4 comments about Real People Don't Own Monkeys: And Other Stories of Pets, Their People and the Vets Who See It All.

1. See my comment to the vet student who could't handle the Tale of Tom-cat McGee. Review therein. And I add here: Excellent read; I upgraded it from bathroom reading to late night wind down. I don't have time for reading for fun lately, but I was forced to make room for this one.



2. In many ways Dr. Kiklevich's book can be summed up in one anecdote she recounts -- as a new vet straight out of internship she joined a small practice with several established vets. When she discovered one of them was secretly being cruel to the animals, she laid down an ultimatim -- either the cruel doctor had to be fired or she'd quit.

   The director of the clinic thought it over and wisely decided in her favor. Such devotion to her patients cannot be taught, and in the end is much more valuable than experience or seniority.

   Veronika says she knew she wanted to be a vet from the time she was a toddler -- after reading this book you will believe her. She is funny, self-deprecating, witty, charming and most of all passionately, PASSIONATELY devoted to her patients.

   I wish I could make her my vet.




3. As a veterinary student, I was appalled to read that such antics as lying to clients and microwaving cats not only seem to be acceptable, but touted as entertainment in this book! It certainly made me happy that I did not choose to pursue my education at Washington State University if this is any representation the quality of their instruction!



4. This book is guaranteed to make to you laugh, cry and exclaim in wonder and indignation as you follow the author through her thoroughly "real," but remarkably fanciful day-to-day experiences as a small animal vet. It seems almost impossible that one person could have encountered so many characters in a single lifetime. On the other hand, as you will quickly surmise within the first 10 pages of the book, Dr. Veronika Kiklevich is no ordinary vet.

   Here is a woman with a wicked sense of humor, the stamina of a steam engine and an absolute commitment to the well-being of animals. This commitment leads her into all sorts of peculiar, poignant and occasionally dangerous adventures. We hear of her time spent as the vet for a wolf pack, her confrontation with a co-worker who is subsequently fired for cruelty, the vacation spent on a tropical island neutering cats, and her blatant manipulation of friends, family, co-workers and casual acquaintances in her quest to find homes for abandoned pets.

   Not surprisingly, there are stories about human beings as well - the elegant, eloquent doctor who spared no expense on his dog's care, but turned out to be an imposter wanted in several states for forgery; the "special look" as she calls it (think "1980's grunge with may be a faint overlay of whips-and-chains panache") of Iguana owners; and the money hungry vet who liked to add "aggravation charges" to his clients' bills.

   It is appropriate that all is not fun and laughter in this book, despite its author's gift for telling a ribald tale. Hers is a world where grisly things happen, and she makes no attempt to hide the gory details. Many a time I found myself setting the book aside, taking and deep breath and thinking, "whoa." However, if you can handle the heat this is a book that will delight, entertain and enlighten. Somehow the world seems like a better place knowing Dr. Kiklevich is out there practicing medicine.

1 comments about The Lightkeepers' Menagerie: Stories of Animals at Lighthouses.

1. I thought this was an extremely interesting, informative, historically well-researched, and entertaining account of one group of people whose lives are enriched by their bond with animals, and who value the animals with whom we share this planet enough to help them when they can.

No comments about Paws to Protect: Dogs Saving Lives and Restoring Hope (Alyson Publications).

5 comments about The Last Chance Dog: and Other True Stories of Holistic Animal Healing.

1. I am the holistic skeptic in the title of this review. I picked up this book and figured it would be full of touchy-feely nonsense, but instead, I was enthralled. The case studies were entirely believable and the treatments were explained so well that the basic aspects of alternative veterinary medicine began to make sense. When I finished the book, I immediately began to explore educational opportunities so I could learn more than just the western medicine I'm familiar with (I'm a vet tech student). I even gave the book as a gift to a couple of friends because the stories were so wonderful and full of hope.
   
