We love our pets. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other species have become an essential part of more families than ever before. Pet owners are drawn to their animal companions through an innate desire to connect with other species. But there is a dark side to our domestic connection with animal life: the pet industry is contributing to a global conservation crisis for wildlife, often without the knowledge of pet owners. In Unnatural Companions, journalist Peter Christie issues a call to action for pet owners. If we hope to reverse the alarming trend of wildlife decline, pet owners must acknowledge the pets-versus-conservation dilemma and concede that our well-fed and sheltered cats too often prey on garden wildlife and seemingly harmless reptiles released into the wild might be the next destructive invasive species. We want our pets to eat nutritionally healthy food, but how does the designer food we feed them impact the environment? Christie's book is a cautionary tale to responsible pet owners about why we must change the ways we love and care for our pets. It concludes with the positive message that the small changes we make at home can foster better practices within the pet industry that will ultimately benefit our pets' wild brethren.

Selected Tips and Photographs From Pet Photography 101 by Andrew Darlow: Tip #1 Should you buy a DSLR, or a high-end Point and Shoot (a.k.a. a compact camera) to photograph your pets and other family members? What about a camera that can do both stills and video? Andrew gives an overview of what's out there and how to find just the right camera (or cameras) for you and your family. He also covers tips for taking better photos with your camera phone/smartphone. Tip #24 Learn how to find inexpensive, yet powerful handheld reflectors around the house, in your local hardware store or at another retailer, and find out what specific light stands and accessories you can use to hold them in place. Also learn techniques for using the sun as a "lightbulb in the sky." Tip #49 Valuable tips for getting your pets to stand still so that you can get great photographs of them (this is the pet photography question Andrew is most frequently asked!). Other suggestions in this tip include ways to get your pets moving around in interesting ways for better still photos or video clips. Tip #83 This tip covers an important yet often overlooked topic-organizing your photos. Andrew introduces the process and links to an online step-by-step tutorial with downloadable folders for keeping your images organized (whether you use Mac or Windows). Tip #99 This tip covers the reasons why continuous-tone photo prints from a photo lab or retail store are a great option. It also includes additional resources, including a link to a 4 x 6-inch calibration file on the companion site to help make sure you are getting proper color, density and sharpness. The book's companion site: www.PhotoPetTips.com, contains additional links, tips and information as well as free excerpts-including all of Chapter 2 as a free downloadable PDF.

No buts: discover the addictive joy of raising goats Goats are amazing, multi-talented creatures that have been domesticated for over 10,000 years. As well as being a source of food, clothes, and milk, they're wonderful companions: cute, intelligent, and playful—and often as friendly and attentive as dogs. In addition, they make endearing noises and—according to ancient Ethiopian legend—discovered coffee. So what's holding you back? The new edition of Raising Goats For Dummies rebuts all your excuses, and shows you why having one—or, actually, a few—of these companionable ruminants (cud-chewing animals) in your life will bring you great joy, and, if you choose, unbeatable homemade milk and cheese—and possibly a cozy new sweater. A happy goat aficionado since 1998, Cheryl K. Smith takes you from the grassroots of raising your goat—choosing and buying the breed you want, building and maintaining goat-friendly housing—to more elevated terrain, including how to build your own milk stand, participate in online goat shows (it’s a thing!), and even monetize your goat. You'll also learn the fundamentals of proper care to make sure your goats are fed, kept healthy, and bred in ways that ensure they have the happiest life you can provide. Study the history and breeds of goat, like the Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy Live sustainably from and even profit from your goat Identify and alleviate common ailments Have fun raising the kids! Whether you're researching buying a goat or learning on the hoof about the ones you have, this book has everything you need to see why getting your goat will bring years and years of joy.

