Archive for the 'Animals & Gardening' Category

Weep Not for Me

Weep Not for Me

Weep Not for Me: In Memory of a Beloved Cat
Constance Jenkins, illustrated by Pat Schaverien

978 0 285 63492 3
Format HB
£4.99

In Memory of a Beloved Cat

Nothing can match the special joy of sharing one’s life with a beloved animal companion, and when, as it must, the moment of parting comes, the pain is as great as when a relative or friend dies.

This beautiful and moving poem was written by the author to comfort her sister after the death of her twelve-year-old cat. Its message of reassurance, peace and hope will bring consolation to all who are grieving for a lost pet, reminding them of the happy memories that will live on after time has healed the sadness of bereavement.

Sensitively illustrated with Pat Schaverien’s exquisite sugar lift etchings, this is the perfect book to give someone who has lost their animal friend, offering sympathy and help at a time when words may seem inadequate.

Hardcover: BUY

The companion book for dog lovers:
I Cannot Lie by Your Fire: In Loving Memory of Man’s Best Friend

I Cannot Lie by Your Fire

I Cannot Lie By Your Fire

I Cannot Lie by Your Fire
Robinson Jeffers, illustrated by Nick Bland

978 0 285 63623 5
Format HB
£4.99

In Loving Memory of Man’s Best Friend

The companionship of a beloved dog can bring a special joy, and the pain of parting can cause immense grief. This beautiful and moving poem, written after the death of the author’s own bulldog, sensitively provides comfort and understanding, and helps bring reassurance and peace following the death of an animal friend.

The message of hope and consolation within the words are there to remind all who are grieving of the happy memories that will live on after the pain of bereavement has passed.

Illustrated throughout, Nick Bland’s sensitive and moving drawings enhance the mood of the poem, making it the perfect book for someone who has lost a beloved friend, offering sympathy and help at a time when words may not seem enough.

Hardcover: BUY

The companion book for cat lovers:
Weep Not For Me: In Memory of a Beloved Cat

Silent Heroes

Silent Heroes

Silent Heroes: The Bravery and Devotion of Animals in War
Evelyn Le Chêne

978 0 285 63214 1
Format PB
£12.99

A commemoration of those animals whose bravery is an inspiration and humbling in its simplicity. Animals have always served alongside soldiers and many have shown outstanding courage in action, going beyond the bounds of training and duty to display selfless displays of devotion.

Among the brave animals Evelyn Le Chene pays tribute to are: Bobbie, a small white terrier, who was the hero of the disastrous battle of Maiwand during the Afghan Wars. Voytek, a Syrian bear, who served with Polish forces at the battle of Monte Cassino in 1944. Murphy, an Australian national hero, was a donkey who found wounded Anzac soldiers in the carnage of Gallipoli and carried them to safety.

Including maps, and a wealth of rare archive photographs. Delving into often elusive source material and interviewing eye-witnesses, where possible, Evelyn Le Chene reveals previously unrecorded details about these unsung heroes and diligently uncovers the true stories behind such silent heroes of human wars as Rob, the collie who served with the SAS in north Africa and Italy during World War Two and was awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery, and reveals, for the first time, the key role played by pigeons in communicating between Allied agents and French resistance fighters.

“For an animal lover like myself this book is a dream because each chapter is devoted to a different hero or heroine from the world of animals.”
‘Military Historical Society Newsletter’

“Tells the stories of soldiers and their animals… Silent Heroes charts the work of animals who have shown outstanding courage in action, going beyond the bounds of training and duty to display selfless displays of devotion.”
‘Gravesend Messenger’

“The range of the book is wide and covers numerous military campaigns assisted by dogs, cats, donkeys and even a bear which carried ammunition.”
Ann Widdecombe, ‘Daily Express’

Paperback: BUY

Sleeping Partners

sleeping partners

Sleeping Partners
Cecil Aldin

978 0 285 63592 0
Format HB
£7.99

Cracker: a comical white bull terrier with a fetching black patch over one eye. Micky: a huge Irish wolfhound Cracker’s stooge and, more importantly, his mattress. These two irresistible characters were for many years the most famous dogs in the world, for they were the favourite models of Cecil Aldin, one of the best sporting artist of his time and supreme in his portrayal of dogs. In Sleeping Partners we find Cracker and Micky at rest, adopting hilariously inventive poses in order to achieve the most satisfying state of slumber.
 
Cecil Aldin was born in 1870 and began his working life as a magazine illustrator. He soon became famous for his sporting prints, posters, children’s books and pictures of old inns but he became world famous for his portrayals of dogs. It was said of him that he “captured the very soul of a dog”. His original artworks are now collector’s items and there are regular exhibitions of his work.

