Book Description

Without diatribes or preaching, Karen Lee Stevens informs us about how to get along better with our animal companions and how to fine-tune the way we think about our fellow earthlings, how to curb pet overpopulation, how to coexist with wildlife, and how to avoid products that were made with cruel methods. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A must-read guide and reference for every animal lover
All For Animals: Tips And Inspiration For Living A More Compassionate Life by Karen Lee Stevens (founder of All For Animals, a pro-animal organization based in Santa Barbara, California) is a straightforward, detailed, "pet owner friendly" guide to living a life kind to animals. Stevens' informed advice ranges from purchasing household products and cosmetics that have not been animal tested, to spaying and neutering to curb pet overpopulation, to making healthier food choices. All For Animals is a must-read guide and reference for every animal lover, and a very useful consumer information resource for the shopper who wants to know which brand-name companies have a cruelty-free track record.

Ms. Stevens is a teacher in the best sense of the word
This book truly has a "sleeper" effect. It comes off as unassuming and just generally pleasant, and when I finished reading it I sort of shrugged and thought, "Well, what a nice little book."

Ha! The truth is, this book is quietly but steadily reshaping my life. I guard against being strident towards others and generally despise "confrontation," but All for Animals has helped me learn that in the past I've been completely silent where this wasn't necessary. This book has suggested to me a peaceable yet strong way to express myself to others in the context of hurt toward animals. I suspect this is because it has given me a whole new way to talk to myself on the subject.

For instance: this week at work I found myself getting up and walking around my cubicle and engaging myself in a conversation with a fellow who was talking about killing chickens for research and tossing off casual remarks like "Well, if you have to kill an animal, why not a chicken?"

We had a spirited yet amicable discussion. In the end, the fact that I've been a mostly a vegetarian since I was a teenager wasn't sufficient ammunition against the fact I was wearing leather shoes. But because the discussion was kept at a friendly level, what I took away from it wasn't animosity against this other person, but self-examination about those leather shoes. Had I not read this "nice little book," I know I would have overheard my coworker and thought, momentarily, "Gosh, that's not right," but brushed it off and not got up and talked with him. And was I beating myself over the head about wearing leather? No, not at all: I was just calmly (but steadily) wondering about it.

Karen Lee Stevens has something special to offer in a world that stampedes to become polarized and politicized around animals as an "issue." The deep beauty of this book is its ability to reach out to the human species with warmth and subtle depth and say: I understand that you can't do everything all at once, just try this one little thing and see if you like it. I am eager to see Ms. Stevens continue and expand upon the gifts she has to offer, and I challenge savvy booksellers to place this title not just among the animal-related offerings but in the (human)self-improvement category as well.

Be a friend to the animals!
Wondering how you can help animals? The new book "All for Animals: Tips and Inspiration for Living a More Compassionate Life" by Karen Lee Stevens helps answer that question. This book is full of simple, easy ways to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. For example, buy household and personal care products that haven't been tested on animals, have a meat-free meal, attend an animal-free circus, voice your opinions against dissection of animals in the classroom and show your support for animal protection legislation. "All for Animals" includes interesting animal rescue stories written by people who share what they learned from these encounters and the profound emotional rewards they received. In all these instances, the animals were saved from lonely, painful lives and introduced into environments where they were loved and well cared for. "All for Animals" also includes a reading list for those interested in learning more about animal issues, a list of on-line resources, and a list of companies that don't test their products on animals. "All for Animals" isn't preachy, overly sentimental, or graphic to shock you to into living a more humane, compassionate life. It simply offers information on how to be more animal-friendly in ways that makes sense. You'll learn to love and appreciate your companion animals more deeply as well as respect the rights of all animals to a peaceful existence.

Unconditional Love
We love our animals and they love us-unconditionally. This book by Karen Lee Stevens is about those very special companions.

Do you have a special animal companion in your life? When you look into his or her eyes, what do you see? Do you consider this animal an integral part of your life--a member of the family? Most of us give our companion animals a great deal of affection and would never allow them to be hurt, abandoned, or abused. In return, they give us unconditional love and devotion.

This book allows you to explore many ways in which you can show even more love and appreciation for your own companion animals and gives you the opportunity for learning how to co-exist with all the animals who share our earth.

All for Animals doesn't describe painful animal experiments or show graphic pictures of animal suffering. Instead, the book offers quick and easy ways you can be kinder to animals and treat them with more respect. Even if you choose to do only a few things suggested in this book, you'll feel good about yourself for helping the animals.

