5 comments about Homer for the Holidays: The Further Adventures of Wilson the Pug.

1. This is a sequel to "The Tao of Pug," but in a completely different format. While the prequel dealt with Wilson's philosophy, this is a straight-up Christmas tale that is sure to engage people of all ages. Whether it's the heart-wrenching story of yearning for a home and love, or the adorable and witty accompanying pictures, this book is sure to become a Christmas classic in your house. It's also a great gift idea for anyone from toddlers to grandparents!



2. I have fallen in love with Wilson as portrayed by Nancy Levine. I think this is another great Wilson book. (If you haven't read the other 3, you must!) Great coffee table book, great gift, great to make you smile on a down day. Heart-warming tale of rescue from a puppy mill but light-hearted with a lot of humor in the photos and Wilson's editorials. Can't miss on this or any of Nancy Levine and Wilson's books!



3. Homer for the Holidays is a cute book that pug (and Taoism) lovers will enjoy. It injects humor and Taoist wisdom into the story of a puppy who escaped from the puppy mill and Wilson the Pug's effort to find him a home. The photos are adorable. It makes a great holiday gift.



4. FIRST OF ALL I HAVE 2 GORGEOUS PUGS AND LIVE IN AUSTRALIA. I FIRST READ THE TAO OF PUG AND LOVED IT. I HAD TO THEN BUY HOMER FOR THE HOLIDAYS. THE PHOTOS ARE THE BEST IN BOTH BOOKS AND WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH SO HARD. HOMER FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS A STORY OF HOMER A LOST PUG WHO IS TRYING TO FIND A HOME WITH THE HELP OF WILSON. IT IS MORE OF A STORY THAN THE TAO OF PUG WHICH IS FUNNY INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF WILSON. IT HAS A GOOD THEME BEHIND IT OF CARING FOR ANIMALS OVER PROFITS AND I THINK IT PERFECTLY CATCHES THE PERSONALITY OF THESE LITTLE ANIMALS.



5. "Homer For The Holidays: The Further Adventures of Wilson the Pug" is a lovable book because of the lovable pugs within this magical story. As a pug lover, of course my face will soften and my spirits will rise at the sight of the pugs in the story, but non-pug adorers will still feel the joy when the read this delightful heartwarming story that can be enjoyed in and out of the holiday season. I recommend.

1 comments about Uncommon Friends: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond.

1. Uncommon Friends: Celebrating The Human-Animal Bond is a gentle memoir of the love shared between an animal lover and her four-legged canine and feline friends. In Uncommon Friends, Julie Adams Church reflects both on the joy of living pets and the memory of loved animals passed on. The result of these insightful commentaries and nostalgic reminisces is a moving, compelling testimony that will strike a kindred reflection in fellow animal lovers.

3 comments about Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Animals, Family and Life from the Philadelphis Inquirer.

1. If you read the title, you'll know what to expect. It is a compilation of short stories about animals, family and life (mostly stories and lessons about life). Yes, I expected more animal stories, but I enjoyed the book none the less.



2. I feel robbed. I should have done more research, I suppose, but I mistakenly assumed that this was some sort of sequel to "Marley & Me", a book I truly loved. Had I known before purchasing this CD set that John Grogan was NOT involved creating it, I would never have bought it.
   
   The cover, both front and back, leads you to believe that this is a compilation of dog stories, which couldn't be further from the truth. Of six CD's included in this set, just one (CD #3) has any dog stories on it! The others are merely ramblings and musings from Grogan's old "Philadelphia Inquirer" column . . . probably alright, if that's what you wanted to listen to, but if you're looking for dog stories, this is NOT the CD set to buy. This set is far from entertaining and is mostly boring and depressing.
   
   I wish Amazon would let us assign ratings in the negative numbers as I would give this garbage a rating of -5 stars. Simply giving it a one star rating isn't sufficient. I feel ripped off, hugely disappointed and wish I had my money back.



3. Do not buy. This was done without the consent, involvement or approval of the author of the NY Times best selling book "Marley and Me," John Grogan.
   
   Stick with ONLY his versions of "Marley & Me." There are editions for all ages: Adult, teens and children.
   
   This is not one of them.

No comments about Treasury of Great Dog Stories: A Collection of Tales That Celebrates Man's Best Friend.

5 comments about Labrador Tales: A Celebration of America's Favorite Dog.

1. This is a kind of book you'd want to take with you to work, and read a story on your break and at lunch. The stories are short, some funny such as the one where much researching was done to buy a pup and it happened the pup picked the owner instead. Some are sad. All are real. I have a lab, and have had other dogs. I identify with all the dogs I've had with this book. If you read this book away from your dog, you'll just want to go home, hug them all and thank them for being them.



