5 comments about Angel Cats: Divine Messengers of Comfort.

1. What an inspirational book. Some of the stories made me cry, some brought a smile to my face. It's a wonderful gift for any cat lover. If you enjoy this one you will also like - A Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers.



2. what a heart warming book with great stories in it.



3. A friend gave me this book a week ago today. My wonderful cat (my companion of nearly 14 years), Trouble, died last week of kidney failure and my friend thought I could use a little comfort. I haven't read the entire book yet, but the last section on how animals say good-bye to us was truly touching to me and helped me to see that I'm not crazy for feeling so blue. Reading sections of this book allowed me to see that Trouble's desire to be held that last night he was with me was his way of saying good-bye and trying to let me know that he knew it was time and that he (and I) would be ok.



4. This book has some great stories which are heart warming and meaningful for the soul. These stories are way for people to see that animals can truly love there human. I would give this book out for gift to people who are lonely and think that nobody can love them.



5. In these uncertain and harrowing times, those of us who share life with cats have the advantage of being able to reach out and touch softness, comfort, unconditional love and loyalty whenever we stroke our cats. ANGEL CATS: DIVINE MESSENGERS OF COMFORT by Allen Anderson is a prosaic comforter and provides much-needed balm for the soul by illuminating stories of cats' singular love for their chosen humans, each other, and other living beings. I heartily recommend this book for all cat lovers, most especially those who wish to understand their relationships to their cats on a spiritual level, and for all who look forward to meeting beloved feline family members "at the Rainbow Bridge" and beyond.

5 comments about Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed..

1. What a wonderful book. I had received it as a gift initially then purchased a copy for another animal lover. It is the best gift for those who have a tender spot in their heart for shelter/rescue dogs.



2. Every pet owner should read this to understand the realities of what happens. Then pass it along to their children. Shelters are overwhelmed with these stories. Some end well, but many more do not.



3. Great for any pet lover or aspiring owner. You'll be moved to run to the shelter on your lunch break and make a new home for some eager little animal. Thanks Patrick McDonnell! Love Mutts. Love this book!



4. Pet lovers and those who enjoy the Sunday funny pages have a treasure indeed in "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.", a compilation of over one hundred of McDonnell's Mutts comic strips; on the opposite page of each strip are full color photos of pets found in animal shelters and their heartwarming success stories. A perfect gift for the dog or cat lover, "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed." is highly recommended for community library pet and humor collections.



5. I awaited the release of this book very eagerly, looking forward to seeing a lovely little all-black shorthair cat named Pauline featured as a starlet. And there she is, cute as can be!

5 comments about From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava.

1. This book was the reason I got the first book (From Baghdad with Love). I picked up this book because I realized that the dog on the cover made it safely to the US. I was afraid in the first book that the dog may not have made it, so I left it on the shelf.
   Now, of course, I am kicking myself for not reading it when it first came out. Lava is a precious dog and Jay and all the others who helped are amazing for all of their hard work getting him here. Great great book.
   I loved that he not only shared with us how Lava is doing, but also went on to share the emotions and everything else that he and other soldiers go through.
   I really wish I could meet that precious pup! Thanks Jay from continuing to be there for Lava for the good and the bad. Also for helping him with his PTSD and not just giving up on him. It really shows how much you care. It not only helps him but, helps you as well. :o)



2. All the questions Jay has in his book can be answered when he listens to San Diego AM radio station 1170 midnight to 2 a.m. Listening will give him further explanation and a way to listen at more appealing hours.
   A book about THIS journey, if taken, would be smart.



3. Jay Kopelman's 2nd book about his relationship with Lava is a wonderful story of the strong bond that can exist between man and dog. It should be a "must read" for anyone who does not agree that the United States is providing a necessary service in Iraq and also for someone who understands why we are there. As a dog owner I know that these animals do not judge, but love you just the way you are. If dogs like Lava can help our soldiers with stress or rehabilitation while stationed in Iraq or after their return, I agree with the author that the benefits would be enormous. If you like dogs...read this book. If you have a connection with any military branch...read this book. It is a real eye-opener about the personal effects serving in a military war zone can have on our favorite sons and daughters.



