3 comments about Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers: Stories That Celebrate Love, Loyality, and Companionship (Cup of Comfort).

1. What better gift to give along with that new puppy? "Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers" is busting with stories of puppy love, canine teen love, even love for those old dogs who can't seem to learn new tricks! Naturally, I read "The Cost of A Dog" first (okay, yes, I wrote it) but then I read every other story and enjoyed them just as much. For the new dog owner, or the dog lover forever, this is a book to read and enjoy over and over again.



2. If you have ever shared your life with a dog, you'll find yourself in this book more than once. These essays about the love, understanding and sometimes guidance (like "The Human Whisperer") dogs brings us will make you smile, tear-up, or just want to hug your furry friend. This book is a great read, and the perfect gift for dog people.



3. Granted, one of the stories in the book is mine, "My Black & White Wonder", but the entire collection makes me want to run out and fill my house up with dogs. Alas, I won't, but my heart is certainly full every time I read another of the stories in the book. This book is certainly a gift book, and something for the nightstand next to every fur-covered (and crowded!) bed.

5 comments about Second Chances: More Tales of Found Dogs.

1. The dogs' stories are very moving and inspirational, but anytime you have a book that takes stories from multiple people, there are always going to be some that just aren't that well written. I felt like that took away from the impact of the book.



2. This is a good book with lots of short stories about dogs given second chances



3. Every day we read about the horrible things people do to each other, to their children, and to animals. This book lifted my spirit by letting me know there are still some good people out there. There are still people who care about what happens to a poor stray dog, or an animal that is scheduled to die. They may be few, but they are out there.



4. ... but this book was a let down for me. Almost each and every story was poorly written and I could not really "feel" for the stories the way that I wanted to and the way that I think these animals "deserve". It was mostly "... and then this happened, and then that and then that and now we are happy together..."
   
   Could have been a much better book in my opinion!



5. [...]
   Second Chance is a touching story about adoption. Mom and Ryan, her adopted autistic son, go to an animal shelter to adopt a dog. Chance is a Rottweiler, German Shepherd mix puppy. He is now Ryan's dog. Chance has to adjust to having two smaller brothers and a smaller sister. He has to learn Mom's rules. Chance is a lucky dog to live with such a loving family. The front cover is beautifully illustrated. I read this story to my 6 and 7-year-old grandchildren. Unfortunately, it did not hold their attention. The illustrations inside the book are dark and muted. The printing is in white, which made it hard to read. Personally, I liked the plot, but it lacks appeal to children.

4 comments about Pets in America: A History.

1. Katherine C. Grier has written a book that is both entertaining and informative. Although I don't think it was intended to be a textbook, it will be a very useful book to use in the college classroom...students will not fail to be engaged by it, which will result in good discussions and thus more learning about the way our society views companion creatures. Dr. Grier blends history and visual images in a way that supports and extends the reader's general comprehension and enjoyment of the many interesting facts in it. Beyond it's usefulness in my classes, though, I have to say that this book is probably one of the best reference works for the history of pets in America that has been written to date. It's also fun to look at the pictures. It is the work of a rare type of scholar: she "reaches the student before she teaches the student." I'm going to make this a required book in my classes next Fall. Thanks, Dr. Grier, for a job well done!Pets in America: A History



2. It's true that Americans love their pets. Ask anyone at school or work and your will usually get quite a story about the family pet. Katherine Grier's Pets in America: A History is a wonderful attempt to trace the history of pets in America. It is ironic to see how the social development of Americans so closely parallels the sociological importance of our pets.
   
   This book is absolutely recommended for you or the pet lover in your life. It is filled with little pithy facts about pet ownership down through the ages. For instance, I was pleasantly surprised to read of George Washington's hounds and the level to which his personal correspondence referenced them.
   
   Pet ownership has existed in some form since the 1500s and continues to grow in popularity. I found it intriguing how much of pet inclusion is tied directly to our sociological evolution. For instance, our incorporation of pets into photographs directly corresponds to American's desire to share memories with their posterity. The modern purveyor of the digital camera doesn't even give Fluffy a second thought to being included in a photo spread.
   
   Grier also shares the realities for capitalism which increasing pet ownership brought to America. In some of these sections the minutiae will creep to the surface. You would be ill advised to sit down and read it in a few sittings. I did this and found myself absorbed in the details.
   
   Instead, read this book in small chunks. It is filled with incredible information about pet ownership - and every pet lover will find it a must have for their library. George Bernard Shaw said it best: "Animals are my friends, and I don't eat my friends." I wouldn't recommend you eat your pets - but I do recommend you read this book.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: This is a yummy book!



