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Recommend this book:
Who Will Let the Dogs Out
Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues
Cara Achterberg
2025 Finalist
217 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues by Cara Achterberg is a powerful and emotional look at the crisis facing dogs in shelters across the southern United States. Cara shares heartfelt stories from her visits to shelters, rescues, and foster homes, showing the struggles and the small victories. She describes the harsh conditions—overcrowded kennels, limited resources, and the tough challenges shelter workers and volunteers face every day. But she also offers hope by highlighting programs that succeed and sharing solutions that make a real difference. The author explains how even small actions, like fostering a dog or supporting a shelter, can save lives. She outlines how shelters operate, what “no-kill” means, and why community involvement is essential. Her message is simple and powerful: anyone who cares about animals can help, and even small efforts can bring a lasting change.
Cara Achterberg's writing is honest, heartfelt, and easy to follow. Her storytelling is emotional and engaging. Who Will Let the Dogs Out flows smoothly between heartbreaking stories and inspiring successes, keeping readers connected and hopeful. Her vivid descriptions of the dogs and the people who care for them bring the characters to life and make readers deeply invested in their futures. Throughout the book, the themes of compassion, responsibility, and the power of community are strong and inspiring. The author’s passion for helping dogs shines through every page, making this not just an important book to read but a call to action for anyone who wants to make a real difference.
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues by Cara Achterberg is a powerful and emotional look at the crisis facing dogs in shelters across the southern United States. Cara shares heartfelt stories from her visits to shelters, rescues, and foster homes, showing the struggles and the small victories. She describes the harsh conditions—overcrowded kennels, limited resources, and the tough challenges shelter workers and volunteers face every day. But she also offers hope by highlighting programs that succeed and sharing solutions that make a real difference. The author explains how even small actions, like fostering a dog or supporting a shelter, can save lives. She outlines how shelters operate, what “no-kill” means, and why community involvement is essential. Her message is simple and powerful: anyone who cares about animals can help, and even small efforts can bring a lasting change.
Cara Achterberg's writing is honest, heartfelt, and easy to follow. Her storytelling is emotional and engaging. Who Will Let the Dogs Out flows smoothly between heartbreaking stories and inspiring successes, keeping readers connected and hopeful. Her vivid descriptions of the dogs and the people who care for them bring the characters to life and make readers deeply invested in their futures. Throughout the book, the themes of compassion, responsibility, and the power of community are strong and inspiring. The author’s passion for helping dogs shines through every page, making this not just an important book to read but a call to action for anyone who wants to make a real difference.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dog-smart&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51J2gbAOuwL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=With a combination of in-depth research, interviews, and her own experience with all types of dogs, author Jennifer S. Holland has written a concise and thought-provoking book, Dog Smart. She has observed and sometimes experienced firsthand how guide, therapy, rescue, cadaver, and many other "professional" dogs learn their specialties. They use dif...){kind=link}
Dog Smart
Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence
Jennifer S. Holland
2025 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Inga Buccella for Readers' Favorite
With a combination of in-depth research, interviews, and her own experience with all types of dogs, author Jennifer S. Holland has written a concise and thought-provoking book, Dog Smart. She has observed and sometimes experienced firsthand how guide, therapy, rescue, cadaver, and many other "professional" dogs learn their specialties. They use different senses and cognitive capabilities to achieve their goals. But the human connection cannot be minimized. Therapy dogs, as well as service dogs for the visually challenged and those with dementia, possess a keen sense for guiding. However, they must also be "disobedient" at critical times to keep their handlers safe. So, are dogs intelligent? Or is their "smartness" measured only by human standards? These are the questions I had before reading Dog Smart.
From Dog Smart, I have learned many new facts. As I write this, Gussie, my twelve-year-old Malti-poo, is gazing up at me with his black olive eyes. I learned that Canis familiaris is the only species that can produce "puppy dog eyes" due to the numerous muscles surrounding its eyes. For me, Dog Smart reads like a journal that has merged with scientific findings. Jennifer S. Holland's style of writing piqued my interest from the beginning. This is a valuable and fun read that answers questions about the intellect of our best friend. At the same time, it left me asking more questions, which I think is a sign of a good book. From a bomb-sniffing Belgium Malinois to my squirrel-chasing Malti-poo, all canines have their own kind of smartness. Over the centuries, Canis familiaris has certainly benefited from the human connection, and vice versa. But are we smart enough to continue to benefit from the genius of their genus?
