This little book is about cats; cats of all shapes, sizes and colours, and specifically about those that have shared their lives with the great and well-respected astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS, over a lifetime of 80 years.
This is Patrick’s very personal account of the cats who have been part of his family, beginning with Bonnie, who died at the grand old age of twenty, through to Jeannie and Ptolemy, the two beloved felines that he lives with currently.
The fascinating and engrossing text is complemented by personal photographs of Sir Patrick, his adored mother, Gertrude (also a cat-lover), and the many cats that have filled Patrick’s life with love and companionship.
Reveals a delightful and charming side to the man who has attained international status as a writer, researcher, radio commentator and television presenter, and who is credited with having done more than any other to raise the profile of astronomy.

• A side to Patrick Moore that’s not usually seen
• Written from firsthand experience
• Learn about Patrick’s life with his beloved cats
• Test your cat’s intelligence with Patrick’s quiz!
• Read of the antics of Jeannie and Ptolemy; the two felines that live with Sir Patrick
• The two pampered pusses have their very own ‘cat garden’
• Patrick Moore is the Patron of Cat Action Trust and longstanding supporter of the Cats Protection League
• Spans a lifetime of over 80 years!

Watch Hubble & Hattie's exclusive interview with Sir Patrick Moore.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The UK’s longest-serving media darling, host of The Sky at Night, which was launched in 1957 and has recently aired its 700th episode, Patrick Moore is an astronomer, former spy, and, best of all, a cat guy.
A heart condition meant that Patrick was tutored at home, so had little contact with kids of his own age. However, loneliness was not a problem for him: “My boyhood was unusual. I can’t recall a single friend until I was 15. But I always had my cats.”
And he still does. Ptolemy and Jeannie live with him, in a house with a notice on the door that says:
‘The house is maintained entirely for the convenience of our cat.’
In fact, given a choice between people and cats, Patrick will always choose cats, hence the title of his book.

When dogs contract arthritis – as over a fifth do – they can’t tell you what hurts or how they’re feeling, nor can they ask for help. They just have to suffer in silence ... until now.
This book gives our canine friends the voice they’ve been longing for. With expert input from vets, dog dieticians and specialists in complementary therapies, it covers a range of topics, and answers all the vital questions raised by this disease, helping owners judge when their canine companion needs help. Featuring case histories and owner insight, it’s an invaluable companion to dog owners and anyone considering getting a dog. Areas covered include: types of canine arthritis; the importance of an early diagnosis; the different kinds of treatment available; hopes for the future.
This practical owner’s guide demonstrates that a diagnosis of arthritis doesn’t have to be the end of your dog’s world.

• A new approach to the condition in canines
• Gives dogs a voice
• Includes moving case histories
• Provides expert opinion & advice
• A forum for owners
• Features high quality photos
• Offers top tips on managing the condition
• Includes easy-to-absorb information
• Offers hope for the future
• Useful contacts/further info

This is a unique and practical guide for owners whose dogs develop this debilitating disease, and who want to know all about how best to help their dog, by understanding how their vet will treat the condition, and what kind of issues they need to be aware of. It includes information on exercise, and hints on how to get your dog moving again after surgery, all written in an easy-to-understand style. It helps discover how to motivate your dog towards recovery! It is a unique and practical guide with easy to understand text. It offers a step-by-step explanation of all phases of the conditions and its symptoms. It helps you to understand what the vet advises. It also helps you to help your dog remain calm in a stressful situation. It includes information on surgical options and aftercare options. It helps you to make the right decision about what to do next and discover how you and your faithful friend can enjoy life just as you always have!

• Unique and practical guide with easy to understand text
• Step-by-step explanation of all phases of the condition and its symptoms
• Understand what your vet advises
• Help your dog remain calm in a stressful situation
• Surgical options
• Aftercare options
• Make the right decision about what to do next
• Motivate your dog to recovery
• Discover how you and your faithful friend can enjoy life just as you always have!