Each chapter in All for Animals contains an uplifting, inspiring story about animals by such well-known authors as Gina Spadafori (author of Dogs for Dummies, Cats for Dummies, and Birds for Dummies) and Greg Louganis, Olympic gold-medal diving champion (For the Life of Your Dog), coauthored with Betsy Sikora Siino.

Additionally, story contributions have been made by Pets: Part of the Family, pets.com, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the National Humane Education Society, and many others.

Karen Lee Stevens is the founder of ALL FOR ANIMALS, a Santa Barbara, California-based pro-animal organization. Karen's love of animals began in early childhood where she spent countless hours as a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Humane Society. Through her Web site, online newsletter, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles, Karen seeks to educate consumers about cruelty-free living and respect for all animals. A graduate of San Diego State University's Business Administration and Marketing program, Karen now makes her home in Santa Barbara, California.

I enjoyed reading about Karen and Cassidy and I learned a lot about animals. As a publisher, author of 27 Books, 109 revised editions, six translations and over 500 magazine articles, I, too, love to write with a furry friend on my desk. My late cat Cricket helped me for more than 20 years. His passing resulted in a book about aging, declining, grieving and memorializing cats: The Older Cat: Recognizing Decline & Extending Life.

I recommend Karen's book to everyone who likes to read about animals. You will discover the responsibilities of animal guardians and what you can do to help our companions...

Great resourses & tips from an animal champion and lover.
I am delighted to have Karen's book in my possession and would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, owners or not. Karen writes that the purpose of this book is to allow "you to explore [the] many ways in which you can show even more love and appreciation for your companion animals and gives you the opportunity for learning how to peacefully coexist with all the animals who share our earth." You don't have to be an animal owner or an activist to play a crucial role in their well-being. In fact, most change for the better will take place through the everyday choices ordinary individuals like you and I make. Things like, picking up fallen fruit to discourage wild animals from coming onto your property, or feeding feral cats, adopting older pets, or not placing "free to a good home" ads. This book is written by someone who truly loves animals and cares about their well-being. Rather than make us feel guilty, this book equips us with a myriad of options. You don't have to be a vegan or have a houseful of rescued animals to be playing an important role in their lives. Start where you are and do what you can - at the end of the day everyone's actions, small and large, are what counts. That's the message I take from this book. There is something here for everyone - from animal-friendly products to purchase; to organizations to join, places to volunteer and where to send letters of concern; right down to things we can all do right near home to make the lives of animals a little better. Karen has done animal lovers and advocates everywhere a great service in writing All For Animals. I suggest you keep this book close at hand as a reference, and buy one for a friend. ... Read more

Book Description

Containing over 900 entries, this comprehensive guide provides students with books and accompanying web sites covering every aspect of animal rights, from vegetarianism to vivisection to feminist perspectives on the topic. Entries, which provide materials with varying viewpoints, are arranged alphabetically in six different chapters that address specific issues, such as fatal uses of animals and animal populations, encompassing the whole of the animal rights debate. This unique and user-friendly organization allows researchers to make a quick determination of which topics are of interest and which chapter has related materials, while annotations for each entry help the user choose the most appropriate of these materials. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding resource and guide
The volume of information contained in this book is impressive. As a newcomer to the area of animal rights, I cannot think of a better place to start. This book provides both a comprehensive research tool, and an excellent overview of the many aspects of animal rights.
The ability to compare the general content and tone of several books on a particular topic is very useful. Scanning through the entries is informative and thought provoking, in large part due to the author's comments and questions. Without claiming one side or the other, he challenges many traditional ways of thinking about the issues involved, and introduces alternative views. I found myself prompted to look at other aspects of animal rights that I had not considered before. An outstanding resource for anyone interested in any aspect of animal rights. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great whaling history.
This is a really good piece of work. I'm a maritime history buff and I enjoyed it a lot. If you're at all interested in the early history of the New England states or especially interested in Nantucket and the way people there made their fortunes, I'd give this book a try. It's a good history that reads like a good novel in places. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Many commentators and users of the Bible have, over the centuries and up to the present day, used the Bible to argue that animals have no rights, that they were put on this earth for our use, and that we have no obligations to them.

In his cogent, honest, and fully researched and referenced work, The Dominion of Love, Norm Phelps attempts to encourage all who revere the Bible as holy scripture to open their hearts to the suffering that we inflict upon our nonhuman neighbors. He shows that the right of animals not to be imprisoned, d, and killed for our benefit flows naturally from the Bible’s message of love and compassion and argues that this is the message of the Bible’s most important passages dealing with our relationship to animals. He further responds to the defenses of animal exploitation that are often made based on the Bible.

Beautifully written, The Dominion of Love is an essential addition to a growing body of literature that argues for a compassionate and non-exploitative reading of Holy Scripture.

