4 comments about A Life With Dogs.

1. This heart-warming work is all a book of doggy stories should be!!! Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried, but was always moved to thought by his deep insights into the canine mind. His liberal philosophies and mystical religious tastes aside, this book should warm the soul of all who have ever owned a mutt.



2. Having seldom been without a dog in our own lives, my husband and I were recalling the antics of many of our dogs from the book's beginning to end. This fun heartwarming book from a true dog lover, richly enhanced by the artwork of Linda Welsch, is one of those that is practically impossible to put down until it is finished. We have enjoyed Mr. Welsch's writings for many years and are very proud to add this book to our long shelf of other dog books.



3. As the official representative of Richard Lee Anderson, Jr...[the California Whiskey Heeler of Page 211] AND recipient of Roger's forgiveness...I have to tell you, after reading this book you'll probably want to trade your cat in on a dog, head to your Humane Society for more dogs or adopt your first.
   Dogs are good for your soul, Roger's books are great reading and Linda Welsch's illustrations are heart warming to behold.



4. There are a lot of books on dogs out there. Some are worthless, some are truely useful and meaningful (like Suzanne Clothier's 'Bones Would Rain From The Sky').
   This book is just completely enjoyable. You get a genuine feel for Mr. Welsch's love and regard for dogs, and for their love and regard for us. The frequency of laughs is no small benefit either.

5 comments about Cat Miracles: Inspirational True Stories of Remarkable Felines.

1. A great book for all those feline lovers! The stories made me think of cats in a whole new positive way.



2. If you have ever been a guardian to a cat, or a cat has been a guardian to you, read this book! If you've never had a cat companion, you will probably want to run out and adopt one after reading this book. Cats are marvelous creatures and this book is full of interesting stories about them.
   
   There's a wonderful story about a talking cat. There are stories about how cats have rescued people from almost certain death. These are not far fetched stories, but are amazing and true accounts of some wonderful felines. I highly recommend this book.



3. What a great book. Similar in style to the "chicken soup" type of books, containing a number of true short stories of cats and their owners. You might even shed a tear or two, such as I did in the story of Kitty, who survived a trip under the hood of a car! Recommended!



4. This book is perfect for any cat lover. Someone who loves their feline companion like a child. It has such great true accounts of miracles thats have happened to cats. Cats are very loving intelligent creatures and this book really proves it an dshows how love and heal and save aniamls as well as people an dhow animals can be angels to their people and save their lives as well. This book will really make oyu know that animals have souls



5. In a world where all around is apparent madness, this is a perfect book to read from just before going to sleep. It is
   well written, with a quick easy style that is typical of Hanson and Steiger. The stories are both interesting and
   uplifting, with nothing that will bring about any uneasy dreams. Only buy this book if you enjoy reading in bed, the
   company of cats or getting a great nights sleep.

1 comments about Psychic Pets: True Accounts of the Paranormal Power of Animals.

1. Animals have always played an important part in my life and I now have a service dog that's job is to alert me to coming seizures. So this book is not surprising to me but just the same amazing!! The book is loaded with true stories of animals exhibiting powers that have saved lives and animals that have done some really unbelievable things. One of my favorite stories is of a lady who was shipwrecked alone and treading water in the open sea. Along comes a Giant Sea Turtle who swam underneath her tiring body keeping her a float until she was rescued. A smaller turtle swam along side her and every time she dozed off possibly falling asleep it would nip at her to keep her awake and preventing her from drowning. This book has a variety of stories about unbelievable pets doing truly amazing things. Like the Persian cat that travelled over 1,500 miles to find her owners. How about Redsy a beautiful Red Setter predicts a fishing trip disaster. Or Ivy a Dalmatian and his dog freinds save a lost 2 year old boy by keeping him warm until rescuers arrived. This book may look small but it really is full of stories about amazing animals. Not just dogs and cats but birds, turtles, a pig, kangaroo, horse, parrot, seagull and dolphins all are in this book with a fascinating true story!! Guaranteed to lift your heart, send a chill down your back, put a smile on your face and just maybe a tear in your eye!

5 comments about If Only They Could Speak: Stories About Pets and Their People.

