Reviews (84)

An excellent book - a happy book that will make you cry.
I am in the middle of Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lover's Soul, and I am loving it. I try not to read too many stories at once, because I want the book to last! I am emotional anyway, but this is a real tear-jerker. If you love hearing stories about people who love their pets, and go out of their way for animals, I highly recommend this book!

Inspiring book that will make you laugh and cry!
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul is a fantastic book for anyone who has a special place in his or her heart for animals. The book was made up of many different stories describing the special qualities that make our pets and furry friends unique. I rated this book a 5 because I found myself crying one minute and laughing the next. There are stories that will make you giggle, one in particular describes buffalo playing a game on ice. It made me realize that there are many things about animals that we don't understand- and never will. Who would have guessed that buffalo play games? The book also included stories that sent tears down my cheek. The story that stands out the most in my mind is a story about how far a mother cats goes to save her kittens. The love of the mother cat can relate to human mothers as well, they will do anything to protect their children. I believe that animals are fantastic teachers. One story in the book talks about how a gorilla helped to rescue an injured (human) boy after he fell into her area in the zoo. The author of that story explained that what is truly amazing about the gorilla is that she helped the boy without caring about recognition. She helped the boy because she wanted to, she didn't know that recognition was even a part of the act. That is exactly what us humans can learn from these animals. We need to help somebody because it's the thing to do, not because we want to be remembered as a hero.
I would recommend Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul for anyone who enjoys animals or just wants to read a book that make you warm and fuzzy inside. The stories in the book will show you exactly why pets are teachers, healers, heroes and friends. You will realize how special they really are.
Also check out Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul for stories about teenagers that will inspire you.

Warm and fuzzy
Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

My cats give their paws-up to this!

Stories about pets as healers, teachers and friends
With chapters on amazing animals, love, companionship and saying good-bye, each page captures the unique life-enhancing bonds between animals and people. A very good book for any pet-lover. I recomend it for everyone.

My diary
This was a total diary of my life. It made me feel like hugging my dogs and not letting go. This book was so exciting I never wanted to put it down. Through good times and bad times pets always come through. It is easy for anyone to read and once you'll read it you will never put it down ... Read more

Book Description

Unique in focus and cutting-edge in content, this lavishly illustrated introduction to animal science covers the full range of topics—traditional and non-traditional—that reflect the way agriculture is changing today. By exploring animal science from a variety of integrated perspectives—biological, species, industry, society, and global—it reveals the dynamic nature of animal science and the many ways in which it is a piece of a much larger whole of agriculture and agriculture within society (e.g., how animals fit into all of society and how animals contribute to the well-being of man from a worldwide perspective).The Value of Animals to Mankind. Factors Affecting World Agricultural Structure. Worldwide Systems of Agricultural Production. Introduction to Nutrition. The Gastrointestinal Tract and Nutrition. Feedstuffs Classification. Genetics. Animal Breeding. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Animal Reproduction. Lactation. Animal Behavior. Animal Health. Vertical Integration: Beef, Pork and Poultry. Beef Cattle. Dairy Cattle. Poultry. Swine. Sheep and Goats. Horses. Aquaculture. Pet and Companion Animals. Llamoids. Rabbits. Careers and Career Preparation in Animal Science. Animals as Consumers of Grain: Asset or Liability? Food Safety and Consumer Concerns. Animal Welfare and Animal Rights. Animals in Sustainable Agriculture. ... Read more

Book Description

Two years ago author and horse trainer Linda Kohanov wrote The Tao of Equus — a daring multidisciplinary exploration of the powerful spiritual, emotional, and psychological connections between people and horses. Its provocative narrative, blending her story of prescient dreams and ancestral communication with a wide-ranging exploration of equine-facilitated therapy practices, created a worldwide demand for her workshops and lectures. She also received more than 1,000 letters from readers around the world describing their own strange and wonderful experiences with horses. In Riding Between the Worlds, Kohanov continues sharing the story of her own journey of healing and transformation and further develops the ideas introduced in The Tao of Equus, bolstering her groundbreaking theories with anecdotal evidence. Where her previous book laid the theoretical groundwork for expanding our emotional, mental, and spiritual view of horses, Riding Between the Worlds concentrates on the extraordinary stories that support this view. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Riding Between The Worlds
This book is a must read. Elegantly written, a fascinating subject presented in a graceful, yet scientific manner. I could not put it down until finished. And I plan to read it again, just as soon as I read Linda Kohanov's other horse book, "The Tao of Equus". I am not a horsewoman, but I learned to love the unique healing gifts horses have in their relationships with us two-leggeds. My thanks to Linda Kohanov for expanding my awareness in this field. Her elegant prose is joy to experience.

Riding Between the Worlds
Once again, Linda has done an excellent job of discribing the nuances of the horse/human dynamic. Linda skillfully describes how our thoughts, fears and emotions influence our relationships with both horses and humans. Riding Between the Worlds is a must-read for anyone who wants to develop subtle communication skills with horses. I found this book to be more instructional than The Tao of Equus. In this book she not only breaks out key elements, but also provides helpful charts in the appendix, which are good resources and references.

Messages from Horses
I was given Linda's book, The Tao of Equus, for Christmas. After reading it, I bought and read, Riding Between the Worlds. I found both books tended to parallel some of my own experiences with horses. Linda has expanded her knowledge of the powerful messages horses give us to help others heal.

A must read even if you are not a horse person!
One of a few books everyone in the world needs to read!
Riding Between The Worlds offers true deep healing through the way of the horse.

People dream of a world of Peace, a world of Healing, a world of Love; Linda is one of the light workers that is creating and living in that world today. She guides, assists, and holds the sacred space for others to transform. The world we all long for in our hearts, whether or not we are consciously aware of it.

My heart opens to Linda, for the personal healing and feelings brought forth in me! (aaah to actually "feel" my feelings, what an experience!). My love of horses rekindled, I now see them for the magnificent beings of deep wisdom they are.
With my hands on my heart and tears of joy, I send my gratitude to Linda and all her four legged and two legged healers.