CHAPTERS
1. Cruciate ligament and cruciate ligament tear
2. Anatomy of the canine cruciate ligament
3. Can I do anything to prevent it?
4. Treatment of the cruciate ligament tear
5. Before the operation
6. After the operation
7. What can the physiotherapist do to help?
8. After the stitches have been removed
9 Aquatherapy
10. Exercise to rebuild muscle
Appendices
Index

This is a unique and practical guide for owners whose dogs develop this debilitating disease, and who want to know all about how best to help their dog, by understanding how their vet will treat the condition, and what kind of issues they need to be aware of. It includes information on exercise, and hints on how to get your dog moving again after surgery, all written in an easy-to-understand style. It helps discover how to motivate your dog towards recovery! It is a unique and practical guide with easy to understand text. It offers a step-by-step explanation of all phases of the conditions and its symptoms. It helps you to understand what the vet advises. It also helps you to help your dog remain calm in a stressful situation. It includes information on surgical options and aftercare options. It helps you to make the right decision about what to do next and discover how you and your faithful friend can enjoy life just as you always have!

• Unique and practical guide with easy to understand text
• Step-by-step explanation of all phases of the conditions and its symptoms
• Understand what the vet advises
• Help your dog remain calm in a stressful situation
• Surgical options
• Aftercare options
• Make the right decision about what to do next
• Motivate your dog to recovery
• Discover how you and your faithful friend can enjoy life just as you always have!

CHAPTERS
1. Hip dysplasia (HD): tips, pain reduction & treatment
2. The anatomy of HD
3. How can I prevent HD in my puppy?
4. The results indicate mild to moderate HD: what now?
5. Kira’s story
6. Worsening symptoms of HD
7. What treatments are available?
8. When the vet advises surgery
9. What is the role of a canine physiotherapist?
10. Care and activity during the rest period
11. What can the physiotherapist do to help?
12. After the stitches have been removed
13. Exercise to rebuild muscle
Appendices:
Useful accessories
Further reading
Index

It can seem like the end of the world when the vet tells you that, sadly, your beloved dog is going blind; it’s natural to put yourself in their place and imagine how catastrophic this news would be for you ...
But with life-changing events such as these, there’s one essential difference between the human and canine species: dogs won’t waste too much time feeling sorry for themselves, or asking “why me?” After taking stock, they will - with your help - adapt and get on with the joyful business of living.
This invaluable book with sympathetically show the owner of the newly-blind, or already blind dog that their loyal friend is still the same, with the same zest for and enjoyment of life. With love and careful thought, you and your dog can get as much out of life as you always have, having fun and establishing an even closer bond as you help each other find new or adapted ways to live happpily together.

• Diagnosis & eye problems
• Intedogsgration with other
• Socialisation
• In the house and garden
• Calming signals
• Fun and games
• Basic commands
• Off-lead
• Smellorama! scenting and nosework
• Case histories

CHAPTERS
Introduction
1. Diagnosed as blind – what now?
2. The question of euthanasia
3. The sense of sight
4. Eye examination and symptoms
5. Taking a blind dog into your home
6. Calming signals and stress 38
7. Basic commands
8. Introducing your blind dog to the rest of the group
9. Games to play at home
10. Smellorama! scent work
11. Training tips
12. Conclusion
13. Further reading


REVIEWS
“My dog is blind – but lives life to the full” deals comprehensively with the subject and is written in a non-technical style that will make it accessible to dog owners. It is an optimistic “can-do” book and provides plenty of case studies to illustrate how individual dogs (and their owners) have coped with their disability. This book provides a useful starting point that can help owners understand their dog’s disability and learn to cope with it. As a support book it is worth recommending to owners as part of a support package that aims to empower owners and allow them to develop a sensitivity to, and understanding of, what is, at first, a very distressing condition. Owners will particularly appreciate reading the case studies and seeing how others have coped well with similar problems. It is this potential to help owners cope with their dog’s blindness that allow me to recommend this book." – Glen Cousquer BSc(Hons) BVM&S CertZooMed PGDOE MSc MRCVS.

