Book:Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS:A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, ENTER TO WIN!

As many of you know who have followed Dakota’s blog for some time now,  I consider myself to be a “dog hobbyist or a pet parent.”  Dakota is the first dog that I have had the pleasure of sharing my home and life with as an adult, and the only other dog that I shared my life with was a Boxer named Brandy when I was a toddler. As a “dog hobbyist or a pet parent” there are red-flag topics that I felt that I wouldn’t broach on his blog, and were better left to those in the dog blogging world that I consider to be “Dog Experts, (either by virtue of their “pedigree” or their life experience).” What topics are those?

Health and Nutrition

I have always felt if I were going to attempt to discuss my red flag topics it would boil down to regurgitating information from the internet, but much of that information is difficult to understand, and taking the time to peruse it? Much worse! For those of you who are like me, “dog hobbyists or pet parents” and need and would like information and guidance from those that ARE “in-the-know”, our prayers have been answered! Enter  the book Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, which I am delighted to say was sent to me by the author, to share with all of YOU!

Click on the book cover to visit the publisher Rowman.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock is timely, informative, and delivers sensible information on topics of importance to all pet owners.  From reading pet food labels to storing food, from understanding appropriate calorie intake to food allergies, David Wellock helps readers better understand the dietary needs of their dogs and cats.

David G. Wellock is a “seasoned expert in the care and feeding of dogs and cats. He provides fact-filled, no nonsense, understandable information on the topics pet parents need to know in order to purchase and prepare food and develop an appropriate diet for their furry charges.”

For me, this is not a book that I would sit and read the way I would a novel, rather,  it is an invaluable resource that I will refer to again and again. Take a look at a few of the chapter topics and you will see why:

• The Rise of Pet Foods
• Shopping for your Pet’s Food
• How to Read a Pet Food Package
• Nutrition and Osteoarthritis
• Dental Details
• Urinary Disorders
• The Scoop on Poop

Want to know?

• About grain-free diets?
• Red-flag ingredients that should NEVER be in the food that you purchase

One of my personal favorites from this book is a list of:

Dave’s Table Scrap Rules:

• Leftovers designated for your pets should consist of lean meats and veggies
• All things in moderation
• Portion control

Just to name a few!

What I love about Dave, (yes, “Dave!”  is that his writing style isn’t lecturing, condescending or “preachy”, his style is such that you feel as if you can have a conversation with him without feeling intimidated!)  also,  that after fourteen years in the pet food business (he had opened his own store!), he is “still learning about cats and dogs and their nutrition and health issues.” Dave says: ” Much of the knowledge I have acquired over these years has come to me as a result of interaction with customers and their pets. My store became my school, and my customers and their pets my teachers. My opinions are anecdotal rather than scientific, based on my experiences in dealing with thousands of customers and their pets. Hopefully whatever passes for wisdom and insight on the pages of this book will benefit you, my fellow two-footers, in your dealings with those furry family members sharing your life.”

There you have it, a book written for the “dog hobbyist” (as I like to refer to myself) or as Dave lovingly says “parent of a pet” or  “paropet.” A book written in language that even I can make sense of, I am certain that you will be able to as well!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David G. Wellock is the owner/operator of a franchised Global Pet Foods store in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where he currently resides. 

ONE LUCKY PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE USA WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY (A $36 value!)!

HOW TO ENTER: just leave a comment telling me what your dog’s (or cat’s or pig’s or whatever!) favorite food is (the “favorite food” can be “people food” or commercial!) The give-away is open NOW and will end MONDAY JUNE 17TH AT 5PM. Comments that do NOT  follow the requirement will be disqualified. WINNER will be chosen by random.org and will be announced WEDNESDAY JUNE 19th. 

Good luck!

If you can’t wait to see who wins the contest, you can purchase Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents, in either hardcover form or as an ebook by visiting the publisher by clicking here, or visiting Amazon by clicking here, or visiting Barnes & Noble by clicking here. 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement

Book:”Sugar’s Furry Friend” by Author, Maria Rosalyn Acero: FREE on KINDLE, June 4th and June 5th only!

Hi everyone!

It’s Dakota and I have some pawsome news for you today!

