5 comments about Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.

1. I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the antics of my own puppy. The book centers around a dog but it's really about a family. This book is filled with love and has really helped me get through the last very stressful week. I was laughing out loud at some parts.



2. Marley is a Labrador retriever, a wonderful " bad boy" typical Labrador style dog.
   I cried and felt every minute of his life unfolding in this book. Marley was 100% soul in motion like every other of his race.
   Unfortunately, his owner (like probably 99% of owners) had no idea what he got. Probably for Mr. Grogan a Yorkie would have been better...
   Marley, rest in peace.
   The 5 stars are all for you!



3. Whenever I speak to someone about my dog, the person invariably responds with some variation of one of the three following questions:
   (1) Have you tried hiring a professional trainer?
   (2) Have you tried using a _______ (insert canine control device here; i.e., Halti Head Harness, choke collar, anti-pull harness, zapper collar, citronella collar, dog whistle, clicker, etc...)?
   (3) Is he neutered?
   
   The answer to all three of these questions is yes, in whatever form they are asked. We have tried it all, and we still can't have houseguests without warning the people ahead of time NOT to wear open-toed shoes and, despite the fact that we live in Florida and it's 90-plus degrees, long pants would be advisable. Not suprisingly, we have very few visitors.
   
   My dog, Cyrus, has done all of the terrible things a dog can do. He flipped over a table he was tethered to at Starbucks, and then dragged it across the patio until it became jammed between two other tables he took out along the way. He has, much to the chagrin of her mother, humped a five year old in front of a large gathering of people (interestingly, that was the only person he ever tried it on). He has been rejected (yes, flat-out rejected) from a canine "boot camp," which we drove three hours to just for an interview. He has nearly jumped out of the car window while we were traveling at a high rate of speed. He has broken his leash and charged off in random directions to see random people, usually scaring the bejesus out of whoever he decided to go visit. And he has eaten every imaginable object a dog can possibly eat. And when I say every, I mean EVERY. Area rugs, shampoo, sleeves off of shirts, shoelaces (but never shoes themselves for some odd reason), underwear, tea towels, coasters, books, drywall (he chewed a hole through a wall in our apartment one afternoon while I was grocery shopping), window blinds, two broiler pans, Chef Boyardee cans, an entire set of steak knives (only the handles, though, THANK GOD), dirty Kleenex by the pound, toothbrushes, spools of thread, and all of the embarassing stuff that ends up in the bathroom garbage. And the best part of that is that whatever embarassing object it is will ALWAYS get stuck on its way out, thereby requiring me to assist in its removal. In public. There are few things more humbling that removing a feminine hygiene product from your dog's butt five feet away from your apartment complex's pool while several horrified people look on.
   
   My friend Barb still describes him as "the dog who ate a car stereo." And it's true. He did. Box and all. In his medical records, there is a note in the margin, handwritten by my vet. It says, "PICA?!?!" I would say, although he has outgrown it for the most part (except for the bathroom garbage), that the answer to that was, at one time, a definite yes.
   
   In spite of all that, or maybe because of that, I love him. I love everything about him. The way he smells when he needs a bath. The way he sneezes in my face when smoke from my cigarette drifts to close to his face. The way he snores so loudly that I have to have a fan on my nighstand running all night to block out the noise. The way he smacks me awake while I'm sleeping so I will lift up the covers for him to climb under them.
   
   And I also love the way he snuggles up to me at night, that he loves to sleep in late, the fact that he is always severely distressed by me crying, that he will give hugs and kisses upon request, that he will do anything to protect me, and that, no matter how much of a piece of crap I feel like, he is so excited to see me when I get home that dancing and doing laps around the house are the only adequate ways to express his joy.
   
   The reson why I love this book so much is that it finally proves my theory that there are other people out there like me--people who love a dog that someone else--okay, maybe the rest of the US population--would describe as "terrible" or "horrible" or, GASP, even "incorrigable"--a favorite of his last trainer. And despite the fact that he is not Cesar Milan-approved, he is still, to me, the best dog in the entire world. I would never trade him in for Lassie or Rin-Tin-Tin. I mean, how many times did Timmy have to rush Lassie to the vet at 3AM because she decided that the Windex she stole from under the sink looked delicious? Perfection is boring. It is our flaws that make us unique, and it is adoration of those flaws that make us loved. The same is true with dogs.