3. Pets in America: A History, was purchased as a gift to a friend who is a pet-lover. She seemed delighted with the gift. I skimmed but did not read the book in detail.



4. "Pets in America", an astonishingly comprehensive new book by Katherine C. Grier, relates the history of pets as we have known them from the earliest days of our nation. In doing so, she has given us a compelling look at the evolution of how different animals became popular pets, how we treat pets as a society and what their needs are compared to ours.
   
   Grier begins by asking "what is a pet?" and then follows up with remarks about "why pets matter". She sets the stage for the reader to begin to view the animals we call "pets" (and what Americans in the nineteenth century called "favorites") in a different way than just furry little creatures that greet us upon our return home. One of the many surprises I found in reading "Pets in America" was that one hundred to one hundred fifty years ago the most popular pet to have was a caged bird. She explains part of the reason by saying that there was far less noise around then and songbirds added a cheerful level of volume that was most welcome in many homes.
   
   While Grier's book understandably covers dogs, cats, birds and fish as the most common pets to find around the house, there is also a good deal of writing about livestock animals.....horses, swine, barnyard fowl and rabbits. There are many quotes from diarists of the 1800s and the most alluring ones come from children. Being much closer to "pets as dinner" she quotes a few girls who couldn't stand the thought of losing a newborn calf or lamb, knowing that it would end up on someone's dinner table....possibly their own. There's also a charming section on "the Bunnie States of America"....a club set up in 1898 by the children of an Albany, New York couple who had rules and regulations for their club, held meetings and wrote of the happenings of their beloved rabbits.
   
   Grier takes an awful lot of time in the middle of the book describing the liberal goodness of the upper middle class and their views toward treating animals with kindness and respect. Although she presents her case effectively, it is the one place where "Pets in America" bogs down a little but she picks right up again with a chapter titled, "Pet keeping and its dilemmas". As animals moved closer to humans with their increased indoor contact, boundaries necessitated change. Understandably, at the same time, livestock became more foreign to many Americans with the advent of the automobile, as horses were decreasingly necessary for transportation. However, Grier describes in great detail what city life was like prior to that with pigs running through the streets, chickens cackling in many a backyard and the undeniable stench of horse manure. The seemy side of pet life....those who dealt in the selling, trading and butchering of pets is a terrific addition to the work. It's hard to believe, sometimes, that we are just a few generations removed from all of that.
   
   The author finishes up with a look at the twentieth century arrival (on a large scale) of pet stores, pet food and other accoutrements such as "clothing" and bedding. There is not much about veterinary medicine in this book other to say that in earlier times, a pet's best caregiver (and often its only doctor) was its owner.
   
   Many wonderful, early photographs and drawings accompany "Pets in America". It's a welcome addition to a fantastic book. I highly recommend "Pets in America" for its depth and incisiveness and I applaud Katherine Grier for combining a straightforward analysis with an outstanding narrative.

No comments about Woof!: Writers on Dogs.

1 comments about The Power of Purrs: Reflections on a Life with Cats.

1. I couldn't put Gary Shiebler's THE POWER OF PURRS down. The honesty in his writing resonates. I laughed, I cried (and I'm not just saying that for dramatic effect!), and I remembered the cats that have come in and out of my own life. Even if you hate cats, you'll love the insightful stories Shiebler shares. Maybe you'll even change your mind . . .

5 comments about Animal Miracles: Inspirational and Heroic True Stories.

1. I actually went to this site because I was looking to see if an Animal Miracles II was out. This book was one I read to my children, ages 10 and 7, as well as on my own. The cries of "one more, please Mom" warmed my heart. My 10 year old son, who reads on his own quite well, always wandered into the room when I read this book. I have recommended it to many of my adult friends to read to their kids and they have loved it too.



2. I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.



3. I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.



4. Can't miss on this one! Read it and enjoy each and every story!



5. This book will warm your heart and touch your soul. Each story showcases the incredible way in which animals love us unconditionally. You will truly believe in angels after reading these true stories.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul: Celebrating Pets as Family with Stories About Cats, Dogs and Other Critters.

1. Chicken soup for the cat and dog lovers soul is a wonderful book that warms my heart and gives me a happy feeling reading thru the stories and the love people feel for there pets. When I recently lost my beloved siamese cat it helped me to feel better about my "furry baby" passing over the rainbow bridge because I knew he had a wonderful life and he knew he was cherished. All the books in the chicken soup series are very uplifting and spirtual and make people smile, I highly recommend them.



