5 comments about Unleashed: Poems by Writers' Dogs.

1. If you like dogs and you have a brain and a soul then you will enjoy this collection of poetry. Some poems are a little cheesy but most evoke the true nature of dogs in a human world and our attempts to be kindred spirits. If you can read the 'Memento Mori' section with dry eyes then you're already dead.
   dave



2. Poets do. Some of them (Andrew Hudgins, Mark Doty) seem to have used their powers of observation to try to understand their dog's psyches a little bit. Others (Rick Bass, Honor Moore) have no clue; they're too busy writing Poetry.
   
   As a collection this one is typically uneven, representing the variety of human reaction rather than the steadfastness of Dog.
   
   Now, a book of cat poetry. That would be something, no?
   
   Right, empty pages....



3. "Unleashed" works if you've ever wished for more poems (not verse) about dogs. From prose poems to free verse to sonnets to some more sophisticated forms of poetry(that is, I don't know what to call them!), this book fills that void. And the dogs' voices are authentic, whether they're talking about barfing, spaying, dying, retrieving, or eating.
   Many thanks to Amy Hempel and Jim Shepard for editing this collection. I'm going to see if some of these writers are as good as their mutts.



4. I had a poetry teacher once who said some poets were better than others. I argued that "better" was subjective. Now I know I was wrong. There are poets that are better than others. They're dogs!



5. I fell in love with this book from the moment I read the first dog, er ... poet. I have raved about this collection ever since. What can I say? Even cat-people love it. It's true! I'm not lying! Really! A young school-teacher friend of mine has decided to use these poems to inspire her students to write poems from their own pets' point of view ... just so the kids will feel safer about writing poems. If the pet writes the poem, then it doesn't matter if people laugh at the poem; the pet won't mind. And that way, the pet can just go ahead and write all the poems (s)he wants to ... no matter what. Thank the Big Dog for bringing this back into print!

5 comments about Everything Corgi: Wit and Wisdom for Lovers of Cardis and Pems.

1. Okay, I'm biased. I'm proud to have been a contributer and some small way to making this book possible. And it's a great book. If you have a Corgi (Pem or Cardi) or a Corgi mix, there are tips in here from some really experienced people. And stories, recipes (people and dog oriented) and pictures. A real delight for those of us who love the breeds. And if you're thinking about getting one, there's advice on how to pick one out, where to find one (hint, not at the pet store) and how to raise a well behaved dog. Not everybody's cut out to be a Corgi owner, but this book can hopefully help you decide.
   
   And it benefits CorgiAid. I can't think of a better way to contribute to a great cause and get something useful in return.



2. This is a wonderful book for any Corgi lover, it has great stories, advice and, lots of fun things to read. What a great way to help Corgi aid. Highly recommended! Every Corgi owner should have this.



3. If you are adopting a corgi or thinking about getting one, this is the book for you. It contains all information you will need to know to raise such a wonderful creature. Love the book so much that I'm almost mad at myself for getting it so late that now mine is almost 3 years old. :)



4. My wife and I have owned two cardigan welsh corgi's and they are the only breed for us. Bright, loving, beautiful, stubborn, loyal and hilarious, our two dogs have given us years of joy.
   
   When our oldest died just three weeks short of his 17th birthday, we bought this book based on other reader's reviews in hopes of learning some information about breeders and how to deal with some behavioral issues exhibited by our now seven year-old, Morton. The book provided valuable knowledge and insights about these and other topics. If you're going to buy a book to learn about how to get your own corgi and raise him or her, this is the best volume I've read on the subject.



5. Everything you want to know or need to know about the two breeds. An excellent book on how to raise, train and care for any dog.
   
   One thing I do not understand though, is why more people don't own corgis. They're not huge dogs, but they think they are and are one of the most trainable of dogs, plus they are a laugh a minute because no one can convince them they aren't "people". You just need to let them know who is the alpha and who isn't. It doesn't take them long to figure this out, either. It is because, as I said, they are one of the most trainable of dogs.

5 comments about If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You: True Portraits of Dogs.

