Pet Books

This book is awesome! Does not go indepth, but has ALL the pertinent information related to specific diseases/clinical signs (definitions, Physiology, symptoms, lab work, treatment, follow up care)all on one page! A VERY useful book so far, especially from a tech's point of view!

Just replaced my 3rd edition, the 4th addition is a bit better has some new information, doseages for new drugs and a CD with Client education handouts.

I needed this item ASAP and I received it on time which was excellent since I paid for fast shipping. The cover of the book though looked a little worn. The book was supposed to be new but looking at it I wasn't 100% sure. If I had time I probably would have returned it for another copy. Besides that I was satisfied with my purchase.

very helpful in learning details about diseases and drugs we use.Easy to use the book and easy to understand.Thank you for the opportunity for me to receive this book to Turkey.

Whenever I encounter a new disease, or need to refresh my memory about one I haven't seen lately, I reach for this book first. I find it to be concise, informative, and useful. While other medical texts make for good fireside or bedtime reading, this one cuts to the chase, and is useful in the midst of a busy veterinary schedule.
I use this book as my "nerd book", jotting notes in the margins when I learn something new about a disease from reading journals. Overall I am quite impressed at how up-to-date and complete the information is vis-a-vis JAVMA, the Compendium for Continuing Education, etc. I also appreciate that this book comes out in new additions often enough to keep up with the rapid changes in veterinary medicine.

Childs has created a beautifully written book about animals and journeys into their abodes. He lashes a poet's equipoise to an adventurer's rugged wagon and traverses stories that are breathtaking both in their raw facts and in their telling. A wonderful book.

I have greatly enjoyed reading this naturalist's account of personal encounters he has had with animals in the wild. He demonstrates a respect, as well as a healthy fear, of the big predators such as mountain lions, bears, and jaguars. Intertwined with the adventures, Craig Childs provides details and meaningful information on creatures as diverse as mosquitos and Blue Sharks. It is a personal account which is accurate and does not romanticize the animals he describes.

I purchased "The Secret Knowledge of Water" by Craig Childs, and picked up the "Animal Dialogues" at the same time. After reading both books, I will buy more by this author. Vivid descriptions of places and happenings make his experiences come alive. The short chapters on each species give his own story and some scientific information on the animal as the story unfolds. I have learned much, and enjoy his take on the face to face encounters with some of the animals. We can identify with the cat and mouse tales in the Tipi. The Mountain Lion encounters were incredibly intense. This will really make me be more aware of where I am and what is around me when walking up the slot canyons and in the river wash. The footprints we find will be a little more of a wake up call, then just 'Oh neat! A fresh Mountain Lion foot print!"

This book tops my list of favorites. Childs' skillful use of languge not only brings his encounters to life, but revels in the mystical aspects of the wilderness. It is as close to poetry as prose can get; it's simply stunning.

This book was very well written from a naturist's point of view. At times you would feel as if you were right beside the writer as these encounters occur. After living in CO for 15 years I really could appreciate the stories. Great read for a cold winter night.

Owning Sibs and other breeds over the years I laughed till I had tears reading about Caesar. What a great read. Not that I recommend it for the bathroom reading but that is the only place my hubby will read. I walked past the door one day and he was laughing hysterically. I just knocked on the dog and asked "Caesar?" He replied "Lived that one before!"
After having lived with so many characters over the years it is easy to see that they really are true stories. If you have a dog lover in your life this should be in their stocking.
-S
Redwood Siberians

Book arrived promptly and in the condition as advtised, actually it was better than I expected.

A good book for people of all ages who love dogs. Although, like many of Gary Paulsen's books it is geared toward teens, this is a quick read for anyone. Laughs and tears throughout!

Reading this book, My Life in Dog Years was an OK book. You read all the different dogs' stories. What every dog's personality is, and what the dog does with him. Some stories are very interesting. It is an easy book to read. If you like reading about dogs, this book has all kinds of good stories.

My Life in Dog Years, written by Gary Paulsen was one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Gary Paulsen has an extremely different way of writing from other authors. I have read a couple of his other books. This was probably not his best, but it was well written. I would highly recommend it for any dog lover.