   The only section of this book that I think should have been edited out was an odd description of the author sort of sashaying through her garden and listening to the plants talk to her or something peculiar along those lines. All the holistic medicine was professionally described and explained, and then the educational tone was tainted, in my opinion, by the peculiar fantasy passage. I think the book would be better off with those few pages removed, because it turned the author from "genius" to "crackpot" in my mind. I guess I'm still a bit of a skeptic about some stuff, but most of the book was excellent!



2. If you are an animal lover, and are interested in miraculous stories of animal healing with alternative medicine -- YOU MUST OWN THIS BOOK! This is the best book on alternative healing I have seen. It is written in story form, very enjoyable to read and will have you crying with joy through the entire book at all of the animals' lives who were saved because this vet thought outside the box, and never gave up on an animal. I have taken this book to my holistic vet and we are helping a very sick cat of ours with the information we gleaned from it. He is getting better and would probably have had to be put to sleep if not for my having read this book. Thank you, Dr. Kelleher for your wisdom and compassion!



3. Written and compiled by holistic veterinarian Donna Kelleher, The Last Chance Dog And Other True Stories Of Holistic Animal Healing is a heartwarming anthology of stories about treating animals ranging from dogs and cats, to horses, turtles, birds, and more, through the application of alternative medicine. Engagingly narrated in a down-to-earth fashion, The Last Chance Dog is an engaging, entertaining, informative, and very highly recommended read for animal lovers everywhere.



4. I read a LOT of animal-related books, and this is one of the very best. It is so well-written and engaging, that you can hardly put it down (although I had to often, just to process all the new information that Dr. Kelleher gave in each and every chapter). I have learned so much about holistic vet care from this book and really appreciate her knowledge and the way she shares it with us. Each chapter gives a beautiful, moving story about a particular animal and the health problems he or she has been going through, as well as the fears and frustrations that the animals' humans are experiencing. Probably most of us who have ever lived with animals have gone through those most difficult times, and I especially appreciated the love expressed by both Dr. Kelleher and the animals' caretakers in each instance.

   I am now determined to find a holistic vet for my cats and am excited about starting them on the homemade cat diet that Dr. Kelleher gives us in the book (and, yes, there's a dog one too!). This is a must-have book for everyone who lives with an animal, and the stories are wonderful to read for all animal lovers.




5. Okay, once I got past the 50's-textbook-cover design (which does an inadequate job of expressing the vitality of the book and its author), I discovered a dynamic, articulate animal advocate; a very knowledgeable veterinarian (both conventional and holistic, explaining acupuncture and the Chinese medicinal theory behind it, chiropractic, herbal & homeopathic solutions, and other alternative approaches); and a delightful storyteller. Her enthusiasm and personality fairly jump off the pages; her stories are well written and heartwarming/heartbreaking (18 chapters, 18 bouts of tears), and her advice is absolutely essential. The only challenge is keeping track of it all - I have tattered sticky-note bookmarks spewing from the book edges. She uses an interesting and effective structural rhythm: case stories followed by explorations of the medical issues and alternative medicine solutions each story brings up.

   Dr. Kelleher is impassioned and opinionated (without ever judging or making me feel inadequate because, for example, I can't get my cats to eat home-cooked food), compassionate (her love of animals is glaringly apparent), brutally honest (revealing her heartbreaking frustration and despair at some cases), thoughtful and interesting (her embrace of holistic medicine is both well-reasoned while also quite intuitive as she tells the tale of her medical-intellectual-emotional-spiritual journey), and, at times, funny, like when she crawls around in a dirty crawlspace looking for her escaped tortoise muttering, "I am the worst tortoise mom in the whole world." By this point in the book, you can see her doing this and chuckling while a tear escapes the corner of your eye.

   A great read: entertaining, heartwarming, informative, and ultimately hopeful. Any person owned by a pet will love (and benefit from) this book, even more so if your animal companion has medical challenges.

4 comments about Horses and Their Women.