4. Just finished 'FROM BAGHDAD TO AMERICA: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava' and found Kopelman's second book to be just as inspiring as his first. This book is GRITTY and HONEST and FORTHCOMING about issues many Americans don't want to face up to - what happens to our soldiers, men and women alike, when they come home from a war. As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I gained insight into my father's "story" and how what he experienced in Europe colored every single thing that came afterwards. What I find frightening is that our YOUNG military personnel go into such a situation without the life experience that Kopelman had under his belt -- with age comes wisdom and hope; the youth that are going overseas might not have enough HOPE built up in reserve - they can't know what Kopelman knows: life IS worth living, even after living through such horrors as war and terrorism. What can America, particularly all branches of the military, do for these soldiers? READ this book. It's not just about Lava, though "life after war" from a dog's perspective - PTSD included - is an engaging twist. Thank you, Jay, for all that you do for your community - and THANK YOU, Jay, for writing another solid account of what it's been like for you - as a Marine, as a man, as "pack leader" to Lava, and now, as a husband and father.



5. With so much written and said about this war by reporters, pundits and politicians, it is important to hear from the soldiers themselves about the experience and its aftermath, and even better in a way that is accessible and enjoyable. Kopelman is quickly becoming an engaging voice for Iraqi vets.

No comments about Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.

5 comments about A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life.

1. Just unthinkably sad.
   Do not support cruelty by buying books from Jon Katz the dog murderer.
   Yes, I have 4 Border Collies and know of what I speak.



2. Being an English teacher, I'm picky about books, but my son recommended this. It is well-written and truly stimulates emotions. I'm impressed. I thought only dog lovers would like this, but I can see many people of all ages and interests enjoying a man's heart-breaking decision. Not everyone would choose the author's path, but we have to respect that he put thought into it. Excellent true story.



3. For a so-called "dog-lover" to write this rubbish and then try to profit off of it is simply unforgivable. What a selfish, arrogant man. I can only hope that karma catches up with Katz eventually. I sincerely believe that he, not Orson, should have been euthanized!



4. This book is a review of the self indulgent actions by a self absorbed man. He has no clue what it means to be a true dog owner. He reminds me of a child who, tiring of a toy, throws it out and cries for a new toy to satisfy the need for the new. Orson , his "soulmate" border collie is really nothing more than a toy that doesn't work very well in Katz's eyes. Rather than learn about his dog, Katz destroys him, and buys a newer, better model.
   
   Dog people love to read books about dogs. This book is not about a dog. It is about this guy Katz and his odd outlook on life. Don't buy the book. Don't fund this guy's way of life. There are enough copies being thrown away. Pick one up if you must, otherwise, there are so many great books out there... read one of those. (An example: Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote.)



5. I so loved reading this book. This' my second book my Jon Katz. A Good Dog: The Story of Orson Who Changed My Life was a book that made me giggle and also weep. His love for the much loved Orson was so touching and real. Jon Katz has become my new favorite author.
   
   I wish I could've met Orson.

5 comments about James Herriot's Cat Stories.

1. Goes quickly, but he writes well and if you're a cat owner, you'll really develop a rapport with the cat stories in here. Not just for "cat ladies" - my husband picked it up and couldn't put it down.



2. Look you haven't heard a story read until you've heard it read by Christopher Timothy!!!! This guy could make a phone book interesting to hear read! These stories are great! They'll have you laughing and crying! So becareful if you listen in your car ;0) I was driving my 18 wheeler down a rural road in Luisiana getting all teary eyed! Scary thought, right?



3. James Herriot writes of his veterinary experiences as no one else could. Full of humor,sometimes sadness but always spellbinding and interesting. I could not put this book down.



4. When I sent away for this book I had no idea that it would be so beautifully illustrated in full colour. It is a real little treasure of cat stories told in a way that only James Herriott can. I loved it.



5. We loved this book so much, we named our two cats Olly and Ginny. 'Nuff said.

5 comments about Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars.

