Recently in pet books Category

If you ask me what my favorite adorable dog breeds are I'd have to say Golden Retriever, Samoyed, Husky and German Shepherd. But then again I'm biased because I had all those dog breeds and I have very fond memories with all of them!!

Rachael Hale's book 101 Adorable Dog Breeds is a tool in helping potential owners pick the breed that is perfect for them. Learn about your new puppy or your old friend by reading about the origin, temperment, and maintenance that various dog breeds require.

Rachael Hale is an esteemed photographer who has captured the essence of and unique personality of each breed. Each page brings out the endearing qualities of each dog using unique poses and props that might just melt your heart. Along with photographs of the animals the book describes the traits that make each individual dog unique. From the handsome (as described in the book) Bernese Mountain Dog to the courageous Japanese Spitz the book might just make you scratch your head as to which breed to adopt.

And yes I say adopt! And if you'd like to learn more about breed rescue organizations the AKC has an extensive list of breed rescue organizations.

I don't always read MUTTS but whenever I do come across the strip it warms my heart. I just got this book in the mail and I must say it is a very cute and unique way to raise awareness for the millions of shelter animals out there that need to find loving homes.

Patrick McDonnell, author of the celebrated comic strip helps give the animals a voice in Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.95). The book features an inspiring introduction by Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States and combines more than 100 of Patrick's best "Shelter Stories" strips alongside 70 candid photos and shelter stories of real animals. Not only will you see dogs and cats, but you'll read stories of rabbits, guinnea pigs, ferrets and birds and the kindhearted souls that saved them. The book also features a reference guide filled with tips for adopting the right pet and a variety of useful links that encourage readers to, as Patrick puts it, "adopt some love today."

And as you know you can buy the book in the usual places.

The department I work for receives a plethora of books to write about. Topics range from health to lifestyle to cooking. And those of you that work in the Woodland Hills office know all too well just how many cooking books we had for sale recently (proceeds are going to charity). Pet books don't seem to have much of a place in the print edition (at least for the moment) but they certainly do here. It seems like everyone around me has begun to put just about everything that's pet related on my desk and I'm loving every minute of it.

So from time to time you'll see some spotlights on books that pet lovers would be interested in. I can't guarantee that you'll like the books but it'll give you an idea of what's currently out there as far as reading material for the animal lovers in your life.

Here's the perfect book for families who are thinking about getting a dog. It is designed to teach kids about the rewards of adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization. Written by 15-year-old Emma Jackson, the book is a true account of an abandoned puppy named Dixie who finds a loving home with Emma and her family. The book includes loads of pictures and chronicles Dixie's life from the beginning as a very sick, orphaned puppy to the very happy, healthy dog dog she is now. It also tells the story of Emma, who has searched like crazy to find just the right dog. Should her parents buy from a breeder or adopt? Her answer came when visiting Aunt Mary's Doghouse, a non-profit organization that rescues dogs from overcrowded shelters through fostering and placement of adoptable canines that might otherwise be euthanised. Created just for children ages 4 to 8, the book is filled with colorful photographs and written in big lettering that makes it easy for kids to read. Proceeds from the sale of the book ($16.99) benefit Petfinder.com and Aunt Mary's Doghouse. Now I'm not so sure my cats heed all of the sayings in this book but I guess if you take every single feline in this world and bunch all of their personalities together then yeah, the messages can hold true. hmmm...I think I need to make Hershey read that particular one about 100 times. She gives plenty of love but not a day goes by without her marching to the kitchen with me first thing in the morning to beg DEMAND that I give her Feline Greenies treats. Someone gave those to the kitties as a Christmas gift and Hershey and Marcie have been hooked ever since. And the sucker in me keeps giving into their whiny demands...LOL! But whether your cat follows the sayings or not, this book is chock full of whimsical proverbs that your cat can (hopefully) teach you including: The book is written by Cat Humorist Allia Zobel Nolan, best known for her book 101 Reasons Why a Cat Is Better Than a Man. Each saying is accompanied by a whimsical watercolor depiction painted by Artist Erika Oller, whose artwork can be seen on calendars, greeting cards and children's books, including The Cabbage Soup Solution and The Dog Who Sang at the Opera. The book sells for $16.95. For more information on this book click here.

And of course you can visit online bookstores or visit your local bookstore.