With a combination of in-depth research, interviews, and her own experience with all types of dogs, author Jennifer S. Holland has written a concise and thought-provoking book, Dog Smart. She has observed and sometimes experienced firsthand how guide, therapy, rescue, cadaver, and many other "professional" dogs learn their specialties. They use different senses and cognitive capabilities to achieve their goals. But the human connection cannot be minimized. Therapy dogs, as well as service dogs for the visually challenged and those with dementia, possess a keen sense for guiding. However, they must also be "disobedient" at critical times to keep their handlers safe. So, are dogs intelligent? Or is their "smartness" measured only by human standards? These are the questions I had before reading Dog Smart.
From Dog Smart, I have learned many new facts. As I write this, Gussie, my twelve-year-old Malti-poo, is gazing up at me with his black olive eyes. I learned that Canis familiaris is the only species that can produce "puppy dog eyes" due to the numerous muscles surrounding its eyes. For me, Dog Smart reads like a journal that has merged with scientific findings. Jennifer S. Holland's style of writing piqued my interest from the beginning. This is a valuable and fun read that answers questions about the intellect of our best friend. At the same time, it left me asking more questions, which I think is a sign of a good book. From a bomb-sniffing Belgium Malinois to my squirrel-chasing Malti-poo, all canines have their own kind of smartness. Over the centuries, Canis familiaris has certainly benefited from the human connection, and vice versa. But are we smart enough to continue to benefit from the genius of their genus?
Recommend this book:
Yin & Yang 2.0 Nutrition for Dogs
Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs
Judy Morgan, Hue Grant
2025 Silver Medal
226 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In their book Yin & Yang 2.0: Nutrition for Dogs, authors Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant advocate for home-cooked pet meals over commercial pet foods to prevent low-quality ingredients and potential health risks. They teach the benefits of whole food and raw diets, offering pet owners control in addressing specific health concerns like food allergies or obesity. The authors state that a varied, correctly prepared home-cooked diet can provide balanced nutrition, challenge misconceptions about deficiencies, and support pets with conditions like cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), Dr. Morgan and Grant talk about the energetic properties of foods and recommend tailored diets, along with recipes, food safety tips, and guidance on supplementing meals to promote overall pet health.
Yin & Yang 2.0 by Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant is a wonderfully comprehensive and practical guide to pet nutrition, mixing traditional wisdom with modern dietary principles. This was a new avenue for me, and the authors were able to successfully articulate the benefits of whole, minimally processed foods, strengthened by offering actionable advice. Their integration of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine adds a unique perspective, and the enveloping of the Five Elements to address specific health issues in our pets made perfect sense. The writing is clear and accessible, and the recipes are well thought out, whether our fur-babies are suffering from cancer to obesity, all with an emphasis on nutrient-dense, homemade meals. Their personal stories reinforce the value of reconsidering pet diets, making Yin & Yang 2.0 an excellent resource for pet parents looking to improve their pets' health through balanced, wholesome nutrition. Very highly recommended.
In their book Yin & Yang 2.0: Nutrition for Dogs, authors Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant advocate for home-cooked pet meals over commercial pet foods to prevent low-quality ingredients and potential health risks. They teach the benefits of whole food and raw diets, offering pet owners control in addressing specific health concerns like food allergies or obesity. The authors state that a varied, correctly prepared home-cooked diet can provide balanced nutrition, challenge misconceptions about deficiencies, and support pets with conditions like cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), Dr. Morgan and Grant talk about the energetic properties of foods and recommend tailored diets, along with recipes, food safety tips, and guidance on supplementing meals to promote overall pet health.
Yin & Yang 2.0 by Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant is a wonderfully comprehensive and practical guide to pet nutrition, mixing traditional wisdom with modern dietary principles. This was a new avenue for me, and the authors were able to successfully articulate the benefits of whole, minimally processed foods, strengthened by offering actionable advice. Their integration of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine adds a unique perspective, and the enveloping of the Five Elements to address specific health issues in our pets made perfect sense. The writing is clear and accessible, and the recipes are well thought out, whether our fur-babies are suffering from cancer to obesity, all with an emphasis on nutrient-dense, homemade meals. Their personal stories reinforce the value of reconsidering pet diets, making Yin & Yang 2.0 an excellent resource for pet parents looking to improve their pets' health through balanced, wholesome nutrition. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies
Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies
Dr Gal Chivvis DVM
2025 Gold Medal
171 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM is a great resource designed to prepare pet owners for different health crises that can affect their canine companions. Drawing on years of experience as an emergency veterinarian, Dr. Chivvis provides full coverage of the most common and dangerous situations dog owners may face, from toxic exposures and choking incidents to seizures, trauma, and sudden illness. The book covers these different emergencies with a clear explanation of symptoms, risk factors, and critical response timelines. The book also includes some thoughtful preventative measures, first aid techniques, and guidance on assembling a pet emergency kit, so it's also a tool for everyday preparedness.