Robert E Marchand
Daoist/ Chi Kung Instructor

Remembering a love of horses
Reading this book and the Tao of Equus got me back to riding again. I've always loved horses, but felt that I was too old, too out of shape, too inept. Reading these books and absorbing the wisdom made me get out of my chair and start lessons again. So here I am, over 50, trotting around a ring escorted by mostly 12 and 13 year olds,who are far better than me, loving every minute of it.
The way Linda Kohanov researched this subject was very apparent in the way she was able to present other people's work, such as
Karla McLaren's theories on emotions. She tied it all together for me. For anyone who wants to learn to be real, authentic, and loving..this is your book. ... Read more

Book Description

A long–overdue veterinary reference for owners and breeders of Miniature horses, with 50 color photos and diagrams. ... Read more

Book Description

Wildlife researchers and ecologists make widespread use of multivariate statistics in their studies. With its focus on the practical application of the techniques of multivariate statistics, this book shapes the powerful tools of statistics for the specific needs of ecologists and makes statistics more applicable to their course of study. Multivariate Statistics for Wildlife and Ecology Research gives the reader a solid conceptual understanding of the role of multivariate statistics in ecological applications and the relationships among various techniques, while avoiding detailed mathematics and underlying theory. More important, the reader will gain insight into the type of research questions best handled by each technique and the important considerations in applying each one. Whether used as a textbook for specialized courses or as a supplement to general statistics texts, the book emphasizes those techniques that students of ecology and natural resources most need to understand and employ in their research. Detailed examples use real wildlife data sets analyzed using the SAS statistical software program.

The book is specifically targeted for upper-division and graduate students in wildlife biology, forestry, and ecology, and for professional wildlife scientists and natural resource managers, but it will be valuable to researchers in any of the biological sciences.

Kevin McGarigal is Assistant Professor and Sam Cushman is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management at the University of Massachusetts. Susan Stafford is Head of the Forest Science Department at Colorado State University. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

grad students
I am an ecology grad student and I have returned to this text again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

More than twenty years after its original publication, The Case for Animal Rights is an acknowledged classic of moral philosophy, and its author is recognized as the intellectual leader of the animal rights movement. In a new and fully considered preface, Regan responds to his critics and defends the book's revolutionary position. Illustrations: 1 b/w illustration ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beats the heck out of Peter Singer
As I suggested long ago in my review of Peter Singer's _Animal Liberation_, while I applaud Singer for pointing out numerous ways in which our treatment of animals could be improved, I don't find his "utilitarian" ethical arguments very persuasive.

But Tom Regan's now-classic book -- this one -- is a different story. This is a tour-de-force of ethical argumentation that makes the titular case about as well as it's ever going to be made. Regan doesn't simplify any issues and he's very much alive to fine ethical nuances. And he sets out his case with both rigor and vigor.

Probably most of us won't have any problem agreeing that at least some nonhuman animals are conscious, but there _have_ been people who have denied it (most famously, Rene Descartes). So for completeness, Regan begins with a careful discussion of the question. Avoiding simplistic answers and over-eager claims about research on e.g. animal language, he mounts a solid case that at least some nonhumans do possess consciousness.

(Some of his arguments are a bit weaker than he thinks they are, although I still agree with his conclusions. For example, he argues that possession of language skills can't be an indicator of consciousness because human infants are presumably conscious before they acquire a language; how else, indeed, would they acquire it? But this shows only that _present_ possession of linguistic ability isn't a necessary condition of consciousness; it doesn't show that the _ability_ to learn a language isn't such a condition. As I said, though, I agree with his conclusion; I'm merely criticizing the way he gets to it.)

The remainder of the book is a wide-ranging discussion, not just of animal rights, but of ethics generally. Even aside from Regan's nominal topic, the volume could serve as a fine introduction to ethical thought in general. (Among its many highlights: a short refutation of Jan Narveson's "rational egoism" that could double as a refutation of Ayn Rand's even sillier version.)

In the end, what this gets us is a careful case for regarding mammalian animals which are at least a year old as possessors of "rights." (Regan also argues that for other reasons, we could and should want to extend "rights" to other animals; he has limited his discussion to mammals in order to keep to what he takes to be a fairly clear-cut case.) These "rights" do not, he holds, trump every other ethical consideration under the sun; in particular, in emergency situations in which either (say) a human being or a dog (or a million dogs) must be killed, we should kill the dog (or dogs) every time. These "rights" are _prima facie_ moral claims -- strong, but not indefeasible.

What I think Regan has successfully shown is that living beings don't have to be moral _agents_ in order to count in our moral deliberations. And with most of what he says on this subject, I heartily agree; in particular I think he has made just the right distinction between moral agents and moral patients, and correctly argued that moral patients have _some_ sort of "right" to consideration.

I cannot, however, follow him _quite_ all the way to his conclusions -- for example, that we are morally obliged to be vegetarian and to refrain from using animals in all scientific research. Mind you, I've been a vegetarian myself and I think there _are_ good reasons for avoiding meat; I just don't think they're morally conclusive. I agree completely that many current practices are inhumane, and I also agree with a point Regan argues repeatedly: that moral limitations on what we can do with animals do _not_, as such, interfere with the operation of the free market. But I'm still not altogether sold.

(The problem -- to put it briefly and inadequately -- is that I think Regan assigns too much to moral _patients_ in the way of "rights." I'm not persuaded that in order to have a "right," it's enough that someone else could make a moral claim on your behalf. In other words, I disagree with Regan's contention that moral agents and moral patients are entitled to exactly the _same_ sorts of moral consideration.)

I don't, however, mind admitting that Regan has changed my mind on some points and may yet change my mind on others. If I ever _do_ change my mind on this last point, he will be in part responsible.

And at any rate I highly recommend this volume to any readers interested in the topic of animal rights. Moral reasoning doesn't get any better than this.