4. This was the first book I purchased for my new Amazon Kindle - and I could hardly put it down - from the begining John Grogan draws you into Marley's world of mischief. As I finished the book, i could barely see the words for the tears in my eyes - this is a wonderful heartwaming, laugh outloud story told by a master storyteller. I highly recommend it.



5. I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry (sometimes within pages of each other). The twists and turns of the story are John Grogan and his family's everyday twists and turns. That is the beauty of the story.
   
   As we live our "ordinary" everyday lives we are creating powerful memories that shape who we are as people. When we tell of our memories they can, as in Grogan's case, shape other peoples lives as well. Marley & Me is a touching story full of beautiful memories that are worth sharing.
   
   Hurley Dog Chew Toy: Aqua Blue (Large)Eco Slumber Pet Bed (XLarge)Tux Dog Treat Chew Toy: TangerineZisc Flying Disc Dog Toy: Granny SmithEco Nap Earth Friendly Pet Bed: Burnt Orange (Large)Orbee-Tuff Ball with Rope: Blue/Green (Medium)Orbee-Tuff Ball with Rope: Glow/Orange (Medium)Hemp Eco Friendly Dog Bone Toy: Chocolate (Large)

5 comments about Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog.

1. For the hard core dog lover. This is a wonderful dog story; well written,beautiful and heart warming.I own the reincarnation of Meryl. I treasure him more after reading this book. Folks, it doesn't get any bettor than this. Please buy the book!



2. Merle's Door is not just a book -- it is a gift. It is a gift that you will not be able to put down. It is a gift to have the opportunity to share with Merle and Ted their time together, to read the scientific facts that are added for our edification, and to experience the world through their eyes. If you had never been a dog owner or owned by a dog, this book will make you think that something had been missing in your life, and you will be right.
   
   We all need to make our times with our animals -- dogs, cats, birds, whatever -- as full as Ted and Merle made theirs.



3. After listening to this book, I talked to my dogs a lot more, I danced with them and sang with them. I listened and looked and noticed every nuance of what they each had to tell me. I paid attention to them and noticed that they pay attention to me.
   Not only is the story real and honest and warm, it teaches you all about the canine in your family.
   The reader, Patrick Lawlor, had to know and love Merle and I felt every little emotion of his. His reading was superb and heartfelt. The best part were his conversations with his dog, Merle.
   Now that I have finished reading, I miss Merle terribly and I find myself looking at other dogs and wondering if that was how Merle was.
   
   This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs.



4. I laughed, I cried, I healed, I shared. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read in a long time. I fell in love with Merle and Brower... and with my dogs all over again. I learned important information and escaped into the wonderful story. I savored each page resisting its inevitable end. My choices of how I raised and dealt with the aging and death of my dogs were validated. I simply had to share this book with those friends who love dogs, so I have sent them copies. If you love dogs, READ this book.



5. I borrowed this book from the library before purchasing it for a friend. Anyone who enjoyed the book Marley and Me will love it! Wonderfully written, and it makes you think about your relationships with dogs. Awesome information about studies done on dogs and wolves, just a great book overall for anyone who has a dog. This book also included pictures of Merle and his owner which was a big perk for me. I would recommend this book to anyone.

No comments about Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars.

5 comments about Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon.

1. At first I found the jump-around style of storytelling distracting. I kept wanting it to read like the James Herriot books -- a chapter for this case, a new chapter for that case. Once I understood that the whole book was going to be back and forth, I was good with it and enjoyed the reading immensely. Of course, the back and forth style fits this book since it is one day of following Trout in the hospital. There isn't a definitive chapter between all patients, especially in surgery, what with post-op check-ups and all. And so the narrative is juggled in the same manner that Trout juggles between multiple cases at once.
   
   This was a delightful read. I loved to learn some of the updated methods and options for treatments in the animal world. Medicine is worlds beyond what Herriot practiced in his day! Trout has wonderful insight into the ways of both animals and their humans. Anyone who understands the bond between a person and his pet will enjoy this book.



