5 comments about Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal.

1. I read the book but it didn't help me with the grieving of my pet. It is a good book to read if you aren't in the midst of recovery. There are good points as far as the ceremony but other than that it was nothing that I didn't already know.



2. Finally, a well written and very helpful book on grieving the loss of your pet. Dr. Greene shares a nice mix of pet owner stories and wonderful, proven exercises to help you move through your own emotions.
   
   Best of all, for us, was her suggestions on how to respond to others who may not share as strong a bond with pets. Her simple paper-pencil assessment helped us understand where we fell on the continuum from pets are animals to pets are family members. Our 14 year dog was definitely a family member to us!
   
   Her book provided us comfort, humor, and a sense of peace about not having to defend our grief over the loss of our dog. We highly recommend this book to anyone whose pet recently passed away, and to those with dogs and cats faced with the tough decision about putting their pet down at the vet due to a serious medical condition. Get it, read it, and allow yourself to celebrate your pet's life and its positive impact on you.



3. I found this book in a program that offers courses for R.N. continuing education. What a wonderful book! We have had many pets over the years. With three kids in the family, we've loved frogs, lizards, fish, cats, dogs and a horse. My horse is 25 yrs. old now and that's why this particular book caught my eye. I think it is very well thought out and written. I give thanks to Lorri Greene and Jacquelyn Landis for addressing the love that we have for our companions and how to help them-and us- to go on when their time comes. My daughter is in Vet school. I'm giving this to her. Good Book!



4. I got this book soon after I lost my 10-year-old Persian male soul mate, and it really helped me through a time of great sorrow. There are exercises to do that help you work through your grief and help you to understand your feelings. I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with the loss of a pet.



5. I ordered this book and waited for it eagerly, based on "Search Inside" reading I did on Amazon. I hoped the chapter devoted to guilt experienced by "animal guardians," as the author considerately calls pet owners, when euthanasia or an accident precipitates a pet's death would speak to me. Therefore I was surprised to find the book more clinical than inspirational. I also found it emotionally distant from its subject...which perhaps is to be expected, considering that it was written by a psychologist. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone suffering from deep grief over a lost pet.

5 comments about Hiss and Tell: True Stories from the Files of a Cat Shrink.

1. This book was extremely interesting to me because I love cats and it explained some of the puzzling behaviors that can arise. I found it fascinating that this woman was able to actually think like a cat to figure out what was causing the strange behaviors. It is both humorous and educational. It gives great insight into explaining various cat behaviors. I highly recommend it to any cat owner.



2. I am the proud mother of three cats and two kids. Sometimes we all have problems living in sync with each other. This book let me know that there are many cat owners worse off than I am. All of the chapters were hilarious except for one. I wont say which one, but I cried for ten minutes after I read it. Everyone will really enjoy this treasure and it may tell you things about your kitties you never knew. According to the book, there are no such things as bad kitties, just miscommunications between kitties/owners.



3. My husband got this book for me for Christmas and the next day I sat down and read the whole thing in one sitting. It is very engaging, and it gave me some insight into the zany behavior of my own two cats. Some of the stories were funny, some were sad but all were touching. I would highly reccomend this book for any cat lover.



4. Excellent book, throughly enjoyed. The stories presented by Johnson-Bennett will make you laugh, even cry, and definately THINK! Reading these stories can give you insight in providing a more enriching homelife for your feline companion, maybe even tell you how your cat can tell you if your spouse cheating. This book is a page turner.



5. I had the best experience while reading this book - a purring cat curled up in my lap. I laughed at some of these stories, cried at others (especially the one about Angel). The book also reinforced for me how important it is to have interactive play sessions with your cat each day.

3 comments about Angel Animals: Divine Messengers of Miracles.

1. Purchased for our 10 year old daughter, she has not put it down. The stories are touching and funny and intense. Good quick read!