I love this book. It is tender -- it is funny -- it has sad moments and it has jubilent moments. It is really, a work of art. It is a MUST read.

If you love animals, you need this book. If you need to laugh, you must have this book. You might shed some tears too, but soon you will smile.

The book consists of a series of short portraits of horses, some of whom have given up, and their road back to recovery and beyond all through the knowledgable and caring attention of Melanie. Sounds trite but it is really an indepth exploration of the spirit of life and/or woman at its best. Wow.

Wonderful book and so beautifully written. When you sit down to read it don't forget the kleenex. You will shed tears of sadness at peoples cruel and heartless treatment of these noble beasts and you will cry tears of happiness when they get to experience life as it should be at Proud Spirit with Melanie and Jim.

I read "The Horses of Proud Spirit" in one evening, reluctant to put it down until the last page was turned. I laughed, I cried, and I didn't want it to end. Melanie Sue Bowles writes with remarkable detail, and her descriptions of people, places and horses pull the reader into each and every story. While some of the tales are sad, one comes away with a feeling of hope for both horses and humans. This book is a "must" for every horse person's library. If you've never owned a horse, you'll still find this book riveting - and you may find yourself dreaming of an equine partner of your very own.

I bought this book after seeing the PBS special about Proud Spirit Sanctuary. I loved the special and I loved the book. I now buy it for friends that I know will enjoy it.

Melanie, I can't begin to express what an inspiration you and your fine husband are to me. I have ready many books on horses, rescue, etc. Yours is so "real world" that it has made me realize that we must get our goals and tactics in place to make this happen within the next 5 years (purchasing horse property, etc.). THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for so honestly conveying the challenges and the precious rewards of sacrificing self (and monies) to do the right thing and provide a way of escape --- for these hurting horses to have a refuge to live out their days with good care and DIGNITY. Wow!!! THank you. My husband and I hope to meet you and your husband (and rescued "life changers") someday. God bless you, yours, and all you do!!!!!!! My Warmest Regards, Dorease Rioux, Colorado.

This book moved me to write a review here, my first. I can hardly express how touching this book was for me. Sad in nature but told with such exquisite elegance it took me months to finish because though I enjoyed it throughly, reading it was an intense emotional experience, not unlike grieving. There are single lines and sections in this book that when thinking of them later, tears snap to my eyes. I am a true dog lover who can relate to the deep devotion and attachment to our dogs as expressed in this book. Mark has used language beautifully to tell his story.

Mark Doty has penned an absolute gem of a memoir that touches not only on our umbreakable bonds with our animals, but also with our mates and the many places that we will call "home" throughout our lives - and the grief that we all must embrace and learn from in the loss of all of these. His story of Wally, Arden and Beau is a masterpiece of the heartfelt thoughts and feelings that all dog owners will experience if they are lucky enough to be loved unconditionally by one, or more, beloved human beings and furry angels.
In Chapter 15, after the recent death of his mate, Wally, and one of his dogs, Beau, Doty tells us of an abandoned dog that he befriends on Calle Canal in San Miquel de Allende, a hill town north of Mexico City.
He tries to rescue her and is heartbroken to have to leave her behind, writing, "I am grateful to have felt even this sharp sadness. The dog on Calle Canal awakens me; she shows me that I have come through something now. I write to bless her delicate head, the paw raised in hope. How should we know ourselves, except in the clarifying mirror of some other gaze?"
I finished the book in one day. And if you aren't into full throttle tears by Chapter 16 & 17 (the final chapters), then you have never known the joy and anticipation of there being "someone at home, waiting to go for a walk."

The poet shares the relationship he had between his dogs and himself in "Dog Years: A Memoir". Mark Doty (born 1953 in Maryville, Tennessee) is the only American poet to have received the T.S. Eliot Prize in the U.K. He received his Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Vermont. Doty, who is gay, has written about his struggle with coming to terms with his sexual identity, and with the impact on AIDS on the gay community. In 1989, his partner Wally Roberts tested positive for HIV, which drastically changed his writing. Wally died in 1994. Doty is currently the John and Rebecca Moores Professor in the graduate program at the University of Houston.
Mark Doty relates his experiences of his time with his two dogs, Arden the black retriever, and Beau the gold one. Mark also shares the passing of his long time partner Wally who was diagnosed and died of AIDS. Arden kept Mark alive, uplifted his soul and gave him will to live by its comforting gestures and by giving joy in his little ways. Arden and Beau became his true friends, became part of the household, and played a big part in Mark Doty's life. The dogs were his companions during his lowest moments, shared his grievances, and happiness as well.