"An absorbing read, with excellent advice which goes a long way to explaining just how to live with a blind dog, so that you both get the most out of life." – DTW

"A powerful – and rare – guide to living a happy life with a blind or sight-impaired dog. Owners of such pets receive tips on how to live with such an animal, covering both specific eye conditions and pairing case study examples with solid insights. Any library catering to pet owners will find this a unique, important acquisition!" – California Bookwatch

“'My dog is blind – but lives life to the full' deals comprehensively with the subject and is written in a non-technical style that will make it accessible to dog owners. It is an optimistic “can-do” book and provides plenty of case studies to illustrate how individual dogs (and their owners) have coped with their disability.
This book provides a useful starting point that can help owners understand their dog’s disability and learn to cope with it. As a support book it is worth recommending to owners as part of a support package that aims to empower owners and allow them to develop a sensitivity to, and understanding of, what is, at first, a very distressing condition. Owners will particularly appreciate reading the case studies and seeing how others have coped well with similar problems. It is this potential to help owners cope with their dog’s blindness that allow me to recommend this book." – Glen Cousquer BSc(Hons) BVM&S CertZooMed PGDOE MSc MRCVS.

"We read the great book "My Dog is Blind" (that is definately what we were looking for after some really bad books on the argument) and we are waiting for the release of "My Dog is Deaf" and "Living with an Older Dog"." – Amazon customer

"My dog had recently been diagnosed with Retinal Atrophy which means he is going progressively blind. This news had left me feeling devastated especially as my vet had implied without sight my dog would have a miserable life. I thought I'd try a different route to get a more balanced view on the situation and this book gave me exactly that. The main thing it gave me was hope and reassurance with stories about other people who have and are coping with a dog with sight problems. It doesn't focus on medical diagnoses but gives positive examples of how you and your dog can make the best of the situation you are in. Good luck!" – Amazon customer

There are more deaf dogs than you might imagine, enjoying life just as hearing dogs do. A lot of puppies that are born deaf are euthanised, but a deaf dog isn’t significantly disabled; he still has his fine nose and his eyes, which are far more important faculties to a dog. When a deaf dog misbehaves, it’s usually not because he is aggressive or disobedient; generally, it’s because his owner is unaware of the best way in which to communicate with and handle his dog.
This invaluable book will sympathetically help owners of deaf and hard-of-hearing dogs not just to accept their loyal companions for what they are, but also explain how, with love and careful thought, they and their dog can get the maximum out of life, having fun and establishing an even closer bond as they help each other find new or adapted ways to live together.

• Life with a deaf dog
• Communication with deaf dogs
• Case histories from owners
• How to train a deaf dog
• Interviews with vets
• Interviews with breeders
• Giving confidence to owners of deaf dogs
• Disproving prejudices against deaf dogs

CHAPTERS
Foreword
Introduction
1. Deafness: a death sentence?
How to find a reputable breeder
Neutering/spaying
Ethical dog breeding – interview with
Daniela Gottman
Stages of development
Interview with vet Alexander Heere
DIY test
The canine ear
Interview with Dr Matthias Bruehl

2. Living with a deaf dog
When your deaf dog comes to live with you
Things to consider as the owner of a deaf dog
Tools to help you
Communication is everything – even without hearing
Are deaf dogs dumb?
Separation anxiety
Deaf dogs and children

3. Training
Talk to the hand – commands using hand signals
Hello! I’m talking to you!
Praise
I’m so glad to see you!
Come here!
Sit!
Down!
Heel!
Stay!
No!
Bed!
Clicker training
Let sleeping dogs lie ...?

