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.

No comments about Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Animals, Family and Life by John Grogan for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

5 comments about Seven Cats and the Art of Living.

1. This was almost like stepping back into the pages of Winnie the Pooh and the pleasure I remember from being in the magical 100 Acre Wood. Jo Coudert's memoir of seven of her pets, how she acquired them, lived with them, lost them, is fascinating, and each cat teaches a lesson about how our behavior impacts the life we experience. I think what Coudert wants us to know is maybe the cat can't change the way it is -- how its life experiences shaped its personality -- but people can if they understand why they do what they do. Her pen and ink illustrations are charming.
   
   Now, where the controversy is: I don't know if a cat's early life experience shapes their behavior that much or if they just have personalities. I have a feral cat I caught when she was three months old and after six years, she's still shy and withdrawn, and I have a male cat we acquired at 3 weeks who is wild and unmanageable despite being raised by us since almost birth.
   
   But the bigger controversy: Coudert keeps her cats in when she would go back to her city apartment, but in the country she let them out and some of them come to very bad ends as a result. You will shed many tears reading this book. I think only one of her cats lives a long life. She also did indeed, as one reviewer was horrified to learn, ship a couple out to be barn cats elsewhere, and they disappeared. I felt bad about that. I have one who sprays, too, and he is ruining our life, but I can't see myself getting rid of him even so.
   
   Then again, the sainted Dr. Dodson in his behavioral book is on the side of a shorter cat life if it's a happier one - outside.
   
   This book stays in my amazon.com shopping cart to give as gifts whenever I need one and I'm interested to see her other books on other topics. I've also been inspired to write my own cat book.



2. Although I basically enjoyed this book, I have very differing views of how cats should be treated. I believe that cats should be kept indoors for their health and safety as well as for the protection of wildlife. Remember, the "housecat" is domesticated, and is NOT a natural predator in the wild. You don't see people letting their dogs out at night, expecting them to return in the morning. We don't let our parakeets take a spin around town or let our goldfish splash in puddles in the driveway. So why do we let our cats roam the streets? Our attitudes about cats must change, and when they do, millions of cats around the world can be spared euthanasia due to over population. The author does, however, offer interesting insight into the different human characters that we certainly can learn from.



3. This is a gentle book, an easy read. Cat lovers will recognize the endless antics, distinct personalities, and uncompromisingly self-seeking behavior of these always amusing companions. The author describes the often devious methods that her cats have used in insisting that they will live with her in spite of her protestations, and she focuses on the unique qualities of each animal.

   However, early in the reading, the real depth within the book becomes vividly apparent, and the telling goes beyond the surface stories. As the author explores the challenges and delights of living with cats, she discovers the life lesson each brought with her or him. The lessons learned are universal truths, ideas most of us are familiar with but too often forget in our hurried lives. The reminders of these truths are welcome, easy to accept, and appreciated as revealed through the various tales.

   This is a lovely little book to give as a gift to good friends - even if they are not confirmed cat people.




4. I truly enjoyed Jo's talents for writing and illustration and these talents shared with her readers on this wonderful book about her cats.

   One can quickly feel the passion she has for these mysterious, delightful creatures. Reminiscing about these seven cats in her life all but transports the reader to GoWell (her home in the country) and the life she enjoys there with her dogs and cats and friends.

   The heart she displays and articulates about her relationships with these seven are enjoyable to read, and the cat lover and/or owner can relate to the various emotions: the pain of losing, the thrill of discovery and growth.

   Howeve, I must admit that this book would have easily been a five if she left it as this" "Seven Cats." She chose to allow this to become a commentary on living. That's where I humbly beg to differ, due to our different orientations of worldview. What I believe in is that all wonderful creatures (cats included) come from The Magnificent Creator God. I love his creatures and our cat Molly is one of our favorites. However, much as we love Molly and our two Shelties, we love the One who made them and us, and regard our relationship with Him as more important. God truly wants us to be good stewards of His creation, including cats and dogs. (Sidenote: I also take exception with her preference for cats over dogs. Dogs want to please their ownders far more than cats, and one can do much more activities with the dogs.)

   Life brings with it many toils and troubles, as Jo relates. So where do we turn for help and relief and understanding and hope? I don't think we'll find the answer in our cats, as much as we cat lovers love them passionately. My suggestion is to turn to the One who gave us such remarkable gifts. Psychology and all the self-help advice in the world will not fill the void that only our Creator-Redeemer God can.

   Jesus warned us not to turn inward into self or to nature (Matthew 24:24-26) but to Him who loved us and gave Himself on the cross us.

   For those who share Coudert's search for truth, or see every path the same to truth, then this part of this well=written book will not bother. For those of the Christian-Judeo heritage who confess the First Commandment to be the highest, then this portion will not speak of the true art of living which we learn from in the Book of Life, the Holy Scriptures. However, the read is a good one, and I thank Jo for her passion for life, for cats and for seeking the truth to make sense of it all.




5. The author likes only the cats that behave according to her 'rules'. She blames the cats if they develop normal behaviors in reaction to the way they are treated. She expects them to be logical and to be able to 'reason'. When one cat hides much of the time as a result of being mistreated, the author says the cat should be more trusting and willing to take risks because the bad treatment is in the past. This is ridiculous. If you love cats, I don't think you'll like this book.