More from Cecil Aldin:
A Dog Day
Puppy Dogs’ Tales
The Rascal

The Rascal

Rascal jacket

The Rascal
Cecil Aldin

978 0 285 63860 0
Format HB
£8.99

Few people can fail to be cheered by the adventures and personality of Cecil Aldin’s mischievous puppies.

Published as a follow-up to the phenomenally successful A Dog Day, The Rascal follows a year in the life of a bulldog puppy who enters the social whirl of Edwardian London. This beautiful and charming puppy becomes the darling of an actress, enjoys the races at Ascot, goes punting at the Henley Regatta and holidays in Ostend. The high life finally ends as his sense of the bulldog, and British virtues leads him to disaster and he discovers the new pleasures of country living.

The brilliant full-page illustrations became collectors items when the book was first published in 1905. Cecil Aldin’s pictures bring the puppy to vibrant life, and show why Aldin’s art has captivated generations of adults and children, and his sense of fun shines from every line. Anyone who knows dogs will recognise this canine rascal, portrayed by the greatest of all dog illustrators.
 
Cecil Aldin was born in 1870 and began his working life as a magazine illustrator. He soon became famous for his sporting prints, posters, children’s books and pictures of old inns but he became world famous for his portrayals of dogs. It was said of him that he “captured the very soul of a dog”. His original artworks are now collector’s items and there are regular exhibitions of his work.

“The Rascal has captivated generations since it was first published… Features absolutely gorgeous illustrations. An ideal gift for both adults and children.”
‘Dogs Today’

“One of Cecil Aldin’s most endearing dog books… Aldin’s ability to portray the character of dogs in simple etchings or drawings has been recognised as his particular forte… The original artwork is beautifully reproduced.”
‘The British Sporting Art Trust Newsletter’

“A beautifully illustrated timeless tale of canine humour… A perfect present for dog-lovers.”
‘Dogs Monthly’

Hardcover: BUY

More from Cecil Aldin:
A Dog Day
Puppy Dogs’ Tales
Sleeping Partners

Puppy Dogs’ Tales

puppydogstales

Puppy Dogs' Tales
Roy Heron

978 0 285 63656 1
Format HB
£8.99

Few people can fail to be charmed and cheered by Cecil Aldin’s mischievous puppies which first came to life on the walls of his children’s nursery.

Scamp, the mongrel; Poppy, so-called because of her red colouring and Snowball, the white terrier, were lovable rascals always looking for adventure and a stolen snack. Then there was bill, the bob-tailed pup, who tugged at the heartstrings as he sought friendship but was scorned because of his truncated rear end.

They were among the stars of a series of eagerly-awaited books issued each year in time for Christmas in the decade before the 1914-18 war and whose escapades delighted a generation of children. Now, in a special edition of selections by Roy Heron, they join the other reissued Aldin classics, A Dog Day, The Rascal and Sleeping Partners.
 
Cecil Aldin was born in 1870 and began his working life as a magazine illustrator. He soon became famous for his sporting prints, posters, children’s books and pictures of old inns but he became world famous for his portrayals of dogs. It was said of him that he “captured the very soul of a dog”. His original artworks are now collector’s items and there are regular exhibitions of his work.

Hardcover: BUY

More from Cecil Aldin:
A Dog Day
The Rascal
Sleeping Partners

Thinking with Horses

thinking with horses

Thinking with Horses
Henry Blake

978 0285 63154 0
Format PB
£9.99

Stimulating and practical, this amazing book will help you to achieve real communication with your horse. Your horsemanship will improve by leaps and bounds, because you and your horse are working together, using the horse’s natural instincts to make him want to do what is asked of him.

You will learn to understand your horse’s physical and emotional drives – his need for food and shelter, companionship and sex, light, movement and stimulation, for excitement, praise and a sense of achievement.

Author of the international bestseller, Talking with Horses, Henry Blake draws on his lifelong experience with horses to show how you can motivate your horse to do its best for you, offering a wealth of practical advice on training and schooling techniques, and how to overcome problems.

Thinking with Horses represents the wisdom of a lifetime spent working with horses. It is essential reading for any horse-lover who wants to get the best from his or her animal.

“A breath of fresh air among equestrian writing. Anyone, whether a newcomer or an old hand, should enjoy and learn from this delightful book.”
‘Tatler’

Paperback: BUY

Also by Henry Blake:
Talking with Horses

The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour

APBC cover image

The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour
David Appleby

978 0285 63887 7
Format PB
£18.99

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors has been established for over twenty years and their experience and understanding of this new, and developing, science of ethology is the basis of the book. Experienced animal behaviour counsellors provide the most up-to-date account of the science of animal psychology for all pet owners, while providing a practical approach for all veterinarians who treat small animals.