When Mom was at BlogPaws, one of her most favorite things was getting to meet Sugar The Golden Retriever’s Mom, Rosalyn! It was ALMOST as good as meeting Sugar herself!

What? You don’t know Sugar? Who DOESN’T know Sugar!? Sugar is a beautiful Golden Retriever with a blog that is full of “golden moments” and love! You can visit Sugar’s blog here

 

When Mom met Rosalyn at BlogPaws, Rosalyn gave Mom a copy of a special book that she wrote in honor of “10 Golden years” she has spent with Sugar! Here it is!

 

Isn’t this just the BEST!!??

TO GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD:  CLICK HERE

You can also purchase the book online

by clicking here

Book Feature: The Story of Rex of White Way (The Blizzard King) by Jim Cheskawich

I am honored to feature this interesting and informative book about REX THE BLIZZARD KING. This book is packed with so much information that there is no way that a “review” would even begin to cover it all. I wrote to Jim and told him that I would introduce this book (and Rex) to all of you as a feature, and give you a snippet of what it is about.

Visit REX the Blizzard King Stories, LLC by clicking on the cover

FROM THE PUBLISHER: REX THE BLIZZARD KING was a noble, loving, hero dog, whose legacy carries on today.  A purebred Samoyed who lived from 1946-1957, he was involved in more than 30 rescues of humans. He was awarded a place of honor in the U.S. Postal Hall of Fame for his work as Lead Sled Dog on a U.S. mail run. became a favorite of John Wayne’s on the set of Island in the Sky, and famously “blazed the trail” to the stranded City of San Francisco passenger train struck at Yuba Gap near notorious Donner Pass in California in January 1952.

FROM THE AUTHOR:

Researching Rex was never what I considered work but an enjoyable activity that

spanned nearly 9 years.  New material was constantly being uncovered.  Once we

got serious about the book, the draft was finished during the first few months

of 2012.  I never had a dry eye anytime I had to proof “one more time.”  One dog

really did live a life of service to mankind like Rex.

I could have said he was trained to parachute and that he lived to be an old

timer but that’s not how it happened and wouldn’t be historically accurate.  In

some ways, researching and pulling a story together based on real events is

easier than creating fiction but fiction allows you to tie up loose ends and

fill in the gaps.  With Rex, he gave us so much that was recorded in his heroic

life.  I wish all our dogs could live 30-40 years.  As I tell the students where

I sub, history doesn’t have to be dull but “it is what it is” based on events,

people, and the time frame involved.  Hope you enjoy “Rex” and learn some

history too in the process.

Jim Cheskawich 4/28/2013

JIM CHESKAWICH has served as Samoyed Club of America president and treasurer, and is currently the treasure of the SCA Education and Research Foundation. Jim has a Samoyed that is a descendant of Rex, his award winning Samoyed, Riley! Jim’s dog Riley, winning nationals.

FROM THE STORY OF REX OF WHITE WAY:

SAMOYEDS TODAY

Samoyeds lovingly called “Sams” or “Sammys” by their owners and fans, are enjoyed today for their beauty, companionship, intelligence, and working versatility.

As a working dog, Samoyeds are used to herd sheep, ducks, and cattle and can be found in sledding races and weight pulls held throughout the U.S. 

The heart and loyalty of the Samoyed make it an exceptional dog. 

ISBN (HARD COVER) 978-0-9883640-0-4

ISBN (PAPERBACK) 978-0-9883640-1-1

Website

http://www.rexofwhiteway.com

 

FIND THEM ON AMAZON-HARDCOVER

AND  AMAZON KINDLE

Published by Rex The Blizzard King Stories, LLC

Book Review: Circling the Waggins How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me From Bewilderness by C.A. Wulff

Many of you saw my blog post from April 15th, where I featured the book “How To Change The World in 30 Seconds” by C.A. Wulff.  She is one talented author! Today, I have the pleasure of presenting to you “Circling the Waggins, How 5 Misfit Dogs Saved Me From Bewilderness” also by Author C.A. Wulff.

