dog/people socialization techniques. Now, there is *some* information on these areas, but you could probably write entire books on these topics alone; this book could have used more material on these topics.

Still, it is not a bad book by any means. I give it 3 stars as a pet owner, and probably 5 stars if you are a breeder or are into competitive dog shows. I'll average that out to 4 stars overall.

Easy read and easy to follow. Helps you to understand what the dog is thinking and helps you train them. You can't bully a small dog, get this book!

Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion

This is a great book. I highly recommend it for anyone with a small dog. I have a number of other dog training books, but this book does provide an important perspective on training small dogs.

Very good and the information is very helpful for the small breed of dogs and todays new methods of training a small dog

I recently read the book: "Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion" by Deborah Wood.
I really liked and enjoyed this book. It is about 130 pages long and is an easy read. But she shares a lot of tips on how to train your toy breed dog and shares some insight into how these little dogs think.
This book is all about training your dog to be a better companion and a good dog that people will enjoy being around. It includes a brief section on house training and other problem issues. It also discusses the basic commands that we should teach our dogs so that they behave and to protect them from possible harm that could happen if they do not respond to your commands.
The book is sometimes humorous and tries to get you thinking what it's like from the dog's point of view and what the dog actually hears when you say something.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has recently adopted a new puppy or even an older small breed dog. This book is for someone who is not interested in getting into performance events, but wants a well trained dog. However, it can get you thinking that, if you can train your small dog beginning obedience, perhaps you can go on to compete in other dog activities such as Rally, Obedience and/or Agility.

Gail
'mom' to two Shih Tzu

This book like little dogs, Happy, Fun, and full of good humored ATTITUDE.I like to give this as a 'new puppy' or 'newly rescued' gift, especially to big dog people getting their 1st experience w/ the smaller cousins. Ms. Woods book has lots of great ideas for care, training and even game playing w/ the little guys. I love this book...you'll read it w/ a smile!!