1. I enjoyed "The Dog who Loved too Much" (which might have been better titled "the Dog Owner who Loved too Much") so I picked this book up for more engaging stories of animal behavior and problem resolutions. My interest was further piqued by the chapter heading, "The Pit Bull from Hell". As the owner of a 9 year old pit bull, I have to say that Mr Dodman does not really "get" pit bulls. It's probably because the people who tend to have pit bulls cannot afford fancy schmancy animal behaviorist sessions.
   
   Mr Dodson seems to imply that aggression against people is something normal in pit bulls, just lying beneath the surface of even those "cupcake" pit bulls he mentions in passing. I have lived in a densely populated urban neighborhood where pit bulls are popular for over 30 years, and I have never felt threatened by any of the local pit bulls including those used for dog fighting. I have been menaced by rottweilers, a rott-GSD mutt, and GSD mixed breeds running off leash in a local park.
   
   The author describes a somewhat naive young man who tries to adopt a pit bull at a shelter but is directed to a pit bull breeder (WHY? with so many pit bull puppies ending up in shelters everywhere!) The dog he acquired seemed to be a product of careless dog breeding, but we are told nothing of the breeder. The animal developed a decidedly atypical aggression towards adult humans, probably a genetic error compounded by the ignorant owner's lack of understanding of dominant dog behavior.
   
   I'm surprised that Mr Dodson didn't take this opportunity to point out the extreme importance of training puppies not to exhibit food aggression, as I did with my little pit bull. Food aggression causes so many dangerous problems with dogs and people that every dog, not just pit bulls, should be trained to allow people to take his food, bone, or whatever away from him at any time. This is most easily done when the animal is very young! I think Mr Dodson needs to get out and meet some good pit bulls, those entertaining and loyal companions which will never find their way to an animal behaviorist.



2. As if we don't have enough to worry about in regards to the children of today being overmedicated...now our pets, too?! His solution to almost every problem was prescribing an antidepressant. Also, his writing of his patients' owners came across as very egotistical and condescending. Some of the stuff had merit, but it was the same thing any trainer or behaviorist would tell you to do...establish dominance, ignore bad behaviors and reward good, etc.



3. Dr. Dodman is a world renowned animal psychiatrist and his and all of his books are great sources for information about understanding dogs and correcting bad behavior.



4. This should have been a fine book, but the author's stilted prose and misuse of words on every second page nearly ruined it for me. Dodman swings wildly from overly prim writing to embarrassingly slangy, a sure sign of a bad writer.
   
   Oliver Sacks, please report to the Veterinary School!



5. I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!

5 comments about The Cat and the Curmudgeon.

1. This is the second of three books about Polar Bear, the cat adopted by Cleveland Amory. It continues the story of their life together and Amory's work with animal protection. Polar Bear is a very interesting cat and the words and thoughts given to him by Amory are amusing. Anyone who is owned by a cat will enjoy all three books. The Cat Who Came for Christmas and The Best Cat Ever are the other two.



2. I read Mr. Armory's first book about his beloved cat, Polar Bear and loved it, but this one is even better. I only wish that I had found my love of reading and cats earlier in life so I may have had a chance to write to him in person and tell him how wonderful he is. This man should be deemed a Saint, in his life time, he did for animals what Mother Teresa did for the poor of Calcutta.
   I also wish I could have met Polar Bear, a most amazing animal.This book is a great mix of humor and wonderful stories of Polar Bears antics with numerous animals that Mr. Armory rescued. I am taking my time reading the last couple chapters and plan to do the same with The Best Cat Ever as I know that is the last of the series.
   I even rented the movie, Mr. North just to get a glimpse of this amazing man in a bit part.He is truly, The Best Writer Ever....



3. A delightful read and a must-have for any animal lover or pet owner. I laughed until tears came to my eyes. Keepsake for always, as well as a fantastic gift for anyone who loves cats. The man was a legend with a brilliant mind and sharp wit. I highly recommend this book..and the entire series of Polar Bear books, as well as his other works.



4. This well written, witty book is a classic. I missed it when it was new, but find the essays to be timely and humorous. Anyone who has ever owned a cat with a lot of "attitude" will understand Mr. Armony's wry commentary. He uses his cat as a way to write about everything from chess and to animal welfare to the vagaries of love.



5. This book starts off slow, continues slow, and ends slow. Therefore it is not a very fast read. I would suggest it only for people who are extremely into cats or extremely bored out of thier minds. Although boring, the book has some insiteful facts. If you find it interesting to read about the life of a cat and scenes from the past of it's curmudgeon owner than this book would be great for you.

