Review of This Hill, This Valley (American Land Classics) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I found this book to be another of Hal Borland's masterful descriptions of the nature around us. When Hal describes a brook to fish in, or a hill loaded with color in the fall, an animal's tracks in the snow,aweathered fence line falling down, the sound of geese far overhead on a cold clear night.....You can feel, hear, and see in your mind's eye... exactly what he was describing. You might have even experienced these things, yourself, at some point in your busy life, but never thought any more about it until you opened the pages of this and all others by Hal Borland. This book is not only a MUST read....It's a GREAT read. Enjoy

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Review of The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century (Paperback)

I would consider this a very strong complimenting book to go with Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

This truly is a "Holistic" book, encompassing all areas of sharing your life with a dog.Denise Flaim delves into topics like nutrition, training, communication, vaccinations, allergies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cancer and "finding the perfect vet" (to name a few).This book is also crammed pack full of herbal remedies and essential oil healing therapies.And at the same time, I find her writing style to be friendly and encouraging--not judgemental of the reader for picking one thing over another.And at the same time, encouraging the reader to find the "right balance" for you and your canine companion.

I do not plan to practice healing through herbal and essential oil therapies on my own, but I do plan to seek out a holistic vet who will offer me these options for treating conditions and ailments of our canine friend.

After a long and courageous fight, our Chihuahua finally went to eternal rest one week ago today.During his 13 years, he was consistently put on drugs like cortisone, prednisone and antibiotics to relieve him of symptoms like skin allergies, anal gland problems, nasal congestion, etc.All of which finally manifested into Inflammatory Brain Disease.I am finally realizing that I probably could have prevented most if not all this by providing a more nutritious diet.I believe in the philosophy that symptoms are just what we see on the surface of a more fundamental problem and by using drugs like these to provide temporary comfort does not always address the root cause.

I borrowed this book from my library, but now after reading it cover-to-cover, I will purchase a copy to go along with Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.Between these two books, and a partner relationship with a good holistic vet, I am better prepared to make decisions about our companion's health and happiness.

Product Description
"This book is an important contribution to improving the health, well-being and care of our closest animal companion, the dog…. No one with a dog should be without this book." -From the Foreword by Dr. Michael W. Fox

The Holistic Dog Book addresses your whole dog and all the ways you can bring a more natural approach to your dog's care. Whether you're interested in essential oils, homeopathy, natural diets, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage or emotionally satisfying training, you'll find what you need to make well-informed decisions about what's right for the both of you.



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Review of Zoro's Field: My Life In The Appalachian Woods (Hardcover)

Written accounts of solitary wilderness living show up every once in a while, and seem to have become especially popular after the Baby Boomers "discovered" Thoreau in the 1960s.His words still inspire a few folks to chuck their lives of quiet desperation and head for the hills to get away from it all.Some are successful, some are not.Many stay there only a year or two before the most pressing need -- the financial one -- forces them to return to civilization.

That's not the case with Thomas Rain Crowe, who spent four years (1978-1982) living alone in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina.Crowe went back to his home state after living in a variety of places, doing a variety of work, communing with a variety of people.When given the opportunity to be the cabin tenant, he made the most of it.He worked hard to be self-sufficient, growing his own food and tending to his home and his tools.Others might have been bored in such a setting, but not him.He was always busy: gardening, fishing, taking care of his beehives, making homebrew, digging his root cellar, taking notes on the experience.And he regained the use of one his most valuable resources, the Southern Mountain speech of his childhood.He was downright satisfied with the situation.

His mentors in this effort were several local men who offered advice from time to time:Zoro Guice appeared in Yoda-like fashion whenever Crowe needed to learn how to perform a certain task.Walt Johnson was the scamp of the neighborhood, but was also an accomplished dowser who could find water every time.From these and other natives Crowe learned how to live close to the land, to live in the time of the seasons.The reader senses that Crowe would be living there still, if civilization hadn't encroached upon the property and changed it forever.That's when he knew he had to leave.