Mark starts a happy new life with his dogs and Paul, also a writer. But a time came when his dogs starts to decline because of illness. Beau developed a kidney disease, while Arden is having a high fever and showing unusual signs. Along with this is the devastating 9/11 where Mark continues to differentiate despair and depression. According to Mark: "Depression is always the consequence of despair, a despair one cannot feel one's way through in order to emerge from the other side, a despair will not be moved".

The dogs' everyday struggle reminds Mark of how hard Wally's gradual passing was. In Mark's recollection of the years he spent with the dogs, Arden and Beau gave him unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives.
Dog Years is one beautiful way of giving tribute to all dogs in the world, who are loyal and ready to accompany their masters until their dying day. The book depicts an unforgettable experience between a man and a pet. At first, I got confused between his dogs and his boyfriend, because he describes his dogs like human beings. I love the poems he puts after every chapter, it makes the book more interesting although I don't really understand some of them. I'll admit some of the chapters in the book were boring and depressing, but I was moved when his dogs became really ill and helpless. They really are like humans. I have a Shih-Tzu named Bruno, and I can't imagine losing him too when the time comes.

On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an eight. The book failed to get my attention in the first few chapters, but the book helped me a lot in understanding my dog's feelings, and the last chapter was very moving that I almost cry. I would definitely read another book by Mark Doty, I'm planning to get the Firebird when I'm not busy. I'm recommending this book not only to dog lovers or owners, but also to anyone who has experienced attachment and loss.

(I read this book and was touched by it enough to write an email to my Dog Loving Friends) Here is what I wrote:

Dear Dog Loving Friends,

Over the past few days I read a book that I checked out of the library called Dog Years written by Mark Doty.

The book moved me so much that I intend to buy a copy for me to keep as my own. (And I never ever buy books to own.)

I recommend it to you (if you will endure the more poetic parts of it and seemingly random diversionary discussions), and I recommend it to Connie's hairdresser given that he owns 14 dogs. Susanne, if you can pass this on to Connie or make mention, I would be grateful.

The book is told in the first person. It is a memoir of sorts - reminds me of a scrapbook in a way - with lots of "photos" (the photos being stories) of dogs, but other "momentoes" stuck in the book such as random musings on poetry and sidebar discussions on such non-dog related topics as Judy Garland, the difference between dispair and depression....and boy does he nail it when he decribes depression. I am not quoting directly but something like: "Depression moves in heavily and sits in the sink as the dirty dishes from yesterday" ....

As strange as all the pieces were, it comes together quite lovely. Like a meal or a recipe in which I would have NEVER thought to combine all those ingredients, but it worked beautifully.

This book all made sense to me (except for some of the poetry..ok, ok, so I admidt I am missing the Emily Dickenson gene along with the cooking gene, but I will go back and carefully re-read some of the poetry.) I especially liked the poem on the wind. See that is the great thing about this book. I just finished it and already I am eager to read it again.

The book starts slowly and gets much better after a few chapters. I was momentarily confused between a dog named Wally and a man named Wally, and I was mildly irritated that the author used the word "fierce" or a very similar word 3 times on the same page. jeeze, picky, picky.

But then on the other hand, I rather LIKED this "flaw" because I felt like he was not a honed pretentious writer following all those rules we learn in English and writing classes, but instead he was really writing from the heart. And I myself, of course, cannot even write one smidgen as well as Doty.

Doty, an artistic insightful angst ridden gay man, recollects his past and how important his dogs were to him. He brilliantly perceptively and precisely captures what I think we see and love in our dogs. I was constantly saying "YES, YES, YES!" outloud to myself while reading. I wept copiously at the end.

The manner in which he desribes his dogs "resonates" with me (I hate to use that overused word, but it really fits here).