2. I enjoyed some of the stories, but speed-read a lot of the book, as it either was not news to me or more than I cared to know about veterinary science.



3. This book makes me wish I had become a vet.
   
   In "Tell Me Where It Hurts" Dr. Nick Trout explores the ups and downs of the life of a top tier veterinary surgeon. He compresses a lifetime of poignant, frequently funny, and sometimes heart rending experiences into a single exhausting day. I had thought about being a vet when I was young, and this book is closer than any other I have read to summarizing what the journey to skilled professional veterinarian is really like.
   
   The book opens and closes with the story of "Sage", a German Shepard with a potentially life threatening stomach disorder. It is the perfect case to explain the uncertainties of the world of veterinary medicine, and ultimately serves to explain the trials and joys of the job. Along the way there are many detours, including sections on methods of veterinary training in different countries, the emotional tolls of the job, the changing demographics of the profession, and the increase in exotic animals in common practice. I was especially amused by the diversion into the world of "ferret legging" on p. 201. "Ferret legging is a centuries-old English sport in which the contestant stuffs a pair of ill-tempered ferrets down his pants." Several restrictions apply, including a total ban on undergarments of any sort. The winner is the person who can keep the ferrets in their pants the longest. The current record holder is a 72 year old Welsh coal miner named Reg Mellor who has kept two ferrets in his pants for the unbelievable time of five hours and twenty-six minutes. Humorous diversions such as this break the tension of the life-or-death decisions that the majority of the book deals with, and are a welcome relief after some of the more nail-biting sections.
   
   My only critique of the book would be the rather enormous over-weighting of canine cases in the book, although I don't know if that is representative of Dr. Trout's practice, or if he simply prefers dogs to cats. Any animal lover should love and appreciate this book in its entirety, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.



4. Tell Me Where it Hurts is a good, short book that follows a day in the life of a veterinarian in a large small-animal practice.
   
   The stories are a mixture of delight and heartbreak -- just like real life. Dr. Trout does a terrific job of describing the animals, their medical conditions, and I love that he refers to their owners as "their parents".
   
   It probably isn't fair to compare it with "All Creatures Great and Small" that was a truly fantastic book.



5. Yet another book about elevating pets to the levels of people. In fact, Trout seems to think a dog would make the best spouse. He also thinks its endearing for owners to be pathologically obsessed with their animals. He "respects" their delusions and will do all kinds of over-the-top surgeries on the pets to placate the owner's beliefs that their animal is their child or substitute mother or whatever. Trout calls pet owners pet "parents". He's one of the idiots that keeps this pet elevatation fad going.
   
   The only good thing I can say about this book is that Nick Trout is a talented writer and surgeon. Too bad he chose to write about pets and too bad he chose to be a vet instead of a medical doctor. His writing and surgical skills are being wasted on lower species beasts.

5 comments about Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale.

1. The books came in and it was like brand new....in fact if I hadn't known I ordered it used I would never have known. It was a great gift and the seller is another I would use again. The book came sooner than promised and was in even better shape than described.



2. Great book that had me actually laughing out loud, tearing up, and also sobbing. You go on Gracie and Dan's journey and live it with them.



3. It's a great book in so many different aspects. It still brings me to tears when I think of Gracie, and I have been sure to give extra loven to my Zoie, a beautiful and very mischievious Great Dane, everyday. After reading the book, I don't even mind so much now when I end up holding on to the edge of my king size bed for dear life while Zoie is spralled out taking up 90% of the bed snoring away while I haven't gotten a good night sleep in ages. I didn't even yell at her when she ate three pairs of shoes in one week. The book makes you want to be better to your dogs, do more with them and enjoy them every day. I know my life is happy and fulfilled because of my canine family and my skin family. All six of my dogs are rescues, and they are amazing and wonderful dogs just like Gracie!