A Classic!!!
Warning: this book is not for people new to ethical philosophy or philosophy in general. Try Singer's book for an introduction to some of the themes discussed in this book. Essential reading for those tired of hearing the same old recycled arguments used to justify the torture and murder of sentient living creatures. As such, it appeals to two groups of people: 1) those who are already living or considering adopting an ethical lifestyle and 2) those interested in philosophy, especially ethical philosophy. Do your intellect a favor and READ THIS BOOK!

The best discussion of animal rights.
This book accomplishes two goals: First, it is the best available discussion of the many aspects of animal welfare. Second, it is an excellent example of a fine philosophical mind grappling with a difficult issue. I have often recommended the book to those who just wish to follow the workings of rigorous thought. But reader beware--do not look for simple answers or slogans here. This is difficult reading indeed, but Regan has, better than anyone else (and this is characteristic of all his writing)carefully worked through the many arguments, objections, counter-examples, etc., with thoroughness and clarity unapproached by similar books. If you recognize that the question "Do non-human animals have rights?" is extraordinarily complex and thereby can produce only complex answers, then this is THE book for you.

A philosophical defense of the animal rights cause
Tom Regan's book is a classic in the animal rights literature. It is the most philosophical work to date and consequently not really accessible to the widest of audiences. However, Regan explains his own and others' thoughs in an extremely clear way. This book will be very welcome to anyone who wants a more "scientific" (as opposed to emotional) defense of animal rights. It is compulsive reading for anyone trying to get a grip on the debate today. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (15)

Perfect for anyone who loves life!
As not only an animal lover, but (hopefully) an up and coming veterinarian, James Herriots books seemed like a great thing to look into.

Herriot's books bring the Yorkshire countryside directly into your home. He brings the world of hard work, late nights, confusing symptoms, and the unknown of a vets life into the readers heart, but at the same time he also shows the thrill of pulling an animal back from the brink of death or bringing another life into the world.

This wonderful combination starts off when Herriot leaves for the RAF to fight in World War II, but as he goes through basic training his mind (and the book) wanders back to his days in Darrowby doing what he loves best.

Book assignment on a great book!
This is a really great book and the only biography I've really ever liked. It's about a guy (James Herriot) who is a country vet. This has stories about his work at a pet show, him when he's trying to court his future wife, and it has a lot about the personalities of the animals he treated. It also has a lot of his blunders, like when he got drunk (accidentally, I think) and went out to a farm. The people there were really religious, and he found out the next day the despised drinking! He didn't go out there again. All in all, it was a really good book, and I recommend it for any animal lovers or future vets out there.

James Herriot - an Amusing Storyteller
James Herriot Describing Himself in All Things Bright and Beautiful
In the novel All Things Bright and Beautiful, the author James Herriot is using his experiences as a veterinarian in Scotland to make an indirect characterization of himself. Reading the book, we get the picture of James Herriot as being a person who simply loves life because of the small things that happen in it whether they happen when he visits the farms in the country, goes and gets drunk in a pub, or has to get up in the middle of the night because of his job. Due to his amusing and joyful way of describing what he sees and does, we get encouraged to love life as much as James Herriot loves it himself. The way he indirectly describes himself makes the novel a joy to read.
We are not supposed to learn the lessons of life when reading this novel; we are supposed to enjoy James Herriot as a fantastic storyteller and get inspired to enjoy the small though extraordinary things in life that happen every day. The indirect characterization of James Herriot is what makes us realize that. We get inspired by his personality and his actions. James Herriot has put his personality onto every page of the book, and it is his personality that shapes the novel and makes it as good and amusing as it is. James Herriot has not written this novel because he had to; he has written it because he wanted to, and his love of writing about a topic as banal as his own life makes this novel a positively different and extraordinary piece of literature.

The BEST book I have ever read
This book is GREAT !! I loved from the beginning to the end.
It is about a Country vet. named James Herriot. Through out this book you have humor, adventure, everything you would want to find in a book! If you are a vet. , you love animals or you just want to read something good this, this book is for you!!

A wonderful book!
This book is just the beginning of a series full of good-character and fun-filled adventures. It will keep you interested the whole way through. With tales of every good or bad event that Jim encounters on his many early morning rounds to aid the animals of his English countryside, this book is a celebration to life. James Herriot makes the books come alive with his expertise in writing. A great book! ... Read more

Book Description

Most people in research are elevated into managerial positions because of their skills as scientists and their political acumen, not necessarily because of managerial training or experience. Helping to fill this need for managerial training, author Jerald Silverman shares the valuable information he's gained from over 25 years experience managing a laboratory animal facility. He takes proven managerial concepts and adapts them to the laboratory animal facility setting. Whether you are a manager in training or you are looking for help in applying the basic concepts of managing a laboratory animal facility, this book helps you fulfill the unique responsibilities of assessing needs, communicating effectively, and establishing goals with people from many different academic and skill levels. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson’s groundbreaking bestseller, When Elephants Weep, was the first book since Darwin’s time to explore emotions in the animal kingdom, particularly from animals in the wild. Now, he focuses exclusively on the contained world of the farm animal, revealing startling, irrefutable evidence that barnyard creatures have feelings too, even consciousness.

Weaving history, literature, anecdotes, scientific studies, and Masson’s own vivid experiences observing pigs, cows, sheep, goats, and chickens over the course of five years, this important book at last gives voice, meaning, and dignity to these gentle beasts that are bred to be milked, shorn, butchered, and eaten. Can we ever know what makes an animal happy? Many animal behaviorists say no. But Jeffrey Masson has a different view: An animal is happy if it can live according to its own nature. Farm animals suffer greatly in this regard. Chickens, for instance, like to perch in trees at night, to avoid predators and to nestle with friends. The obvious conclusion: They cannot be happy when confined twenty to a cage.

From field and barn, to pen and coop, Masson bears witness to the emotions and intelligence of these remarkable farm animals, each unique with distinct qualities. Curious, intelligent, self-reliant–many will find it hard to believe that these attributes describe a pig. In fact, there is much that humans share with pigs. They dream, know their names, and can see colors. Mother cows mourn the loss of their calves when their babies are taken away to slaughter. Given a choice between food that is nutritious or lacking in minerals, sheep will select the former, balancing their diet and correcting the deficiency. Goats display quite a sense of humor, dignity, and fearlessness (Indian goats have been known to kill leopards). Chickens are naturally sociable–they will gather around a human companion and stand there serenely preening themselves or sit quietly on the ground beside someone they trust.