Take the lead from Hollywood stars and glam up your pooch or cat with these fashionable, eye-catching outfits and fun accessories! All styles are catered for, from laid-back Sunday relaxing attire, to glitzy party wear. There are also fetching hold-alls to carry small dogs, comfy chairs for your pet to lounge in and exciting toys for them to play with. The projects are quick and simple to knit and come complete with helpful advice on measuring your pet and great suggestions for alternative colour palettes to suit your pet's personality. The book includes knitwear for dogs, such as a Stripe Hoodie, Mod Parka and Ballerina outfit plus accessories for both dogs and cats, such as a Scarf, Bandana, Corsage, Blanket, Fish Cushion and Shoe Chews. With wonderful colour artwork of dogs and cats modelling the projects, this book is bound to inspire you to get knitting and give your pet some style!

The "fur-and-feathers Oliver Sacks" (New York Times), pioneering veterinarian Nicholas Dodman recounts his "riveting stories" (Judith L. Rapoport, MD, author of The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing) of treating animals with all-too-human problems in this "fascinating read for anyone who wants to know how the animal mind works" (Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs). Internationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Nicholas Dodman breaks new ground with the practice of One Medicine, the profound recognition that humans' and other animals' minds and emotions work in similar ways. Racehorses with Tourette's Syndrome, spinning dogs with epilepsy, cats with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, feather-plucking parrots with anxiety, and a diffident Bull Terrier with autism-these astonishing cases were all helped by One Medicine. Traditional treatments did not cure the behaviors because they treated the symptoms as disorders of the body, rather than problems of the mind. "This book itself is powerful medicine," writes Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus. "Compelling...Dodman injects empathy into a world where sympathy previously reigned," praised Publishers Weekly. "With much charm and compassion" (Susan Richards, author of Chosen by a Horse), Pets on the Couch raises our understanding of our pets' complex interior lives and mental abilities, leading to a greater appreciation of them and the bonds we share.

This first collection of Pet Tales, compiled by former Life editor Anne Cuthbertson, features a talking dog and a surfboarding cat, a chicken that thinks it's human, a foul-tempered duck called Mussolini, a bear called Tina, and an escaped cornsnake who may still be at large under the floorboards. Readers will adore the cast of quirky, sympathetic, heroic and adorable characters, including Lovable Rogues, Timid Souls, Hunters and Gatherers, Escape Artists, Givers of Joy and Dearly Departed. With a foreword by the dog-lover, television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle, this heart-warming, hilarious and at times heart-breaking book is a must for anyone who has ever loved a pet. The Pet Tales column of the Sunday Telegraph launched in 2010, giving readers the opportunity to send in their own stories and pictures. It quickly developed a devoted following with close to a thousand submissions to date.

The Collins Gem series is being relaunched in Spring 2004 and this new title features a new internal design and a strong new cover design. Packed full of tips for the aspiring watercolourist, its handy format makes it ideal for quick reference either in the studio or out in the field. Contents include: essential tips on all the basic watercolour techniques, plus helpful advice on sketching and drawing guidelines on painting skies, backgrounds, foregrounds, the main subject, trees, details and shadows clear and straightforward step-by-step instructions for painting a complete landscape in 7 easy stages tips on painting water in various forms and adding people to a painting

He Was Searching for a Lost Dog. He Found More Than He'd Ever Hoped For. On Valentine's Day 2019, someone stole Steven Carino's dog, Oliver, from his car. Having lost his mother at thirteen and grown up with an alcoholic father, he could always count on his dogs for comfort and company. But now, with his beloved Oliver missing, Steven felt utterly alone. Then, the miracle. In a series of near-impossible coincidences, people from different walks of life crossed paths with Oliver and with Steven. Hardworking immigrants, wealthy suburbanites, car mechanics, deli workers, old friends, close relatives, street cops, gang members, a TV news reporter, social media followers around the world, and one very gifted hairdresser all played a part in Steven's desperate journey to find Oliver. In the middle of it all, Steven realized that no one is ever truly alone--and that the power of community can be life-changing. Oliver is not just a book about a stolen dog. At its core, it's a story about kindness, friendship, and the power of faith. As Steven says, "This is more than just a dog story. This is an everybody story. This is a love story."