From www.yelodoggie.com

Living in a rugged log cabin in a National Park can be challenging for two middle-aged women; especially when one has physical limitations and the other’s mental illness is a wilderness of its own. Add in the daily trials of senior pet care, plus a mouse rescue gone comically awry, and it might just be a recipe for disaster. But even as the two women care for, and say goodbye to, longtime companion animals, a pack of misfit dogs enter their lives to keep them grounded. The couple find a new awareness and understanding of the experience of living.

You don’t have to be involved in animal rescue to appreciate this book, but if you are, you will love it all the more.  One of my favorite lines from this wonderful book happens to be at the beginning. When speaking about the animals that she has rescued and why she continues to do so, even after having her heart-broken when they pass, C.A. Wulff says: “They reminded me that joy comes in furry packages, and love is an eternal circle that keeps on waggin.”

Just when you think that you cannot bear to experience the loss of a beloved animal again, you find another, and yet ANOTHER, each unique, each special,  each needing love, and you learn that YES indeed you CAN (and you will) dedicate your life to an animal again.

If you love animals, you will love Circling the Waggins.

You will smile, nod your head in recognition and yes you will cry, you will be as moved by the dedication of C.A. Wulff and her partner Dalene, as I was.

The ONLY criticism that I have of this book is Wulff’s obvious lukewarm attitude about cats. I know that 99.9% of you who read my blog are die-hard dog lovers, most of you do not have cats, many of you do. Until Dakota came into my life in 2007 I was 100% TEAM CAT and TEAM CAT ONLY. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE DOGS, I just feel that I understand and relate to cats better. So, passages such as these, upset me:

It’s not that I dislike cats. Cats are beautiful animals and make lovely pets. Perfectly fine pets for SOMEBODY ELSE to have. I have loved felines in the past, counting myself fortunate to have known them. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that I find relationships with dogs much more rewarding.

One of the things I dislike about our current group of cats is their blatant disregard for our furniture and carpeting. They remind me of wild and uncontrollable rock stars who trash hotel rooms. My role in the relationship with them has evolved into little more than a janitorial service.

I must be part cat because I felt my hair beginning to stand on end and my claws began extending. I had my first cat for 18 wonderful and MEANINGFUL years. He was my soul mate, he lived for me as much as I lived for him.  The unbearable devastation and pain I felt when he passed, was excruciating as all of us who have loved and lost beloved pets know. The above couldn’t be FURTHER from the truth IN MY WORLD.  I won’t lie. This passage and a few other cat references didn’t sit well with me.

The book also, for me, seemed to end rather disjointedly without obvious closure. When it ended, it was DONE and I was left confused about one issue in particular, whatever happened to Max? (the cat)

There is much in this book that I DID like:

• It made me remember what it was like to care for a senior pet
• What would I do if my dog or cat were to be diagnosed with cancer?
• How do those in multiple pet households cope? (When I say multiple, I mean more than 2 pets)
• It made me relive having to euthanize my “soul kitty”
• It discusses the importance of spaying/neutering
•  the love and dedication to animals that is clear by C.A. and her partner

If you have ever rescued an animal, loved a pet (dog OR cat) with your entire being, sacrificed for your pet, and experienced the unconditional love that they offer in return, you will appreciate Circling the Waggins and be able to relate to the “Circle Of Life” going on.

Paperback: 344 pages
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions (July 16, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0978692861
ISBN-13: 978-0978692865

C.A. Wulff has generously offered my readers a $5 discount!

The estore url is:

https://www.createspace.com/3921424

and the $5 off discount code is:

QC3XD965

To purchase on Amazon  click here

You can follow Wulff on the Internet at:

www.yelodoggie.com

Up on the Woof blog: thewoof.wordpress.com

Twitter: twitter.com/yelodoggie

Facebook: C.A. Wulff

Book Feature and Give-Away: Castle in the Mist-Planet of the Dogs Volume 2 by Robert J. McCarty

A few months ago I featured Volume 1 of the Planet of the Dogs series on Dakota’s blog. If you missed it you can read about it here

Today, I am featuring the second book in the Planet of the Dogs series, Castle In The  Mist.

With all the horrible things taking place in the U.S lately (specifically Boston) we could all use ( particularly children) a story with a happy ending. 

From Castle In The  Mist:

Out in space, on the other side of the sun, is the Planet Of The Dogs where dogs live in peace and happiness. This is the story of how the dogs came down to planet earth to prevent war in the land of the forest people and free the kidnapped children from the Castle In The Mist.