For far too long farm animals have been denigrated and treated merely as creatures of instinct rather than as sentient beings. Shattering the abhorrent myth of the “dumb animal without feelings,” Jeffrey Masson has written a revolutionary book that is sure to stir human emotions far and wide. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

When Pigs Weep
Scholar and prolific author Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson burst on the scene as one of the foremost contemporary writers about animals with the publication of "When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals" in 1995. "Elephants" was groundbreaking, showing that non-humans of all shapes and sizes lead complex emotional lives. The book became a New York Times bestseller.

Masson has since published three books about cats or dogs. All were fine works and fun reads, yet, as each focused solely on one species, none captured Masson's affinity to bring the reader onto the printed page as did his first animal book. While his dog and cat books touched your heart, "Elephants" seeped into your soul.

With the publication of "The Pig Who Sang to the Moon: The Emotional Lives of Farm Animals," Masson makes a grand return to his previous lofty accomplishment. Like "Elephants," "Pig" focuses on beings in addition to the chosen one who gets a mention in the title. Sharing with the reader the emotional complexities of many animals is one of Masson's greatest strengths; certainly no writer today is his superior. When he writes, "Farm animals-perhaps because of the fate that invariably awaits them-seem able to feel something I cannot," it makes you wonder if he's being too modest, while questioning whether you, the reader, can feel what he, the author, does.

In "Pig," Masson covers all of the modern-day farmed animals, devoting chapters to pigs, chickens, sheep and goats, cows, and ducks and geese. His research is superb; whether you are a long-time ethical vegan or a committed carnivore you will discover something you did not know about each of these beings. Are you aware that a pig is easier to house train than a dog? Or that chickens always know exactly what time it is? That goats are funny, inventive, and love unconditionally? Masson uncovers these and many more gems, including the elderly New Zealand couple whose two ponds fill up with wild ducks "every year, the night before duck season starts."

Masson also expertly discusses his supposition of farmed animal emotions, foreshadowing the naysayers certain to question his premise. He writes that "not so very long ago, ... people intimately connected to the lives of animals did not care whether animals had feelings or not." He then quotes Frans de Wall, Ph.D., Professor of Primate Behavior from the Yerkes Primate Research Center, who wrote in a 1999 New York Times editorial, "I still remember some surrealistic debates among scientists in the 1970s that dismisses animal suffering as a bleeding-heart issue. Amid stern warnings against anthropomorphism, the then-prevailing view was that animals were robots, devoid of feeling, thoughts, or emotions." Masson concludes: "in the absence of communal signs, such as physical gestures or sounds, humans are simply not equipped to understand animal emotions. This does not mean they are not there."

"Pig" is a book that pulls no punches, yet is "mainstream" enough to reach a wide audience. Masson doesn't shy away from the real issues, stating, in the first chapter, "The position I take in this book is a radical one," and "I think it is wrong to raise animals for food." Later he states "All you need do to make [animal slaughter] unnecessary is to say once and mean it: these deaths are not necessary. I do not have to eat meat."

In his concluding chapter, "On Not Eating Friends," Masson proclaims, "I have to be honest: My research leaves me in no doubt whatsoever, that to prevent animals from suffering unbearable agony, we must become not only vegetarian, but vegan." These are powerful and refreshing words coming from an author whose book is certain to get wide coverage and exposure.

If you wish to give farmed animals the best Holiday season ever, purchase two copies of "The Pig Who Sang to the Moon"-the first for yourself; the other as a gift for one of the future vegetarians on your shopping list.

~ Joseph Connelly (editor@vegnews.com) is founding editor of VegNews (vegnews.com)

I will never look at a "farm" animal the same way again!
When I first saw the title of Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson's new book I thought it was the unique story of a talented little pig. I was mistaken. The book, however, is certainly unique! As I turned the pages the "emotional world of farm animals" indeed opened up to me in a different light. I have always believed that animals share the same emotions as we do. Some say that animals do not feel pain in the same way that we do. If this is true, then why do they scream when being injured or killed?

I became a vegan nearly 3 years ago. I could no longer live with my conscious that I was directly responsible for the suffering and murder of innocent animals. I have never regretted nor looked back. Non-vegetarians argue that they would not eat their dog or cat, nor would they want a pig or a chicken as a pet. This statement in my opinion is guilt (putting out of their minds that they are responsible for the killing and suffering of an animal), and ignorance (simply believing what most humans believe, in that animals were put on earth for us to exploit at all costs.) Masson's book gave me more food for thought still and solidified my belief's that cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, etc are all unique in their own right, as are humans. He proves time and time again that these animals possess higher intelligence then we give them credit for and many even enjoy the company of humans, the very species that they should fear and distrust most. I simply will not look at another "farm" animal the same way again!

Earlier this week as I sat in the doctor's office, I was reading my copy of The Pig Who Sang to the Moon. A woman sitting across from me took out a piece of paper and a pen. I looked up and noticed her looking at my book and writing something on the paper.

She looked up and smiled and said, "oh don't mind me, I am just writing down the name of your book, it looks so interesting."

"Yes, it is a fascinating book, it just came out and I cannot put it down," I replied.

"Well I am interested because I am a farmer and we have a lot of animals on our farm: cows, pigs, chickens, etc, and I think it would be interesting to read. Are you a farmer?" she asked.

"No I am not a farmer, but if you are, then I highly recommend that you read this book." I smiled somewhat triumphantly.

A Life-Changing Book
I have been a vegetarian for 11 years, unwilling to eat anything that required "killing" an animal. After reading "The Pig Who Sang to the Moon", I cannot with a good conscience continue to eat the foods produced by animals/birds. The suffering they endure for my benefit cannot be justified. I am now beginning my path toward veganism and the small, but necessary, contribution I can make to alleviate the suffering of animals for the selfishness of man.