4. Out and about with your deaf dog
In traffic
On the bus and train

5. The prey instinct

6. Oh, the poor dog!
Dealing with prejudice

7. Fun and games
Activities
Game ideas for the deaf dog
Games for clever dogs

8. Case histories
Chilly
Luna
Kyra

Appendices
1 Further reading and websites
2 Veterinary practices with audiometric equipment

Index

Partners celebrates the diversity of the canine contribution to our species, providing the reader with heart-warming stories of loyalty, perseverance and courage. Written by people that learned to trust their lives to the senses of a dog, and highlighting true examples of working dog behaviour, it enables all dog lovers to understand the inborn senses and instincts of their dog, which man can shape to his benefit.
Instincts tie these stories together: Bart finding a child lost on a mountain, Traveler pulling his blind partner from the path of a moving car, and Truman soothing the souls of abused children. With specific explanations of physiological attributes and innate characteristics – such as olfactory prowess, survival instincts, and intelligent disobedience – plus quotes from fifty canine professionals chronicling working dog behaviors, Partners demonstrates the similarities between the behaviour of a tender Cocker Spaniel that brought an abused child back to reality, and a tough law enforcement K9 that assured his handlers safety. This is the story Partners delivers – unity.

• 25 true stories from professional canine handlers
• Stories from five working disciplines: Specialty, Police, SAR, Guide, Therapy
• Comparisons between disciplines based on work, not breed
• Inborn senses that drive behaviours affecting both working/companion dogs
• The struggle to trust your next step to a dog’s nose
• The ‘love versus tool’ concept
• The bond that has been present for millennia
• Quotes from over 50 noted canine experts
• Adaptability and versatility beyond reasonable explanation
• Learning to move on and start the process again

How does your dog smell? Very well, as it happens!
With up to 100 times as many olfactory receptors as humans, dogs use their sense of smell to ‘see' and interpret their world, just as we do with our eyes. A dog's keen sense of smell is helped by a wet nose which has a layer of mucus that absorbs some scent molecules more quickly, allowing even the faintest scent to be detected and followed. And it's not just specialist hounds such as gun, drug and bomb detection dogs that have this amazing ability. All dogs love to sniff out new smells and messages - their very own ‘p-mail'! - Your faithful friend can be taught to find those lost car keys, tell you if your food contains minute traces of nuts, or even locate a missing person, and in such a way that these ‘nose games' are great fun for both of you!

• How does a dog’s nose work?
• What is my dog telling me?
• Which scent is that?
• Hide and seek games for beginners
• Following trails
• More trailing challenges
• Advanced exercises
• Enrich your dog’s life and your understanding of a dog’s world

CHAPTERS
Preface
How does a dog’s nose work?
Hide & seek games for beginners
What is my dog telling me?
Which scent is that?
Following trails
More trailing challenges
Advanced exercises
Bibliography
Notes


REVIEWS
"Smellorama! is a book of 'nose games' for your dog to play, from hide and seek to following trails. Most of these exercises are suitable for dogs of any age and breed – fun for both of you!" – Dogs Today

"A handy book to have as an instructor either in a dog club or for private consultations. Full of different ideas to try, well illustrated and explained with lots of coloured photographs." – Dog Training Weekly

"Smellorama! can show you how to help your dog make the most of its nose – from hide and seek games for beginners, such as finding your keys, to more advanced searches for people and items in rural and urban environments." - Pet Magazine, New Zealand

"The dog nose is used to 'see' and interpret the dog's world … plenty of fun tips, tricks and games to help you train your pooch to make the best of his or her big world of sniffing and get a better insight into the life of a canine." – Dogs Life magazine

This unique book explores canine hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and weight management, and how these can improve your dog’s well-being.
A type of aquatic exercise, hydrotherapy can help prevent and treat medical problems and pre-/post-operative conditions in dogs, and can also be used for rehabilitation and maintaining health and fitness in your dog.
Obesity is one of the most common issues that domestic dogs face today, and this book brings awareness to the matter, suggesting preventative measures and simple husbandry tips that the owner can use to safeguard their dog’s welfare.
Supplemented by illustrations and colour photographs of patients undergoing rehabilitation, this book is ideal for all dog owners.

