All about pets and their impact on our lives
Pets bring so much to our lives, from childhood to adulthood. The books reviewed this month by a St. Joseph Public Library librarian are all about pets. The books discussed here are available at the St. Joseph Public Library, at other Missouri Evergreen libraries, or from one of the SJPL eContent vendors. Visit the library’s catalog at https://sjpl.modiscovery.org to find these or other great books to enjoy.
Little Kids First Big Book of Pets by Catherine D. Hughes. A National Geographic production, this is a book to use with children who want a first pet. Different species are discussed from babyhood to old age. Temperament, tips for handling, feeding and necessary equipment are all covered. Well-illustrated and providing questions for discussion, this is a very helpful book to choose the right pet for your family. Included are warnings for those animals unsuited as pets or that require special handling.
Vet Confidential, An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health by Louise Murray, DVM. For the veterinary consumer. Included are questions to ask a prospective vet practice as well as how to get the most from your vet appointments. This book is full of things many pet parents do not think of, especially at the very stressful time of suddenly needing a vet. A comprehensive book covering vaccines, specialty vets, advanced technologies, alternative medicine, and the end of your pet’s life. A book with a lot of information sympathetically written.
National Geographic Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care by Gary Weitzman. Many species of pets are presented in this book, but the greatest space is devoted to dogs. Responsible pet ownership opens a discussion of which kind of pet, adopting, rescuing or purchasing is a good fit for your situation. Topics include behavior and training, common health issues, followed by diagnostics, aging and holistic medicine. Emergencies, toxins, first aid and disaster preparedness are topics pet owners may not think to deal with ahead of time. This book will help.
Draw & Paint Your Pet by Susie Wynne. Cats, dogs, small pets, and horses are each given a section. Materials, basic sketching and watercolor techniques, using photographs and studies of individual animal’s features are included. Making your animals’ portrait will seem doable after reading and looking at the ample illustrations in this book. Each portrait shows the personality well. The book ends with, “Be ambitious and do not accept any negativity regarding your aspirations in drawing and painting.”
The Complete Practical Guide to Small Pets & Pet Care: An Essential Family Reference to Keeping Hamsters, Gerbils, Guinea Pings, Rabbits, Birds, Reptiles, and Fish by David Alderton. Beautifully illustrated with breed pictures and “how to” pictures for providing homes and equipment for your small pet. Choosing a pet information includes required living conditions, suitability around children, personality traits and warnings about problems encountered with particular species. You will find possible pets that you may never have thought of but may work better for your situation. From diets to suitable toys, you will find a thorough look at your responsibilities for your next possible pet.