1. The author was a nineteen-year-old theater apprentice when he was offered a professional break - IF he could find and train a job to appear in the Broadway hit Annie. His rescue dog from a shelter made history - and BROADWAY TAILS offer similar stories of animals who overcame impossible odds to become co-stars in entertainment. Dog owners and animal lovers -and libraries catering to them - will find BROADWAY TAILS a winning story of animal heroism and talent, paired with black and white photos of the entertainers themselves.



2. Excellent book for the dog lover. I heard the author and animal lover Bill Berloni interviewed on PBS radio, and had to read the book. It's full of stories and pictures about the dogs and other animals he's rescued and trained for Broadway and TV shows.



3. This is a wonderful book, lovingly written, about Bill Berloni's unusual and fascinating career. And the work he's done rescuing and training dogs over 30 years is a remarkable testament to his humanity and creativity. An extremely entertaining read, for animal, as well as theater, lovers.



4. I absolutely LOVED this book! I hated to put it down and could'nt wait to pick it up again. This is such a heart-warming book and though I cried several times, I laughed and cheered even more! Mr. Berloni's writing grabs you right from the start and does not let go. He is an amazing man whose patience and drive creates even more amazing animals!
   This is an awesome, awesome read and if you love all animals, you'll love this book!



5. With the plethora of dog-training books and television shows available to consumers today, it was natural to believe this book would be the superstar amongst them - just as its subjects are superstars of the canine world. However, though the stories conveyed in this book remain inspiring - and the book's message (that rescuing orphaned animals from shelters and supporting that worthy cause) comes through loud and clear - the book reads more like a chronicle of events rather than a grab-the-reader-by- the-seat-of-their-pants- with-amazing-tales-of-unbelievable- feats-by-dogs story. It rather reads like a journal kept by the trainer to recall the events of each dog's story and the anecdotes sometimes associated with each (and these anecdotes, again, while interesting in content are told so robotically as to become I-guess-you-had-to-be-there moments. It's too bad. This book, in the hands of a more skilled writer could've become a classic. Still an interesting read; but be prepared to add your own 'umph'.

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 Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse.

1. Riding between the worlds did exactly that, took you between the world of the horse and human. I finished the book in one sitting it was that engrossing to me. Thanks again for another wonderfully written book.



2. Required reading! She describes people she's healed and how the horses in her equine assisted psychotherapy help clients hearts to heal the way they did ours when we were kids. It also talks about the deep and painful losses of our horses that were taken from us. Other adults have had the exact same experiences that seem to symobolize our parents robot menatilty to take away our childhood.



3. I bought this book simply because Amazon advertised it to me and it had good reviews. It obviously makes a connection to certain type of people (presumably "extreme sensitives") but it didn't do much for me. I found it hard to work out who the author was actually writing for. She didn't provide insights to assist troubled people, so clearly you have to actually attend her therapy program to benefit from her knowledge. Nor did she detail what she does in her therapy with horses, so you are left wondering exactly what is happening in the round yard. I suppose if you are on the inside (ie part of the horse-assisted therapy community) this book will mean more to you than it did to me. I tried to have an open mind but sorry, I ended the book not feeling at all convinced that horses are somehow in tune with the real meaning of life just like yogis.



4. Though overall this book is too "new age" for my taste, I believe Ms. Kohanov probably does a tremendous amount of good pairing horses with people and solving inner or repressed emotional conflicts at her ranch in Tucson, and in the clinics she presents. I found the examples she sited very believable for both horse and person, and truly believe horses can heal emotional wounds. I very much agree "it is never JUST a horse!" Horses reveal our deepest secrets and conflicts, they sense these before we even can give them words. I liked, and I promptly employed, the technique of telling my horses things about my life that I believe make me similar to each one. The horse always listens, and the verbalization is good for both. This book adds understanding to our relationship with horses by making the reader more aware of what the horse "knows" or senses immediately about us, and thus makes us more open to the horse.