Author Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM describes complex veterinary concepts in language that average pet owners can understand and apply under stress. The book's organization gives quick access to information, and I liked the color-coded sections so that you can get to crucial details rapidly during an emergency. I found the inclusion of practical checklists and response flowcharts particularly valuable, transforming what could have been merely information into a functional tool for making life-or-death decisions. The book strikes a perfect balance between using the right medical details to be helpful and correct, but without using terms that might confuse readers in a crisis. Dr. Chivvis also has a compassionate and reassuring tone when she writes, and her real-case examples illustrate key points effectively and help readers spot the subtle warning signs they might otherwise miss. Overall, The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is an essential reference that belongs in every dog owner's home and I would certainly recommend getting yourself a copy.
The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM is a great resource designed to prepare pet owners for different health crises that can affect their canine companions. Drawing on years of experience as an emergency veterinarian, Dr. Chivvis provides full coverage of the most common and dangerous situations dog owners may face, from toxic exposures and choking incidents to seizures, trauma, and sudden illness. The book covers these different emergencies with a clear explanation of symptoms, risk factors, and critical response timelines. The book also includes some thoughtful preventative measures, first aid techniques, and guidance on assembling a pet emergency kit, so it's also a tool for everyday preparedness.
Author Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM describes complex veterinary concepts in language that average pet owners can understand and apply under stress. The book's organization gives quick access to information, and I liked the color-coded sections so that you can get to crucial details rapidly during an emergency. I found the inclusion of practical checklists and response flowcharts particularly valuable, transforming what could have been merely information into a functional tool for making life-or-death decisions. The book strikes a perfect balance between using the right medical details to be helpful and correct, but without using terms that might confuse readers in a crisis. Dr. Chivvis also has a compassionate and reassuring tone when she writes, and her real-case examples illustrate key points effectively and help readers spot the subtle warning signs they might otherwise miss. Overall, The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is an essential reference that belongs in every dog owner's home and I would certainly recommend getting yourself a copy.
Recommend this book:
Walking with Prada
Our Journey of Love and Adventure
Silvia Mesa
2024 Finalist
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite
Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure chronicles the true life events of a dog mom and her special relationship with her soul dog. Silvia’s life changed when she received one of her neighbor’s adorable golden retriever puppies. She named the unforgettable puppy, Prada. Little did Silvia know that Prada would bring purpose and passion into her already busy life of work and family. She started to share Prada’s life and puppies in a Facebook group called Prada’s Bunch and Friends, which garnered many fans. Silvia was inspired to train Prada and her two offspring, Charlie Brown and Lalique, as therapy dogs to further her journey of love. Silvia dedicated her free time to volunteering countless hours at libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other events to spread the healing power of dogs.
Author Silvia Mesa is an amazing storyteller. I was touched right away when she shared her early life in Venezuela and the pets that shaped her love for animals. I was engaged throughout the whole book, especially with the pictures, which made me fall in love with Prada and her pups even more. Walking with Prada is an inspirational and feel-good book, and we need more of these in this world. Silvia teaches by example what it is to be a light in this dark world with her dedication to her volunteer work with her dogs. I highly recommend this book to anyone if you want your heart touched and your mood elevated to a happy place. Bravo on an excellent read!
Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure chronicles the true life events of a dog mom and her special relationship with her soul dog. Silvia’s life changed when she received one of her neighbor’s adorable golden retriever puppies. She named the unforgettable puppy, Prada. Little did Silvia know that Prada would bring purpose and passion into her already busy life of work and family. She started to share Prada’s life and puppies in a Facebook group called Prada’s Bunch and Friends, which garnered many fans. Silvia was inspired to train Prada and her two offspring, Charlie Brown and Lalique, as therapy dogs to further her journey of love. Silvia dedicated her free time to volunteering countless hours at libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other events to spread the healing power of dogs.
Author Silvia Mesa is an amazing storyteller. I was touched right away when she shared her early life in Venezuela and the pets that shaped her love for animals. I was engaged throughout the whole book, especially with the pictures, which made me fall in love with Prada and her pups even more. Walking with Prada is an inspirational and feel-good book, and we need more of these in this world. Silvia teaches by example what it is to be a light in this dark world with her dedication to her volunteer work with her dogs. I highly recommend this book to anyone if you want your heart touched and your mood elevated to a happy place. Bravo on an excellent read!