• One of the few books on the subject
• Explains canine hydrotherapy
• Actual case studies of dogs at the Animal Magic Fitness Centre
• Awareness of alternative/complementary treatments for dogs
• A hydrotherapist at work
• Illustrated anatomy to explain conditions
• Photographs of patients undergoing rehabilitation
• Examines canine health issues, clinical signs, prevention, treatment
• Weight management and fitness

CHAPTERS
Acknowledgements • Preface • Introduction • Animal Magic

1 Ethics & welfare
Animal welfare
Animal ethics

2 Hydrotherapy: in the beginning
Hydrotherapy & people
Horses
Canine hydrotherapy
Underwater treadmill

3 Hydrotherapy: an introduction
Pre-hydrotherapy assessment
The patient
Breeds
Age
Ill health
The introduction

4 The magic of water

5 The aches & pains of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Septic arthritis
Case history: Katie
Case history: Sonny
Case history: Dotty

6 Obesity: a big problem ...
Age
Reproduction & hormonal abnormalities
Genetic predisposition
Voluntary activity level
External control of food intake
Diet type, amount, frequency
Disease & disorders
Environment & lifestyle
Weight management

7 Hip dysplasia
Clinical signs
Prevention scheme
Diagnosis
Surgical management
Case history: Alfie
Case history: Wally
Case history: Rory
Case history: Ralph

8 Elbow dysplasia
Diagnosis
Prevention
Ununited anconeal process
Fragmented coronoid process
Osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans
Case history: Conker

9 The patella (knee cap)
Case history: Archie

10 Cruciate injuries
Clinical signs
Diagnosis and surgical treatment
Case history: Lilly
Case history: Domino

11 Spinal conditions
Case history: Duchess
Case history: Bertie
Case history: Chester

12 The future

13 Appendices
Further reading
Websites
Glossary

Index

There are billions of dogs in the world, each with its own character and breed traits. Is it possible that ALL of these dogs have dominant personalities? Apply that concept to people: are all humans trying to dominate one another? The answer, of course, is no. Like us, dogs fit into many categories and not all of them want to be boss. Similarly, all people and dogs will boundary push; that’s part of life and learning.
This unique, myth-busting book encourages the reader to challenge old traditions and misconceptions about their canine companion, and question the advice given by out of touch dog trainers. It explains that the dominance method of training was in use long before any wolf pack hierarchy studies were carried out, and will help owners throw out old ideas and begin working with their dogs in an atmosphere of trust, love and mutual respect.
Although there are numerous dog training books available, The Truth about Wolves and Dogs is a critique of traditional dog training and all the myths surrounding it, that will take the reader on a journey of discovery. Your dog will thank you for reading this book.

• A comprehensive myth buster on the theories of dominance dog training and why we shouldn’t blame the wolf
• A true comparison between wolves and dogs and the truth about the differences
• How to have a happy dog
• How to be a good handler
• Superb colour photographs
• Learning to say no to inappropriate dog training
• The freedom to let your dog be your faithful companion
• Looking at where training methods came from
• Recognising pain in your dog
• Dog training from a fresh, more respectful angle

Confined to a wheelchair but still want a dog – is that a good idea? Indeed it is, as the author – who’s wheelchair dependent – ably demonstrates. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users face their own particular challenges when it comes to dog ownership: how will they walk their dog; train and teach it; play games with it, and, all importantly, pick up that poop?
Here, everything that a mobility-impaired potential dog owner needs to consider to enable him or her to own and care for their very own canine companion – even if finances are restricted, or they do not have their own car, carers or helpers – is described and illustrated in detail.
From his unique viewpoint, the author answers all of these questions and concerns, and much more besides, allowing readers to assess and determine whether they can share their special lifestyle with a dog, and what they can do to bring about this happy situation.