2. I have bought many books from this series and found this one to be my favorite. This book is a must for the animal lover. I will read a few stories before bed every night. Some stories bring tears to my eyes and others make me simle from ear to ear. Great book that people of any age will love!!



3. My 10 year-old son tried reading it,and thought the stories were too sad, but I adore this book. Very sweet, humbling stories about good people and good animals.



4. In this volume, Mr. Canfield and crew have compiled a smorgasboard selection of short stories about pets who fortify us and make life bearable. Especially poignant to me was "the medicine cat" as I, too, had one named Tosca. She gave up the ghost a few months ago at the age of eighteen years, as I had no way to get to her when she needed support of the kind she gave to me several years ago. They recognize the special love and devotion of animals to bless our hearts and homes.
   
   "Cat lovers will tell you that felines are 'poetry in motion,' living sculptures at rest, and that the warm weight of a purring cat...is a surefire cure for all that ails you."
   
   It is the physical acts of love to bring the gift of life as expressed in "The Healing Touch." I cried as I read "The Language of the Heart" about an unusual rabbit and his healing the hurt of a little girl who'd turned inward and no longer could talk. Something had died in that child which this loving rabbit cured. His innocence and trust had rekindled the same qualities in the child. The loving presence of an animal can heal where words have no effect. Alas, Roger Rabbit bit the tip off my little finger one day, which led me to the ER for a Saran-wrap bandage (to stop the bleeding -- a bandaid wouldn't work) and a tetanus shot. Needless to say, I found him another home.
   
   "A small gesture -- the insistent tap of a cat's paw" about Jack, an adopted stray kitten (like Dante in Troy, Alabama), who grew into Ellen's savior. He woke her from a daydream of tragedy; Star woke me up with that same gesture over and over so that I would not strangle from Acid Reflux. Pets do love and care for their owners. This volume is one I will treasure for years to come. It is full of memories about pet owners' animals, not just cats and dogs.



5. I really enjoyed this book. The main reason I liked it is because it is all about cats and dogs, and I am a hardcore animal lover. Another reason I liked it is because the stories are not made up in someone's mind. These stories are real stories that real people lived through. The last reason I liked this book so much is because you don't have to read it like an ordinary book. You can read it like I did and just jump around to stories that sound good to you, instead of reading the book cover to cover.

5 comments about A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed A Dog Year. I identified with the author, Jon Katz, a middle-aged person with grown children and his wisdom and words changed my life. I started pursuing hobbies and things that I never would have thought I could or would ever do. This tender story of the man-dog relationship touched my heart.



2. A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me is a must read. This book introduced me to Mr. Katz's writing. He has become my favorite author and I am now on his 3rd book that is also about dogs. His understanding and discovery of dogs are so true and pure and most dog owners would probably be able to relate and smile and cry as they read his story. I absolutely love this book.



3. How would you feel if you were perfectly happy with your two Labrador retrievers, and a new chaotic dog comes crashing into your ideal life? This is what happened to Jon Katz. He lives in England, and this book takes place in modern times.
   
   Jon lives with his wife and his two dogs, Stanley and Julius. His standard of living revolved around taking care of his dogs, and doing what he loves: writing. He was more than happy with his way of living. When Deanne--a dog breeder--informs him of a two-year old border collie that needed help, Jon's love for dogs got the best of him and he introduced Devon to the family. Jon was struck by the difference in the breeds. Devon was hyper, had anxiety attacks, required three times the exercise that his two other dogs obtained, and didn't trust Jon at all. But this only motivated Jon more. He was determined to get Devon to trust him even if it drove him mad.
   
   When Jon achieved his goal for Devon, Deanne called him and asked if he wanted a puppy. If he adopted Homer, the new puppy, that would be adopting 2 dogs in a period of 12 months. Was that too much for the dogs to handle? But the second his eyes saw the picture of the puppy, he couldn't pass the offer. He was concerned about how Stanley and Julius would accept another dog into their already shaken life, but he was more nervous about Devon. Would Devon be threatened by this new dog that endangered his position?
   
   When Homer came, he was the exact opposite of Devon. He was cute, sweet, and had a charm on everyone--dogs and humans. Everyone but Devon. Devon took time to get used to the new life, but when Stanley and Julius passed because of old age, he had yet another adjustment to make. The rest of the biography shows how Devon and Homer form a new relationship without Stanley and Julius.
   