1. great book for anyone that loves dogs, excellent gift, hilarious quotes written through a dogs perspective. I gave it as a gift and it was very well received. buy it!



2. The one about going off to college nearly drew a tear in my eye. I didn't want to put this book down. I have a jack russell, and hence, know that my dog would talk if he could. Love it!



3. One of the most lovely and sensitive portraits of canine emotions. Very sweet. Now I even let my dog smell my socks. It's a little thing, but it makes him happy.



4. The writing and photography in this book was just wonderful and covered the entire range of emotions from light and fun to sad and emotional. It was very sweet and endearing to me as a dog-lover.



5. This book has some heartbreakingly beautiful photos and I love the title, but watch out, especially if you're buying a gift for a sensitive dog lover. There is a page where a yard-dog, the kind who lives his life chained outside, is wondering why he's always chained up. It is too painful for a lot of people to see this.

5 comments about The Tao of Maggie: The Sound of One Hound Barking.

1. I am a member of the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League - and although I am partial to the hounds, I am an equal opportunity dog lover.
   
   This book is amazing. Maggie is amazing.
   I particularly like the quote:
   "When you're going through hell...keep going."
   
   I find myself reading it over and over - it cheers me up!
   
   www.tristatebassets.org



2. This a good coffee table book. Just open to any page and a conversation just naturally begins. This book is touching,thoughtful,sweet, and has so much to offer visually. I bought a second copy as a gift for a friend who recently got a Basset Hound. I've been owned by this wonderful breed for 2 1/2 years now, so I could really relate.



3. This is a wonderful book, both the photographs and text. I liked it so much that I bought six copies for all of my friends and family who have Basset Hounds!
   Nothing, and I mean, nothing disappointing in this book! A must for Bassset fans!



4. ...so goes our mistress of zen - our goddess of the couch.
   
   Bill Stanton is back with another installment of the wonderfully elegant Miss Maggie, Basset extraordinaire. As a Basset Hound owner myself, the humorous and poetic photos of Maggie entertain and crackle with aspects of the comical hound so familiar in my household, and in the fur flecked, drool drizzled homes of others as well. (Just kidding, we Basset owners know the goodness of a rag at arms length). Whether Maggie is swimming, laying on the sofa or pondering the horizon, we find our little friend expounding philosphical quotations while contemplating the next meal, exploring her neighborhood, or preparing for the next snooze. Much like his first published pictorial on Maggie entitled "Maggie's Way", Stanton's keen eye for nuance of the Basset's personality shines through.
   
   And on a side note: My Basset - Baldrick, and I had the pleasure of meeting Maggie and Bill Stanton a few years ago at a charity picnic to raise funds for a local Basset Rescue group. Maggie was charming and sweet, and Mr. Stanton was a pleasure. His love for Maggie is indeed strong, and flows gently from his camera's eye in "The Tao of Maggie", and in "Maggie's Way". If you buy one, the other or both, you'll find joy within each page.



5. I gave this book as a gift. The recipient was truly delighted and she still shows me particular pictures (and captions) that she most enjoys. This is a great photo essay that captures the essence of the bassett breed and the strong bond between humans and animals. Funny, heart warming, and a treat to share.

5 comments about Dogs and Their Women.

1. One would have to be a dog lover (as I am) to enjoy this book.
   I was really pleased to find a copy of it as an elderly friend
   is in it in her younger days.



2. I was going through some tough times when I found this book...facing the inevitable loss of my dog through cancer. I sat down on a stool in the bookstore and read it - cover to cover - with tears streaming down my face. Then I bought the book and took it home with me. In the following months (and years), I can't imagine the number of times I've read this book...or just sat and looked at the photos.

   My dog died a few months after I found the book, but it was an unbelievable comfort to have it sitting on my table...to pick up and read when the mood struck...knowing there were other women out there that loved their dogs as much as I did mine.

   That was years ago. It isn't a big book, but the photos and words speak volumes and volumes to those of us that love our animals, whether we are facing their loss, have already lost them, or are living happily with them, day-to-day.

