2 comments about James Herriot's Animal Stories.

1. Easy reading for a light min



2. James Herriot writes of his various experiences as a country vet. Laugh with his humorous mishaps, and share the joy and fulfillment of his career.

5 comments about Most of My Patients Wear Fur / Tales of Small Animals and Their Big City Vet..

1. I wish this book had been about twice as long. It is a fun read and full of interesting and useful tips. My old American Bulldog hates having his nails done and I "patted him on the head and gently blew in his face" and he was completely calm. Who would have guessed!! Please write more Dr. Cohen!



2. I gave this book to a fellow animal lover whose 94 year old grandmother has yet to put it down. She reads excerpts aloud to everyone who comes to visit.
   
   A wonderful read for all ages.
   
   Thank you Dr. Cohen for this heart-warming insight into the world of a "big city vet".



3. This book is entertaining (who doesn't want to know what happens in a vet's office?) but also informative, and it's sprinkled with important facts about caring for your animal. Highly recommend.



4. I purchased this book by chance and I have to say that I loved it. The great short stories are easy to read and educational; my 17 month old son loved it and kept bringing it back to me to read more and more. I am an "animal person" but this book taught me so much more that I think anyone would ever tell. Dr. Cohen's no nonsense tell all approach was so comforting and down to earth. I highly recommend this book to all even if you're not so into animals.



5. I absolutely LOVE this book! Dr. Cohen's book is filled with so much VALUABLE information; you can actually help protect and keep your pet safe and healthy by reading this book. Even if you don't own a pet, you will be entertained by the amusing stories, and you'll impress your pet-owner friends with the information you will be able to share.
   
   Some stories give you an inside look at what goes on in an animal hospital (VERY interesting!), and other stories tell about some amazing experiences in the life of a veterinarian. A very funny story about an Iguana had me laughing out loud, while reading about the hectic rush to save a dog who ingested poisonous antifreeze had me on the edge of my seat!
   
   The entire book is an enjoyable, easy read - I almost felt as though Dr. Cohen was sitting across from me, engaging in a good conversation.
   
   Highly Recommended!

5 comments about The Rufus Chronicle: Another Autumn.

1. A well-written real life of a Brittany and its owner in the field over the years. Very authentic, very moving.



2. I dislike books about dogs as a general rule, but The Rufus Chronicle was an unexpected treasure. Gusewelle speaks with a solid yet familiar voice about the joys and the learning curve of raising a dog from a pup with the intent for it to be a hunting dog. I haven't hunted or had a dog for many years, but with every turn of the page I was transported back to a time when my greatest pleasure was taking to the field with my canine companion. This book has the rare quality of speaking to the reader on a basic human level, causing you to not only remember scenes from your past, but also sounds, smells, and feelings. If you hunt, keep dogs, or are simply an animal lover with a big heart, then you must read this book.



3. This memoir by columnist Gusewelle of the life of his dog Rufus is rich, funny and gives a thorough explication of what it meant to live with the Brittany Rufus. I was not partial to the passages on hunting, as I am not a hunter, but I was still engrossed in the book, because these incidents told a lot about Rufus, and after all, HE loved the hunt. It's a pleasant read, with a not unexpected end that while sad completes the story satisfactorily. If you know someone who loves to read, hunt and loves his dogs, this book is definitely the perfect gift.



4. This book catches your attention immediately. The author's style makes you want to curl up and read without putting this book down for even a second! I am a Brittany owner but dog owners of all breeds, especially gun dogs, will find themselves smiling, crying, laughing and more as they take an emotional journey with the author and his dog through the seasons of their collective lives! ....a wonderful, heartwarming experience, don't miss it!



5. This will warm the hearts of all dog lovers. Dog owners will reflect on their own experiences with dogs as they read about Rufus, his yard mate and his Master, Charles. Do not be surprised if you find yourself smiling, crying and even laughing out loud.

No comments about Treasury of Great Cat Stories: A Collection of Tales That Celebrates the Mystique and Charm of Cats.

5 comments about Bear, Heart of a Hero: The Story of a Man and His Ground Zero Search and Rescue Dog.