4 comments about Bailey Bymyside: Golden Lessons for Life (Howell Reference Books).

1. i have actually read this book 3 times....what an enjoyable read and a time to reflect....want to feel better---buy a copy and you will immediately cheer up (with a few tears shed along the way). of course i'm a bit prejudice, believing that golden retrievers are our gift from heaven....



2. Anyone who owns a Golden Retriever will see a little bit of Bailey in him/her. Patricia Burlin Kennedy has been able to put into words what so many of us feel in our hearts. Anyone who reads this book will "feel" the connection that these four legged creatures have with us. You will smile, you will cry and hopefully, you will pause to think about these life lessons and promise to be a better person because of these reminders. Please buy this book for your children and encourage them to live by Bailey's example.



3. Bravo! Kennedy and Christie have done it again. "Bailey Bymyside" is not simply a book about the amazing life of a fine Golden. It is a spiritual journey that will teach the reader some of the most important lessons life has to offer. Each page carries a profound statement with a glorious accompanying illustration, that will make you pause and reflect sometimes sirring a tear or a "dog earred" grin. For example, the lesson "that compromise allows us to move forward together" with a picture of 2 dogs swimming upstream with a shared stick in their mouths. What an profound message in today's world! This book is really for the young and old. Pair this book with their first book, "Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy" and you will be giving the best holiday or birthday gift a dog lover has ever received!



4. I received a copy of this book hot off the presses; and, I imagine that it will always remain a treasured part of my personal library. Not only are the Golden photos and situations universally recognizable, but the accompanying Golden "lessons" are truly therapeutic.

   As a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Private Clinician, and Graduate School Instructor, I utilize a cognitive-behavioral style such as that noted in Ellis' Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy [REBT]. And, it is that same kind of rational thinking that shouts out from this book. You see, sometimes us human folks fail to watch our Golden Retrievers close enough and we consequently miss the big picture. We fail to understand how our furry companions are so proficient at managing the ups and downs of life. Patty Kennedy's precious "Golden Lessons" do just that. They set out to help people think in a better more healthy way. And, in REBT, it is only when we are able to THINK better, that we will come to FEEL better.

   This FEEL BETTER book has an incredible 106 pages with 52 full-color Golden Retriever illustrations & lessons. One scene typifies what Goldens continually do for us, rain or shine. It shows Golden Bailey smiling at the family's front door as it is being opened due to someone returning home. This illustration is accompanied by the lesson: "that it's not the size of the house that matters, but the love that dwells within." A deceptively simple statement, but one that is so often ignored. How much we worry about what others think about our homes -- whether they are big enough, have the best furnishings, or are in the best of neighborhoods. Yet, when it comes down to what truly matters, it's whether you have made this house into a warm, loving 'home,' appreciating the strength and well-being that can come from such a place of love.

   Do yourself a favor and get this book. You certainly don't want to miss learning about Bailey's other 50+ lessons!

No comments about The New Roger Caras Treasury of Great Dog Stories.

5 comments about Pets and Their Celebrities.

1. Wonderful book. Since I'm an animal lover and a celebrity junkie, this was the best of both worlds. It makes a great coffee table book.



2. I purchased this book for use in a veterinary hospital waiting area. Overall it is a beautiful celebration of the human-animal bond. Unfortunately the pictorial of Robbie Williams with a leashed, lingerie-clad woman at his feet is an inappropriate addition and is degrading to women. It's hard to understand why the author chose to include it.



3. This book donates a part of their proceeds for Last Chance for Animals, which is a great reason to get it and help out at the same time. The pictures are black and white but are very well done. The photographer really shows the bond between owner and pet. There are some celebrities posing with 'borrowed' pets but the animals look to be enjoying it just the same. In looking through the book there were celebrities like Paul Stanley, Ozzy Ossbourne and Ice-T.

   As a dog lover I just couldn't pass this book up. One of our kids is a rescued shelter dog so I know the joy these animals give back for being given a second chance. They are forever grateful for the new life they've been given, believe me (ours is STILL thanking us :-) ).