2. Being a labrador retriever owner since 1997, I was toucbed at the authors depiction of the way an animal can become so much a part of an individual's life. The book spoke of the hardships of training a lab puppy, to the struggles of dealing with the loss of an old friend. Any lab owner can agree, most of the stories found in this particular book, their lab has done at one time or another. In this book a labrador is more than just a companion. Great Book! I would recommend to all lab owners..



3. A rewarding and wonderful book of tales that will touch anyone who loves dogs. Every tale will touch you with memories of a Labrador Retriever you once had or bring closer to your Labrador pal that you now share your heart with. a must gift for anyone who owns a Labrador Retriever!



4. I had the priviledge of reviewing the material in this book prior to it's publication. If you love Labrador Retrievers, this book is for you. It will make you laugh; it will make you cry; it will make you get down on the floor with your Lab and give him or her a big hug and a kiss! Walt, John and Terry are all to be commended on an extrordinary compilation.



5. John Arrington and Walt Zientek have touched the hearts of those who share Labrador related e-mail lists for quite a while! Their love of the Labrador Retriever is evident in every word and they have the amazing talent of making the reader feel each story.

   Everyone who has or had a pet can relate to the stories, essays and illustrations (Terry Albert has excelled). This is a must read! (Please Note: Kleenex are a necessary accessory!)

5 comments about I Am Puppy Hear Me Yap: The Ages of Dog.

1. 
   You can keep your new, gold Lexus;
   Fancy cars just ain't my cup of tea.
   Don't care about computer games;
   These things don't appeal at all to me.
   
   Some folks need the latest gadgets,
   And have their homes filled with high-tech toys:
   iPods and digital cameras,
   Whatever makes electronic noise.
   
   Now they've even got a cell phone
   They can use to take a photograph,
   But "He kept up with the Joneses"
   Won't be written as my epitaph.
   
   Because I know that Palm Pilots,
   And expensive name brand tennis shoes,
   Silk shirts and laptop computers,
   Will never save a man from The Blues.
   
   If happiness is what you seek,
   It's really a simple equation:
   Jettison computerized junk;
   Get a Lab, Shepherd, or Dalmatian!
   
   While some people dabble in fish,
   Others try turtles, hamsters or mice.
   Trust me and go with the canine -
   You'll find yourself in Pet Paradise!
   
   The Woman weeps watching Chick Flicks,
   While late at night she cuddles her cat.
   Reaching for tissues and chocolate,
   She winds up dehydrated and fat.
   
   But Men have the best idea
   For getting their emotions to mend;
   In the yard they'll romp 'n' rassle,
   And play some Fetch with a "Man's Best Friend."
   
   But suppose your yard is too small,
   And constant barking makes your head ache.
   I know how you can have your dog
   Without yapping that keeps you awake.
   
   Buy 'I AM PUPPY, HEAR ME YAP'
   For you are bound to smile and to laugh.
   The witty verse is by Roy Blount;
   The great photos by Valerie Shaff.
   
   All types of dogs will be found here;
   Some noble, some filthy, some cleaner;
   "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly"
   And one even looks like a wiener!
   
   I've been so grateful for this book;
   It makes owning a dog such a breeze!
   There's no feeding and no walking,
   And I don't miss a house full of fleas.
   
   Happily there are no drawbacks,
   But there's one thing the book can't replace:
   When I have come home after work,
   This publication can't lick my face.
   
   Still, choosing it over a dog -
   The decision for me wasn't hard;
   I enjoy canine company
   Without stepping in poop in my yard.



2. Rarely do people capture a puppy's playfulness, spunk, and strong personality with such clean elegance and coherence. There are no prissy, smoochy sayings and no sappy mushy talk (thank goodness), but the spirit of the puppy is captured quite nicely with the gorgeous, full page black and white photos. A reviewer thought of the book to be written in a child's point of view and wouldn't appeal to adults, yet I think that it was written with a youthful pup's point of view- which naturally is from a young perspective. One just can't associate seriousness with an image of a puppy destroying your slippers, basking in all that is naughty and mischievous. It's a coffee table book that lightens the mood and celebrates youth.



3. Outstanding photo collection of the most adoreable canines, paired with witty captions and poetic verse. Some amazing close ups that are "chicken soup" for the eyes. A must read for every dog fancier. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).



4. Outstanding photo collection of the most adoreable canines, paired with witty captions and poetic verse. Some amazing close ups that are "chicken soup" for the eyes. A must read for every dog fancier. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).



5. There are alot of nice pictures in this book. Not really written for adults. Mostly child like content.

1 comments about Bond For Life.

1. THE BOOK IS EXCELLENT, BUT, IN PAGES 141 AND 143 THEY WROTE COLUMBIA INSTEAD OF COLOMBIA, WHY PEOPLE CONTINUE MAKING THE SAME MISTAKE, THEY SHOULD LOOK IN THE MAP BEFORE THEY WRITE AN ARTICLE

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.

No comments about The Cat Lady of Concord: Feline Tales and Other Animal Stories of Love and Rescue.

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