Bookshelf

Daryl's Bookshelf

My very own opinion about a whole bunch of books and other reference stuff... check back often to see what is new!

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I love books, especially if they are about animals. My own personal library is predominantly comprised of a bunch of very well loved non-fiction books, and some other nice reference material, so you’ll be seeing that reflected here. Of course, I read fiction, too, for the pure joy of it. Since I think we could all use more joy in our lives, I’ll include some reviews on fun fiction stuff, too. They might not all include pet related themes, but hey, we don’t have to be entirely single minded!

1 woof- Worth borrowing from a library or a pal, but not really something you need to have taking up permanent shelf space.

2 woofs- Make room for this one in your collection, it might come in handy some time.

4 woofs- A treasured favorite, must have, do not pass “go,” get this now! You NEED to have this book.

Title: The Complete Dog Book- Official Publication of the American Kennel Club

Subject matter: Compilation of all of the official breed standards approved by the AKC. Nice photographs that show how the breed is really supposed to look! Also includes other pertinent information for dog owners.

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! This is a FOUR WOOF book, paws down. Every groomer should have this book in their possession, it is a mandatory reference. I can unashamedly tell you I have read this from cover to cover more than once! You can get older copies for a song, but the new 20^th edition just arrived and has the latest AKC recognized breeds. Why do you need it? Because it will tell you how each breed is ideally supposed to look. It will also educate you about the history and specifics of the breeds of dogs you work with every day. Get one here!

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! Another mandatory reference book, one that deserves a place close to every grooming table. This is the book that we old-time groomers waited for a long time to see. Beautifully illustrated by the talented Lisa VanSweden, this book gives breed by breed specific instruction on how to make each dog look as close to standard as possible. It does not give information on grooming mixed breeds or doing non-traditional trims, but it shows the way a correct pure bred groom should look, and you can go from there. Get one here!

Subject matter: A reference book that provides information about the most common skin problems seen in dogs.

WOOF WOOF WOOF! This is an excellent reference book that I highly recommend you make room for in your library. Each skin problem is described by an expert in the field of canine dermatology. While dealing with technical medical terms, it is written in language that non-medical people can understand. High quality photographs compliment this beautifully written text. The book opens and closes with information given by respected pet stylists. I find I reach for this book on a fairly regular basis. Get one here!

Subject matter: An unequalled reference that explains everything you always wanted to know about shampoos and conditioners but were afraid to ask.

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! This is a must-have, and you can get it in book form or on CD for easy computer access. Barbara Bird has obviously spent about a zillion hours looking up some rather obscure information to put this book together for us. It is not exactly a riveting topic, but Bird's unique style makes the reading and learning enjoyable. From what is in shampoo to how shampoo's work, it is all here. The Glossary itself is worth the price of this book. I have two copies, one I keep at work, the other is home on my bookshelf. You can order one at: www.bbird.biz

Subject matter: The ultimate guide to poodle grooming. From equipment to basic pet trims to exquisite show grooming, it is all here.

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! Another "every groomer should own this" book! I have had copies of the earlier additions, but the most recent (third edition) was printed in 2001 and has the modern information that today's stylists need. Nicely drawn diagrams and beautiful photography make this book a joy to learn from. Get one here!

Subject matter: Amazingly beautiful drawings and paintings of dogs, with some informative and just plain entertaining descriptions and stories.

WOOF WOOF! Ok, so you wont die if you don't own this book, but it is so beautiful you really should have a copy. This is a JOY book. The artist/author is the same man that created the Gnome books that were popular in the '80's. His love of dogs is clearly apparent on every page, and his good humor and wit make the book not only lovely, but fun. I adore this one! Get one here!

Title: Once I Ate A Pie, by Patricial Macleachlan and Emily Maclachlan Charest

Subject matter: A totally delightful children's book, with fabulous illustrations by Katy Schneider.

WOOF WOOF WOOF! I don't have any small children at home, but this book stays on my coffee table. If you have a child in your life, this would be a great gift. If you are a child at heart, it would be good to own yourself! Each page offers a lifelike painting of a real dog, with short sentences describing that dogs look and/or behavior. For instance, there is Gus, the German Shepard. On his page it says, "I want my people in a GROUP. Like sheep. When someone is in the bathroom, I open the door. 'Are you alright?' They are NOT happy. I take them back to the others. When they go anywhere, I am WATCHING. I am the herder." My favorite page involves a pug who ate a pie. Since I own a pie-eating pug, I find this enchanting. Get one here!