Spreading our Empathy
Masson is doing important work here. Those that accuse him of sentimentalism or anthropomorphism don't understand the project. All Masson is trying to do is generate a little consistancy between our feeling towards the animals in homes and the one on our plates. Perhaps some people will read this book and decide we should start eating dogs and cats. However, Masson rightly expects that most people would sooner pull all animals off the menu.

No substitue for science
This book substitutes anecdotes and conjecture for science. It is obvious that the author is more interested in spreading his biased point of view than he is in providing any subjective information. ... Read more

Book Description

The first and only field guide to offer comprehensive coverage of the African continent, this guide sends the reader on a virtual safari. All the birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects are brought to life, and the parks and reserves for which the continent is famous are described in thorough detail. This guide is packed with 577 stunning color photographs of African habitats and animals, and provides a wealth of information on more than 850 species compiled by veteran safari leaders and experts in African wildlife. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Essential book for safari
I just got back from a two week safari in Tanzania and both of my guides raved about my book. They each had books with pictures of birds and animals, not actual photos. The descriptions in this book are accurate, the photos beautiful, and the price is well worth it. I ended up giving my copy to my guide when he took me to the Serengeti airstrip for my trip home. I'm ordering another copy now!

Must-have Reference for Safari Goers!
This is a great reference guide to African wildlife. It could be used on safari to identify some animals or acquire additional information about already well know animals. It can also be used at home to read about the animal behavior, habitats and national parks of Africa. The book has wonderful collection of photographs useful for identification of many species. It also lists national parks and other sanctuaries by country. There are photographs of different wildlife habitats and a chapter explaining the geography of African continent. This is a very useful book, which could be used in many different ways to enjoy or gather information about the wildlife of the African continent. I recommend this guide to anybody interested in the natural history of Africa.

A Very Informative Book
This book gives you everything you need to know about the biogeography of Africa and many of the animals found in Africa. Pictures of the animals and land of Africa make it especialy helpful.

The best book in it's subject I have found.
We had just returned from our 17 day African Safari vacation. Many photographs were taken while on Safari. When the photo were developed my wife and I had a hard time remembering all the amimals we saw. This book has excellent quality and a large amount color photographs of African Wildlife. It doesn't stop there, The facts and information the author shares is phenomenal!

THE Book for Anyone studying taxonomy of African Mammals
This book has it all. It has a wonderful array of illustrations, each with the Scientific name below it, and it has wonderful sections for each African animal. This is a wonderful book, and as a taxonomist, I have used it in many different ways. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When an animal is truly a family member, you want to communicate with itas completely as you do with human members, but how? Amelia Kinkade is here to show you, with plenty of tools for direct and serious conversation with your four-legged friends. Foes of anthropomorphism, beware: if you don't assume that animals have similar emotional responses to ours, you're liable to find this book a bunch of hooey. Kinkade's techniques involve various methods of telepathy, from sending specific questions like "what's your favorite food?" to receiving emotions like sadness or joy. Her years of experience working with pet owners and rescue services give Kinkade a wealth of fascinating stories. Conversations relayed between unhappy animals and their humans can be instructive to an amazing point--one horse knew he needed an iron supplement, while a cancer-ridden dog apologized to his owner for being "such a burden."Simple ideas seem relatively easy to trade. When leaving for a weekend trip, it's easy to observe an agitated dog or kitty. Calmly relaying facts about how long you'll be gone and what she should expect while you're gone can go a long way toward solving everything from tummy upsets to malicious shredding of furniture. More advanced students of Kinkade's methods can visually find specific causes of pain in animals and listen to what they need from their humans to heal. As with other books on telepathy, you won't find research or studies here. But if you have an open mind and willingness to experiment, Straight from the Horse's Mouth can open up satisfying new dimensions in your relationships with all animals. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A Rare Gem Filled with Wisdom, Heart, and Practical Tools!
As an author, speaker, and publisher, lots and lots and LOTS of books come before me. All kinds of books of many different qualities. It takes a really good book with wisdom, heart, and writing skill to get my attention. Straight From the Horse's Mouth really got my attention. This is a rare find! Amelia Kinkade has a gift. She can read animals' minds -- and souls. If you are a pet lover like me, you have probably spent a lot of time wondering what your dog or cat or horse or bird is really thinking and wanting. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to ask your animal friend questions and get answers, just as you would from another person? Maybe even better answers, since animals, unlike humans, are honest ALL the time. This book is a rare gem, not just for the fascinating stories Amelia shares about her own experiences with animal communication, but because she teaches you how to talk to your animal yourself. I tried the simple exercises, and they really work. Using these techniques, I asked my dog some questions about who he likes to stay with when I am gone, and he told me. Actually, I just listened. I realized that he is always broadcasting his intentions; I just have to be open to hear what he is saying. Now when we are at various choice points I tune in to him, and I get some pretty clear information. We have a whole new depth of relationship! When I read material related to psychology or spirituality, I feel for the ring of truth. The moment I opened up Straight From the Horse's Mouth, I felt that resonance loud, clear, and deep. Amelia has done her homework. She has practiced her art for a long time and built some very intuitive skills. There is no substitute for the genuine article. Most valuable to me, Amelia writes from the heart. She comes from a place of deep sincerity and total honesty. As a person, she is transparent -- nothing to hide, no pretensions; what you see is what you get. How refreshing! I trust her words and her work. She is here to learn and serve. Plus, she's a hoot! I found myself chuckling time and again at her stories. She happens to be a great writer, mostly for her utter naturalness. She has a remarkable command of language and metaphor, which keeps the book moving and absorbing. Even if I weren't interested in animal communication, I would find this to be a remarkable manual for psychic and soul development. Don't be limited by the title or the subject matter -- there is profound wisdom and insight here. You probably get the idea by now. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. I would give it more stars than five if they let me. I am recommending it to all of my friends who have pets and love animals. I would recommend Straight from the Horse's Mouth, four paws up, to anybody who wants to develop their ability to find love, beauty, compassion, and healing in the natural world, including yourself.