1. Poor bear! This man lead an 11 yr old golden retriever (if he was a true SAR dog, should have been retired by then) to ground zero. Scott as well as Bear was not a rescuer, Scott is not a Captain of anything other then his own private boat. He admitted to his fraud charges in March and should be sentenced shortly. Rescue workers during Katrina and WTC did not have time for photos and utube videos. They were there busy saving lives. Shame on you Scott!



2. I read this book and wept at the bravery and sacrifice of Scott Shields dog, Bear. But after hearing that the story was one of mostly made up facts, I can only justify giving this book this rating. Shame on you Scott Shields for sacrificing your "beloved" Bear for your own personal gain.



3. My husband and I purchased the book as a gift for our son to read on our vacation to Marthas Vineyard. It is a loving tribute to Mr. Shields golden retriver Bear and his mother Honeybear. It highlights the darkest days of September 11,2001 but it also speaks to the loving bond between a man and his dog. This is a story for the whole family. I have now purchased several more copies to donate to our school and our library.



4. It is obvious that Nancy West is a very clever and talented writer. Her ability to infuse Scott Shield's story with pathos and make a heart-rendering portrait of Bear is impressive. Too bad the character she chose to write about has turned out to be so much less than her words and book suggest. Her central character Shields has turned out to be a teller of tall talls in real life, and uses this book to misrepresent himself as a "great hero" of 911. Mr. Shields should stick to the facts of Ms. West's book and stop inventing stories such as "commanding" search teams at Ground Zero, calling himself a "Captain",saying that his dog made live finds and saved the most victims at 9/11.(Good grief even this book says he was only there for 3 days!) This guy even introduces his current untrained dog, Theodore, as Bear's son and parades him around in a search vest. Mr. Shields should try reading his author, Ms. West's, "notes to the reader" on this page so he can learn the facts of his own story. Please, Mr. Shields, stop trying to deceive the public with your tall tales. I give Ms. West's writing "2" stars. Shields character "0"



5. This is a great book about Bear (and Scott Shields) and how they happened to be at the WTC site shortly after the 9/11 attack. The work they did for some time. People that have their doubts about this book should first of all read it from cover to cover and than check the many references this books gives. I strongly doubt that any of the "nay sayers" have actually done so. Unfortunately there is a lot of "hash-wash" going around the Internet about 9/11. This book is a great account of somebody that has been at the sence and wrote about it. Confirmed by other people that were there and sacrified their time and as many of them have learned later, their health...

3 comments about The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief And Veterinary Intrigue.

1. The spirit of Alf Wight is alive and well and living in Monica Mansfield. Alf Wight is the real life name of James Herriot. In her book, The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief and Veterinary Intrigue, Dr. Mansfield shares with her readers, in the best Herriot tradition, poignant stories of memorable patients from her first year in practice. She also takes time to smell the roses. Her descriptions of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the setting for the book, will transport you there in every season of the year.
   I was a classmate of Monica's at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a veterinarian, read this book. Dr. Mansfield captures the struggles we all experienced in our first year in practice, the task of converting book learning to skills that served both our patients and their owners, learning to trust ourselves through the long nights of self doubt agonizing over difficult cases.
   Like Monica, I grew up on the stories of James Herriot and have been inspired by them throughout my career. Now I have a new book to put on the shelf with Herriot. Thank you, Monica, for sharing your stories with us and for bringing back the memories of my own first year in practice. I hope that you have continued to keep your diaries and that you will share more of your adventures with us.
   
   Michael Stephan, D.V.M.
   Cornell `87



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book. Mansfield has a wonderful way of telling a story so that the reader feels a closeness to the animal. I highly recommend this book!



3. For anyone who loves animals or ever had childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian, this is a great read. Told in vignettes that weave together wonderfully, the author shares her story of growing into her veterinary profession - a goal she'd nurtured since childhood. As someone who has had cats all my life - and has thus paid many visits to the vet - I have always wondered what decisions, experience, and character goes into diagnosing and treating these beautiful companions. Ms. Mansfield's stories humanize the veterinarians who treat our beloved pets. The animals she introduces us to in her book snuggle right into the heart and you root and cheer for only the best possible outcomes. Of course, perfect outcomes aren't always possible and the reader goes along on the journey of sometimes heartbreaking endings - a good reminder that a veterinarian's professional life is often touched with tears and sorrow.
   