   Louise Barbara and Taylor Cohen? If you are listening, I want to thank you for publishing this book! I can honestly say your little book is one of my most cherished possessions.




3. A dear friend had let me borrow her copy. After reading it, I had to get a copy. This book will warm your heart and the images are just wonderful. It's great to know others feel the same way as I when it comes to their dogs. Dogs share such a wonderful unconditional love and these stories are just one example. Get it for the dog lover in your life.



4. A wonderful book! I bought this book when seeking solace following the death of my first dog companion. It gave me comfort and hope to see that there were many more special dogs out there, (and I have since adopeted another one!).



5. This is a book that could be read all over the world, and be loved. (In fact, an international version would be a nice idea.) Any of us who have had or known a special dog find ourselves in this book. My dog Dilly writes her own page every day. You must read about these common and uncommon women and their extraordinary dogs!

3 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrating Brothers and Sisters: Funnies and Favorites About Growing Up and Being Grown Up (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This is just one of many of the Chicken Soup books I have gotten from Amazon. It has always been a good experience. A good price, good communications on delivery, and the product arrives in excellent fashion. I love shopping with amazon whether in the "Soup" or out!



2. Even when our brothers (or sisters) drive us crazy, there are always those special moments that make us laugh (or cry) and this book forces us to remember what they are. From the moment that these relationships are born, to the end (which is never really the end) and all of the special moments in between. This book has us celebrating the bond between brother's and sister's from the very first story!



3. Since this was the first submission I made to the Chicken Soup series, I was delighted to learn that my little story, Easter Bloomers, would appear in this collection, and so was my "baby" brother. We're in the section called Golden Times, because my tale took place well over half a century ago.
   When my copy arrived last week, I couldn't wait to read what others had to say about their brothers and sisters. I've been reading five or six stories each evening, and am nearly finished. I know there's some that think Chicken Soup stories are corny or cheesey...but I've reached a stage where pseudo-sophisticated, jaded, ironic, or sardonic commentary doesn't always do it for me, especially not at bedtime. This Chicken Soup collection is comfort food, just as advertised. This will be my favorite book, at least until they buy another of my stories!

No comments about Town & Country Dogs.

5 comments about Lauren's Story: An American Dog in Paris.

1. My husband and I met Kay and Lauren eight, nine years ago at Basic Necessities (in the valley of Wintergreen, Va). What a lovely little dog, I can still cry thinking about her love and compassion she inspired. When we we first met Kay, she was worried we might be health inspectors, that may not like Lauren in the eatery.
   What a sweet girl Lauren was. We looked forward to seeing them both on our next visits to Wintergreen. Now we see "Flash", what a joy. Waiting for your next book,Kay. Did I tell you I just adopted another dog after losing the loves of my life, both in the same year. My new Sarah is the reason I'll be ordering several new books for my new animal lover friends.



2. Ditto the two previous reviews ... I loved this book. A beautifully detailed story of love, devotion and transformation between a young woman and her adopted beagle set alternately against the magic of Paris and the tranquil beauty of the Virginia countryside. I took Lauren's Story with me on a weekend getaway, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down ... it was such a compelling and well-written novel. Now, I'll admit the subject matter is close to my heart, but it takes much more than being a dog lover and rescue volunteer to keep me up until 3 am, wide-eyed, devouring any book ... I couldn't wait to get into bed each night and pick up where I left off. I can't help but compare Lauren's Story to another book I read immediately before ... Rescuing Sprite by Mark Levin was, quite frankly, like slogging through molasses. I really wanted to like Levin's book, but it was so poorly written and not at all emotionally engaging or inspiring. I have no idea why his book made the NY Times Bestseller List ... Lauren's Story is heads and tails above it in every way!



3. I could not stop reading this book and finished it on the day I received it. An emotional and honest story, between Kay and her Beagle Lauren. It will melt the heart of anyone who's had a dog or pet they cared about.
   This is a book for dog lovers. Well written, beautiful and heart warming. This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs.