*ATTENTION ANIMAL LOVERS*
I do have to say, if I could rate this book with more than five stars, I most definetly would...I have read Amelia Kinkade's Straight from the Horse's Mouth: How to Talk to Animals and Get Answers cover to cover and it was such a wonderful inspiration to all who love and adore their animal friends...Amelia Kinkade certainly breaks it down to you on how to do animal communication and it seems simple enough...She adds wonderful stories from her experiences that will make you laugh, cry, and really make you think...I have to say my favorite part even though it was in the end, was the Epilouge: Rodney's Command Performance...I read it over and over...It made me cry yet feel hopeful, but I won't spoit it for those who haven't read this book...But all in all, it's very inspirational and I'm so greatful this book is avaliable to help us better understand and get closer with our animal friends.

The Most Amazing Book I've Ever Read!
Never before have I finished a book and immediately turned around and started reading it again. It's that great! Amelia's style of writing has the reader enthralled and you can't wait to read more. I laughed and I cried at her stories. I'd always been more of a "dog person" before but after reading about her cats I have much more respect for them. This book should be compulsory reading in all schools. Can't wait for Amelia's next book.

Straight talk for us confused humans
What can I say, this book kicks arse! I've been to Amelia's interactive 2 day lectures, and would NEVER have thought of attending had I not read her book and thirsted for more! The book is dotted with medetations to help us break down our intellectual processes, so we become open to what our animal friends are telling us. It flows with stories from Amelia's life and keeps you fully entertained with her wit while jerking a tear or two from your eyes. If you are interested in animal communications-and who wouldn't be?-This book is for you.

This is an amazing guide.
I have worked with animals for over 15 years and have been told that I had a gift of communicating with animals to calm them.
A friend recommended this book to me because of watching me work with animals,and after using this I have been able to talk with my clients pets.
I know it sounds crazy, I don't have actual conversations but I see pictures and occassionally get some words.
I wish I had room enough to tell all the things that I have been able to convey to their owners.
If anyone would like actual situations please e-mail and I'd be more then happy to share them.
This has been the first book to help me understand exactly what the animals want or are going through.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants or has that special connection with animals, it's the most amazing feeling when you can think about the animal and have him show you what he would like to do or what is bothering him. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Modoc is the joint biography of a man and an elephant born in a small German circus town on the same day in 1896. Bram was the son of an elephant trainer, Modoc the daughter of his prize performer. The boy and animal grew up devoted to each other. When the Wunderzircus was sold to an American, with no provision to take along the human staff, Bram stowed away on the ship to prevent being separated from his beloved Modoc. A shipwreck off the Indian coast and a sojourn with a maharajah were only the beginning of the pair's incredible adventures. They battled bandits, armed revolutionaries, cruel animal trainers, and greedy circus owners in their quest to stay together. They triumphed against the odds and thrilled American circus audiences with Modoc's dazzling solo performances, only to be torn apart with brutal suddenness, seemingly never to meet again. Hollywood animal trainer Ralph Helfer rescued Modoc from ill-treatment and learned her astonishing story when Bram rediscovered her at Helfer's company. His emotional retelling of this true-life adventure epic will make pulses race and bring tears to readers' eyes.--Wendy Smith ... Read more

Reviews (97)

Best show & Elephant on earth - Best book on earth
"Modoc is a love story, a gut wrenching saturday afternoon kind of love story that should not be attempted without a full box if tissues within easy reach."- Detroit free press This quote is on the front cover of Modoc and is definetly true. Modoc is the best yet saddest book i have ever read. i have read a lot of books and Modoc is the only one in which i have actually cried in. This book doesn't even have to be for animal lovers to like. Modoc shows how close animals and people really are and how smart animals really can be. Modoc is a story of a boy named Bram and his elephant Modoc and the journeys he and the boy have together. some sad, some exciting, and some just plain fun. i reccomend this book to anybody of any age i am only 11 years old and still truly enjoyed this book. It is truly the best book i have ever read.

heartwarming, breathtaking, and wonderfully written for all
Modoc has to be the most amazing story ever told about one's love for the animal kingdom. I was astonished with the retold accounts throughout the text........always reading on to find out what happened next to Bram and his beloved Modoc. I can honestly say it is my favorite book of all time for it touched my heart and actually did bring tears to my eyes as I completed it aboard an airline. I've handed it down to my sister to be read to my 6-year-old nephew. He's intrigued with the story and loves hearing it aloud. It's a book for all ages indeed!

Awesome book!
I normally dont like reading books at all. I always catch myself thinking about different things like whats going on in my life, and not remebering anything that i just read. When i read Modoc, i caught myself thinking about other things, however those other things were everything thats been going on in modoc's life other than my own.

Fascinating Story
This is truely one of the best books I have ever read. It is a touching and poignant story of the relationship between a boy/man and his elephant. No other story that I have read has captured the bond between human and animal as convincingly as this. Other reviewers are too hung up on the accuracy of the author's claim that the story is true. He clearly states at the beginning that there is a certain amount of "hearsay" and poetic license taken with the story. I could not put this book down. It hooked me from the beginning and didn't let go until long after I had read the book. This book begs to be made into a movie. Don't miss it.

AN ENDEARING STORY FOR ALL
This is the most touching and beautiful story I have ever read. I am grateful to Ralph Helfer for telling it. I would recommend the book to everyone. ... Read more

Book Description

A Step-by-Step Program for Communicating With Your Animals

The humananimal spiritual connection is a powerful one. In this astounding guide, renowned animal communicator Carol Gurney draws upon fifteen years of successful communication with animals to offer animal lovers what they’ve always longed for: a simple, effective method for “listening to” and communicating with their animals.