Because Doty is a poet, he sees his dogs through poetic artistic eyes.

The book will make you laugh and cry. I hope you take time to read it. See the reader reviews in the link below. (and I copied in the link to Amazon for my friends to click to).

- later -

I was really looking forward to Doty's so-called memoir, Dog Years, but it just didn't deliver. While there are some fine and moving passages here and there about loss and loving an animal, this book doesn't really qualify as a true "memoir," and it's not much of a "dog book" either. If you want to read a good dog book/memoir, try Hal Borland's classic, The Dog Who Came to Stay. It's great. Doty's effort simply strays too far afield from either genre to suit my apparently plebian tastes. There are sections here, littered with quotes from Emily Dickinson and Doty's ruminations on same, or references to Cezanne or Heraclitus, which could have been lifted from his Freshman poetry lectures, which is not what I expected - or wanted. Maybe there is so little about Doty because he's already written two memoirs. Well, okay; but don't call this a memoir, because it's not. I'm tempted to read his first memoir; maybe that would be a real one, but this book is sub-titled under false pretenses. The narrative meanders here and there and sometimes I wondered where the hell he was going with it. It was a struggle just to finish it. Sorry, Mark. Write a memoir or write poetry, but don't try to do both at once. - Tim Bazzett, author of Pinhead: A Love Story

I had recently lost my favorite cat, and was looking for something to help me get over my lost. I came across this book & reading stories of other people and their cats helped me get over my loss, especially the part about other people losing their cats! It does help your soul, when you lose your one true friend. I recommend this book highly!!!

Being a Lover of Cat's when I saw this Book--it was a "must have" for myself. Each story is true and has its own uniqueness just as every Cat does. It is simply a fun book to curl up with, you will laugh, cry, sigh and definately agree with, for one way or another you will understand and learn through each story about how amazing "Cat's" truley are. If you are a Lover of Cat's you will enjoy adding this Book to your Home Library-------this one you won't regret. MEOWWWWWWWWWW.

My little one is a big cat lover. Although her allergies forbid her to own a cat, this book helps her to receive a better love for them. We have many of the chicken soup books and this one is her favorite. Also.... shop for the book "The Secret" it has some footnotes from this same author. The Secret is a must for children too. Of course, we all want our children to grow up with a world of knowledge, well it starts with what us parents buy our children. Books...Books...Books.... people. Turn Off the TV's...

This book is very touching! Have some tissues ready for this one! Lots of very nice stories that will make any cat lover misty-eyed at times, and laughing out loud at other times. Highly reccommended for any cat lovers!

An inspiring work for honoring a friend who was a real cat lover and her beloved (but eccentric) 'Molly B.

This book is great for people like me who have never owned a dog! There are a few chapters in the beginning that i didn't find helpful, however. I had already chosen my puppy before i bought the book, but if your are searching for the right puppy and have any questions, then these chapters would be perfect for you! I still use this book to reference back to, my puppy is only twelve weeks old, so there's still a long way to go!

This book should be given with every new puppy - even before the puppy goes home with you. Covers all major aspects of puppy raising and training. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The book offers some schedules for walking your puppy, but lacks the "before" part - how much he should eat and how soon he might need to go, for example. I agree with reviewers who say the book is superficial. If you've had dogs before at all, this book is probably adequate. If you're like me, and the only other pets you've raised successfully have been hamsters, this book is NOT enough. In less than a week, I had to buy more books that cover the same topics in more depth.

I found this book to be very comprehensive and well organized. The advice is practical and is consistent with another book, Good Owners, Great Dogs, which was recommended to me by a dog trainer. I thought Puppies for Dummies was much easier to reference and it provides several alternatives for different types of problems. For example, the author recognizes that some puppies may actually like the Bitter Apple spray and she provides a different suggestion for another type of chew retardant. She also provides several different suggestions for dealing with a biting puppy and she differentiates between how to deal with biting skin vs biting pant legs, shoes etc.

Re house training, there is advice on different approaches including paper training, crate training, puppy pads and a combination approach. She even provides sample potty schedules for a dog where the owner is at home vs a dog where the owner goes to work. I found it to be incredibly thorough overall.