Dogs are all about love. In fact, the most special thing about dogs is their ability to love. They do this better than any other creature.

From Planet Of The Dogs.net:

After a year of peace Bik, the warrior-chief of Stone City, is preparing for war. His children have been kidnapped by Prince Ukko, the leader of the Black Hawk tribes, and held prisoner in the Castle In The Mist. This is the story of how the dogs came down from their planet, to the land of the Forest People, to free the children and prevent war.

The Black Hawk soldiers had never seen dogs before. They had no knowledge of their courage, cleverness and endurance. And they had no idea that the dogs, through their extraordinary sense of smell, could see in the darkness and foggy mist that enveloped the Castle and the great forest.

 Full of action, adventure and colorful descriptive language, it will delight elementary school children everywhere!

ENTER TO WIN: one lucky person from ANYWHERE in the world, will win one copy of Castle In The Mist. Just leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered. The winner will be chosen by http://www.random.org and will be announced THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH. GOOD LUCK!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert McCarty is a producer/writer/director of films and videos on subjects ranging from teenage lifestyles to race relations. His short film,Rooftops Of New York, was nominated for an Academy Award. He is a former adjunct instructor at Teacher’s College, Columbia University and at the School Of Visual Arts, New York City.Planet Of The Dogs was inspired by the many stories made up for his four children and five grandchildren.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Stella Mustanoja McCarty, who teaches painting and drawing at the Vantaa, Finland, Art School, illustrated the book. She graduated as a painting major  from the Art Academy in Helsinki and also holds degrees from the University of Helsinki in Education and Sociology and Social Policy.

TO ORDER ONLINE CLICK HERE

ISBN 9786928-1-0

 

 

 

#BtC4A Book Feature: How to Change the World in 30 Seconds, A Web Warrior’s Guide to Animal Advocacy Online

Today Dakota and I are proud to participate in Be the Change For Animals  annual blog hop. It is their  mission is to highlight one cause per week and provide information on how readers can help “Be the Change for Animals”. There are 4 quarterly blog hops which we always choose to be a part of, whether it be on just one of our blogs or both.

Click on the badge to visit Blog the Change for animals

This month Be the Change for Animals is spreading the message about April being National Volunteer Month “a time to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities, by  highlighting  some of the wonderful volunteers who help animal shelters, rescue groups and other animal-related charities Be the Change for Animals!”

In honor of April being National Volunteer Month  “Celebrating People in Action” I would like  to  celebrate author C.A. Wulff and share the valuable resource that she has written,  called How to Change the World in 30 Seconds, A Web Warrior’s Guide to Animal Advocacy Online.

From How to Change the World in 30 Seconds: this book is dedicated to all of the individuals and groups who devote their heads, hands and hearts to improving the world for companion animals. You are all, every one of you, my heroes.

There are many of us who want to help animals but often we are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin.  Often we think it takes a lot of time, money and other resources that we don’t think that we have. But we DO! We ALL can make a difference for even one animal and this book shows us how. It offers practical steps to get started and uses dog advocacy as the focus. It explains in just THIRTY SECONDS a DAY on the Internet we can begin to make a difference in the lives of animals and can also help to “change the world!”

Did you know?

That it was the loss of a special dog that led famed anthropologist Jane Goodall to Africa to study chimpanzees? (Neither did I! I learned this in How to Change the World in 30 Seconds). Ms. Goodall said:

“I learned everything I know about animals in general from the dog I had as a child. He taught me that animals have personalities and minds and feelings and what a true friend was. I never would have been able to go to Africa if Rusty hadn’t died, because I would never have been able to leave him.”

In this book you will  learn that JUST BY ADVOCATING ONE DOG who ends up being saved, that dog changes three things

YOU

the dog

the people who have him now

That dog could go on to become a service dog helping a handicapped person,  maybe he will become a search and rescue dog. The more dogs (and other animals we help save) the more a ripple effect is caused.

How to Change the World in 30 Seconds explains ALL of the useful resources that are at our fingertips each and every day that we can use to save animals! Just a few of the MANY resources cited in this valuable guide are:

Freekibble– a website that donates food to shelter animals just by answering a daily trivia question.

