(rated 5 out of 5 paws)

Reaching the Animal Mind: What Clicker Training Teaches Us About Animals by Karen Pryor

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Scribner; 1 edition (June 2009)

ISBN-10: 0743297768

ISBN-13: 978-0743297769

Reaching the Animal Mind is a book about clicker training, which has been around for about 10 years.  We now know much more about it and what it teaches us about the animals. The clicker training “movement” has taken off and now there are so many people doing it.

Clicker training is way of communicating with animals completely different from they way we’ve been training animals since the stone age, which was by making them do stuff and being nice to them when they did what we want, and being nasty to them when they didn’t.   This is now old fashioned compared to modern clicker training. 

Clicker training is used to identify for the animal exactly what it’s doing that we like.  Dogs respond to clicker training not because they love you, not because it respects you (which really means it fears you), but because it understands the game and wants to win, and the two of you are in the game together.   This system leaves punishment out when you are teaching an animal something new. 

Reaching the Animal Mind is a great tool for anyone with an animal in their life.  Want to teach your dog to sit or get off the couch?  Train your cat to give a high-five?  Or even instruct your dog to find your car keys?  You will find this and other amazing activities in Karen’s book.

Today, clicker training is used worldwide on dogs, cats, horse, birds, zoo animals and increasingly, humans!  The fundamental principle is that in order to change what somebody else is doing, you have to change what you’re doing.  That’s often a lot of trouble – as most people don’t want to change they way they do things!

http://reachingtheanimalmind.com

(rated 3 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Small Dog, Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius By Dennis Fried

Hardcover, 240 pages

Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (May 2009)

ISBN-10: 1416599509

ISBN-13: 9781416599500

Did you ever wonder what it is like to view the world through a dog’s eyes?  I have to admit normally I am put-off by books “barkated” to their humans.  But in this case, I forgot that I was reading a book “written” by a dog! 

Genevieve, through her “barketing” tells it like it is.  If you have a dog, no doubt you will now understand a little more of what is going on his head.   I am sure you will come across those “aha” moments when you see things more clearly, through the eyes of your dog, and understand what they are thinking. 

In one chapter, Genevieve contemplates whether humans think.  She does this by using the mirror.  For example, dogs don’t have in interest in mirrors, as they know who is looking back at them.  Humans, however, spend hours throughout the day looking at themselves in a mirror.  You will have to read the book to find out her conclusions.   

This is a funny read for anyone who has a dog or has ever had a dog, or is even considering getting a dog!

http://www.gvieve.com

(rated 4 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

One Nation Under Dog: Adventures in the New World of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food by Michael Schaffer

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.; 1 edition (March 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0805087117

ISBN-13: 978-0805087116

Nowadays we are way over the edge with our dogs compared to our parents and grandparents.   But, it’s not a bad thing!  Changes in the way we are currently treating our pets sort of mirrors the way we are thinking about family, health and nutrition.  For the most part, these are good changes.

When was the last time you saw a doghouse?  Currently, 50% of people let pets sleep in their own bed with them.   This is great for groomers, as most people care more about the pet that is sleeping next to them in bed as opposed to a dog that is sleeping in the backyard. 

Michael Schaffer recently got his first pet, a mistreated St. Bernard puppy named Murphy, and didn’t know what to do.  So, he just did what people around him were doing.  But his family started looking at him like he was crazy.  At one point, he put his dog on anti-depressants because he came from a shelter and had separation anxiety, and he was fed good food.  These are all things Michael thought were normal, but his family thought he was crazy. 

Michael never wanted to become “One of those people” referring to dog owners that go over the top.  But, that didn’t last long!

His book, One Nation Under Dog, introduces us to people who will spend their life savings on medical treatments for their pets; to the darker side of the pet industry; going undercover at a puppy mill;  talking to victims of the tainted-pet-food scandal and looking at current legal battles over what can constitute on paper, the pain and suffering brought from a pet’s mistreatment or untimely death.

You will also find some amazing facts that Schaffer uncovers, such as:

*Nine-three percent of pet owners would risk their lives to save their animal

*Two million pets are covered by veterinary health insurance

*Pet  spending spiked after 911 and Hurricane Katrina

 http://michaelschaffer.net/about

(rated 4 out of 5 paws)

Hobo Finds a Home: by Hobo the kitten as told to Kevin Coolidge and Illustrated by Annette Maiorano

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: Edgecliff Press (October 2008)
ISBN-10: 0979865999
ISBN-13: 978-0979865992

This wonderful little book is about the misadventures of Hobo the kitten. Hobo lives in Farmer Brown’s barn, sleeping on a bed of hay and trying not to be stepped on by clumsy cows, until one day when he decides to leave the farm. He has a grand time exploring all the new places and things until he gets cold and wet and hungry and begins to miss the farm. He attempts to make some new friends with a possum and a smelly black and white “spice kitty” with no success. Hobo seems to have run out of luck until he follows a man home and discovers a whole new life better than he ever dreamed possible.