1. After completing their two previous books, "Dogs and Their Women" and "Cats and Their Women," authors Cohen and Taylor set out to put together this third compliation. After submitting ads to equine journals requesting that women send in their stories of their experiences with horses, they received over 300 responses. 58 were selected for inclusion in this book.

   Each vignette is unique - some are only a few sentences in length, others take up a whole page, and the content of each is as widely varied as the length. Contributors include owners, riders, trainers, children and adults, amateurs and professionals, a mounted police officer, an equine photographer, a Standardbred racehorse driver, a veterinarian, and more. Topics covered range from stories of healing, horses as an escape from and balm for life's problems, a child's first horse, memorials for favorite horses that have passed on, lessons learned from horses, obstacles overcome, goals made and reached, or simply a description of a favorite moment with an equine friend.

   My two favorite stories were one by a woman whose two horses were stolen and sold for slaughter, and the miraculous way they were rescued and returned to her; and a second by a woman who had adopted a Mustang whose previous owner had abused her, and the journey of trust-building and healing they have gone through.

   Each vignette is accompanied by a beautiful full-page photograph of the contributor and her horse. The black and white photography gives the book a classic, elegant, timeless feel, and captures each horse and woman in a crisp, beautiful portrait shot. Some of the shots are posed, others candid, and this too adds to the variety of the book.

   This book is heartwarming, fun, and uplifting - an alternate title could easily be "Chicken Soup for the Horsewoman's Soul." I would highly recommend it to any female horse lover. Buy it for yourself - it's great for either the bedside or the coffee table, or buy it as a nice present for a friend. Or both! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel.




2. This is really a very sweet book. It would be a perfect gift for a young girl in her early teens that has been bitten by the horse bug. It has over 100 pages, with a large black and white photo on one side, and an essay on the other. Some of the essays are short, some are boring, and some make you wonder why you bought this book. But then you read the ones that bring tears to your eyes and you know why. This book shows us women and the horses they love, and in their own words they tell us a little about themselves and their horse. It's not a glorious coffee table book like GaWaNi Pony Boy's is, but it is a charming book to read and pass along to other women, or our daughters who share our love of horses.



3. Scores of small essays about the special horse(s) in various women's lives. A big black and white photo on one page is complemented by the story right beside it. There are no color photos. Some of the "essays" are only two sentences long! Some of the stories are hilarious, some heartbreaking, some just silly or sappy. Still, there is a genuine love of horses here, and no male-bashing like the title might suggest. If you love horses, real horses, not just fictional or perfect horses, than display this book proudly on your shelf



4. This is the kind of book that makes you wish you could have someone else drop the kids off at soccer and ballet lessons so you had time to slip into your jeans and head out to the stable. Lots of photos and stories of girls and women alike who have accomplished that dream. By Claire

2 comments about Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy.

1. This CD will have you laughing, crying and thinking about life in general and how precious it is. John O'Hurley has a wonderful voice and expression, which makes this even more enjoyable. Plan on sending a few of these to friends and family that I know would enjoy it. Highly recommend this.



2. Sorry, I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.
   
   NOTE: THE FIVE-STAR RATING WAS FILLED IN ONLY BECAUSE YOUR SYSTEM WOULDN'T LET ME
   SEND YOU THIS MESSAGE UNLESS I DID..............

5 comments about The Lord God Made Them All.

1. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312498349/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title
   James Herriot's book "The Lord God Made Them All" is the final book in his series about his experiences as a Scottish veterinarian, dealing with both large and small animals. His love for his patients and their owner's shines through in every story, and takes the reader through the gamut of emotions from laughing out loud to tears of frustration and empathy.
   Dr. Herriot was, without a doubt, a man who put his patients and their owners far above financial gain, and that is what sets his stories and the loyalty of his patient's owners apart from anyone in his time. If he was called, he went, no matter what time, the weather, the circumstances.
   His love for his profession may not have made him rich, but he set a standard for veterinarians everywhere that has yet to be matched.
   This is a wonderful book with only with disappointment:that it ends when the reader finishes the final page.