Not just a doer, Crowe is also a viewer -- a writer, a poet, a spiritual man who feels a strong connection to the natural world.His poetry uses simple words and turns of phrase to evoke powerful images.On the other hand, his prose, the narrative of his story, is the work of a learned and literate man.Complex constructs entice the reader to keep on going, to chew on the concepts and experiences offered.It takes time to digest these lines, and it's time well spent.Having witnessed Thomas Rain Crowe read some of this book aloud in person, I have the benefit of having heard the hint of the Smokies in his voice, the love for the place evident in every well-spoken syllable.No matter; it comes through in the typewritten text as well.

So was Thomas Wolfe right or wrong?Can you or can't you go home again?The reader decides.In the meantime, "Zoro's Field" should be placed on a shelf with the works of the old and new naturalists (Thoreau, Burroughs, Leopold, Carson, Eiseley, Bass) to one side, and the "Foxfire" books to the other.A thought-provoking addition to the environmental canon.



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Review of Country Wisdom & Know-How (Paperback)

If you could gather up the wisdom of the many generations of farmers, ranchers, outdoorsmen, homesteaders, and mountain-men and put it into a book you would end up with a book like this.While this is not as thorough as the multi-volume sets like the older Foxfire series, it is one of the most complete single-volume works available.The text is small in order to cram all the information into this oversized almost 500 page book but it is still readable and very interesting.The book is divided into the six major sections of animals, cooking, crafts, gardening, health and well-being, and home.Each of these major divisions is subdivided into multiple more detailed sections.For example, the animals section includes information on attracting desirable animals such as humming birds, building bird shelters, feeding birds while preventing squirrels from robbing the feeder, getting rid of problem animals, taking care of your pets, herbal treatments for dog problems, rabbit husbandry, horsemanship, raising chickens and ducks, beekeeping, and butchering.Each section is similarly detailed with the gardening section being particularly large.Country Wisdom and Know-How is an indispensable reference volume for anyone interested in country living and is highly recommended.

Product Description
Reminiscent in both spirit and design of the beloved Whole Earth Catalog, Country Wisdom & Know-How is an unprecedented collection of information on nearly 200 individual topics of country and self-sustained living. Compiled from the information in Storey Publishing's landmark series of "Country Wisdom Bulletins," this book is the most thorough and reliable volume of its kind. Organized by general topic including animals, cooking, crafts, gardening, health and well-being, and home, it is further broken down to cover dozens of specifics from "Building Chicken Coops" to "Making Cheese, Butter, and Yogurt" to "Improving Your Soil" to "Restoring Hardwood Floors." Nearly 1,000 black-and-white illustrations and photographs run throughout and fascinating projects and trusted advice crowd every page.

About the Author
Storey Publishing, located in North Adams, Massachusetts, is one of the most respected and trusted publishers in the categories of country living, crafts, pets, and animals.

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Review of Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by a shelter volunteer.One of my cats has some major behavioral issues and I have been at my wit's end trying to solve her problems.I was even thinking of trying to find her a new home.It was that bad.

My cat Tooko hates all my other cats, especially the oldest one, Heather.She spends all her waking hours tormenting poor Heather.Heather is scared for her life all the time and is disheartening to watch them. Heather even stared peeing in unusal spots because she was so upset.

Ms. Rainbolt's book gave many helpful tips that REALLY worked.She had many recommendations for natural behavior products and an excellent guide for medications to handle aggression.She also, funny enough, had wonderful ideas for handling inappropriate urination and how to find the places that Heather peed.

My house is now at peace and smells great, for a change.

So, if you have cats, this is really a great idea.I appreciate her honesty and product recommendations.i hate it when you buy something that promises you the world and delivers nothing!