This book has a very simple story line and would be especially appropriate for very young children and beginning readers. The colorful, eye-catching illustrations fill every page and are sure to catch a child’s interest. If that is not enough to entice people to buy this book, a portion of the profit of it’s sale is being donated to the Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries in North Central Pennsylvania. You can learn more about Second Chance at www.secondchanceas.org.  

Reviewed by Kelly Drake

http://www.edgecliffpress.com/hobo.html

(rated 4 out of 5 paws)

An American Trilogy: Death, Slavery Dominion at the Cape Fear River by Steven M. Wise

Hardcover: 304

Publisher: De Capo Press; 1st edition (March 2009)

ISBN-10: 0306814757

ISBN-978-0306814754

An American Trilogy is about the checkered past of Bladen County North Carolina, where for centuries human and animal victims have been unable to advocate for themselves in the midst of exile, slavery and slaughter.

The book takes the reader from the forced relocation of the Native Americans who once lived there to the enslavement of African Americans on the plantation which was its hub of activity and finally to the pig farms and pork processing plants which out number its residences today.

It takes an in depth look at the historical mistreatment of humans and animals and explores how over time our society has changed it’s values regarding the humane treatment of people, but not the horrible cruelty and suffering of animals, specifically the pigs of Bladen County.

These pigs are enslaved to meet the demands of the consumer, enduring horrific acts of cruelty and living in squalid conditions for their entire lives. The author visited an industry convention where he was shocked to find that leaders in the pork industry have become so used to the archaic methods being used that they have become callous to the suffering of the animals on which the industry is built.

This book is a revealing and somewhat shocking look at not only the plight of the pigs of Bladen County but of our society and the way we view animals. I recommend it as a very deep and thought provoking read for all animal lovers.

Reviewed by Kelly Drake

http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/dacapo/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0306814757

(rated 4 out of 5 paws)

Flyaway:  How A Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure And Found Her Wings by Suzie Gilbert

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Harper; 1 edition (March 2009)

ISBN-10: 0061563129

ISBN-13: 978-0061563126

How do you explain rats in the freezer and maggots in the refrigerator?  Only a bird rehabber would understand. That is what Suzie Gilbert dealt with when she decided to become involved and handle small songbirds from other bird rehabbers.

Suzie had planned on starting out with just small birds and wasn’t going to deal with any injured birds.  Well, we all know how good intentions usually start off – but then seem to drift off in their own direction.

Soon, Suzie was not only taking in injured birds, but some larger birds such as red-tailed hawks, herons, falcons even ducks.

As some of the baby birds needed to be fed every half hour, Suzie made it a family affair and had her kids participate in their feedings.  Even her husband joined in the care of the birds.

Whether you are a dog rescuer, cat rescuer or bird rescuer you will be able to relate to  the trials and tribulations of caring for animals in need.  Even if you just love animals, this book is a must read.

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061563126/Flyaway/index.aspx

(rated 5 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals by Temple Grandin

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1 edition (January 2009)

ISBN-10: 0151014892

ISBN-13: 978-0151014897

Not many people know that Temple Grandin is autistic, and you would never know it by speaking with her.  She is now 61 years old, but when she was 2 and 1/2 years old, she had all of the autistic behaviors, including rocking and temper tantrums along with no language.   At that time, no one knew what autism was and her parents were told she should be institutionalized.   Fortunately, she was able to get good, early education.

Her autism has made her a visual thinker, which enables her to design equipment for animals and do test runs in her head.   This also allows her to go inside the minds of animals.   As a result, she has designed humane and stress-free slaughter systems that are used now to process about half of all the cattle in the United States and Canada. Animals are sensory-based thinkers, which means they don’t think in language, they think in smells, sound and in visual pictures, as well as in touch sensations.

As an autistic person, Temple knows that fear is her main emotion.   So she knows what fear is like, and a lot of animals get scared.  What she has tried to do in her new book, Animals Make Us Human, is to look at behavior from an animals’ point of view.  She discusses the core emotional system that all animals have of fear, rage, seeking and separation anxiety. 