Based on her successful 7-step HeartTalk ProgramSM, which has already helped thousands of people understand their basic telepathic connection with animals, Gurney outlines the principles of “heart-to-heart” communication, showing you how to open your heart to a more meaningful connection with the animals you love. Learn how to:

* Understand your animal’s needs, feelings, and innermost thoughts so you can discover who he or she really is

* Develop long-distance communication skills to locate lost or stolen animals

* Understand animals’ physical feelings so you can help comfort them when they are sick or injured

* Emotionally prepare yourself for the death of your beloved animal

* Discover how animals can be your best teachers in helping you to love yourself

* Actually communicate telepathically with the loving beings that share your world!

Animals are not only our loyal companions; they are our guides, our healers, our link to the simple wisdom of the natural world. Filled with amazing real-life stories of humananimal communication, The Language of Animals is a must for every animal enthusiast–and a loving gift to the engaging, expressive animals who have so much to share.

... Read more

Reviews (10)

a little too "touchy feely"
What I liked about the book was that it gave me validations on some "communications" I've received from my dogs. Their communication came to me the way she said they could. Their thought or opinion just flashed into my brain from their brain. They don't have to be looking at you; thoughts from them just come, like she says in her book. She says to be "open" to your animal, to let them "say" whatever they want. I did this, and one of my adopted strays brought up things like "I've had a hard life" and "I had to run from cars a lot". When I asked my other dog about her previous life (also a rescue dog) she said "I was bad", meaning she fought w/the other household dogs.
Now, my husband would say that I picked up these things because of prior information I may have already known about them, or was obvious. But after reading her book, I don't think so...
I also liked how she taught us how to communicate with our minds to our animals, explaining things clearly to them. The dogs act like they aren't paying attention, but they are-- just like she says in her book.
I don't have the time or patience to "meditate" for long periods, as she recommends, in order to reach your "center" where you can communicate w/animals. That part seemed a little too touchy feely.
I am glad I read this book, and glad that I have it on my bookshelf. It had some helpful "tidbits" and the examples of what SHE did were interesting to read but don't think it is practical enough to recommend. I certainly don't feel like I can go out and understand the thoughts of animals because I read this book, but maybe it's because I'm not willing to put in all the "touchy feely" time that may be needed to do it. However, it did give me a few tips for communicating w/my own dogs.

Connecting To Your Animal's Heart And Soul
Gifted Animal Communicator Carol Gurney has written an easy to read book which covers all aspects of learning to communicate with your pet. It also explains to the reader from a spiritual aspect why your pet is in your life and how they teach us important life lessons, especially about love. The book also covers many aspects of pet ownership including specific help with lost animals, issues surrounding death and dying and solving behavior problems.
I found it to be a sensitive, compassionate book with many anecdotal stories from Carol's years as a professional Animal Communicator. No one will ever look at an animal again and not see the wisdom and love that resides in each animal and how they enrich our lives.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper, more personal relationship with their animal. A must read!

The Language of Animals: 7 steps to Communicating with Anima
Very informational. Her techniques really do help communicate with our companions.

Outstanding communication guide
Outstanding guide for communicating with the heart, soul and mind of your beloved pet. Gives deep insight into the workings of an animal's thoughts and feelings. You will never look at your dog or cat the same way again! Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).

the best animal communication book on the market
This book was highly recommended by my dog's animal communicator. I found it easy to use and just plain fun. Even sceptics could enjoy the exercises presented. ... Read more

Book Description

From the authors of A Gap in Nature, a breathtaking visual adventure showcasing ninety of the world's most astounding creatures. Sumptuous birds of paradise, amazing soft-shell turtles, frogs that look like tomatoes, and terrifying fish (including the deep-water angler fish from Finding Nemo) are just some of the extraordinary creatures that can be found in Tim Flannery and Peter Schouten's new book, Astonishing Animals. Superbly illustrated in lifelike full-color paintings, Astonishing Animals details ninety of the world's most amazing animals from around the world. In this book you will find the Hairy Seadevil, the spectacular Sulawesi Naked Bat, and in the depths of the limestone caves in Slovenia, the Olm, a pink, four-legged, sightless salamander that lives for a hundred years. In fascinating vignettes, Flannery offers the true evolutionary tale of how each of these bizarre creatures came to look the way they do. Alongside each historical account is a stunning hand-painted color reproduction (life-size in the original painting) by Schouten. Filled with purple-faced apes, jagged-toothed dolphins, and antlered lizards, Astonishing Animals is a remarkable collection of the world's most incredible creatures and the stories behind their remarkable survival into a modern age. ... Read more

Book Description

At the biological crossroads of the Americas, Costa Rica hosts an astonishing array of plants and animals--over half a million species! Ecotourists, birders, and biologists come from around the world to immerse themselves in the country's unspoiled rain forests, mountains, and beaches, drawn by the likelihood of seeing more than three or four hundred species of birds and other animals during even a short stay. To help all of these visitors and local residents identify and enjoy the wildlife of Costa Rica, this field guide presents nearly three hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, and other invertebrates.Carrol Henderson, an experienced wildlife biologist, traveler, and tour leader in Costa Rica, has chosen the species that ecotourists are most likely to see, along with a selection of rarer, sought-after animals. He gives a general introduction to each group of animals, followed by individual species accounts that highlight identification features and interesting ecological adaptations for survival. His stunning close-up photographs and distribution maps complete each entry.In addition, Henderson includes a wealth of data about Costa Rica's natural environment, as well as a trip preparation checklist and lists of conservation organizations, wildlife tourism sites, and wildlife vocalization tapes and CDs. With so much information so readily and readably accessible, this field guide will be essential for planning and enjoying your time in Costa Rica. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

beautiful and essential
At a hefty 600 pages this collection has something for everyone--and manages not to skimp on the essentials or pad itself with filler. Though it would serve well as an introduction, "Field Guide to the Wildlife of Costa Rica" is even better as a companion (especially to my favorite book on the country, "Costa Rica: The Last Country The Gods Made").