2. I think we've all heard of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. The book was brilliantly written in every way, and I thought that was that. But then he wrote a sequel, and I marveled that it was at least as great as the original. Then he did it to me again with a third book. The titles come from a famous poem or hymn, by the way. He used the second verse, for the creatures, then the first, then the third, and now we're at the fourth.
   
   I'm going to say it again. I believe I'm enjoying this one most of all. All the humor, all the spot-on accurate observation of animals, of both the four-legged and the two-legged variety. And, I'm feeling this time, a maturity in the veterinarian, the author, and the person. He still has the ability to write a chapter so touching or sad that I stop and wipe my eyes, and then read a few more so I can laugh before I put the book away for the evening.
   
   So I've read four in a row by this guy, and they all get five stars. I ordered all of mine from Amazon, but you in "the west" can probably just swing by your local library. Do so.



3. I read his books as a teen and loved them. Bought the whole set for my grandsons, [teens]. They laughed until they cried. [so did I].



4. I was verey satisfied with the whole process of ordering
   on-line and I will continue buying books this way.



5. As an animal lover, if I were to be restricted to a single author on my bookshelves, it would be James Herriot, hands down. All four books by James Herriot, The English Country Veterinarian, comprise a collection of stories that remain unsurpassed in all animal literature.

5 comments about Love, Miracles, and Animal Healing: A heartwarming look at the spiritual bond between animals and humans.

1. As a college student aspiring to work with animals, this is the kind of book that consistently validates and reinforces my chosen career path. Dr. Allen M. Schoen, veterinarian and founder of the Veterinary Institute for Therapeutic Alternatives in Connecticut, has put together here a delightful and even potentially life-saving collection of stories and advice for pet owners. He eases the reader into the book by beginning with a few stories of the more miraculous cases he has seen over the years. Included is the story of Megan, a stray golden retriever that came to him with what appeared to be a hopeless case of heartworm. He promised her that if she made it, he'd keep her, and make it she did, going on to provide miraculous healing powers of her own to numerous other animals Dr. Schoen has treated. Schoen also relates some stories of incidents from his younger life that inspired his decision to enter a career where he could help animals.
   
   Part II, entitled "Bonding," explores the major ways in which relationships between animals and humans, animals and others of their kind, and even between animals of different species, are developed, maintained, and strengthened. Schoen focuses on four major elements - listening, touching, feeling, and letting go. For each of these topics Schoen has related a series of truly heartwarming tales.
   
   Part III, which comprises about half the bulk of the book, is entitled "Healing" and takes on a slightly more scholarly air. Dr. Schoen has incorporated various methods of alternative healing into his practice for years, and uses things like acupuncture, herbal treatments, and homeopathic remedies in conjunction with standard Western medicine. And he gets results, as evidenced by the numerous examples he gives of such treatments succeeding where conventional Western treatments have failed. He begins by introducing us to acupuncture, explaining how he came to be convinced of its effectiveness, and following this with a section on the different ways in which acupuncture and acupressure can help your own pet. There are also diagrams showing a few of the major acupressure points that he feels all pet owners should know, with explanations of what stimulation of these various points will do.
   
   Schoen next explores the world of herbal remedies, again explaining how he was introduced to these as alternative treatments and how they can work to help your pet should Western medicine fail. He includes a "Top Nine" list of herbal remedies every pet owner should be aware of, explaining what each herb does and how it works, and sharing example cases from his own experience. However, Schoen warns all pet owners to consult a veterinarian or herbal specialist before attempting to treat your pet yourself, as herbs can be harmful or even lethal if used improperly or in the wrong amounts.
   
   Next Schoen includes a brief section on nutrition and diet. He details the basic nutritional needs of the average dog and cat, and includes helpful charts that show how much of certain nutrients animals should receive based on their body weight. Also included are a few of Schoen's own recommended recipes for balanced, home-prepared meals for your pet.
   