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 Rex and the City: A Woman, a Man, and a Dysfunctional Dog.

1. I just started reading BARK magazine and saw this advertised and had to order it as I read ANYTHING about dogs I can find....I loved it...It is hysterically funny and I finished it in about 2 days I enjoyed it so much! If you have a shelter dog or a rescue dog you should definitely read it as you will relate to so much....The baby talk we all start to use upon getting a dog-especially a fearful one was really funny.(I do it too)!!! Highly recommended!



2. I just finished reading this book and I loved it! I've read Rex and the City stories in The Bark mag and I've always enjoyed them so when I read in The Bark that Lee Harrington had a book coming out based on the same stories I couldn't wait to read it. If you're a dog lover you will certainly enjoy this book! I saw my self, my husband and my dogs in this story and laughed through out the book. My husband is reading it now!!



3. I have two rescued dobermans and went through a h*ll of a time trying to help them get used to their new homes.
   This book had me in tears, both becuase i was laughing so hard at how funny her descriptions are, but also I cried sometimes, because what she says about dogs, and about people with dogs, is so true and real. Rescuing dogs sure can be hard. But this is a great story!! Just wait and see what a terrific dog "rex" turns into, and how the author turns into a terrific person as well. I am giving copies to all my dog-loving friends. and i hear there is a Volume II coming out, i can't wait for that one.



4. I haven't finished this book yet, but I've read the Rex and they City column in Bark magazine, so I know something about the story line.
   
   Anyway, I found the following part amusing (these two people have just gotten a dog and right away they are doubting what they've done):
   
   -----
   "Can we do it?" I said to Ted. "Can we take him back?"
   "I think we're going to have to," he said.
   [...]
   "I just wish there were a sign," I said. "Some sign, some guarantee that it's not always going to be like this. If he'll love us some day. That there'll be some reward."
   Rex was lying on the floor as I said this, and he had begun to lick his privates in a loud and rather lewd way. Rex glanced at me suspiciously and belched. Then he went back to licking himself.
   "There's your sign," Ted said.
   ----
   
   Heh. I don't think I have ever heard a dog burp. If I had asked for a sign and my dog burped at that exact moment, I'm pretty sure I would have taken him back.
   
   They don't take the dog back, though. I guess that's because he burped in chapter 2 and the book wasn't finished. Smart dog not to burp in a later chapter.
   
   Not everyone likes this kind of humor, but if you do you might like this book.



5. Rex and the City is the best dog memoir I have ever read!!! And it seems to me that the reviewer above missed an important point. Ms. Harrington has written an honest, poignant book about her experiences rescuing a shelter dog. The author admits, from the very first chapter, that before she got the dog she was rather misguided and self-absorbed-and this is the very thing that the viewer above is criticizing her for. But I think the author was very brave to admit her shortcomings-she discusses her fears and insecurities and poor judgment she felt as a woman in her thirties. She discusses her insecurities about feeling she is not a good enough person to take care of her dog. And because she is so honest, Harrington subjects herself to the very sort of criticism the reviewer above subjected her to. (the reviewer calls her "uninteresting" and a "fool"). But who hasn't been a fool in life? To admit this, and to write a memoir about it, is very brave indeed. And very real. The best thing about REX AND THE CITY is that the author overcomes a lot of her shortcomings, all because she rehabilitated this dog. In rescuing Rex, she ultimately rescued herself. And that, in my mind, is an inspiring story- for dog lovers and insecure women alike. The dog showed Ms. Harrington what it feels like to receive unconditional love. And we could all use more of that. A lot of people believe, erroneously, that we can find happiness through material things. And it is a big epiphany to realize only love can buy happiness. I recommend this book highly.

No comments about Heavenly Paws: A Beloved Dog Is Reborn.

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 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.

4 comments about Tears & Laughter: A Couple of Dozen Dog Stories.

1. Too bad this book remains out of print. As many hunters realize, the lives of our dogs are unfairly short compared to our own exisitence. I've been around dogs and will until the day I die, and I can honestly say no other dog book covers so many of the same emotions found with owning a dog. The stories in this book are priceless--I still can't read "Old Tom" without a wave of sorrow for my old friends and the simple explanation of "Tippy" shows us exactly what it means to be owned by a dog. This book needs to be reprinted.



2. I bought this for my husband/hunter and I read it before he did, he was busy with the other one I gave him along with this one called "Just Dogs, a literary and photographic tribute to the great hunting breeds". The stories were wonderful and the illustrations were just as good. My husband often enjoys stories over a single lengthy plot, and these fit the bill perfectly. This book makes a great gift, and the above mentioned is definitely worth considering, the photos alone are fantastic.



3. Nothing could be more pleasing then to see someone articulate a subject so well. Often quoted (and for good reason), few authors have a more honest voice or greater capacity for storytelling then Gene Hill.



4. The 26 stories in this book by the late Gene Hillare exactly what the title says. You will eitherlaugh or cry over each one. Fortunately, there is more laughter than tears. If you have ever had a dog steal your heart, you need to read this book you won't be sorry