• Benefits of dog ownership
• Positive effects on state of mind
• Basic considerations
• Suitable breeds; dog size and temperament
• Caring for your dog
• Special equipment and clothing
• Training for a special life
• The law, you and your dog
• Walkin’ the dog
• A wheelchair is no barrier to dog ownership!

CHAPTERS
About the book
About the author
Fundamental considerations
Equipment
The dog
Dog training for the mobility-impaired
Walks and excursions
Winter: white chaos?
The law, your dog, and you
Fun and games with your dog!
Further reading
Index


REVIEWS
"Alexander Epp, who lost his mobility in a car accident at the age of 21, has written a book that is an inspiring yet ruthlessly practical handbook for wheelchair users and their dogs. Epp starts from the beginning by going through the decisions to be made before bringing a companion dog into a wheel-based household. Pedigree v Rescue? Puppy or Adult? And follows this up with training and walking advice specific to wheelchair users including the pitfalls of on-lead walks. He's clearly a real dog person, and speaks with wry humour about the relationship between dog owners and other people in daily life together with some elegant strategies for subversion. Epp's descriptions of extended wild solo camping trips with a German Shepherd, full of useful tips on equipment and personal safety, redefine the landscape of what is and isn t accessible . Above all, Epp's respect and love for his dogs shines through on every page. Waggy Tails and Wheelchairs is a 96 page lavishly illustrated paperback published by Hubble & Hattie, an imprint of Veloce Publishing http://www.veloce.co.uk/ with a 50p donation made to Dogs for the Disabled with every copy of Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs sold." – www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk

"Epp's descriptions of extended wild solo camping trips with German Shephard, full of useful tips on equipment and personal safety, redefine the landscape of what is and isn't 'accessible'. Epp's respect and love for his dogs shines though on every page." – www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk

"Wheelchair user Alexander Epp draws on his 20 years' experience owning, training and caring for dogs. He discusses a range of issues that need to be considered before the decision to bring home a dog is made, and provides tips on choosing a breed." – Dogs NSW





"Waggy Tails and Wheelchairs has lots of useful information that any wheelchair or scooter user who is contemplating getting a dog would do well to read. The author is realistic about the work involved in having a dog, but if the right strategies are in place, it will be a tremendously rewarding experience for both the individual and the dog. As an organisation involved in training assistance dogs, Dogs for the Disabled has built up many years of practical experience of working with wheelchair users. Whilst Dogs for the Disabled uses some different techniquesin its training work, this book nevertheless contains a wealth of tips that will prove invaluable. If you are a wheelchair user thinking if getting a companion dog, this is the book for you." – Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive

For every copy sold, a donation is made to Dogs for the Disabled.

As pet passports become more and more popular, many Brits now take their pets to holiday cottages in France, as well as on camping trips, caravanning, and motor-home touring in that country.
The French motorway network is easy to navigate but, while the driver is concentrating on staying on the 'wrong' side of the road it's not so easy to find a place for Fido to stretch his legs as well!
Traditional guide books, with their emphasis on architecture, museums and art galleries, can't help when you want to take a break, see the local sights, enjoy a bite to eat, AND take your dog with you.
This invaluable little guide gives you directions to a wealth of interesting dog-friendly places to visit for a short stroll – including castles, extraordinary gardens, outdoor museums, tranquil waterside walks, beaches, and hidden villages and valleys where you can experience traditional French life.

• All walks within 10km of motorway exits
• Covers all the popular motorways in France
• Each walk created, tried and tested by David, Lezli and Jem, especially for British motorists and their dogs
• The solution to hot-weather travel when you can't leave your dog in the car
• Details of places to eat, facilities and useful local info for each walk
• Extra walks near to ferry terminals
• Nearest vet surgery details for emergencies, or for tick treatment on your way home
• According to French law, drivers must stop for a break every 2 hours – this little guide makes it easy to take a break, and enjoy a short walk somewhere new without hassle
• Advises campervan/caravan/wheelchair suitability
• Knowledge of French not required!!

How do you find great pub food, places for your kids to play, somewhere nice to walk your dog, and park a campervan, all within 5 miles of a motorway exit?