4. This book really is really filled with warmth. The mixer of celebrities is a real pleasure from the old to the current. The photographer has a real talent for capturing the love between these people and their pets. I have seen this book featured in many well respected magazines such as People, In Style, New York Times, Page Six (New York Post) as well as many Television shows. From reading the intro to this book by the Photographer/Author he really worked this project hard and stood for what he believed in. For a first time Author/Photographer he really nailed the subject as well as the photos. This is a must for people who enjoy animals as well as celebrities. I bought two for gifts and my friends are thrilled to own this book. I also read a great review about Christopher Ameruoso from the very well respected (Popular Photography magazine web site) not bad work Christopher good luck...



5. I have an autographed copy of this book - Chris turns out to live in my building, so I took advantage of his good nature :)

   I met Stella too - a real cutie and full of character. She could make a movie or two in her own right...

   If you love animals it's always interesting to see the types of animal that other people bond with, and Chris has compiled an interesting collection of photos of personalities and their pets (and in some cases, personalities with borrowed pets), along with idiosyncratic cartoons, poems and other literary gems peppered throughout the book.

   The list of people featured reads like a Who's Who of showbiz, music and media excellence: Pamela Anderson, Julianna Moore, William H. Macy, Geri Haliwell, Kate Hudson, Brendan Fraser, Afton Fraser, Rosanna Arquette, Janeane Garofalo, Lisa Rinna, Rachel Hunter, Dean Cain, Bo Derek, James Caan, Angelica Bridges, Slash, Tipi Hedren, Tatjana Patitz, Natasha Henstridge, Christine Taylor, Natalie Raitano, Dustin Nguyen, Ice-T, Elizabeth Barondes, Illeana Douglas, Paulie Shore, Diane Warren, David Alan Grier, Kristen Johnston, Vincent Schiavelli, Lisa Marie, Deborah Mazar, Garcelle Beauvais, Amy Smart, Scott Baio, Gina Gershon, Sheryl Lee, Michael Des Barres, Joel West, Mariska Hargitay, Ashley Hamilton, Sara Foster, Wild Orchid, Alison Eastwood, Paul Stanley, Paula Abdul, Harv Presnell, Nicolette Sheridan, Brian Green, Joely Fisher, Connie Stevens, Jason Wiles, John Taylor, Christina Applegate, Bernie Taupin, Faith Ford, Ozzy Osbourne, Kidada Jones, Felicity Huffman, Kari Wuhrer, William Atherton, Jillian Barberie, Sally Kellerman, Harold Becker, Phil Collen, Maureen O'Boyle, Jeffrey Tambor, Sally Struthers, John Taylor, Angie Everhart, Tim Burton, DeDee Pfeiffer, Ben Stiller, Robbie Williams, Shannen Doherty, Rob Lowe, Cheri Oteri, Anthony Kiedes, Rose McGowan, Courtney Cox Arquette, David Arquette and Fred Durst.

   Many of the animals featured in this book owe their existence to being rescued by their celebrity owners (and my wife and I have two rescued cats so we know something of the difficulties that such owners can face - rescued animals often have traumatic histories to contend with).

   It's nice to see celebs getting involved in caring for their fellow creatures; while it may be true that actors shouldn't *work* with children or animals it doesn't mean that they can't *live* in harmony and love with them.

   A portion of the author's proceeds from the sales of this book will go to Last Chance for Animals, which is also nice - buying this book is therefore a constructive way of helping out animals who might have no other chance for life.

2 comments about Miraculous Pet Recoveries: Inspiring True Stories of Love and Healing for all God's Creatures.

1. This book is amazing. The stories touch you in such a way that words cannot describe. I have been touched by so many of the animal stories. Especially with the Deaf Dal and the Cat that lived under the house where the other cat would catch mice and feed her till she got the courage to come out. Amazing. Thats all I can say about these true stories that owners shared with us.



2. I knew that people experienced miraculous healings and other extraordinary events -- but pets? I found stories in this book that blew my mind. Cats, dogs, birds, horses -- all experienced miracles and it didn't matter what faith the owner was. The Old Testament writers were right when they said that God cares as much about His animal creations as His human ones.

2 comments about The Power of Paws: Reflections on a Life with Dogs.

1. Mr. Shiebler has written a wonderful book about his relationships with various animals throughout his life. He is a caring and sensitive person with an easy way about himself. I have read three of his books and highly recomnmend them to readers of all ages. Looking forward to his next read. Marilyn Reich



2. Gary Shiebler's THE POWER OF PAWS will appeal to all ages. His writing is conversational and engaging and it is easy to see how he was able to fall in love with the numerous dogs that entered his life. I highly recommend this book to everyone!