2. We all have our own anecdotes about how important our animal friends are to each of us. In some small (or large) ways we have all experienced the miracles of angel animals. In daily life they teach us patience, show us unconditional love, and expect us to be nothing less than ourselves with them at all times. In times of crisis, they stand beside us reminding us that we are stronger and more courageous than we think. In short, they change our lives, for the better. Animals really are pretty amazing creatures.
   
   Angel Animals is an anthology of animal experiences that changed the lives of various individuals. The types of animals and the dynamics of these relationships vary substantially as do the lessons learned and the gifts given by these beings. As expected household pets are common heroes and heroines in these stories. However, in quite a number of the entries, the animals depicted are quite out of the ordinary including seals, raccoons, bees, and spiders. In all cases, these creatures bring with them special gifts and lasting lessons that guided their humans through very difficult or challenging times.



3. Updated and revised to include a new introduction, ANGEL ANIMALS gathers stories about spiritual lessons they've learned from animals and comes not from new age leaders but from ordinary individuals, making for an even more powerful collection. From a sparrow's influence on volunteering to animals who promoted spiritual growth, ANGEL ANIMALS is an outstanding survey for any who would reveal the underlying importance of animals.

5 comments about All Things Wise and Wonderful.

1. The third book in the series and you know exactly what to expect. Yes, folks, it is every bit as entertaining as the first two, and that's probably all you need to know. But I'll go ahead and mention that he spends some time in the RAF during World War II, which we knew he would as the second book ended. I'll also mention that he and Helen have a baby, which you probably expected. One of the great joys of his writing is discovery, so I'd hate to screw that up with a spoiler, but these two tidbits are on the back cover anyway. Oh, and halfway through it, I predicted an ending in advance, and I only had to read 1000 pages by this guy before that happened. It's still great, great stuff, and you know you'll love it.



2. 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].



3. If you like animals you will enjoy all James Herriot's books. This is one of a series of delightful books. Reading one will make you want to read the next one. I can read them over and over.



4. I have the complete series of All Creatures Great and Small books now. This was the last one and I loved it as much as I loved the others. He was a fantastic writer and having been born and raised on a farm I can appreciate a lot of what he talks about. I also have his cat and dog stories books and loved them just as much.



5. The books arrived so quickly that I got to take my time
   wrapping the books.

No comments about The Lord God Made Them All.

5 comments about Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship.

1. If you love dogs, this is a must read. If you don't love dogs, you might by the end of this book. There are so many heartfelt stories. My favorite is the one about Bloodlines. Volunteering with the local animal shelter really makes you appreciate people who believe in the same things that you do.



2. Most of the stories in this book "hit home" with me and I found myself saying "I've had that experience with my dog(s) - I could have written that". Some stories were a little long, just a few I found not as interesting. A good read for dog lovers.



3. If you are a dog lover this should be required reading it is such a great book! It is a little treasure of great writing from some of the best writers ever....I wanted this book to last forever I enjoyed it so much!



4. There's a lot in this book for dog owners--namely, 42 stories on some aspect of dog. Some of the information is factual, but most has to do with relationships--dog to person and dog to dog, the former being much more prevalent. Most any dog owner would gain something of value from this book.
   
   I like the stories from Caroline Knapp, Alice Elliott Dark, and Bonnie Jo Campbell the best. Knapp's and Dark's stories are serious and compelling. Campbell's story about her dog Roscoe, who she comes to believe is a reincarnation of her former and erstwhile fiancé Oscar, is hilarious. The ties between the two are numerous. Even the dog's shortened ear (frostbite) is linked to Oscar's untimely and embarrassing demise.
   
   My pick of three female authors should not be considered unusual in that most of the stories in this book are by females ("A dog is woman's best friend"). Most, also, are about medium- to large-sized dogs. Labs and herding dogs (blue heeler or cattle dog, Border collie, kelpie, and German shepherd) get the most ink.
   
   If you're like me, meaning you often don't do what trainers recommend, you should find some comfort in instances where an owner didn't do what trainers recommend, and things turned out okay. Amusingly, one owner and her dog celebrated their graduation from training by going home and climbing onto the sofa, something the dog had been forbidden to do during the twelve-week training course. The story's message is two-fold: Loving your dog the way you wish is sometimes more important than rules. And since dogs are infinitely variable, what works with one may be useless or even counterproductive with the next.
   