5. When I saw the beautiful cover of this book, and the intriguing title, I couldn't wait to read it. It promised mysteries and a wild ride into the unknown. Actually, the riding is transformative. The author overcomes a destructive marriage to find her way back to life through her interactions with some very wonderful, talented, compassionate and truly honest animals. A lifetime of fascination with, and interaction with horses leads her into an astonishing field of work, using members of her herd as therapy animals, in the treatment of trauma victims and people with emotional problems.
   
   There is so much to this book that resonates, for anyone who has ever ridden a horse, or wanted to, or just enjoys watching them. Some of the stories are just inspirational. There is a wonderful section in which her beloved mare, Rasa, prematurely foals, and a community of helpers keep the young horse warm with body heat and take turns milking his dam so he can nurse. What a fantastic story.
   
   Some of the horses are stories themselves. There's Noche, the abused horse, who is tender and kind with abuse victims. There is Merlin, a disturbed stallion, who finds love. There is Rasa, a powerful empath and spiritual guide.
   
   I kept waiting for the book to turn New Age-y, but it's not preachy at all. This is one woman's journey that touches and heals. I won't look at horses the same way again.

5 comments about Animal Talk: Interspecies Telepathic Communication.

1. Animal Talk is one of the finest beginning books on telepathic animal communication that is available. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in discovering and developing their innate ability to telepathically communicate with all life. I first discovered this book many years ago, and reading it was the beginning of my journey to recover my buried telepathic abilities, and to validate the profound and deep connection I have had with beings of other species throughout my life. I find myself returning to this book again and again for its clear instruction, straightforward approach to healing misunderstandings and difficulties between humans and animals, and its compassionate and wise teaching of respect and reverence for all life. Written in a clear, straightforward, and friendly style, Ms. Smith takes the reader through basic exercises of how to send and receive messages from animals, covering issues of problem prevention, physical and emotional care of animals, animal viewpoints, wild animals, and teaching children about the unity of all life. Ms. Smith's warm and generous approach to teaching and to life is reflected in the style and content of this book, which is clear, direct, easy to read, and very approachable. She demystifies telepathic communication with animals in such a way that people can immediately begin to have deeper and more profound connections with the animals in their lives. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to begin the journey of communicating with animals, understanding their viewpoints, and sharing a closer and deeper bond with them.



2. Animaltalk is an excellent book. As always, Penelope Smith delivers a pioneering approach to the field of animal communication and explains the interspecies world of communication insightfully and accurately. Kudos and congratualtions on a book that shares so much information with its readers!



3. What an adventure into the world of animals! I enjoyed Penelope's book immensely and can feel like I am right there reliving the experiences as she shares her personal insights. So much to learn, and there are certainly many facets and viewpoints from many authors. This was a pleasure to read, easy to follow, and helped me to believe in the depth of connection that is possible with our loving companions. Thanks to Penelope for being willing to share her gifts and journey into this realm.



4. I'm an animal lover, have several hundred books and more than 100 documentary films about animals. I'm always looking for another publication to add to my knowledge and be uplifted or amazed by our animal friends.
   However, after reading Amazon customers' comments on Smith's book, there were enough negative critiques to steer me away from it.
   For those who share my decision, and also, perhaps, those who don't, you might be interested in another book of the same title -- "Animal Talk: Breaking the Code of Animal Language," by Tim Friend, pub. 2004. He's an excellent writer, and for this reader, at least, there isn't a dull page anywhere, his sense of humor (carefully applied, never overdone) adds a pleasant sparkle to the intriguing narrative, and there's not a single "over-the-top" statement that would stretch anyone's credulity. I highly recommend it.
   -- Richard



5. After reading a good deal of the book (I haven't finished it) and also going over others' reviews, it seems like the enjoyment of the book is greatly limited by the skeptism of the reader. If you're approaching it to tear it apart, it's simple enough to do so. There are some places in the book (such as where she says she's telling stories that give examples of love but don't even mention the word love or anything related to love within either story) that are easy to look at and go, "Did she even know what she was talking about?" While there are others that made me go, "Huh. I never thought of it in that light!" Ultimately, I think anyone can get something out of the book if they are open enough to do so, but the book also has the limitations that any book that requires faith does: Faith and Proof are not included, so don't expect it to be.