The Animal Rescue Site which offers a big purple button on their home page that says “Click here to give, it’s FREE!” and when you click on that button the site sponsors will donate food and care to animals living in shelters and sanctuaries.

Petfinder where 13,969 U.S. shelters and rescues list the animals they have available for adoption.

In this book you will learn about how you can help animals through using Twitter, Facebook, and a bevy of other resources. You will learn about various animal rescue groups, pet transport pages/sites, you will have enough resources at YOUR FINGERTIPS to help YOU  “volunteer’ FROM YOUR OWN HOME!

How to Change the World in 30 Seconds will also teach you how YOU can make a difference by heading out into the community and being one of millions of volunteers who champion various animal causes in a variety of ways.

Rescue Groups always need people to:

• answer phones
• collect donations
• place containers for pet food drives
• manning booths at adoption events
• creating signage
• showing animals at adoption events
• fostering animals
• donate newspapers, towels, food, medical supplies

the list goes on and on!

By reading How to Change the World in 30 Seconds you will learn that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of an animal in ways that you never dreamed were possible!

To help YOU be a “Web Warrior” advocating for animals and to THANK YOU for purchasing this handy resource. Author C.A. Wulff is offering a 50% DISCOUNT if you use this code 66FZNQWX and order How To Change the World in 30 Seconds  by clicking right here

You can follow Wulff on the Internet at:

www.yelodoggie.com

Up on the Woof blog: thewoof.wordpress.com

Twitter: twitter.com/yelodoggie

Facebook: C.A. Wulff

 

THANK YOU C.A. WULFF for helping to be the voice of the animals, rescues and many  various organizations by writing this fabulous resource to help ALL OF US “Be The Change For Animals!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Feature: Claude in the City, Written & Illustrated by Alex T.Smith

I was recently sent a copy of a  clever book for the elementary school crowd, (ages 7-9) that is witty, fun, educational and has some pretty darned great illustrations to boot! The book is Claude in the City, which was written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith.

Book cover photo courtesy of Peachtree Online

Having an artistic eye myself, what I love about the appearance of the book is that it is entirely done in the eye-catching color combination of red, black and white. I found that to be refreshing, bold, exciting and sure to catch a little one’s eye!

The book is about Claude (a rather “Snoopy-esque”  looking Beagle I presume? Only Claude’s nose is pointier, but I digress) ,  who loves to go on adventures! When Claude’s  owners (who he refers to as Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes) leave for work,  Claude dons his trademark beret, and takes off with his best friend, Sir Bobblysock (“who is both a sock and very bobbly”), and they decide what adventure they will have that day.

Claude in the City is the first of what will be a book series featuring Claude. In this book, Claude and Sir Bobblysock visit the city for the first time. It starts off as an ordinary day as they visit local shops, have tea and visit a museum (where Claude accidentally foils a robbery!) That sure is no “ordinary” day,  that day became an extraordinary day, that is for sure!

If you are looking for a fun book for the little ones in your life, Claude in the City fills the bill! The series will continue with Claude at the Circus (coming Fall 2013) and Claude at the Beach (coming Spring 2014).

Photo courtesy of Peachtree Online

ABOUT THE AUTHOR from Peachtree Publishers: Alex T.Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a professional rabbit before finally deciding to become an illustrator. He graduated from Coventry University with a degree in Illustration and won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Illustration. He lives in England under the constant supervision of his canine companions-two very tiny, very naughty Chihuahuas and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier. 

ISBN: 978-1-56145-694-9

To purchase click here

 

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of the book to read/review/feature on Dakota’s blog. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: Romancing the Dog, The struggle to make a pound dog happy in Beverly Hills by Marion Zola

February is the month of love and it is appropriate that in the month of February we celebrate our love of dogs. Our dogs. The dogs of people we know. Dogs who are in shelters, their pleading innocent eyes gazing back at ours with the hopes that we just might become their  forever homes. The  “owners”, “parents”, whatever you wish to call them, who hold these beautiful beings close to their hearts, should also be celebrated.

Yes this book is about DOGS, but the love and dedication that is clear in this touching book applies to EVERYONE who has ever loved an animal. Dog or not.