   Many of the owners in this book seem to have dogs who sleep with them religiously. My dogs never have. The closest I've come has been a miniature schnauzer, but even she had her limits and often baled sometime during the night. My current dog's routine, which matches that of the dog before her, is to stay with me until I stop reading and turn off the light. Then she's off to her familiar haunt--a fabric-covered chair near the front door (a nice arrangement, however, for the nights we forget to lock the front door). What these other owners have that I don't I can only wonder. Less body odor or perhaps--we're talking dog here--more?
   
   (I'm giving the book five stars even though I found the formatting (justified, double-spaced text in two columns) at the start of each chapter irritating.)



5. This is a book that is easy to carry with you and the stories are just the right length to read while waiting (for anything). I could relate to many of the stories.

4 comments about Believe: A Horseman's Journey.

1. Well written with feeling. A fast read. Enjoyable but nothing deep or of substantial substance.



2. I have seen Buck in person and after seeing many self proclaimed "horse whisperers" knew he was something special. His writing is no different and both his books are not only a must read for people with horses, but anyone who wants a good story.



3. Please read my review for Buck's book "The Faraway Horses," and read that book before you read "Believe." I can't say enough good things about Buck-- his way has truly changed my life. This book has the added dimension of having every other chapter be a true account from individuals whose lives have been changed and affected for the better by learning about Buck's way. Highly recommend.



4. Buck has co-written a wonderful dedication to the healing power in the connection between horses and people. Having attended quite a few of his clinics and visited with him several times, I have seen how dedicated he is to the horse and to helping those people who are truly looking for a better way, not only in their horsemanship, but in their lives as well.
   
   Well worth the read.
   
   I gave it four stars instead of 5, because Far away horses was better....sorry Buck.

4 comments about Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.

1. "Purr More, Hiss Less Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat by Allia Zobel is an aptly titled book for the cat lover in all of us. At 222 pages long, it's an enjoyable romp through watercolor pages that are little works of art, each accompanying a thought provoking saying penned by Ms. Zobel. Gratifiying for kids and adults alike, it contains large doses of the ahh and ha ha factor. Each page w/ saying could be a framable work of art but then, you'd have to buy another book....better to have restraint and just look at the book often. Ms. Zobel is the definitive authority on the humor of cats and the life lessons they share."



2. Purr More, Hiss Less is one of those wonderful books that will delight people of all ages. If life is getting you down, or you think things are rough, Allia Zobel Nolan has provided the perfect comfort and encouragement - a book of wisdom gleaned from felines.
   
   The watercolor illustrations are beyond charming. They're exquisite, making this a book to display as well as enjoy.



3. Purr More, Hiss Less overflows with heartfelt thoughts on how to live a joyous life, based on kitty wisdom. Author Allia Zobel Nolan has perfectly captured the magical eyes through which cats see the world. The enchantment continues with Erika Oller's beautiful illustrations.
   
   All of the insights in this charming book will bring a smile, but two that really touched me are "Do the right thing...even when there's no one watching" and "Retain a kitten-like sense of wonder." Imagine how the world might be if we lived by those ideas?
   
   This book will be treasured by cat lovers of all ages!



4. This book is chock full of wisdom - kitty and otherwise. 'Take the good fleas with the bad,' bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan advises readers of Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.
   
   If I had to pick my favorite it would be, 'Don't stick your paws where they don't belong.' There are smiles to be had on all 224 pages. This gem of a book is lovingly illustrated by Erika Oller. The combination of Allia's wit and Erika's watercolors is a winning match.
   
   Buy this just-released book as a gift for anyone (young or old) in your life who adores cats. As Allia says, 'It's okay to be hooked on a feline.' ... So while you're at it, why not pick up a copy for your neighborhood cat lady?
   
   [...]

5 comments about Mostly Bob.