Recommend this book:
Chicken Boots
Hen-Raising Misadventures
Angela Leslee
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Angela is environmentally conscious and capable of taking care of different animals. She decides to try her hand at raising chickens. Who would say no to fresh eggs every morning? So, Angela gets twelve young hens. The problems begin almost right away. Mongooses keep finding their way into the chicken coop Angela purchased for her birds. Devastated and tired after a hard fight with the predators, Angela revises her idea and studies the subject thoroughly. Then, she buys four hens, and all goes well until so-called chicken math comes into play. Chicken Boots: Hen-Raising Misadventures by Angela Leslee is for aspiring farmers, those who keep chickens as pets, and fans of memoirs, humor, and non-fiction books about animals.
Angela Leslee's Chicken Boots is an informative short memoir. Humorously written, this book touches on many aspects of raising chickens. Angela points out the challenges that chicken enthusiasts might encounter in such remote areas as Hawaii, where she lives. The author openly mentions her mistakes and warns us against overconfidence while dealing with chickens or other animals. "Oh, there is nothing more dangerous than a little knowledge in the hands of a dreamer," writes Angela. The author brilliantly describes situations familiar to many readers and explores the mindset of a person on the verge of becoming an animal hoarder. This engaging memoir increases our environmental awareness and motivates us to be more responsible toward animals. The book has educational value and helps us evaluate the pros and cons before dedicating time and energy to raising chickens.
Angela is environmentally conscious and capable of taking care of different animals. She decides to try her hand at raising chickens. Who would say no to fresh eggs every morning? So, Angela gets twelve young hens. The problems begin almost right away. Mongooses keep finding their way into the chicken coop Angela purchased for her birds. Devastated and tired after a hard fight with the predators, Angela revises her idea and studies the subject thoroughly. Then, she buys four hens, and all goes well until so-called chicken math comes into play. Chicken Boots: Hen-Raising Misadventures by Angela Leslee is for aspiring farmers, those who keep chickens as pets, and fans of memoirs, humor, and non-fiction books about animals.
Angela Leslee's Chicken Boots is an informative short memoir. Humorously written, this book touches on many aspects of raising chickens. Angela points out the challenges that chicken enthusiasts might encounter in such remote areas as Hawaii, where she lives. The author openly mentions her mistakes and warns us against overconfidence while dealing with chickens or other animals. "Oh, there is nothing more dangerous than a little knowledge in the hands of a dreamer," writes Angela. The author brilliantly describes situations familiar to many readers and explores the mindset of a person on the verge of becoming an animal hoarder. This engaging memoir increases our environmental awareness and motivates us to be more responsible toward animals. The book has educational value and helps us evaluate the pros and cons before dedicating time and energy to raising chickens.
Recommend this book:
Brooklyn Goes Home
The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement
Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil
2024 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is an account of the greyhound racing industry, its controversies, and the reform efforts in the United States and abroad. Through grassroots advocacy and legislative battles, Dorchak, Theil, and their allies successfully challenged mistreatment within the industry and achieved victories in several states, landing on ballots despite immense political resistance, and leading to the closure of tracks in places like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Internationally, campaigns against greyhound racing gained momentum, and it is here that Brooklyn, an Australian-born greyhound who ended up in China, becomes the face that led to the closure of the infamous Canidrome in Macau. Despite progress, ongoing challenges, including industry opposition and instances of cruelty, remain, but Brooklyn's rescue, life, and eventual passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for greyhound welfare.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is a beautiful account of the power of individuals to intervene and advocate for the welfare of animals in need, even in the face of daunting, and sometimes downright dangerous, obstacles. Even though the book leads up to readers meeting Brooklyn, I really liked that Dorchak and Theil take us there gradually. We get a full understanding of how the pair became activists in the first place and the incredible change that was enacted in the United States. It was a years-long endeavor that began at home and, through intensive outreach, delicate diplomacy, and persistent work, Brooklyn goes from being a greyhound in a photo to a full-blown movement. I'm not ashamed to say I got choked up when we were told that Brooklyn had been found, and that “The face of the #ClosetheCanidrome campaign was still alive!” Inspirational, moving, and beautiful. Very highly recommended.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is an account of the greyhound racing industry, its controversies, and the reform efforts in the United States and abroad. Through grassroots advocacy and legislative battles, Dorchak, Theil, and their allies successfully challenged mistreatment within the industry and achieved victories in several states, landing on ballots despite immense political resistance, and leading to the closure of tracks in places like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Internationally, campaigns against greyhound racing gained momentum, and it is here that Brooklyn, an Australian-born greyhound who ended up in China, becomes the face that led to the closure of the infamous Canidrome in Macau. Despite progress, ongoing challenges, including industry opposition and instances of cruelty, remain, but Brooklyn's rescue, life, and eventual passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for greyhound welfare.