In celebration of this love, I am thrilled to present to you the book: Romancing the Dog by Marion Zola.

From the publisher: Romancing the Dog, a humorous memoir, reminds the reader just how much one dog can transform human lives. It will take you on a romp of unique adventures laced with poignant moments. When Chips, a rescue dog, enters the neat routines of a middle-aged couple and messes them up in the most delectable ways, the new guardians are led from one challenging situation to another. A Tibetan Terrier who always seems to have the upper paw, he sends Marion’s and Sam’s stress levels off the charts. Readers will smile, laugh and cry as they follow this trio through the journey of angst and joy.

I felt an instant sense of familiarity when I read that Author Marion Zola once loved a dog named Chips in her childhood who belonged to someone else. My love of Shetland Sheepdogs began with a dog named Dandy, a  feisty Shetland Sheepdog who also “belonged to someone else”, our neighbors across the street. Truth be told, I was 5 yrs old at the time and ONLY played with the 3 children who lived with Dandy because I was madly in love with their dog. That is when my love of Shetland Sheepdogs began. I was determined that one day I would own my own Shetland Sheepdog. Now I do, my precious Dakota.

When Dakota came into mine and my husband’s life, our “neat routines” were also “messed up.”  Dakota also has the “upper paw” and often, sends OUR stress levels “off the charts” as well. It is just those things that make us love him that much more, it was the same with Chips, it is the same with all of us who love, have loved, and are loved by animals.

We all know that moment of looking into a beloved animal’s eyes for the first time and knowing in our guts that “THIS is the ONE.” Author Zola and her husband, Sam, spend their years with Chips making him the center of their universe. Their lives are dedicated to making sure that Chips is happy, that all of his needs, and then some, are being met. Certain that Chips had been abused before he ended up in a Shelter, Marion and Sam were determined to make Chips  feel secure, confident and always LOVED. Through illnesses, allergies, attempts to find a “job” for Chips, separation anxiety, there are countless moments of sacrifice, worrying,  and loving to the nth degree that we all can relate to.

Before Dakota, my only other pet as an adult was my “soul kitty” named Bobo. He came into my life as a stray and lived with me for 18 wonderful years. Yes dog lovers,  because I have shared my life with a dog for only 6 years, I relate to this book more as a cat mother. Romancing the Dog reminded me of the lengths I went to throughout Bobo’s 18 years to make sure that he had the most marvelous life ever, and that the end was as peaceful and full of love as it could be. This book brought back joyous as well as painful memories of Bobo and as a   new and rather inexperienced dog mother, let me know that some of my fixations and obsessions are indeed, NORMAL.  They are normal to all of us who have made the life-long emotional, financial and physical commitment to care for one who depends on US for everything of value in their world.

From Romancing the Dog: “More than many other areas of our lives, pets and our treatment of them demonstrate our values, both as a nation and as individuals. Our dominion over these creatures thrusts a responsibility on us that is not unlike that for our children.” 

Romancing the Dog is a must-read for dog lovers,  ANIMAL lovers. You will recognize yourselves described on the pages, and you will  fall in love,  with Chips, Marion and Sam, just as I did.

 

To purchase Romancing the Dog click here

About the Author: Marion Zola is also the author of All the Good Ones Are Married. Recently, Marion co-produced Shelter Me a PBS show about the rewards of adopting shelter pets that has also appeared on this blog. Visit the Shelter Me TV website here

 

 

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was mailed a copy of the book by the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: Planet of the Dogs: by Robert J. McCarty, Illustrations by Stella Mustanoja McCarty

Looking for a book for the  youngsters in your life that sends the message of love, friendship and loyalty?

Have you wondered what life was like BEFORE there were dogs?

Where did the first dog come from?

Why did dogs inhabit Earth?

From the Publisher: Out in space, on the other side of the sun is the Planet Of The Dogs. This is the story of the first time dogs came to planet earth to teach people about love and to save the farmers of Green Valley from the invasion of the Stone City warriors.

Planet of the Dogs is a delightful fantasy for  those in the mid to upper elementary grades as well as their parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents!

The story begins in a time long ago before there were dogs on Planet Earth.