With collie Jem, Lezli and David Rees have trekked over a thousand miles creating walks and tracking down traditional inns for drivers, families, and dogs to enjoy on their journey. Anyone who drives on the motorways of England, Scotland and Wales will benefit from this guide to walks within 5 miles of motorway exits. All of the UK is covered, from Exeter to Perth and Swansea to Canterbury.
Use this book to get more fun for your fuel, see more of the countryside, take a healthy break, or enjoy a relaxing pub lunch.

Each page features a 30 to 45 minute walk, with a selected pub or café along the way. Activities for children are included, from bouncy castles to nature trails.

All of the walks are suitable for dogs, and those with assistance dogs will find details of accessible paths and disabled facilities. The listed pubs – most of which are traditional inns, serving high quality food at realistic prices – all welcome well-behaved canines.

If you want more than mileage from your petrol, this is the book for you!

• All walks within 5 miles of motorway exits
• Pub/café on each walk (or at least a picnic table)
• Each walk created, tried and tested by David, Lezli and Jem
• Safe and legal parking places
• Driving routes from and back to the motorway
• Online updates on www.drivingwithdogs.co.uk
• Many walks near kids’ activities
• Buggy and wheelchair easy access walks, ideal for assistance dog owners
• Each walk 30-45 minutes – healthy breaks that improve driver concentration

REVIEWS
"Anyone who drives on the motorways will benefit from this guide to walks within 5 miles of motorway exits. All of the UK is covered, from Exeter to Perth and Swansea to Canterbury. Use this book to get more fun for your petrol, see more of the countryside, take a healthy break, or enjoy a relaxing pub lunch. Each page features a 30 to 45 minute walk, with a selected pub or café on the walk. Activities for children are included, from bouncy castles to nature trails." – pet-owners.co.uk

Hilmar Klute tells the touching story of how he unexpectedly became a dog owner the day his wife came home with Winston, an English Bull Terrier puppy she finds abandoned in a city cemetery.
The new arrival in Hilmar's life is soon peeing on his parquet floor and chewing his glasses, cushions, telephone cable – and pretty much everything in sight! Winston wrecks the apartment and keeps Hilmar awake at night, but the dog also opens up a new world to Hilmar; of which he was previously blissfully unaware.
Without a clue about how to deal with a puppy, Hilmar tries to make some sense of the unfamiliar territory of the dog park, where people seem to think of themselves more as members of a pack than of society. He soon finds himself studying the dog owners themselves, and casting a critical eye over the services of the professional ‘dog whisperer.'
Hilmar's attempts to return his world to normal disclose some surprising truths about the relationship between man and dog, and this charming and irreverent book has much to tell us about the weaknesses of both species, and ultimately their strengths, too.

• Winston was a puppy found abandoned, tethered to a gravestone in a city cemetary
• The true story of how a non-dog lover unexpectedly became a dog owner
• Experience the strange, new and unfamiliar world of dogs and their owners from a complete newcomer's perspective
• A charming and irreverent story
• Reveals some surprising truths about the relationship between dog and man
• Casts a critical eye over the professional 'dog whisperer’
• Will appeal to many kinds of reader: those who know nothing about dogs, those who love dogs, and perhaps even those who cannot stand dogs!


REVIEWS
"... all in all, a delightful book that would make a lovely present ..." - Dog Training Weekly

"An enchanting story ..." – Graham Ball, The Daily Express

"Humorous musings about life with an unwanted but very much loved Bull Terrier, rescued after being abandoned in a cemetery as a puppy." – Your Dog

"Winston is a great book I'm only a couple of chapters in but loving it already ... this little book is a great buy for Christmas ... now all i have to do is stop my mum from stealing my book." – PetStreet customer

"Thank you for the funny sad book called Winston - I was laughing & crying why reading this book, it is one of the best books I have read in a long time." – PetStreet customer