   The final alternative healing method Schoen discusses is the use of homeopathic remedies. Similar in a way to inoculations, except for the fact that they are used to treat rather than prevent illnesses, homeopathic treatments rely on the use of heavily diluted samples of agents which, if encountered in large quantities, would actually cause the symptoms the patient is experiencing. For example, an allergic reaction to bee stings would be treated by crushing the bee, diluting the resulting pulp until only a trace amount of bee residue remains, and giving a few drops to the patient. Though such treatments remain the topic of heated debate, Schoen has repeatedly experienced success with these methods and provides numerous example stories to prove it.
   
   Part IV, the final section of the book, is entitled "Teachings" and eases us back out of the book in much the same way we were drawn in - with a series of uplifting tales about the things animals can teach their humans and each other. Among these things are compassion, forgiveness, transformation, gratitude, sacrifice, and joy. One of my favorite tales was of a small stray cat named Daisy, adopted by a friend of Dr. Schoen's, who could not fully adjust to a life shared with humans until another cat was introduced to the household. The newcomer showed Daisy how to interact with their human companion and helped her overcome her confusion and fear. The very last story in the book takes us back to Megan, Schoen's golden retriever, in her final days at the age of fourteen. Schoen relates how, even in the process of dying, this very special dog continued to teach him valuable lessons about life.
   
   This is a book any pet owner should read, particularly those with cats and dogs. However, any animal lover will find plenty of useful material here, as there are also stories of Schoen's experiences with horses, cows, rabbits, birds, and other animals - even a camel. The stories are thoroughly enjoyable, often downright amazing, and the insights and advice offered by Dr. Schoen are invaluable. An owner of five cats myself, the book brought to my attention numerous alternative veterinary treatments that I had now known about before. The writing is fluid, colorful, lively, and very friendly, and the book can easily be finished in a day or two. At the very end Schoen has included an appendix with contact information for various veterinary resources, and also a short list of recommended further reading. I recommend this book most highly to any pet owner, animal lover, aspiring veterinarian, and also to practicing veterinarians looking for additional treatment alternatives.



2. Truly beautiful. Made me cry then smile. I have a 12-year golden retriever myself, and they are definitely a gift of joy and love



3. Dr. Schoen and Pam Proctor have written a remarkable tale of veterinary practice and the animals and people encountered along the way. Dr. Schoen relates his own path from traditional veterianry medicine to a mixed practice including alternative therapies for animals. His stories of healing will intrigue you to continue turning each page as you follow the lives of his extraordianry patients. Thank you Dr. Schoen and Pam Proctor. As a veterinary student I found this book extremely inspiring.



4. After reading this book I can think of so many people I'd like to send it to! I highly recommend it to anyone who has or loves animals. Some of the information in this book can save the lives of animal companions by showing the additional options available to heal health problems.



5. Very good book. Would recommend it to anyone

5 comments about 202 Pets' Peeves: Cats and Dogs Speak Out on Pesky Human Behavior.

1. Ask not what your pets can do for you; ask what you can do for your pets! If our cats and dogs could talk, you can bet they'd have more than a few complaints about us to get off their chests.

   Veteran magazine writer and "self-proclaimed pet expert" Cal Orey has channeled her dog Dylan's and cat Kerouac's biggest issues into a briskly readable, amusingly useful catalog of all the things they wish we knew. Researched with animal behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians, 202 Pets' Peeves is a refresher course for knowledgeable pet lovers and a checklist for humans just starting out with their very first "fur child."

   When it comes to pet nutrition, Orey thinks outside the can. Chuck that yucky generic budget kibble and share a little of that raw hamburger you're cooking for dinner with your cat. Give your dog an occasional slice of your whole-wheat crust veggie pizza. Dylan begs, "As a pack animal, I would share my prey with you." You take vitamin supplements. Don't your pets deserve their own?