"Phelps' book is a of close reading. It is sure to convince even the most conservative Christians that we still have much to learn from the Bible about compassion and stewardship. And animal rights advocates will discover that the Bible has been on the cutting edge of this movement all along." -Steven Webb, author, Good Eating

"After decades of neglect, churches are beginning to take the issue of justice to animals seriously. Many books have influenced this change, and The Dominion of Love is an insightful, judicious and inspiring contribution to this growing library." - The Rev. Dr. Andrew Linzey, Oxford University; author, Animal Theology ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A necessary read for anyone who eats...
Dr. Fox has written a concise, readable, and utterly non-extremist review of Agribusiness. I thought that when I opened this book, I might be faced with ranting and horrid pictures. Not the case. This book explores the political arena, the ethical arena, the consumer arena of our food chain. At the end of this chain rest the animals---pumped with drugs and hormones, living unhealthy lives and passing that dis-ease in their bodies onto us. We call it steak and breast meat. It is, in a sense, poison---really---and Fox shows us why and how. Beautifully done! ... Read more

Book Description

Captain Paul Watson has rammed fishing trawlers, smashed whaling ships, sailed boldly into Soviet-controlled waters, and stood bravely on an ice floe between a baby harp seal and an oncoming seal boat. In this daring and sprawling memoir, the captain of the Sea Shepherd recounts his remarkable life on the front lines in the war to stop the viscious slaughter of the Canadian harp seal.

Seal Wars opens in 1996 with Paul Watson -- holed up in a hotel with Martin Sheen in the Magdalen Islands and facing an attacking mob of angry sealers -- being rescued by police and airlifted to safety. Watson recounts the childhood experiences that shaped his adult consciousness and environmental ethic. He records a history of the seal hunt (including all the tragedies, brutalities, and government mismanagement and obfuscation) from its beginning up to the rescue campaigns he courageously led from the prow of the Sea Shepherd.

Starting in 1976 with a Greenpeace crew off Labrador, Paul Watson has braved numerous forays onto the ice floes, many with such celebrities as Brigitte Bardot, Farley Mowat, Martin Sheen, and Pierce Brosnan. He has served time in prison, debated politicians, and quite often put his life on the line. In a passionate defense of environmental responsibility, Seal Wars guides us through the highs and lows, the defeats and successes of Watson's untiring devotion to this noble cause. ... Read more

Book Description

Bringing Life to Ethics continues in the tradition of Michael W. Fox's lifelong inquiry into values, social and personal relationships, and the treatment of animals, the environment, and each other. Fox, the popular nationally syndicated columnist of "Ask the Animal Doctor", uses the compass of global bioethics in this book--humility, responsibility, interdisciplinary and intercultural competence, and compassion--to counter technological, ecological, and value threats by pointing in the direction of a humane and sustainable society. Not intended to further the scholarly debate over what constitutes ethics, Fox brings ethics into our personal and professional lives. He shows how bioethics has immediate relevance and applicability to a wide range of public and private enterprises. ... Read more

Book Description

"The Weaning of America: The Case Against Dairy Products" is a collection of essays on health, humane education, environmental ethics, animal rights, and vegetarian philosophy/vegan philosophy. The title essay presents the health, economic, ecological and ethical reasons not to consume milk and other dairy products. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Weaning of America
Review for The Weaning of America, by Don Lutz From William Hammock

The Weaning of America by Don Lutz is subtitled The Case Against Dairy Products and it certainly is that, but the book is much more. Lutz includes twelve other essays in which he examines the relationship between humans and other animals. Lutz clearly shows the underlying assumptions of our culture that have led us to the irrational separation between humans and the other creatures on earth. He makes a strong case for re-examining the ways that we think about cows, deer, pets and even fish. It is well worth the price for the reading list alone, which is included.

The Weaning of America
A PROVOCATIVE BOOK ON HUMAN CULTURE

"The Weaning of America", by Don Lutz, is a collection of essays addressing what the author calls environmental ethics. He explores issues through a variety of disciplines, including religion, philosophy, social psychology, cultural anthropology, holistic health and nutrition.

Beginning with the title essay, Lutz gives a concise, yet comprehensive statement about the consumption of dairy products. He explains how the milk of mammals varies significantly from species to species: cow's milk is best for cows, human milk is best for humans. Dairy products have been linked to a long list of diseases, including osteoporosis, despite the fact that some doctors and dietitians still advise people to drink milk to prevent bone loss. There is also a connection between dairy products and the four major killers as well -- heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

He goes on to explain that raising animals for human consumption, be it their milk or their flesh, is a very inefficient way to feed people. Animal agriculture, we discover, wastes more resources, and causes more environmental destruction than any other human activity. And because of the misuse of resources, is the primary cause of human starvation.