1. I was in a bookstore. I picked it up and turned to a random page thinking it was a thing of quotes. It turns out it was merely a letter spread out across the pages, but as soon as I started reading it, I couldn't stop.
   
   We didn't have a lot of time before the parking meter would run out, so I had to choose between putting it down and leaving it. Despite the fact that it was probably only a couple pages of text, I couldn't part with it.
   
   It was a really beautiful story. It was worth picking up to finish it. It's worth keeping around.
   
   Normally, I consider the length of a book when I compare it to the price, but in this case it was worth it. I would recommend you find it in a local bookstore and read it. I say it's 50/50 whether you take it with you or leave it behind when you're done, but I'm sure you'll love it.



2. A cute, heart-warming book about "Bob", formerly known as "Red." Not much content, word-wise, but a good message about spreading unconditional love around the world. I read it under a palm tree with a little snoozing off and on, listening to the surf, just completely relaxed. I liked the book, the presentation and the thoughts. The empty pages left me lots of space to write down my own feelings and notes. I might issue it as Bob II - he was a good friend for sure...



3. This is a really short story - I read it while in an airport book store on a layover and cried in the middle of the store. Serves me right huh! Highly recommended read but you should purchase it (and then pass it on!).



4. Spare and touching, Mostly Bob is a eulogy to a beloved dog, whose own insistent sense of self-preservation brought him to the author's home. The simple graphic presentation is just right. For anyone who has had a much-loved animal, worth reading.



5. I'm not only a dog lover, I'm one of those people who've written about their dog. I've read other people's stories about their dogs and cried. (Have you read Arthur Phillips's "My Dog Days" in the New York Times? It wipes me out every time I do.) At this moment, my dog Harry is under my desk, curled up on a cushion next to my feet.
   
   And...I don't know what to think about Mostly Bob.
   
   When I read another reviewer say something like, "Anybody who couldn't stand the blank spaces on the pages probably can't stand children's books, either," I assumed that meant there were different illustrations or something on each page, and probably just a paragraph or so of type, like kids' books.
   
   Wrong. Each time you turn to a new two-page spread, you get one sentence on the right-hand side. Turn the page again. Another sentence. Turn again. Another sentence. Gee, I thought, this guy's really making me work for it! If you're the kind of person who takes in prose in a constant stream, this is like having your thoughts continually interrupted. Turn the page, a sentence, turn the page... this one's entirely blank. Guess we're between paragraphs.
   
   The book is, basically, an essay. And it has moments when it seemed moving to me; a dog that takes control of his own destiny! Lovely. (Though why it took the author a year and half to respond is a mystery; most dog lovers I know would have responded within three weeks. But it is not for me to plumb the heart of another human.)
   
   It's just... okay, I'll say it. I feel a little taken. I found myself wondering whether the author was sincere, which, I swear to you, is not the kind of cynical thought I want to be thinking when I'm reading a story about dog and person. But when an essay gets bloated into a book that has $12.95 stamped on it... and it's so non-specific. Bob "got over" his tendency to growl and see the world as his enemy. Well, there are a lot of people out there working hard every day with dogs who growl and see the world as their enemy, and it's not that easy. The love of one person doesn't make strangers less scary; it takes training and commitment every day, and even then, you can't be sure. If this book had had some of that part of the story in it, I would have loved to read it -- what went right, what went wrong, the small victories, the joys.
   
   But it was very short and very vague -- so vague, as I said, it made me wonder. The tidal wave of praise the book has garnered just doesn't make sense to me, unless it stems from readers who are accessing their love for their own dogs.
   
   I'm sorry to say it, because I don't want to harsh anyone's buzz. Clearly a lot of people love the thing. But for any readers like me, I thought I should give warning.

1 comments about Bandit: The Heart-Warming True Story of One Dog's Rescue from Death Row.

1. Just like her other book, Animal Happiness, Vicki Hearne really makes you care for Bandit another animal outcast that she rescues. Hearne goes to court and fights for this dog. This is a great, heart-warming tale that any animal lover will fall in love with.