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is a beautiful account of the power of individuals to intervene and advocate for the welfare of animals in need, even in the face of daunting, and sometimes downright dangerous, obstacles. Even though the book leads up to readers meeting Brooklyn, I really liked that Dorchak and Theil take us there gradually. We get a full understanding of how the pair became activists in the first place and the incredible change that was enacted in the United States. It was a years-long endeavor that began at home and, through intensive outreach, delicate diplomacy, and persistent work, Brooklyn goes from being a greyhound in a photo to a full-blown movement. I'm not ashamed to say I got choked up when we were told that Brooklyn had been found, and that “The face of the #ClosetheCanidrome campaign was still alive!” Inspirational, moving, and beautiful. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy
Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats
Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT
2024 Silver Medal
370 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy: Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats by Judy Morgan offers an integrated plan for pets; it informs pet owners about options available to them with fewer side effects for their pets. The author explores the common factors affecting the health of cats and dogs and examines the side effects of some available traditional treatments. Readers will understand the proper sterilization for dogs and cats, the right food for pets, and how to treat allergies — fleas and flea allergic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, and more. The author discusses the root causes of many allergies and alternative treatment options. The book explores a range of topics and conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, heart diseases, urinary tract diseases, eye diseases, respiratory diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and many more. Readers are provided with some recipes to use for different health conditions.
This well-researched and wonderfully written book offers insights into the current situation of Western veterinary medicine, underlining the fact that hospitals are understaffed and overwhelmed with new cases. Judy Morgan offers holistic therapies, recipes, and a step-by-step guide to providing holistic treatment to pets. Her writing is enjoyable and she offers a clear understanding of the nature of dogs and cats and how their immune system works. Readers will understand how diseases like masticatory, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, myositis, lupus, arthritis, cancer, or any other inflammatory disease can be linked to the frequent stimulation of the immune system. Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy is chockfull of information that pet lovers and pet owners need to know. While Judy Morgan has a lot of knowledge about pets, she has an incredible ability to communicate that knowledge with clarity and simplicity.
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy: Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats by Judy Morgan offers an integrated plan for pets; it informs pet owners about options available to them with fewer side effects for their pets. The author explores the common factors affecting the health of cats and dogs and examines the side effects of some available traditional treatments. Readers will understand the proper sterilization for dogs and cats, the right food for pets, and how to treat allergies — fleas and flea allergic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, and more. The author discusses the root causes of many allergies and alternative treatment options. The book explores a range of topics and conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, heart diseases, urinary tract diseases, eye diseases, respiratory diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and many more. Readers are provided with some recipes to use for different health conditions.
This well-researched and wonderfully written book offers insights into the current situation of Western veterinary medicine, underlining the fact that hospitals are understaffed and overwhelmed with new cases. Judy Morgan offers holistic therapies, recipes, and a step-by-step guide to providing holistic treatment to pets. Her writing is enjoyable and she offers a clear understanding of the nature of dogs and cats and how their immune system works. Readers will understand how diseases like masticatory, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, myositis, lupus, arthritis, cancer, or any other inflammatory disease can be linked to the frequent stimulation of the immune system. Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy is chockfull of information that pet lovers and pet owners need to know. While Judy Morgan has a lot of knowledge about pets, she has an incredible ability to communicate that knowledge with clarity and simplicity.
Recommend this book:
K9 Odin
The Redemptive Autobiography of a Patrol Tracking Canine that Transformed a Community and Inspired the World
Lisa L. Slater
2024 Gold Medal
388 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Lisa Slater‘s K9 Odin is narrated from Odin’s view as he recounts his journey from an unwanted dog to Adam Slater’s canine partner. Odin was three years old when his owner took him to the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter to be euthanized. Dr. Chris Aycock adopted Odin and, with Jason Checketts’ help, trained him for tracking and bite work. After he finished training, Jason brought Odin to meet Adam. Odin recounts biting Adam after he stepped on his tail and the time he spent in a crate being flown to Oregon. Odin’s description of his tracking work resulted in fifty-six apprehensions until he fell ill at the age of five. A severe bacterial infection caused sepsis. Adam was determined to make sure Odin had every chance to live. They still had work to do together.