4. I have been trying to find dog books that were as good as Marley and Me and had no luck. I read this book in a day... which I never do. I am from KC, and had no idea before reading this book that it was written by the co-founder of Three Dog Bakery right here in KC! On the first page it talked about him griving the loss of his childhood dog Blue; my first dog's name was Blue. As I kept reading I kept finding more and more things that "spoke" to me. I think this book is BETTER than Marley and Me... both books are my top faves. I might be bias as I'm from KC and remember taking my Blue there. But hardly believe I am.... notice no rating lower than a 4 on here! This book was wonderfully written. It will make you think about life,your own animals, and how everything happens for a reason. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. (I checked this book out from the library... but will be buying it so that I may own a copy and have others read it, and proceeds of the book go to the Gracie Foundation... to help neglected and abused animals.) This book is not just about a dog; it's how an animal no one wanted showed him how to live and love, one day at a time.



5. This is such an awesome dog story. It is full of real life fun and mayhem of owning a dog in a multiple dog family. It was witty and entertaining.

5 comments about From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava.

1. I had heard about Lava the dog and the many pitfalls it took to overcome to get him home and so I couldn't wait to finally read the book. Unfortunately, this book does not live up to it's potential. It could have been a real gem had the author perhaps had a lot more help from a more experienced writer.
   
   I'm surprised this book had two authors and quite possibly an editor and yet, it's so choppy and poorly written and dare I say, juvenile at times and I'm not talking about the profanity sprinkled throughout the book either. I'm not tremendously offended by profanity. In this case, I didn't feel it added or detracted from the book for me. The problem here is vocabulary. For example, there are several passages where the author used one word or one phrase over and over and over. In one passage it's the word "weird" when he's trying to explain to the reader how being in Iraq was and in another passage it's the phrase "at least" that begins every sentence for at least a paragraph. Maybe someone can gift him a thesaurus.
   
   Frankly, until I read the interview between Amazon and the author, I would have just given the book 1 star because if the subject matter of the book wasn't so attractive, I doubt it would ever have gotten published. In the interview above at least, he does seem to have a more diverse vocabulary than was apparent in the book.
   
   Another thing I found extremely difficult to get past was a passage where the author describes those who join the Army as basically losers, the guys who couldn't get the girl, who didn't play sports and who just weren't "good" enough was the impression I got. So unnecessary to the story and in my opinion, absolutely NOT true.
   
   One last thing that gave me pause was the way he described himself getting into the faces of Iraqi's and hollering at them, including profanity which he insisted the interpreter include when relaying it back. Maybe they needed it, I don't know, I wasn't there but all I could think of while reading that was that's the sort of behavior that quite possibly could cost lives down the line. It's sort of like you can criticize your own children but woe unto those who are NOT a part of your family criticizing them. It just doesn't fly and even the author comes to realize this later in the book.
   
   I don't know if I can honestly say this book is worth reading. I gave it two stars because I love dogs and found the subject matter appealing. The rest of the book just wasn't up to par to me and if you are looking to read down-to-earth, I-Was-There accounts of the goings on in Iraq or poignant, heartwarming stories about dogs then there are much better books out there on those subjects.



2. This book is one of those that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Deeply emotional. Heroes vs evil. The author infuses his psychological insights into a story of an insane situation.
   
   The horrors of the true story memoir creeps and builds. Intertwined by the deeds of the people coming together to help, adds hope to dispel the sense of a world with no compassion.
   
   The emotional connection to the group of Marines known as Lava (named for where they trained in Hawaii) is immediate in the first few pages.
   
   A career Marine fighting in Iraq (and sometimes near the border of Syria) desperately searches for a way to bring home to the States - a rescued puppy. (Thou shalt not have pets nor befriend animals, Article G something). Marines, news reporters, State side animal rescue groups, supportive Iraqis; fighting against the military machine ordered to shoot dogs. All this, while under the guns of insurgents, rocket propelled grenades, car bombs, cows strapped with suicide equipment.
   
   
   To add more heart pressing depression to the harsh truths revealed, reading the parts about puppies being buried alive in sewers, fresh in my mind was the 'youtube' story. (Of the puppy thrown off the cliff by Marines making home videos. How could you?)
   
   The author describes the military rationale behind some of the numbing military rules and realities.
   
   Do I feel a little wiser after reading this?
   
   What's the difference between foreign militants or American Marines shooting puppies?
   