   Orey's sage warnings might help prevent a world of woe. With vet bills skyrocketing, pet medical insurance is becoming vital to avoid a possible heart-wrenching conflict between an unbearable financial burden and your pet's survival. Cats should be kept indoors during the Fourth of July and Halloween when they're most subject to malicious cruelty. You should have a disaster plan in place in case your pet needs to be evacuated when you aren't home.

   Empathy and communication are two areas where humans need work. Dylan requires "quality hugging time" and gets depressed when he's scolded, suffering "bad dog day afternoons." Kerouac urges humans to respond when he has invited interaction, but to respect his privacy when he's busy doing his own thing.

   Some of Orey's recommendations are debatable. Kerouac craves a hooded litter box for privacy, but some vets warn that enclosed boxes concentrate the dust that cats kick up around their mouths and noses. And it's hard not to raise an eyebrow at: "To experience an after-life dog reunion, contact a pet psychic who specializes in contacting deceased pets."

   But 202 Pets' Peeves' strength lies in its rich diversity of pet-related topics, its provocative get-you-thinking style, and its creative solutions. How bout fitting your dog with a pair of kids' swimming goggles to protect its eyes during head-out-the-window car rides? Or, rather than declawing, fitting your cat with Soft Paws nail caps? Or installing a fish-tank screensaver for kittie's diversion? (Oddly, Kerouac fails to demand the greatest cat toy around: the laser pointer, which allows humans to run their felines all over the house while reclining in a strategically located easy chair.) Copious resource references help you find everything from animal behaviorists to doggie daycare to the Alley Cat Rescue website.

   So listen to Dylan and Kerouac, two of the savviest "spokespets" around, and they'll help you make everybody's life smoother, safer, and more satisfying.




2. The book is great...I am having a hard time getting it away from my 12 year old who insists on reading it first. Last night she stayed up late finishing the cat peeves...and called me into her room to read several to me.

   My 9 year old has claimed second read! They love reading it to me though so I might just get the book read by listening to them read it to me!

   For anyone who owns a pet-our beloved friends-this book is a must have!




3. Cal's book, "Pets' Peeves" is a delight to read, and her love of animals shines through every page! If you really love your cat(s) as I do, buy this book and get a real education from your cat's point of view!



4. What a great book!
   When I first heard about it I thought that the author may have padded the numbers by making up a lot of bogus pet peeves. The fact of the matter is that every one of these peeves is legitimate, and in some cases eye-opening.
   And although much of the book is written in a light and humorous tone, there are also some items in it, (giving them cheap food, neglecting vet visits, dental health, etc.) that are quite serious.
   If you've had pets all your life and you're looking for an insight into their little minds, then you really should not only get this book, but refer to it often.
   If you're thinking about getting your first dog or cat, then you should get this book first, and avoid all the little mistakes first before turning your pet into a neurotic basket case.



5. A delightful and must read book for anyone who is, has, or is considering sharing their lives with an animal companion. Written with humor and intelligence, 202 Pets' Peeves gives you all you need to know to be a respectful and responsible guardian to your animal companions, ensuring a long and happy life for you and your beloved dogs and cats.

   Elliot M. Katz, DVM
   President, In Defense of Animals

1 comments about Dog Stories.

1. The photographs make this book special, although there is quite a bit of information about human/dog interaction on its pages too. The information isn't just facts - feelings and emotions are represented too.

   From the 10,000 year old tomb of a woman who was buried with her arm around her dog to the young people in the detention centre in California who train assistance dogs this bond between humans and dogs has held firm. The writer mentions some working dogs - sheep herders, sled dogs, guide dogs and drug sniffers but he makes it clear that most dogs are companion dogs who spend most of their time eating and sleeping.

   The writer did a good job of exploring the bonding and the emotional contact between people and their dogs without too much mawkish sentiment. There was even a brief mention of the darker side of the relationship - older dogs who are abandoned by their humans.

   But mostly this is a feel-good, happy book with wonderful photographs of people and their dogs. Read it to relax and enjoy.