Making the convincing argument that we have no need to consume dairy products (or dead animals), Lutz argues that it is then clearly illogical and immoral to confine, exploit and slaughter them by the billions, simply for profit. He details the sad life experience of farm animals, especially the sons of dairy cows, veal calves. And only humans, he reminds us, reject and refuse the natural process of weaning.

Other essays include, 'Mixed Messages', which offers a fresh perspective on issues including television, role models and organized religion. A critical look at drug abuse, our acceptance of the damage done by legal drugs, and the failure of the 'war on drugs' make provocative reading.

In 'The Ultimate Hypocrisy', Lutz examines the origins of speciesism, and illustrates its causal connection to racism and sexism. In 'An Appetite for War', he exposes a similar link between animal agriculture and organized warfare. In the last of thirteen thoughtful essays, he makes the logical and ethical argument for vegetarianism. The recurring theme of this book is that there are a number of human ideas about our relationship to nature, and especially animals, that need desperately to be weaned from human culture. The most important being the philosophy of human supremacy, an egoistic belief system that has led to great suffering for all the inhabitants of this planet, including humans. Of potential value to all readers, "The Weaning of America" may be of special benefit to health professionals, teachers and new parents. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dombrowski discusses the core of a liberationist argument.
Daniel Dombrowski discusses the core issues of a popular argument of animal liberationists.This book covers the most prominent philosopher's arguments for and against the argument from marginal cases.He discussesthe main issues without getting into non-animal philosophicaldiscussions--you don't have to be a utilitarian, contractualist, or anyother brand to listen to his arguments.Also, while presenting his casefor liberation, he avoids the dogmatism that is prevalent amongstproponents and opponents of animal liberation.This is an excellent bookand I recommend it to everyone--for everybody is affected if we agree withhis thesis.That is, we should stop eating, experimenting, or wearinganimals. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Overview of a Complex Subject
The focus of this book is our relationship to what is often termed "wilderness" and to the various flora and fauna that inhabit it. Particularly, Dizzard examines the controversey surrounding a particular area in Massachusets. The story he tells, and this book reads like an good novel, is the larger story of the history of the white man's relationship with North American land, animals and plants. One chapter is a history of hunting here in the U.S.A. and is particularly illuminating, especially since the popular image of the recreational hunter seems to have changed so much.

Dizzard is obviously sympathetic towards the use of hunting as a valid and effective control on a particular deer population (in Massachusets)in this special case. However, he shows the problems that hunters create and some of the myths and outright lies that they perpetrate. As a hunter myself I think a book like this is long overdue. He also subjects members of the animal rights/anti-hunting community to the same scrutiny.

All in all, an excellent book for anti-hunters, hunters, and lovers of wildlife who wish to understand it better. Dizzard's objective style is much appreciated amidst all the polarized brouhhaha and pap that passes these days as either pro or anti hunting philosophy. ... Read more

Book Description

Lab Animal Abuse: Vivisection Exposed! is a comprehensive argument of issues against the use(and abuse)of animals in laboratory animal experimentation for both biomedical and commercial purposes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Praise to Covino
I must admit, I was ignorant of real animal abuse until I read Covino's detailed and thorough account of animal mistreatment and experimentation. Wow, what an eye opener!

Until I turned the pages of this comprehensive text, I relied on 20-20, Dateline, and other media to keep me informed about animal abuse. In addition, I would take heed from Bob Barker's words in his crusade to have fewer pets, no animal furs, etc. It all made good sense. And on occasion, I would also visit the local pet store and feel sorry for those neglected puppies trapped in a cage fit for a hamster. Yes that's animal neglect, but maybe just temporary until a good home is found. This book brings to the surface the consistent, if not sometimes permanent abuse of God's friendly animals. And they have no defense against the weapon of man's disregard for them.

The book also brings to light that the amount of animal abuse today is just staggering. I guess people forget animals have rights too. So who speaks for the cat, dog, mouse, or monkey that is subject to the daily doses of torture all in the interest of research? Simply no one. From the reading you'll get ideas what can be done to eliminate these painful laboratory experiments.

It's obvious Covino spent many months, if not years, in researching this subject. There are no exaggerations, false claims, or hypothetical theories in this well-written and lively text. It's all fact. Each chapter is footnoted with a comprehensive list of research that validates the animal victimization documented here.