   I read this book in one sitting, not skipping to the last page (no cheating). I couldn't put it down.
   
   
   Apple pie, Marilyn Monroe, dogs and waggily tailed puppies.
   
   
   Tears for 21 Lava. Angels with wings, for sure.



3. This is not a book I would have ever picked up on my own. Although I love and care about dogs, and all animals, with a passion, I generally don't have any interest in reading true-life "My Dog and Me" stories. However, my mother highly recommended it and now I'm glad I read it, because it made the war more real to me that just about anything else has.
   
   The heart of the story is, of course, the dog Lava, but this book is much more than a story about a dog. The tagline is "A Marine, the War, and a Dog..." for a reason. Lava is the vehicle for Kopelman's journey, and it makes for a powerful story of war and healing. Nowhere is this more evident than the chapter where Kopelman sits at home, in the agonizing hours he waits for news of Lava's escape and at the same time details the deaths and atrocities occurring in Iraq at the same time as all this effort is being exerted for a puppy.
   
   Honestly, I didn't love the writing, but it was effective. Kopelman is obviously a smart and capable guy, and the book reads as though he is sitting in the room with you, relating this crazy story over dinner and a beer. He is honest and emotional about all sides of the war, Marines, and himself, for good and bad. I liked him and was rooting for him as much as the dog. The questions raised by the war for all of us are the questions Kopelman is faced with in person, in the form of a scruffy puppy he finds in his boot. He addresses these questions, if not eloquently, than at least thoroughly and with feeling. He makes his choice, as we all must, and he has to live with it, as do we all. Though it may have been a bit heavy-handed at times, this book brought together many issues, and many facets of each, into one emotional package, and it made me think as well as feel.



4. The story of the Colonel rescuing Lava was a good story, but this book took me almost nine months to read. In my opinion it wasn't written very well. The book lacked the ability to grab me by the collars and slam my face into the book until I finished reading it. I was hoping for this book to do that. But nevertheless, I am happy to have read it.



5. This book is about our refusal to give up our humanity in the face of war. Take the toughest, baddest trooper, insert dogs and children into the horrors of war, and watch stone-cold combatants turn into wet clay before your eyes. Quick and enjoyable read. The LTC captures the emotion and internal conflict everyone who's served in a combat zone can relate to.

5 comments about Good Dog. Stay..

1. Short and oh so sweet!
   
   Yes this is more of an essay than a full blown novel, but the writing is worth every dime. There are so many phrases in the book that I read and re-read. Spend the money and keep this book for revisiting over and over.



2. This is a 45 minute short story about Anna's dog, Beau. I am not a fan of animal stories as they usually either end up getting hurt or dying. The same is true in this one. It is the life story of Beau and as all life stories, the end is death. That brings tears to me which is why I don't like these types of stories.
   
   I believe Anna wrote this as a way to heal from her lost of Beau more than trying to tell a readable story. This is not to say the story doesn't make sense. It does. I just hear in Anna's own words how much she and her family cared for Beau and how much his loss meant to them.
   
   As with all stories, there are the good times and the "bad dog" times, laughs and tears and general day-to-day life. If you want to hear about a good dog's life, this CD will provide that.



3. I bought this book for my husband as part of the grieving process after our 14-year-old black lab died. I expected Anna Quindlen's usual wisdom and frankly I was disappointed. The text was very short; not enough in quantity or quality to justify a book in my opinion. Worse, every page featured those awful cutesy stockhouse dog photos that seem the antithesis of the honest and straight style I expected based on reading her wise columns in the NY Times for many years. The book came across as a celebrity milking something very thin for some extra cash. Come on, Anna, you can do a lot better than this!



4. I think she is such a wonderful author and love her books. This was yet another treasure.



5. Loved this book - sounded just like what we went through with our yellow lab. Quick read - heartwarming.

5 comments about Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed..

1. 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.



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. 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!



5. 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.

4 comments about Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned.

1. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of listening to Cathy read special parts of the book Pawprints of Katrina before she would finish a chapter and send it to her publisher. With each story or chapter, Cathy and I were reliving those days spent in NOLA. As we talked, our memories were brought to the surface and some of those memories are found in this book. It is with great pleasure and anxious anticipation that I am traveling with my daughter and one of the rescues to Cathy's book signing this Saturday at the Welcome Center of Best Friends Animals Sanctuary in Kanab. Utah. Precious, a terrier mix who was humanely trapped on a street in Gentilly, February 3, 2006 - yes, five months after Hurricane Katrina will be flying with us to Kanab (Precious had with her six puppies she had kept alive since their birth approx 9 weeks prior to their rescue - my daughter adopted one of the puppies, Puxley Madison, I adopted Precious, the pups mother). CONGRATULATIONS CATHY on a book that is destined to be a "Best Seller". Thank you for validating the lives of those we saved and those we could not. Your book is AWESOME!!! Barb



2. I bought this book as soon as I read about it on the Best Friends Sanctuary website. The story of Marina, the dog first named "Survivor" is inspiring and was--at first--my primary reason for reading it. I cried tears of sadness for the people and animals who didn't make it through Katrina and Rita and tears of happiness for the selflessness of rescuers both locally and from all over North America who stayed to help the people and pets of Louisiana and Mississippi. In this book there is an acknowledgement of the "remote reunion" volunteers who spent many hours on the internet and the telephone linking families and their pets or sharing the grief of those whose pets didn't make it. I was one of those volunteers and it changed my life.



3. Scott's book is completely absorbing. She reveals the astounding dedication to animals by humans who dedicate themselves to finding the separated and abandoned animals of the Katrina disaster and reuniting them with their bereft owners. This is an important social document. Above all, the book celebrates the human/animal bond. It's a must-read.



4. This book is amazing.....I was overwhelmed by the stories of the rescues ,some with happy endings some not....I cried at the end of almost every chapter...a lot of happy tears. Cathy Scott told of the devastation in New Orleans and about the volunteers who gave up part of their lives, time and sometimes jobs to care for these poor animals and owners. Then, she told about the changes in law and mindset since then .........very well written

5 comments about Enslaved by Ducks.

1. Enslaved by ducks is hilarious. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever had (or wants) a lot of pets. It is a quick read and I found myself laughing out loud many times with others wondering what was so funny. Bob Tarte certainly captures the essence of the different personalities of the species he happens to be writing about at the time whether it be bunnies, ducks, geese, or parrots. After reading this book you may find yourself realizing that "animals are people also".



2. And then a friend recommended this book. She and I both own parrots...I have both a Timneh and 2 Congos, and I always like to read about parrots and the people they own.
   I had just finished reading one of Stephen King's books, and was a bit out of sorts. It had been a long hard read and I was disappointed in it. And me....a big King fan.
   'Enslaved by Ducks' is far removed from Stephen King. And just what I was looking for. Like another reader mentioned, Bob Tarte has a similar style to Dave Barry, who I love. The book was funny, and it was sad. When you own animals and lose them for whatever reason, it's a big deal. I just wanted the book to go on forever. Of course, now I can order 'Fowl Weather', and keep going, but I'll most likely be sad when I'm done with it.
   I loved the book and the style in which it is written. It would be neat to visit with Bob and Linda and have a cup of coffee with them, and meet the menagerie.
   Anyhow....I recommend the book highly, and had a great time reading it.



3. The first third of the book, I laughed out loud several times. A very engaging writer. I love animals, but am not much on birds. So about halfway through the book, I pretty much had my fill of our feathered friends.



4. I didn't care much for this book. After a few chapters of reading about the many pets this man had in his house it got very boring. I gave up on it.



5. Heard about Bob Tarte's latest book, "Fowl Weather" during an NPR review. When I checked it out at Amazon, I came across the rave reviews for "Enslaved by Duck" and decided to get both. I started with "Enslaved by Ducks" because I couldn't resist the title and it didn't disappoint. Bob and his wife are two people that you enjoy spending time with. You only wish your friends were as funny and warm-hearted as these two. I have to confess that I feel the story did sag a bit toward the end and became somewhat repetitious, but you're free to stop any time you want and don't have to slog toward the credits like I did. Am looking forward to reading "Fowl Weather".