   There are also beautiful descriptions of the White Mountain region of New Hampshire, friendship, family, and hope.
   
   Since many of the people in my life are fellow animal lovers, I am always on the look-out for great animal-oriented gift books and this title fits the bill perfectly.
   
   The only drawback? Now I want to quit my desk job and become a veterinarian.

No comments about Cow Tails & Trails: A Fun & Informative Collection Of Everything Bovine.

5 comments about A Cat Named Darwin.

1. This should be required reading for every human being! Animal lovers, beware, you will be drawn into this book and, from the moment you pick it up, it will be on your mind every hour of every day! It will help support that which you already know-- human beings are not the only creatures with great insight and intelligence on this planet. For those of you who do not consider yourselves animal lovers... for those who don't yet understand the inextricable bond between human, and animal, and our world entire, please give yourself the gift of this book. It is a life changing read for anyone who opens the cover! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it changed the very physiology of my brain-- and it will remain a part of me "until the molecules of memory and spirit blend together in the earth." Thank you, William Jordan, for sharing such an intimate story!



2. An eight year old female tortoise cat entered my life at the time my mother became ill and passed away. I did not believe a cat could become such a vital part of my existance and bring me compassion and love...but she did....what William writes about Darwin is so in line with what I have felt...and yet it is not shmalzy or cute..it is an honest assessement of what it is to be human if one allows oneself to be human....the fact that I too am single by choice, without even a room mate yet find the solitude of such important....and the cat named Mable has made that even more comfortable. I cried as I have not cried for any movie or book in a long time. This is a must read.



3. This was a phenomenal book. I'm an RVT, so I had no problem with the technical language. I loaned the book to a neighbor who got a bit bogged down by the techno-speak at times, but still loved the story of Darwin. I've been there, done that, but cried like a baby when Darwin got tired and could not go on. I also totally understand Mr. Jordan's inability to see Darwin off. I loved the the incidental stuff, like his taking in Hoover (great name!) and stating he was not a new cat, but a "rescue". I totally love Lizard Brain, and Noggingod. A Phenomenal book! Would love to talk with the author about similar "rescues", but am pretty busy with feedings, cleanings and meds. I feel like a kindred soul...
   
   Terilynn, RVT



4. Biologist/writer William Jordan's exploration of his relationships with two beloved rescued cats, Darwin and Hoover, make for interesting, if complex, reading, with high and low points aplenty. Though Jordan is not without serious flaws in his treatment of cats (and, in the past, a dog, and other animals), ultimately, this book is a tribute to the cats who penetrated his scientific detachment and, as he himself admits, turned him into a human being. For anyone who does NOT love cats and cannot understand those of us who do, I recommend this book -- it just may result in your wanting to find out for yourself what it's all about, and if that is the case, you'll never regret it. For those who already love cats, A CAT NAMED DARWIN is an unusual and unique look at the relationships of one man and two cats, told in a style unlike any other. In either instance, I recommend the book.



5. I found this book by seeing a newspaper item on the speaking engagement/book signing here in my town. I arrived early, purchased the book, then read the first half in the car. I had a hard time stopping to go in for the lecture. What a dear story. The author heroically resisted, but eventually succumbed to love's sweet sickness. I have read this book over and over with pleasure. Sure, he's a flawed being, but his love for Darwin overcame all. If you liked Peter Gether's books about Norton, you'll like this one too. Bravo:)

No comments about Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs.

2 comments about People, Property, or Pets? (New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond).

1. What's the difference between owning a painting and a pet? Legal and social issues involved in pet ownership are treated to a scholarly discourse debating philosophical ideas involved in pet ownership in People, Property Or Pets? Essays come from lawyers, scientists, psychologists and students alike, examining legal guardianship, property status, and animal rights.



2. this book offers a refreshing and unique set of essays written by Harvard students, and reflected on by true experts. I found the arguments riveting--they pushed me to contemplate the status of animals in our society from the perspective of law, biochemistry, philosophy and even veterinary medicine. a recommended read for anyone wishing to challenge their intellectual understanding of the human world's interaction with our fellow species.