Temple Grandin has a Ph.D. in animal science and is a professor at Colorado State University.  She is also the author of four previous books including the classic memoir Thinking in Pictures.  HBO has just wrapped production on “The Temple Grandin Story” starring Claire Danes as Temple, which is set to air in May 2009.

http://www.templegrandin.com/templehome.html

(rated 4 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process  by Dr. Irene Pepperberg

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Collins; 1 edition (October 2008)

ISBN-10: 0061672475

Alex is known as one of the most famous African Grey parrots in history, pioneering new avenues in avian intelligence.  Over Alex’s lifetime, he learned to identify about fifty different objects; seven colors; five shapes; quantities up to eight; he understood concepts such as bigger and smaller; and same and different.  His vocalizations were intentional, so if he said he wanted a grape and you gave him a banana, you would be wearing that banana!

While Alex had the kind of training that no other bird has ever received, the species is capable of this type of behavior.

Alex’s personality was very evident in his everyday life. He was “in charge” of his home and relished ordering “his” humans to perform various tasks for him. He also acted as a coach and cheerleader to his fellow birds, Wart and Griffin, alternately encouraging or admonishing them during their lessons. His favorite toys were cardboard boxes, key chains and corks.

Alex was purchased from a Chicago pet store in June 1977 when he was 12 to 13 months old. Alex came from humble beginnings.   His accomplishments proved that all African Grey parrots have an intelligence far beyond what was previously thought before his decades-long work with Dr. Pepperberg. 

Sadly, Alex passed way on September 6, 2007, dying of unknown causes. He was 31 years old.   The book, Alex & Me, is a tribute that covers the struggles, triumphs, setbacks and the unexpected and often stunning achievements during a groundbreaking scientific endeavor spent uncovering the cognitive abilities in Alex.

http://www.alexfoundation.org/alex.html

(rated 5 out of 5 paws)

All Pets Go To Heaven: The Spiritual Lives of the Animals We Love by Sylvia Browne

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Fireside (January 2009)

ISBN-10: 1416590994

ISBN-13: 978-1416590996

Sylvia Browne, the world famous psychic, states that all animals have a personality as well as an afterlife.  One of the reasons that she wrote this book is not only because she is a maniacal pet lover, but also because she got sick and tired of scientists and even some religious people saying that animals don’t have souls and that fired her up.  She states that she has seen pets from the other side with their owners, and not only that, but when we go over we see our pets.

Animals communicate with us from the other side almost telepathic.  You just know that if you get centered into your animals, and you love them, and you’re very cognizant of their behavior, you can really tell when they’re happy or sad, when they are grieving or when they are comfortable.

Her book, “All Pets Go To Heaven,” contains stories of such encounters as well as communicating with your pets.  In fact, she states that she was able to potty train her dog in a couple of days just by taking his face in her hands and talking to him just as she would if he were a person.  Now people might think she is crazy for doing this, but she states that it works!  And stop that baby talk – your animals think you are an idiot when you do this!

http://www.sylvia.org

(rated 4 out of 5 paws)

Grandma's Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals by Amanda McCall & Ben Schwartz

Paperback: 88 pages

Publisher: Collins (October 2008)

ISBN-10: 0061673765

Studies have shown that if you put a baby animal next to bad news, the person will not react to the bad news, but will concentrate on the kitten or baby bunny wearing a bonnet. 

So, are you afraid to tell your girlfriend that her butt looks fat? Do you need to explain to your nephew that dreams don't come true? Why not let a cute, fuzzy bunny do it for you!  It is very hard to tell someone that you're sleeping with his wife, so let a photograph of a duckling sleeping on a teddy bear soften the blow.   These 40 perforated postcards answer all of your cowardly prayers--you'll finally be able to tell the truth without ever conquering your fear of confrontation. Let these adorable baby animals supply a silver lining to any bad situation and avoid, a long, tearful afternoon explaining why daddy's never coming home!

http://breakingbadnewswithbabyanimals.tumblr.com

(rated 4 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Crying with Cockroaches: Argentina to New York with Two Horses by Marianne DuToit

Paperback: 415 pages

Publisher: Liendi Publishing (September 2007)

ISBN-10: 0955371406

ISBN-13: 978-0955371400

Marianne Du Toit was born in South Africa but traveled to Ireland 17 years ago in pursuit of a famous dolphin named Fungi.  Of course she didn’t think she would still be there 17 years later!  But even after meeting Fungi, she was not finished traveling.  Marianne was determined to follow her dream - adamant that with only two horses for company, she should do something out of the ordinary and explore the Americas, traveling from Argentina to New York City over 21 months, even though she had no horse experience.  Of course her friends and family thought she was a little crazy but that didn’t stop Marianne. 