Dont let the title of this book fool you.
I bought this book because I wanted a field guide to tropical wildife. Since Audubon and Peterson do not offer guides of this sort I went out on a limb. This book is definately not a field guide, but a desk reference. If you want to quickly identify the birds you are seeing, this is by no means the book to have. There are wonderful pictures and great descriptions, but the layout of the book takes time to find what you are looking for. It should also be noted that this is predominantly a guide to the birds of costa rica, there are less than a dozen insects mentioned and about the same number of reptiles/amphibians. Overall good information on the birds and few other animals listed, but terrible format. One final thought- this is not a light book to have in your backback hiking through backcountry Costa Rica. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Like a hospice worker, author Rita M. Reynolds cares for sick and dying animals, helping them comfortably cross the threshold into death. At times, Blessing the Bridge reads like a kindly vet's instruction book, teaching basic skills in respectfully handling a dying animal, whether it's a newborn bird that's fallen from its nest or a beloved dog that's terminally ill. Readers learn ways to make an animal comfortable, such as laying wild animals to rest in beds of flowers or letting domestic animals die in a human's arms. What separates Reynolds from other authors that write about caring for sick and dying animals is her willingness to take the process into a more intuitive and spiritual realm. Reynolds offers suggestions for how to dialogue with dying animals to find out their preferences--whether they wish to die on their own or die through the mercy of euthanasia. She also believes in divine and angelic influences when it comes to helping animals cross over: "Much like the physician or midwife who helps the mother and infant through the birthing process, the angelic ones stand ready to assist those who are dying, but from the other side to speak, waiting on the spirit side of the bridge called death." There is no question in Reynolds's mind that animals possess unique souls or that they move onto an afterlife. She even tells of seeing the spirits of dead animals visiting her. Many of her lessons are conveyed through real-life stories, where we witness how she simultaneously releases and embraces dying animals. Like The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this book has functional appeal and spiritual longevity. Reynolds shows us how to ritualize and soothe animals' deaths, while also offering us abiding wisdom about life on earth. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Blessing the Bridge
Blessing the Bridge not only explores what animals teach us about dying, it celebrates the life of many beings--from a spider who appreciates good music to a duck who teaches a powerful lesson in letting go. Sandwiched inbetween are tales of beloved dogs and other companion animals--each bears a gift the author accepts and shares with the readers of this book. Blessing the Bridge will fill your heart with joy and your brain with practical ways to cross that bridge when you come to it. I highly recommend this book!

A spiritual collection of stories about the animals
Author Rita Reynolds draws upon more than twenty years of experience working with sick and dying animals to alleviate their suffering in her new book, Blessing The Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, And Beyond, a spiritual collection of stories about the animals that touched her life. This is more than a volume of advice for grieving the loss of a pet; Blessing The Bridge is a pioneer journey toward deeper understanding between animals and humans. With a nonsecular perspective on death and renewal, inspirational stories, and unlimited compassion, Blessing The Bridge is a memorable and gentle work of heartfelt emotion.

BLESSINGS THE BRIDGE
THIS BOOK WAS JUST AMAZING. I HAVE READ SO MANY DOG RELATED BOOKS BUT THIS ONE OUT SHINES THEM ALL. I HAD LOST MY 14 YEAR OLD BASSET HOUND TO CANCER AND A YEAR AFTER HER DEATH I BOUGHT THIS BOOK. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT ALL THE SIGNS AND SIGNALS SHE WAS SENDING ME WERE CONFIRMED IN RITA'S WRITINGS. YOU WOULD NO BE DOING YOURSELF JUSTICE BY NOT READING THIS BOOK. THANK YOU

Connecting with animals, connecting with ourselves...
Those who are dying are often the best equipped to teach us about the mysteries of death and the wonder of living. This is no exception with animals. Rita Reynolds has worked with sick and dying animals for over 20 years at her animal sanctuary in Virginia. Not only has she comforted a wide variety of animals in their final hours, helping them to die with peace, grace and dignity, but she has listened to them and learned.

The day before Rita's beloved dog Oliver died, he communicated to her the importance of sharing such moments rather than drowning in grief. "Everything is as it is meant to be," reassured Oliver. "And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come." As Rita was to learn in all matters of life and death, there is only the moment - and, "love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters."

Reynolds' book is both a spiritual and practical guide. Including her personal story of creating a hospice as well as the stories of many animals who have shared their wisdom and insights, Rita also suggests a variety of tools for helping sick, old or dying animals - from prayers and flower essences to massage, chants and healing music. As we help our animals to be comfortable, to lose fear and transition effortlessly, gracefully (or, as each body needs to do - sometimes with noise and fanfare) across the bridge called death, we lessen the fear within ourselves.

Rita covers some difficult topics as well: how to know when euthanasia is appropriate; how to let go of a beloved animal companion; what to do once an animal has passed; and how to open to the larger understanding that death can be beautiful and that each being, human and animal alike, brings us a unique gift. In all cases, Rita offers many ways to deepen our connection, not only with the dying but with the living, and with the deeper aspects of ourselves.

Blessing The Bridge
This is an amazing book! I personally appreciated the author's reverence for all life forms. To be able to look deeply and appreciate the lives of everything from the largest life forms, those creatures that we all are used to having share our lives, to those less common ones or those we often ignore or distance ourselves from, is something I truly honor and respect. I could relate to the author's childhood experience of feeling that she was "different" because she felt so connected to nature and animals, even more so than to many humans sometimes. I, too, felt the same connection as a child - a feeling that continues still. Each individual story is touching in its own way. Each story brought tears to my eyes as I felt the depth of love flowing between the author and each life form as well as the love flowing from one animal to another. Death is difficult whether it is an animal or a human. However, to be able to be there and honor the soul as it makes its transition, is an experience I've had many times and one that I cherish as does Rita. Read the book and experience the love between two ducks, or the wonderful interactions between the author and a spider, or the story of a lady bug, or the strength of a little mouse! Stories that are real and touching and yet most people don't even let the experience happen. It is very sad that they therefore miss out on experiencing a special joy and connection. Rita is a gift to this world in her ability to share her feelings of compassion, to give love and comfort and to be able to love enough to release, to let go, and to set free when the time has come. This book isn't just for animal lovers, it's for anyone who honors life. The stories and lessons contained in the book apply to life in general. The book is a strong reminder to everyone that "kindness uplifts the world." ... Read more