Dogs, cats and rabbits are the animals most commonly treated for behavioural problems and the book focuses on the problems that affect these companion animals. Exploring the psychology of a pet’s relationship with its owner, and with each other, leading writers from Sarah Heath and Anne McBride to Inga MacKellar identify the problems all vets will be asked about and provide practical solutions to them.

Bringing together a variety of expert opinions and the most up-to-date research The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour will help resolve a cat’s anti-social behaviour and explain why a dog acts like its wild wolf ancestors.

Groundbreaking essays on problem behaviour look at how learning and emotions governs animal behaviour while outlining the best way to understand:

The foundations of canine behaviour
How pets and children interact
Behaviour problems in domestic rabbits
Rage Syndrome in dogs
Problems specific to ageing pets.

“Covering not just dogs and cats, but also rabbit behaviour. If you want to understand more about what’s going on inside your pet’s head, this book is an excellent place to start.”
Pete Wedderburn, ‘Daily Telegraph’

“Brings together many well-known experts… It should be essential reading for anyone involved in animal behaviour counselling, breeding, welfare or veterinary practice, with valuable insights for all pet owners.”
‘Veterinary Nursing’

“An excellent book for anyone involved in caring for or working with animals… A useful and fascinating book.”
‘The Teacher’

Why Does My Parrot

Why Does My Parrot cover

Why Does My Parrot...?
Rosemary Low

978 0285 63840 2
Format PB
£9.99

“When you are buying your new bird and its cage and toys, make sure this book is part of your purchases. It will save a lot of headaches at a later date, and you will love reading it.”
‘Cage & Aviary Birds’

This practical and helpful book draws on Rosemary Low’s unrivalled experience to provide valuable guidance for parrot owners of any level. Using the basic elements of parrot psychology and behaviour, Rosemary Low explains common problems that owners encounter, such as biting, screaming and feather plucking.

Parrots are sensitive creatures and it is essential that love and rapport exists between bird and owner. When there is no rapport the parrot can live in a constant state of stress and fear, and the owner may be unaware of the aspects of his or her behaviour that the parrot finds threatening. Rosemary Low has been answering questions on parrot behaviour for over thirty years and, drawing on case studies and her experiences with her own birds, she presents answers to the most frequently asked questions about problem behaviour.

Using an easy-to-use A-Z format, this book will demystify every problem a parrot owner will come across, and will be a practical guide for owners of all levels of experience, helping to build a happy and harmonious home for your parrot.

Rosemary Low has been involved with birds all her life and has been curator of two of the world’s largest parrot collections: Loro Parque, Tenerife, and Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria. She was editor of PsittaScene (the magazine of the World Parrot Trust) for fifteen years.

“Parrot authority Rosemary Low seeks to prevent many common problems owners have… The A –to- Z format makes it an easy reference tool.”
‘Bird Talk’

“Anyone contemplating purchasing a parrot for the first time should be advised to read this book first.”
‘The Veterinary Record’

Paperback: BUY

E-book: BUY

How to Make an Old Dog Happy

How to make an old dog happy

How to Make an Old Dog Happy
Olivier Lagalisse

978 0285 63733 7
Format PB
£12.99

Just like their owners, dogs grow old. So it is up to you to give them the best life possible.

“What a godsend… it’s got every bit of advice from practical to medical.”
‘The Countryman’

There are countless books out there about looking after your puppy, but what happens when that puppy grows up? This is a simple and accessible guide on how to prepare your beloved pet for a happy old age.

Old dogs forget, so use the enjoyable games given here to stimulate an old dog’s brain.
Old dogs get tired, so adjust them to a new, less strenuous routine.
Old dogs need different nutrition, so follow the outlines given in this book.
Old dogs get confused, so adjust their surroundings to make life simple, and give them an enriched environment.

As an owner you can help your dog live longer and more comfortably using alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy and acupuncture, and following simple routines of hygiene and emergency first aid. This book will also explain the many terms you may find your vet using, as well as the ins and outs of pet insurance.

And finally there is helpful advice on where to look for a final resting place for your much loved old companion. The appendix contains lists of useful addresses from Breed Societies, to Pet Cemeteries and Crematoriums, and Welfare Organisations.

A must for all owners of elderly dogs, who want to enhance their old companion’s life, and their own.

“A useful basic guide offering advice on what to expect and handy tips on how you can ensure your pet’s comfort and happiness during this period of his life. Certainly worth reading… and gives plenty of ideas for areas to research further.”
‘Your Dog’

“Olivier Lagalisse, an experienced animal behaviourist, explains the ageing process your dog will undergo, clearly outlining the signs of age and the most common ailments to expect, and offers accessible and simple advice on how to prepare your dog for a longer and happier old age, as well as basic first aid for the older dog.”
‘Cambridgeshire Pride’

Paperback: BUY

E-book: BUY