   The pacing of this book was moderate. I think it was written in a Christian perspective, and the title explained how Jon had gone from two to four dogs in a year. The theme is about perseverance. Jon used Devon's bad actions as a stimulation to train him, and even when he was frustrated, he never gave up. He always had a good attitude considering his circumstances. Jon Katz's writing is very natural, and flows very easily. He has advanced vocabulary and interprets his dogs' feelings well considering that they couldn't talk to him. The mood changed from time to time. He was easily frustrated by the sacrifices of comfort he had to give up for his two new dogs. In time, though, he learned to love the new lifestyle. I thought parts of this book were funny with dog humor. I would recommend this book to people who have dogs, because they definitely would understand the humor and aggravation of having a dog more easily than those who don't.



4. follow up to Bedlam Farms - never would have bought any of his books if had known what he would do to border collie in last book - a real jackass - hope no one buys anymore of his books - he might have to get a real job



5. This is a wonderful book. It's hysterical at times and moving at times. This is the first Jon KAtz book I had the pleasure of reading and I have now read most of them. As the parent of a Border Collie let me tell you he hits the nail on the head. Mine are not as amusing, however they are just as smart. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are thinking of getting a Border Collie for yourself, it may make yout think twice. They are wonderful dogs, but you should be aware of what you may be getting yourself into. Jon Katz has a writing style that will draw you in and you won't be able to put this book down or wait to go get your next one.

1 comments about Cup of Comfort for Horse Lovers: Stories that celebrate the extraordinary relationship between horse and rider (Cup of Comfort).

1. I ordered this book because it contained an essay authored by a very dear blog buddy. I also thought it would make an excellent gift for my horse loving spouse. I am not particularly enamored with horses so my own expectations were measured.
   
   Today I received the book and hurriedly opened it to find my friend's contribution. I expected it to be excellent and it was. But the reward of reading that single chapter was even greater than I had hoped.
   
   I returned to the front and began to read from the beginning and was surprised to find myself more than half way through when I finally took a break.
   
   There are horses in this book just as there are people. But they all become individuals with personality and character and they collectively experience the entire spectrum of emotion. The wonderful writing certainly contributes. But it is the raw emotion that adds the vivid color. There is a genuineness in these stories only possible I think because they are so intensely personal and related from experience.
   
   Kudos to Colleen Sell for a wonderful compilation.

5 comments about Tall Ears and Short Tales: Observations from the Barn.

1. This book is written with love, warmth and humor. I sometimes laughed, sometimes cried, but always realized the author's love of horses and her dedication to end horse slaughter. May God bless her for the work she's doing for all equine!



2. Join the author on her personal journey into the hearts and souls of neglected, abused, and unwanted animals. You'll meet lots of courageous horses looking for a second chance at life, and you'll also learn a little about a delightful Chocolate Lab who mothers horses, cats, and baby chicks.

   Knowledgeably written by Carol M. Chapman, owner of The Last Refuge, a sanctuary for horses and other assorted creatures no one else wanted. Tall Ears & Short Tales is a compelling and informative look at one of nature's wonderful and often terribly abused creatures - the horse - and the extremely dedicated people who rescue, rehabilitate, and provide sanctuary for them. Respect, humor, and thoughtful reflections upon the horses' point of view combine to make a thoroughly fascinating assortment of anecdotes from a wonderful writer and true animal lover.




3. This book is a "must read" for all animal lovers, and especially horse lovers. The author's warm style and insight into the minds of animals will draw you in and never let you go! "Horsey" people (of which I count myself one, according to the author's definition) will truly identify with the connection one feels with horses, and non-"horsey" people will get a wonderful taste of our side of the horse world.

   The author's natural, relaxed attitude toward animals is further reflected in her general philosophy toward family, relationships, and life in general. She makes you want to come and visit The Last Refuge and have a chat over coffee and perhaps muck a stall or two...




4. I have always been concerned about animals welfare. Especially cats. When I heard about Carol's book - I was only slightly interested. Boy!!! did I change my mind. I tried to read most of it on lunch hours but geeish... my eyes got red all the time-keep your Kleenex handy. Her style of writing puts you right there with the horse and feeling what he feels. It is extremely touching.

   I promise you that whether you have ever owned a horse (I have not) or rode a horse (I have only once) -- you WILL feel differently about them after this book. You will want to run and hug each and every one you see.

   It is easy reading - fun and touching. Interesting and joyful.
   I recommend it for all ages -- adults and children. This is a must have book!!!!! Give to your friends and relatives -- maybe we can all make a difference in horses lives and they in ours.




5. This book is wonderful. The writing style is easy to follow and it touches on the feelings and wonders of living with animals in a gentle, caring way.

   It's a must read for any horse or dog lover.