She titled her trip TATA: Travels Across The America.  Marianne's expedition took place from May 2002 through March 2004, and chronicled the event in her book "Crying With Cockroaches."

Marianne is currently a director of Pegasus, (http://www.pegasuscentre.org) a therapeutic riding centre in Sligo. Marianne campaigns for animal rights by supporting the DSPCA and other welfare organizations.

(rated 4 out of 5 paws)

Stretch Your Dog Healthy: A Hands-On Approach to Natural Canine Care by Raquel Wynn

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Plume; 1 edition (September 2008)

ISBN-10: 0452289904

Just like people, dogs experience muscle pain, stress and general body breakdown; unlike people, they don’t have yoga, Pilates, tai chi and medication to help them recover form injuries. 

When Raquel Wynn first told people she was interested in writing a book on stretching your dog, they asked her if she was serious! She even stretches her dog on a regular basis. Raquel Wynn is a personal trainer, does massage therapy and studies holistic health.

In her book, Stretch Your Dog Healthy, Raquel has many different types of stretches and includes pictures so you can see how they are properly done.  And while you may set out with a plan in mind, your dog may have other ideas and help you guide you to what they would like to do.  She states that about 99% of the dogs like to be stretched.    Stretching your dog on a regular basis can keep them healthy for a long and happy life!

You can even find some videos on her website www.raquelwynn.com.

(rated 3 out of 5 paws)

Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life by Trixie & Dean Koontz (Author)

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (September 2008)

ISBN-10: 1401323006

Everybody knows Dean Koontz. He is an enormously popular novelist with eleven #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit. But do you know Trixie? She was the Koontz family's beloved golden retriever, and she had quite a following of her own.

The author of two previous books, Trixie had a megawatt personality that attracted her own loyal contingent as a guest blogger on Dean's website, signing off each post with the phrase "Life is good, bliss to you." Sadly, Trixie passed away in 2007. After her death, her blog received 50,000 condolence emails.

Though Trixie is no longer with us, she still has plenty of sage advice to share, and many adoring fans to share it with. Here, in loveable, humorous, and touching language, Trixie talks to Dean from the other side, taking readers through her eight steps to bliss: Calm, Beauty, Fun, Meaning, Others, Humility, Loss, and Gratitude. As Trixie herself says, "You know is true. I am dog, and dog can't lie."

Trixie Koontz (1995-2007), a good dog, was trained by Canine Companions for Independence to assist people with disabilities. Released from service because of elbow surgery, she went to live with Dean and Gerda Koontz in southern California. The successful author of three books, Trixie would be proud to know that her royalties are donated to CCI to pay medical bills for other assistance dogs.

http://www.deankoontz.com

(rated 4 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

A Hunt for Justice: The True Story of a Woman Undercover Wildlife by Lucinda Delaney Schroeder

Hardcover: 296 pages

Publisher: The Lyons Press (April 2006)

ISBN-10: 1592288820

Hunt for Justice is the true story of an Undercover Wildlife Agent.  For thirty years, Lucinda Delaney Schroeder held an unusual government position: she was one of the handfuls of women special agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.   Her job:  to investigate crimes against wildlife.

In August 1992, she accepted an assignment that forever changed--and endangered-her life.  She left her husband and seven-year-old daughter behind in Wisconsin and posed as a big-game hunter in order to infiltrate an international ring of poachers out to kill the biggest and best of that state’s wildlife.

A Hunt for Justice recounts her dramatic story--a story she was not legally permitted to write about until her retirement in 2004.

This is such a page-turner, you won’t want to put it down!

http://www.ahuntforjustice.com

(rated 5 out of 5 paws)

Speaking for SPOT: Be The Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life by Dr. Nancy Kay

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 2008)
ISBN-10: 1570764050
ISBN-13: 978-1570764059

Dr. Nancy Kay wanted to become a veterinarian for just about as long as she can remember. Her veterinary degree is from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, and she completed her residency training in small animal internal medicine at the University of California-Davis Veterinary School.

Her book, Speaking for Spot, teaches people how to be effective medical advocates for their four-legged best friends. Gone are the days of simply following doc's orders-today's dog lovers are confronted with health-care decision-making on many levels.