I would like to see a PBS documentary based on the material in this book. (There's plenty of attention getting material to work with here.) Then maybe, just maybe, people would become more informed of animal abuse. True, the subject matter can be depressing and sad. But we should all be made aware of what many of God's animals have to endure on this earth. Read this excellent book and realize all creatures deserve their rights and their chance to serve their real purpose. Kudos to Joseph Covino, Jr. for bringing an important subject to our attention! ... Read more

Book Description

Not since the last spasm of mass extinctions swept this planet some 65 million years ago--the result of natural forces--have so many species, dinvidual animals and plants been threatened and obliterated. Michael Tobias' "Voices from the Underground" speaks directly from the trenches of that heart-breaking and preventable assault, painting a riveting picture of the crisis of human abuse, exploitation and cruelty towards animals. While documenting that human trespass, and the many legal loopholes and cultural blinders which have perpetuated it, Tobias' primary focus is the profiling of several heroic people who have devoted most of their lives to stopping cruelty and working with great courage and tenacity to persuade others of their ethical convictions. We follow the incredible exploits of such people as Gene and Lorri Bauston, the deeply sensitive and tenacious founders of Farm Animal Sanctuary; of Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, ecolical and ethical visionaries ! who founded and currently run the organization known as PETA--People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; Christine Stevens, a maverick on Capitol Hill whose Animal Welfare Institute has worked untiringly to improve the status of animals; and Rod Coronado, a Native American jailed for his animal liberation activities. This lean, eloquent volume chronicles a vast, but as yet woefully incomplete, wake-up call to all human beings, asking only for kindness, empathy and restraint. Tobias assesses the consumer trends and behavioral choices which have devastated billions of other lives, destroyed habitat and biodiversity throughout the world and thoughtlessly consigned one animal after another--whether mountain gorillas or the rural family cows and chickens--to mass, unmarked graves. In revealing some of the key figures who have helped slow down or halt society's crimes against nature, Tobias has laid the groundwork for a tenable path of truce and reconciliation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

nobody reviewed this book ????
Hard to believe!
such a thoroughly wonderful book!
I'm / was a starry-eyed volunteer at the roadside breeding "zoo"
Voices from the Underground provided me with a practical side of dealing with some sad situations.
I was thrilled to find out that the author loves (I assume) Father Teilhard De Chardin - Love of my life!
I wish I could contact the author - any idea how can he be reached?
Read this book!!!
To sweeten your life - I recommend reading "Dakar, A Wolf's Adventure" by Louis Dorfman who was my "starting point" and my inspiration in my involvement with wild animals. ... Read more

Book Description

Author's story of co-founding one of the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries in the Southwest. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Missed point
Good read. I think that Ms. Hillman totally missed the point. I would highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate writing from truth and one's own humility. Granted it is not all warm and fuzzy, but isn't that real life? .... And as far as the language, what bubble does she live in?

This book will change the way you look at animals and open your eyes to the unworthy people who are able to own them. Support your local no-kill animal shelters.

MAN AND BEAST
This has to go at the top of my list as one of the worst books I have ever tried to read. I didn't come away even feeling that Mr. Helton even liked most of the aniamls,that they were a burden, messy and expensive. The language used was pure filth, the only redeeming virtue is that untold numbers of animals have been rescued and placed, I hope the money I spent on this book goes to their care and upkeep, it will be the only way I felt it wan't totally wasted. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Realize how close you are...
You read this book and discover your true nature and how you fit in this world. Never have I felt that close to nature...

A heart-wrenching and powerful book everyone should read
Certainly the most influencial book I've ever read - it led to my pursuing a degree, becoming a vegan, and an animal rights activist. And a better person. The tales of misery endured by these brethren of our are a very difficult read for those who have the capacity to care selflessly about all life, but gives the reader a very genuine sencse of what they suffer at the hands of humans who would do anything to make money and enhance their careers. Visions of Caliban is a very sobering experience, and it's very difficult at points to read beyond a couple of pages, because the reality of what these horribly unfortunate beings is truly sadenning. If everyone read this book, chimpanzee research would come to a very sudden conclusion. Read this Book!

Read this book before its too late.
No more discussion about the abuses of chimpanzees in abstract terms. Peterson goes out to find out what specifically happens to specific chimpanzees and tracks their lives usually to their grim end. Dr. Goodall, the world's foremost expert on free chimapanzees contrasts Peterson with her insightful understanding which over thirty years of intimate knowledge of these great apes has given her. Sharing more than 98% of our genes with the chimpanzee and all of the cognitive and emotional similarities that go along with that, we need to rethink how we treat our closest living relative.

A very interesting read.
I enjoyed this book, though, the chapters describing how and why some people abuse so many of our primate cousins disturbed me greatly. This is a very emotional but good book to read for those who may be interested in primates and/or animal rights. ... Read more