When a panicked stranger shows up at Charm and Cherish, Becca Colwin feels compelled to help. But when that stranger then disappears, leaving behind her heirloom violin the aspiring witch detective is drawn further into a web of deceit and intrigue complicated by a history that only Becca's three magical cats truly understand.

Pet loss has grown as an area of concern, with greater awareness of this kind of grief. Pet ownership itself is at an all-time high; half of all UK households own a pet, and 63 percent of all U.S. households, equating to more than 69 million US households. Company and affection are the number one benefits from pets, and three-quarters of dog owners consider their pet as a child or family member. Small wonder that losing a companion animal can be devastating. It can upset a young family, present children with their first experience of death, and may also be an unwelcome rite of passage for teenagers. For older people, it can mean the complete disruption of their daily lives - at least 40 per cent rely on a pet for daily exercise. For some, pet loss evokes unresolved mourning issues from earlier losses and can have serious emotional implications. Subjects in this sympathetic and comprehensive book include: stages of grieving; when mourning mask deeper problems; dealing with those who don't understand; helping children cope; considering euthanasia; missing: when pet loss isn't death related; special loss: losing a service dog; remembering a pet; and when to get another pet.

"All in the Family - Pet Menageries" takes an in depth look at owning two or more pets. This insightful book is aimed at both current owners and potential pet owners who would like to share their home with an animal companion, but can't make-up their mind what kind - or if two or more animals might be a better solution. Through studies and lots of real life examples, the author hopes to convince pet lovers that two's company - and even three is definitely not a crowd. The book explores why more than one pet is a great idea for all concerned - for both owners and pets. It is also highlights how pets could benefit from the presence of other animals in the household, and in some cases be given a completely new lease of life. Although many might feel two dogs or cats are plenty, it could be that more are even merrier. Expert advice is given on making the right choices to avoid a combination that clearly won't work, perhaps due to the breed of dog or cat; the owner's location or residence; a current lifestyle situation, or the incompatibility or some combinations for numerous reasons. Combinations of dogs and cats, as well as other animals are discussed, with clear evidence that pets such as rabbits, pigs and hedgehogs, among others, can all live happily in a mixed environment. Featuring interviews with multi-animal families, who relate their personal experiences in their real life, mixed menageries, the book is illustrated through dynamic photographs of multiple pets at play, eating, sleeping and interacting with each other, their owners and families, showing what fun, joy, laughter and love more than one pet can bring to a home.

Behaviour problems are a significant cause of companion animal relinquishment and euthanasia. This book provides up to date information about animal behaviour as well as practical advice on how veterinary practice professionals can manage undesirable animal behaviour and give down to earth, appropriate and trusted advice to owners. This book: * Covers the important aspects of behaviour in dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents, parrots and birds, as well as how this behaviour has adapted to the domestic environment. * Discusses the role of the veterinary practice in improving the emotional experience of animals attending the veterinary practice, including practice design, socialisation classes for young animals and effective communication with owners. * Covers the clinical decision-making process in managing the signs of undesirable behaviour, appropriately handling pets in the practice to minimise distress, as well as: behavioural first aid, referral to a specialist, medical influences on behaviour and decisions about euthanasia. This practical and accessible book gives all the essential information needed by veterinary professionals in order to advise clients on the behaviour and well-being of animals in their care.

Herbs for Pets, by herbalists and holistic experts Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff, is the bible for all pet owners looking to enhance their companion animals' lives through natural therapies. Now in its second revised edition, Herbs for Pets is an indispensable resource, an exhaustive compendium of medicinal plants and natural remedies that hosts an illustrated tour through Western, ayurvedic, and Chinese herbs that grow in North America, including their holistic applications and contraindications, and alternative approaches to treating a wide range of ailments. Remedies in the book are applicable to dogs and cats, as well as birds, small mammals, and even farm animals.
The book is organized into three chapters, the first is dedicated to the "Principles and Practices of Herbalism," discussing the many facets of herbs, concerns about toxicity, basic herbal preparation, the ethical use of herbs, the connection between herbs and diet, and using herbs as dietary supplements.
Chapter 2, titled "Materia Medica: An A-Z Guide to Herbs for Animals," is an exhaustive 150-page section presenting color photographs and text about the appearance, habitat and range, cycle and bloom season, parts used, primary medicinal activities, strongest affinities, common uses, availability, propagation and harvest, alternatives and adjuncts, and cautions and comments for 65 different herbs (from Alfalfa to Yucca ). The common uses section is extensive for each herb, discussing the nutrient value, various qualities, and ways in which the herb is used for specific treatments.
The third chapter of the book is titled "An Herbal Repertory for Animals: Ailments and Treatments" and details remedies for the following: anxiety, nervousness, and behavioral problems; arthritis and hip dysplasia; cancer; cardiovascular problems; digestive system problems; ear problems; elderly animal care; endocrine system and related problems; epilepsy, convulsions, and seizures; eye problems; first aid, immune system care; mouth and nose problems; parasite-related problems; pregnancy and lactation; skin problems; and urinary problems. The authors share over two dozen herbal remedies for various ailments, from asthma and pneumonia to constipation and eye cleaner. A glossary of over 200 terms is included, as are references and a comprehensive index.

With clear, concise and immensely practical advice on how animals communicate, behave and self-medicate, The Animal Healer is ideal for anyone who wishes to understand more about animals, healing and themselves. When her horse 'Wow' was seriously injured, Elizabeth Whiter discovered her incredible talent for hands-on healing and also observed how Wow took steps to heal himself. Now with over 1,000 animals treated, Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey, knowledge and experience. She also explains many of the theories that inform her practice including how to provide hands-on healing; sensing and aligning the energies; zoopharmacognosy - an emerging science that refers to the instinctive methods animals use to self-medicate; and how to feed your animals, providing delicious recipes that are healthy for both you and your pets. The Animal Healer shows how a remarkable experience has led to wisdom that anyone who cares about animals will find invaluable.

If The Barefoot Beekeeper was the harbinger of the 'natural beekeeping' movement, then this is the workshop manual. Together with its companion volume - Balanced Beekeeping I: Building a Top Bar Hive - this book will lead you gently into a fascinating relationship with the most engaging of nature's workers: the honeybee. The author draws on 15 years of experience with many types of hive in the both amateur and professional beekeeping contexts. You will want this book beside you for years to come!

George Clooney is not one for long-term relationships. But what's remained beyond the grasp of any woman to date was no problem for the pot-bellied pig Max: before it died in 2006, Max had spent 18 years at the side of the "Sexiest Man Alive." Even half a century ago, the photographer Edward Quinn recognised that the relationship between stars and their pets is a special one. On the Cote d'Azur - the Mecca of the 1950s and 1960s jet set - he managed to create some of his most personal celebrity portraits in the presence of their pets. Often shy and always on guard against fair-weather friends, our glimpses of stars in Celebrity Pets alongside their animal companions are unusually approachable and natural: Picasso romping around with his dogs, Kabul and Lump, or the writer Somerset Maugham on all fours, face to face with his Pekingese, Chin. And we see the mongrel Guapa in a situation that every man of the world would have dreamed of: in bed with Brigitte Bardot. Text in English, German and French.