From millennia-old cave art to world-famous internet sensations, dogs have inspired artists to strive to capture their loyal personalities and antics for as long as they've been our furry friends. This joyous collection celebrates dogs in art, spanning eras, styles and continents, from the brushes of masters such as Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Sargent, Gauguin, Klee, Picasso and more.

A beautifully written, deeply provocative inquiry into the intersection of animal and disability liberation—and the debut of an important new social critic How much of what we understand of ourselves as “humanâ€� depends on our physical and mental abilities—how we move (or cannot move) in and interact with the world? And how much of our definition of “humanâ€� depends on its difference from “animalâ€�? Drawing on her own experiences as a disabled person, a disability activist, and an animal advocate, author Sunaura Taylor persuades us to think deeply, and sometimes uncomfortably, about what divides the human from the animal, the disabled from the nondisabled—and what it might mean to break down those divisions, to claim the animal and the vulnerable in ourselves, in a process she calls “cripping animal ethics.â€� Beasts of Burden suggests that issues of disability and animal justice—which have heretofore primarily been presented in opposition—are in fact deeply entangled. Fusing philosophy, memoir, science, and the radical truths these disciplines can bring—whether about factory farming, disability oppression, or our assumptions of human superiority over animals—Taylor draws attention to new worlds of experience and empathy that can open up important avenues of solidarity across species and ability. Beasts of Burden is a wonderfully engaging and elegantly written work, both philosophical and personal, by a brilliant new voice.

If you've found yourself almost inconsolable after your pet died, please know that you're normal. If you've found that your family and friends don't seem to understand the level of your grief, please know that, too, is normal. Without comparing our relationships with our pets to those with people, we know that, because of the unique emotional relationships we have with our pets, their deaths produce a level of pain that is difficult to describe. If you relate to any or all of these sentences, this book is for you. We have been there and most probably will be there again. We will be with you on this journey to help your heart deal with the absence of your cherished companion. -Russell, Cole, and John Your relationship with your pet is special-it's a bond that is very different than those that human beings share with each other. When a beloved pet passes away, people often resort to incorrect mechanisms to deal with the grief, such as trying to move too quickly past the loss (dismissing the real impact), or even attempting to replace the pet immediately. However, these are merely two myths out of six that the authors discuss and dismantle in The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss. Based on the authors' Grief Recovery Method (R), this book addresses how losing a pet is different from losing a human loved one, and ultimately, how to move on with life.

As its name subtly suggests, this book features 80 pictures of excessively cute animals. That's Literally it. Among other gems, you can expect some cats flaunting some fabulous wigs, sloths dangling casually, otters holding hands (an actual thing that occurs in nature) and piglets wearing little rainboots for some adorable reason. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this book is a landmark moment in the history of photojournalism. While turning these puppy-peppered pages, your mood will Literally become one of delight and tenderness. And therein lies the powerful magic of pictures of cute animals. Just simply peering into those big eyes carries with it all the gravitas of a David Attenborough nature documentary, but without having to actually watch a documentary. The resilience of the animal kingdom is endlessly inspiring. Cast your mind to this iconic image: a kitten dangling from a tree branch, while sagely encouraging us humans to just "hang in there." And hang in there we did - in order to own this book. This is Literally exactly what our turbulent world needs right now. With its unique meow factor, this is the book that you deserve after a ruff day at work. (It should be said that, mercifully, no animal puns are included in this book.)