Product Description
The number of households with cats is on the up - and more and more often they multi-moggie households. This requires a lot of planning, cleaning, discipline, and diplomacy on the part of the owners!"Cat Wrangling Made Easy" is a comprehensive and - despite its lighthearted look - a no-nonsense, easy-to-use guide to having a stress-free, clean, and comfortable living environment for you and your cats.It deals with everything you need to know about staying sane in a multi-cat house - from making introductions, maintaining a litter tray, and dealing with dinner time to interspecies relationships, bringing home another kitty, and much, much more.



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Review of Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

I was given this book the first Christmas I had my first cat.The person who gave it to me is an owner of about 15-20 homeless dogs(numbers vary) and has found the dog version to be helpful.I have found this book to bea necessary item...better than many "people" guide books.I canactually have an intelligent conversation with my vet before(and if) I haveto take my cats in to see him.If my vet mentions a specific malady, I canlook it up and find a simple definition.It's truly user-friendly!It's amust for those new to cats AND those cat experts.I would also recommendthe dog & small animal version for those to whom it applies.We needan automachanic's book that is this simple & helpful!

Product Description
Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

• Signs and Symptoms Index on inside front cover
• Easy-to-understand text
• Authors with collective experience of over a half century
• Hundreds of instructional photos and drawings throughout
• Covers every problem from Pediatrics to Geriatrics

All cat owners wish that their pets really did have nine lives. Now, with this newly revised and expanded edition of Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, the one life cats do have can be made longer and happier. Virtually every problem that owners will encounter is dealt with in language that teaches everyone how to cope with and prevent those unpleasant surprises. Part of the cat's mystique is a uniquely curious nature. This innate curiosity can create many dangerous situations and unwelcome consequences. This book, a classic in its first edition, has been updated to include the very latest solutions to the daily occurances and special problems in all phases of cat care, including behavior and training. Yes, training! Now, in clear and simple terms, symptoms are identified and thorough instructions are given so that with this book, owners can become the best friends their cats can have in a lifetime.

From the Inside Flap
Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook Fully revised and expanded, the Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook is the most essential book any cat owner can have. Clearly written, step-by-step directions give you vital information at your fingertips: when you can treat your cat yourself and how to communicate signs and symptoms so that your veterinarian can give your pet the best care possible. A quick reference section on emergencies, all in alphabetical order, enables every owner to find information fast when time is shortest. An index of signs and symptoms on the inside front cover puts every page reference right at hand. Headings in boldface type make finding the right information easy, and charts and tables on vaccinations, household drugs, antibiotics and much more, give complete answers to questions all cat owners ask. A thoroughly detailed index highlights all items covered. Over 200 illustrations enhance every owner's understanding of how to give pills and other medications, how to take a cat's temperature and how to apply bandages. Here in one comprehensive volume is the latest in lifesaving procedures and all veterinary therapies to help you give your cat a lifetime of good care.



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Review of Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook (Hardcover)

This is by far the best health care guide for dogs. From the quick index of symptoms on the inside cover, to the great coverage of many diseases and disorders in canines, this is a well-written and easy to understand book,that goes beyond the basics most dog care books give you, without becomingtoo technical. My vet actually kept one on hand in his office for quickreference.

Product Description
The classic bestseller-expanded and updated

The guide dog lovers have relied on for more than twenty-seven years, this handbook has been extensively revised to include the latest information on everything from canine healthcare to nutrition to holistic treatments. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fourth Edition, is the definitive guide for every dog owner. It puts vital information at your fingertips, with:

• An index of signs and symptoms to help you find information fast

• Clearly written, step-by-step directions for handling common canine ailments and problems

• A chapter on emergencies that explains what to do immediately for shock, broken bones, burns, dehydration, heat stroke, poisoning, insect stings and bites, wounds, and more

• Hundreds of photos and drawings that illustrate what to look for and what to do to provide the best care for your dog

• A glossary of terms

With this guide, you'll know when to rush your pet to the vet and when you can begin treatment at home. You'll communicate more effectively with your vet. You'll have the latest information on every aspect of your dog's medical care when you need it. This is the hands-on reference you'll trust again and again.



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