For a while things were beautiful, people prospered and life was good.

Then, as is often the case, where there is good, to have balance in life there must be some bad. Planet Earth was threatened by evil forces.  These forces made some people forget how to love.

When Miss Merrie (Queen of the dogs on Planet Dog) heard of the problems on Earth she knew that something had to be done to help them.  The first dog arrived and the course of the world changed.

“The most special thing about dogs is their ability to love.   They do this better than any other creature.”

People learned about loving without judging, devotion, the rewards of hard work, protection, peace and much more.

Planet of the Dogs is a quick read for adults.  The  resplendent imagery,  is sure to captivate,  delighting the imaginations of the young readers by transporting them to a  fantasy place where dogs are the heroes and heroines.

If only we all always lived the lessons of the most devoted animals on the planet, DOGS. Then it would truly be “Heaven on Earth.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert McCarty is a producer/writer/director of films and videos on subjects ranging from teenage lifestyles to race relations. His short film,Rooftops Of New York, was nominated for an Academy Award. He is a former adjunct instructor at Teacher’s College, Columbia University and at the School Of Visual Arts, New York City.Planet Of The Dogs was inspired by the many stories made up for his four children and five grandchildren.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Stella Mustanoja McCarty, who teaches painting and drawing at the Vantaa, Finland, Art School, illustrated the book. She graduated as a painting major  from the Art Academy in Helsinki and also holds degrees from the University of Helsinki in Education and Sociology and Social Policy.

ISBN 978-0-9786928-0-3

Visit www.planetofthedogs.net

 

To purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

 

Book Review: The Rescue Team by Billi Tiner

When I  first met Author Billi Tiner  on Twitter and saw the cover of  The Rescue Team, the first thing that intrigued me about this wonderful book for youngsters in the “middle grades” or grades 9-12, was the cover! The cover features the two “stars” of this heartwarming and excitement filled book, Ellie, a Border Collie with an endearing “smile”  and a penchant for “spinning”, ( Shelties can certainly relate!), who was unceremoniously “dumped” off at a shelter when his owners discovered they were going to have a baby, and Toby, a silver-gray tabby cat, who was also treated less than admirably by his owners.  For those who read both of my blogs, do these two remind you of anybody?

 

to purchase in paperback or Kindle form, click on the book cover!

That’s right! The two featured on the cover remind me of my Dakota and Cody!

Cody and Dakota!

When I read the first few pages I was hooked!  There were many things that I loved about this book, but one of the main themes that I loved was the “pay it forward” message that Ellie and Toby display throughout the entire story. Having been rescued, they live their lives rescuing OTHERS, both people and other animals. Ellie, being a “working” dog, finds her “job”,  her  “purpose”  rescuing others with Toby the cat, working devotedly by his side.

There are delightful “messages” or “lessons” that are learned when young people AND adults read The Rescue Team. The “pay it forward” message is clear but there are more messages such as, the power of love, devotion, determination, trust, courage, hope, to name a few.

Another aspect of The Rescue Team that I found to be delightful, was how Author Billi Tiner has the animals that are in this book “speak” to each other.  There are examples of how they speak with their “eyes” throughout the book, sensing whether a person or an animal can be trusted, just by looking into their eyes.  The animals in The Rescue Team “speak” to each other when no humans are around, they also have an uncanny ability to “speak” to the humans, Anne Richards, who adopts Ellie and Toby, and Brent Davis, the EMT who rescues Anne,  (in more ways than one!)

Animals have an inherent form  of communicating  that humans who LISTEN  understand, be it a “smile”, a “spin”, a tail wag, a cat showing love through brushing up against a human, Tiner shows throughout this book that SHE is an animal lover by her obvious understanding of these “gestures.”

 The Rescue Team also teaches us  how, often our first impressions can be wrong, as exhibited when Toby the cat is startled by Tank, the “huge” dog with the “freaky” eyes (one blue, one brown) that sent Toby running up the first tree that he could find!

The Rescue Team is a quick read,  fast-moving, exciting, packed with warmhearted “feel good” moments and lessons that can be learned by both young people and adults alike.

Be sure to put this one on your MUST READ list!

 

ISBN 9781478318156

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