Following on from Tom's life with six cats in UNDER THE PAW, he now picks up the story in TALK TO THE TAIL, updating readers on what has happened with his feline friends as well as looking back for more confessions about his animal-loving past. Readers of Tom's previous book will be delighted to read what has happened to his six eccentric cats. Why does Janet keep bringing 1980s sweet wrappers into the house? Will 24-hour surveillance of The Bear, using a state-of-the-art cat GPS system, finally solve the mystery of his wanderlust? Tom also writes about his bumbling forays into the remainder of the animal kingdom. He attempts to overcome his crippling fear of horses with disastrous results, chase ostriches in Kenya, put his hand into a tiger's mouth for 0.9 seconds and he meets his 'alter-doggo' -- the spaniel Tom regularly walks who likes to roll around in dead animals. Where will it all end? Will he give in to temptation and get a dog, a goat or even more cats? With this soppy creature-obsessive, anything is possible.

Friendly, dependable, intelligent, and easy to care for, donkeys are increasingly prized by small-scale farmers, horse lovers, and animal enthusiasts. Already, there are hundreds of thousands of donkeys and mules in the U.S., and their population is growing steadily. Donkeys not only pull carts, carry riders, and tote gear for hikers, but they also make terrific stable companions and livestock guardians, and they are renowned for their skills in transport, raising water, milling, and farm tillage. They're also gentle with children and the elderly, making them a popular therapy animal and family pet.
A donkey is not simply a long-eared horse, however; understanding the donkey's distinctive traits is critical to the animal's well-being and usefulness. "The Donkey Companion," by Sue Weaver, offers a comprehensive overview of this hardy creature -- the most complete, up-to-date reference of its kind. Here is everything donkey enthusiasts need to know about the animal's history, physiology, behavior, breed characteristics, daily care, and health needs.
Readers will come to understand this versatile animal, and through understanding will become skilled, satisfied owners. "The Donkey Companion" offers detailed information about different breeds and types; provides tips for finding and selecting the right animal; explains donkeys' daily care and health requirements; and guides readers through the nuances of training, riding, driving, and breeding. The book is enhanced with fun facts, training tips, quotes, photographs, illustrations, and additional resources. From foaling to first aid, and from grooming to professional showing, this extensive guide offers everything a donkey ownerneeds to get the most out of this gentle, hardworking animal.

A Must-Read for all Pet Lovers

For decades, dog and cat owners have depended on popular commercial foods to keep their beloved animals well-fed. Until 2007, when the national pet food catastrophe left pet owners scrambling for an alternative to mass-quantity, factory-produced food.

How can you break away from your reliance on the commercial pet food industry? "Pet Food Nation" offers the solution: Stop feeding your pet from a bag or a can--gradually, and then permanently. Instead, let's return to the way our ancestors fed their cherished pets since the dawn of time, with a variety of fresh and cooked foods from our own homes, the smart, simple, and healthy way.

Pet Food Nation features:

How to transition your pet from commercial food to a healthier diet Six signs of dietary problems with your pet Why homemade food is better for your pet The best diet for an older pet What to feed your breed Basic easy recipes for dogs and cats

Buy this book and learn how to feed your pets properly and safely now!

From the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Heads and Dog comes a funny and interactive book featuring everyone's favorite pets! Children will delight in this interactive introduction to an incredible assortment of pets, from guinea pigs and rabbits to pot-bellied pigs, reptiles, fish, and more! Sturdy pull tables, flaps, textures, and a fabulous pop-up finale will engage young readers as they discover the world of possible pets to get! Pets is an interactive and read aloud favorite for all toddlers who love animals.

Queer Entanglements provides the first comprehensive account of the intersections of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, and non-binary people's lives with the lives of animals. Exploring diverse topics such as domestic violence, grief following the loss of an animal, veganism, cruelty-free makeup products, Pride events, and community activism, the book offers a theoretical and empirical basis for understanding the contexts that bring together human and animal lives. By using real-world examples, it provides a lively and engaging view of what it means to think about the connections between animal and human lives, even when human experiences operate at the expense of animal wellbeing. This critical, intersectional, and interdisciplinary perspective on human-animal relations will be of interest to scholars and students in human-animal studies, psychology, sociology, social work, and cultural and gender studies.