4. Dog lovers, animal lovers, Paris lovers, travelers, and everyone who apppreciates great literary talent, will love this book. Lauren's Story is a gift from Kay Pfaltz's heart to all her readers. In this book I found the best description I've ever read of that special bond between a dog and the person she or he loves. Those who have not experienced the unconditional love and deep connection that animals can offer us will find it so beautifully explored and explained, they may well find themselves on their way to the local animal shelter to rescue one. (Please don't buy from a pet store or breeder.)
   Those who have experienced that dear and unforgettable connection will be forever grateful to Kay for putting it into words and indeed validating it. So often those who have lost pets experience a grief that is often not understood by those around them. Kay makes it clear. This mysterious and wonderful love that crosses the species barrier is absolutely real and, for some, the greatest gift on earth.
   There are more ways to love this book as well. If you ever wanted to go to Paris, you will feel as if you did after reading Lauren's story. I felt as though I was right there with Kay and Lauren, so great is her talent in conveying the sights and sounds as well as her own so human and honest responses to this magical city. Funny, sad, intriguing, suspenseful, I couldn't put the book down.
   The best part for me, that I hope everyone will read, is Kay's 4 page "Afterword" to the latest edition, in which she explains how her love for Lauren and Lauren's love for her inspired her to question why she would eat one animal but not another. She became vegetarian and states that she values "each individual life and, especially in the case of factory farming, foie gras and other undeniably cruel practices, I no longer believe a few minutes, or even hours, of my pleasure is worth an animal's life, or suffering."



5. Yes, it was cute...but I felt like I was reading a rather bland, repetitive diary. Yes, if you love dogs, there's a lot to relate to here. A bit of salvation in the epilogue...for a woman who loved animals so much, I was a bit surprised it took her so long to reach a vegetarian way of life, but at least she got there!

4 comments about A Useful Dog.

1. This is a charming book that adds to the wealth of knowledge the author has about sheep herding and Border Collies. Anyone who loves McCaig's books will want to read this one.



2. This small book was purchased as a gift for a young lady who wants a dog. She thoroughly enjoyed Donald McCaig's wonderful prose. Any "dog person" will appreciate this delightful story.



3. Donald McCaig is a fine writer, especially when he writes about those four-legged creatures he knows and loves so well. A wonderful book to have and to give.



4. You will treasure this little book, keeping it close at hand to read and reread these wonderful stories.

5 comments about The Boxer: Family Favorite (170 color photographs) Winner--DWAA Award--Best Single Breed Book of 2000.

1. This is a great book. Wonderful photos. All inclusive. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this breed. I just purchased a boxer and I found it informative and very helpful to get a good understanding of the breed. This is a great coffee table book also.



2. This is a nice book, but I did miss some information.
   Too little discussion about the differences between the european boxer and "the american style", both physical and mental differences are now very present. If you live in Europe, I would choose another book.
   For americans I`m sure it will hit the mark, though even for some of them this is an important topic.



3. Author Stephanie Abraham put out another great book in 2000. Enough readers & critics enjoyed it to have it earn the same year's "Dog Writers Assoc of America" award. It's a handsome hardcover book with 220+ crisp pages. Pictures on just about every page. Abraham is dedicated to the Boxer breed. She speaks of the Boxer with admiration as only a Boxer owner could. She writes well and in easy to read fashion. Topics include caring for, general health, choosing your Boxer and traits to look for in a puppy, history, basic tips in training... and so much more. I refer to this book constantly. This is a very thorough book and anyone who owns a Boxer should own it. The only thing it doesn't mention - the older your Boxer gets, the more he slobbers. My family (including our Boxer, Max) is better off for it.



4. Just to state the fact that The Boxer: Family Favorite won the Dog Writers Association of America award as the Best Single Breed Book of the year 2000. This book is THE definitive in-depth study of the breed by someone who has spent her whole life living with and loving Boxers. The color photographs are outstanding.



5. As an owner of three boxers and 10 boxer books, if I could only have one boxer book this would be it. It is full of wonderful information for both people who know and love the breed, and also is a wonderful introduction to someone considering their first boxer.