Title: The Kids Guide to Petiquette (Pet Behavior), Barbara Denzer, illustrated by Manny Rodriguez

Subject matter: A book introducing children to some basic canine and feline behavior, as well as simple training.

WOOF WOOF WOOF! A sweet, slim book that is great for kids even if they don't have pets. Designed for kids in the 4-10 age range, nicely illustrated with cartoons, this fun book contains some excellent information to help integrate the kids in our lives with pets.

Title: The Crazy Kids guide to Cooking for Your Pet, Barbara & Missy Denzer, illustrated by Manny Rodriguez

Subject matter: A cookbook for kids... but more! Kids learn character and pet care while learning to cook and care for pets.

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! This is a gem of a book... full of important life lessons as well as fun illustrations and creative ideas for making treats for pets (and kids, too!) This would make a terrific gift for the kids in your life... or the kids at heart, like me. It is not all for the dogs, either, lots of kitty treats, too!

Title: The Kids Guide to Pet Jokes, Rhymes & Riddles, Barbara Denzer, illustrated by Manny Rodriguez

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF! Ok, so my kid is all grown up now, but she would have been having a party with the riddles and spoofs included in this nice little book. Kids love pets, and taking care of pets helps them grow into responsible people. This guide is fun for sure, but works in some terrific life lessons and character helps amongst the giggles. Every page if full of just the kind of giddy silliness that children love. I'm saving this to read to my grand kids!

Subject matter: A cat care manual designed with cat addicts in mind. Lots of information from nutrition to behavior, grooming to health issues.

Meow Meow Meow Meow! I think this book is a must-have for those who love cats, even more so if they are grooming felines, as well. I must say that I do not agree with everything the author writes... she is a bit rigid and militant in some of her views for my taste. That being said, this book is filled with nuggets of brilliance and wisdom and I refer to it often. In fact, this is the book that gave me the idea to start a tiny house-call grooming business a zillion years ago when my kid was a baby. I once met someone who knew the author. She gave me the authors phone number and in a brave moment I called her up to thank her for her work and inspiration. She was hideously rude, but I still like the book! I hope she was just having a bad day, and that our brief and horrid conversation does not reflect on her true personality. Buy it here:

Subject matter: A book of very interesting and true stories about cats. The stories are filled with helpful advice for those of us who love and live with cats. Some grooming tips, too.

This book has a treasured spot on my "cat" shelf, and I did pick up some very useful information from it. I recommend cat lovers read it at the least. The authors passion for cats shines though on every page. I am glad I own it, so I am giving it the two "mews," even though life will go on if you don't rush out and buy it. I couldn't find it on Amazon, but you can probably get it if you look around.

Title: Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Delbert G, Carlson, D.V.M. and James M. Giffin, M.D.

Subject matter: A comprehensive book covering the latest in modern health and lifesaving treatments for felines.

Meow Meow Meow Meow! If you own cats, this is a terrific book to have on hand, and if you GROOM cats, it is needed reference book. The book includes a good chapter on grooming, and lots of information about skin. This is nuts and bolts information that anyone who handles cats for a living ought to have on hand. The book is written in an easy to understand manner, and illustrated with drawings and excellent photographs. There is a marvelous first aid section, and a detailed index makes finding the information you are looking for easy as pie. Click above to buy one now.

Subject matter: A no nonsense book about how to manage money so you don't retire broke and end up eating dog food.

Woof Woof Woof Woof! I like reading about managing finances almost as much as I like going to the dentist, which is not at ALL. However, I love the idea of retiring with dignity at some point. My husband and I did the "stuck on stupid" financial thing for years. Listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio and reading his books have helped us make smarter choices. We still struggle to do the right thing, but this book and others by Dave help us understand investing, retirement plans, and how to get out of debt. Bonus points... it is all in plain English, easily understandable and sometimes even funny. This is a book filled with HOPE. Since MANY groomers I know have as little of a clue about managing their finances as I do, I highly recommend they all read this book. Buy one here.