Before getting my puppy in 2002, I read several books on puppies, dogs, and training. My favorite was Puppies for Dummies, the 2000 edition. I can only imagine that the 2006 edition is even better.

Early sections help the reader decide what breed is best for his lifestyle and how to be ready for puppy's first day home. Especially important was the timeline--what training the puppy needs at what age--in order to grow to her best potential. The organization is excellent with easy-to-locate topics: a detailed Table of Contents and a complete Index.
Throughout the book, Hodgson stresses positive training and reinforcement, offering many important and helpful tips on how to be the most effective teacher you can be.

I tried the "teaching-lead" Hodgson describes, keeping my puppy attached to me by a lead at all times at home. This method is a super way to bond with your dog. Now, as a result, I have a most responsive and well-trained pet, a charmer.

I've recommended this book to friends, every one of whom thought it was an excellent resource. However, I do want to point out that no book on puppy training is useful if one does not use the techniques described....

If you really want to learn how to train your puppy in the most constructive way, get this book!

Earth Prayers From around the World: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth We are finding this book useful each week in our Mass readings and will continue to use it for reflection.

A friend of mine just purchased this book and we read quite a few of the prayers/poems together. They are exquisite; lovely, lovely poems that are a blessing to read and share. I highly recommend this book. Coming from a Christian faith, I found them to be a wonderful bridge to read and share of other faiths and honoring mine as well. I'm purchasing several for Christmas gifts. Wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

I use this book frequently. It has many wonderful prayers that I share with others. The book was like new and arrived quickly in good condition.

This is an excellent selection of Earth-centered prayers. I borrowed an instructor's copy, and had to acquire a hard-bound copy for myself!

This eclectic collection of prayers, poems, chants, verses, and mantras from all around the world is worth keeping near at all times. A dear friend gave this to me many years ago and I've nearly worn out the copy carrying it with me while sauntering from the Rockies and high Sierra, to the depths of the southwest desert canyons, to the wild Pacific shore. This is truly a wonderful collection of wisdom and inspiration that should be part of everyone's library. Its strength is found in its extensive Native American selections. Its only shortcoming is a scarcity of poetry from the Chinese masters.

By Kyle Gardner, author of Medicine Rock Reflections

I bought this book as a for an animal science class. It is very informative and I find myself reading it just out of enjoyment.

My husband gave me the audio book for Christmas and we just took it on vacation to listen to in the car. We were disappointed that we listened to it for over an hour without one dog story. I'm selling it off without finishing listening to it.

I should have read the reviews, then I would have known this was not a book with loving stories of dogs... it's just collection of writings by the man who wrote the Marley and Me book (and that book, while well written, is NOT a book for dog lovers either -- it details the stupid things humans do when they do not understand how to properly care for and train their dogs). This book is so bad I threw it out. Don't waste your money on it.
If you want a lovely, loving book about a dog/human life together read Amazing Gracie -- that is a great book about a great dog and her great people.

I'm sure I was not the only one mislead by the title. I bought the book hoping for stories on dogs that would take me on a roller coaster ride. There are some valuable op-ed articles in this book, but it certainly wasn't what I expected when I bought it.

This book is a compilation of Grogan's articles from the Philly Inquirer. It is a very enjoyable and quick read but it has little to do with dogs. If you're looking for a book about the bond between humans and their 4-legged friends, consider looking elsewhere. If you're looking for a series of lighhearted shortstories about Grogan's life and his observations about the world around him, pick it up.

The greedy, seedy editor and publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer bypassed John Gorgan and put this book together without his knowledge or consent. They boldly capitalized on John's popularity and ability to sell books to pimp out his previous works for their sole monetary gain. Perhaps worse, they used Marley's name and a picture of a little puppy to pull in dog lover's around the world. How low is that? How can these sleazy people sleep at night? If they had done the courtesy of collaborating with John Grogan, they may have seen this book reach stratospheric success. Instead, they circumvented him. They cut Grogan out completely, yet marketed his name, so that they didn't have to share the royalties with him. Yes, they technically own rights to Grogan's columns, but it was the wrong and disrespectful thing to do, and they know it. I urge you not to compensate them any further. Do not put more money in their pockets. Refuse to buy this book!!!