And when selecting a vet, Dr. Kay states that there are even some of her own veterinary classmates that she wouldn't let near her dogs with a ten-foot syringe! Kay suggests you go to the dog-park and be a fly on the wall. "Guardians talk about two things, politics and their vet. You'll soon know which ones are keepers."

Kay provides an insider's guide to navigating the potentially overwhelming, confusing, and expensive world of veterinary medicine. Speaking for Spot is the consummate guide on how to be your best friend's medical advocate!

http://www.speakingforspot.com

(rated 2 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Dog Blessings: Poems, Prose, and Prayers Celebrating Our Relationship with Dogs by June Cotner

Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: New World Library (October 2008)
ISBN-10: 1577316169
ISBN-13: 978-1577316169

Dog Blessings is a collection of poems and short essays about our four legged friends. While the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi's blessing of the animals is held in October every year, this book shows us that we can bless and celebrate our dogs every day of the year.

Chapters range from heartfelt poems to classic poems such as Richard Kipling's, "The Power of the Dog."

A perfect book for any dog lover and perfect timing for that stocking stuffer!
http://www.junecotner.com/jcjunebio.html

(rated 3 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

Just This Side Of Heaven by Timothy Glass
Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: Platinum Paw Press (June 2008)
ISBN-10: 0981706711
ISBN-13: 978-0981706719

If ever someone truly loved Beagles, it is Timothy Glass and his wife Cathy. Timothy has written a true-life story about the life and loss of his beloved Beagle, Penny. He takes you from the beginning of their relationship down to their very last minutes together.

Timothy reiterates something we all go though with our animals. At first, we are the parents of these young babies, but as they grow, we forget that they age much faster than we do and therefore grow older than us and also have a shorter lifespan.

Those of us who have a bond with our dogs will truly understand the relationship that Timothy has with his Beagles and the grief that comes from losing them. He also shows us that there is no right or wrong way to grieve for out pets and that we each have our own way of dealing with our loss. But, no matter what type of dog you have (or any type of animal for that matter), this book will touch you!

Timothy has also written a children's book series titled "Sleepytown Beagles," based on the lives of his beagles. A percentage of the royalties from the Sleepytown Beagle series is given to various rescue groups. Tim also makes himself available for talks about pet grief.

http://www.justthissideofheaven.com

(rated 2 and 1/2 out of 5 paws)

My Name is Henley: My Life and Times as a Rescued Dog by Judith Kristen
Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Aquinas and Krone Publishing, LLC (November 2007)
ISBN-10: 0980044804
ISBN-13: 978-0980044805

This is a book written in a dog's voice and is geared towards children, ages 9-12.

It is about a dog born in a puppy mill, named Henley, who is an Old English Sheepdog. Henley has a rough start in life but he eventually gets adopted into a loving home with five rescued cats.

Many people don't think about where that cute little puppy in the store comes from or what kind of life sentence their mothers serve. Perhaps if we can reach children and teach them about the fate of dogs in puppy mills, then maybe we can stop this horrific abuse.

Part of the proceeds from this book will benefit animal rescue organizations.

(rated 5 out of 5 paws)

Pet E. R. Guide by Melinda Lord
Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: Trailer Life Books (January 2008)
ISBN-10: 0934798893
ISBN-13: 978-0934798891

While this book was intended for the RV lifestyle, everyone who travels with a pet can benefit. And, if you travel with a pet, what do you do if something happens to your pet along the way? Because, as well all know, emergencies always seem to happen at night, on a holiday or when you are away from home! A sudden illness or a run in with wild life can put them at risk. Where do you turn when you are away from home on the road?

This guide is a must have for anyone who travels with a pet. It is a directory of 24-hour and after-hours veterinary facilities throughout the United States. It will direct you to the nearest facility closest to you so you don't waste precious time trying to find a veterinarian in cities you are not familiar with. It will also provide you with their phone number, so you can call ahead and let them know you are coming. And, by calling ahead you can verify that they are still in business and what their hours of operation are.

There is also a section in back of the book for you to record your pet's information, from vaccinations to microchip numbers.

While you hope you never need it - you can't afford to be without it!

Listen to these authors on Animal Radio®

Send review copies and comments to: Animal Radio Book Club Reviews, 898 Mesa Grande Drive, Shandon, CA. 93461-0197. Call 805-237-2067 to arrange author interviews for an Animal Radio segment.