Lisa Slater gave Odin’s story a unique perspective. His reasoning for his actions was based on the mental capacity of a dog. His prey drive and high energy matched the skills he needed for success. I know German Shepherds for their role in police work, but the Belgian Malinois, like Odin, is gaining popularity for their determination. The vivid details of the terrain Odin drags Adam through allowed me to immerse myself in the story. When Odin became ill, my eyes filled with tears. Every chapter features a picture of Odin and photographs of Odin’s human teammates. His strengths and flaws gave a realistic view of what Adam and Lisa dealt with as well. Odin reminds me of my dog’s obsession with chasing a ball. K9 Odin will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of heroism and undying love told from a dog’s point of view.
Lisa Slater‘s K9 Odin is narrated from Odin’s view as he recounts his journey from an unwanted dog to Adam Slater’s canine partner. Odin was three years old when his owner took him to the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter to be euthanized. Dr. Chris Aycock adopted Odin and, with Jason Checketts’ help, trained him for tracking and bite work. After he finished training, Jason brought Odin to meet Adam. Odin recounts biting Adam after he stepped on his tail and the time he spent in a crate being flown to Oregon. Odin’s description of his tracking work resulted in fifty-six apprehensions until he fell ill at the age of five. A severe bacterial infection caused sepsis. Adam was determined to make sure Odin had every chance to live. They still had work to do together.
Lisa Slater gave Odin’s story a unique perspective. His reasoning for his actions was based on the mental capacity of a dog. His prey drive and high energy matched the skills he needed for success. I know German Shepherds for their role in police work, but the Belgian Malinois, like Odin, is gaining popularity for their determination. The vivid details of the terrain Odin drags Adam through allowed me to immerse myself in the story. When Odin became ill, my eyes filled with tears. Every chapter features a picture of Odin and photographs of Odin’s human teammates. His strengths and flaws gave a realistic view of what Adam and Lisa dealt with as well. Odin reminds me of my dog’s obsession with chasing a ball. K9 Odin will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of heroism and undying love told from a dog’s point of view.
Recommend this book:
Maggie's Legacy
Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie
Sallie Dawkins
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
When Sallie Dawkins set out to get a pet for her child, she did not realize that it would be the beginning of an eight-year spiritual journey that would completely change her outlook on life and her approach to matters of the spirit. God used a beautiful border collie that she named Maggie to open her eyes to all the aspects of worship and meditation that she was either getting wrong or taking for granted. Her relationship with Maggie grew to a point where there were several lessons she picked up from their shared experiences and it eventually transcended what you would expect of the bond between a canine and a human. Maggie's Legacy: Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie is her heartwarming story.
Maggie's Legacy may be a book about a dog but it reads more like a daily devotional manual. Sallie Dawkins uses a unique style in telling her story by picking instances concerning her border collie from her memories and comparing them to her personal experiences with her maker. What makes it even more interesting is the way she uses Biblical verses to support her points. The inclusion of a section with soul-searching questions in each chapter allows the reader to do some thought-provoking introspection concerning the topics in the book. It provides a spiritual panacea for those who feel lost on their journey. When you combine that with the history and care tips for a border collie, you get a dose of spiritual enlightenment unlike any other. Dawkins deserves plaudits for this unusual book.
When Sallie Dawkins set out to get a pet for her child, she did not realize that it would be the beginning of an eight-year spiritual journey that would completely change her outlook on life and her approach to matters of the spirit. God used a beautiful border collie that she named Maggie to open her eyes to all the aspects of worship and meditation that she was either getting wrong or taking for granted. Her relationship with Maggie grew to a point where there were several lessons she picked up from their shared experiences and it eventually transcended what you would expect of the bond between a canine and a human. Maggie's Legacy: Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie is her heartwarming story.
Maggie's Legacy may be a book about a dog but it reads more like a daily devotional manual. Sallie Dawkins uses a unique style in telling her story by picking instances concerning her border collie from her memories and comparing them to her personal experiences with her maker. What makes it even more interesting is the way she uses Biblical verses to support her points. The inclusion of a section with soul-searching questions in each chapter allows the reader to do some thought-provoking introspection concerning the topics in the book. It provides a spiritual panacea for those who feel lost on their journey. When you combine that with the history and care tips for a border collie, you get a dose of spiritual enlightenment unlike any other. Dawkins deserves plaudits for this unusual book.
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