"The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be." This is a quote from Konrad Lorenz, found in the appendices of this excellent book.His words are still in my mind and sum up the feeling I was left with after reading the delightful book, "Winston....the dog that changed my life" from the new "Hubble and Hattie" series. Hilmar Klute has written an account of his life with Winston after unexpectedly becoming the owner of this abandoned puppy,opening up a new world for them both. It certainly gave me food for thought about the relationship between man and dog. An absolute must for potential dog owners everywhere. – Amazon customer

"A heart-warming, funny and true story about a very unlikely pairing: a man who doesn't really like dogs ends up taking an abandoned bull terrier puppy into his home. Despite the man's best efforts to the contrary, he becomes very fond of the little dog and all its behavioural quirks. The book could have been called "How I became a dog lover"." – Amazon customer

"A really enjoyable read, with a useful reference section for owners wanting to understand more about their canine companions. Recommended!" – Amazon customer

"Not much to say really – if you are a bullie lover – I have 2 – then you will love this book. You can really relate with the antics that he gets up to. I enjoyed this book immensely." – Amazon customer

"If you've never been owned by a Bull Terrier before, this book will give you a VERY good idea of what to expect. If Bullies have been in your life before, you'll probably be nodding in agreement. Either way, you will be smiling. This is a delightful book and our purchase was serendipitous - we have our very own Winston Bull Terrier, who is uncannily like the Winston of the title (so how could I resist the purchase?). Winston is something else - a challenge, frustrating, rewarding, incredibly loving and utterly sure that the world revolves around him. Oh yes, and so does our Winston." – Amazon customer

"This book is a light, funny read. As an owner of a rescued English Bull Terrier, I can totally relate. This book made me laugh & cry. It also made me want to go out & rescue another one and/or continue to volunteer to rescue & find good homes for these misunderstood very sweet dogs." – Amazon customer

Anyone who has encountered a Border Terrier will know that although this is a relatively small breed of dog in terms of overall stature, it’s one with a big heart. Bold and fearless in true terrier fashion, these dogs possess a feisty character that belies their size. Indeed, it was the tough, no-nonsence nature of the Border Terrier that was much prized by gamekeepers and others who employed the dog for all kinds of sporting and hunting activities.

In this essential guide will be found everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Border Terrier, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine, and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many specially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

CHAPTERS
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Breed background
Choosing & buying
Settling in
Establishing a daily routine
Growing up
Further resources
Index


REVIEWS
"An absolutely thorough handbook on the delightful Border Terrier. It states that it contains everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Border Terrier, including breed history and background, settling in your new family member and what to expect as a general rule. And that is exactly what this book has. As handbooks on dog owning go it is as all inclusive as I have ever found such a book to be. It is filled with lovely colour illustrations throughout of Borders of all ages and stages. The text concerning the individual breed is accurate as I can testify knowing the it as I do from the living with , showing and training point of view. To be picky I found two spelling errors - and in one little section on teaching the puppy to walk on the lead we are told to use the word STAY to stop the dog pulling which would confuse most owners who attend dog training classes, but it is not written with Obedience in mind. It is purely a book for the novice dog owner and as such much of what it includes could be of use to someone buying a puppy of any other breed. An extremely good book for any prospective Border Terrier owner." – Dog Training Weekly

Crossbreeding between different types of dog is not a new phenomenon, and, over recent years, interest in crossbreeding has grown, partly due to curiosity but more significantly because the role of dogs in our lives has undergone a dramatic change as they have become one of the family. As a result, breeders are seeking to create new, distinctive, friendly companion dogs that will thrive in domestic surroundings.

The lovable Cockapoo is one of the oldest members of the so-called ‘designer dog' group, and, ion this essential guide, you will find everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Cockapoo, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many specially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

CHAPTERS
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Breed background
Choosing & buying
Settling in
Establishing a routine
Growing up
Further resources
Index


REVIEWS
"Breed-specific dog books can be a helpful aid for a potential buyer trying to decide if a particular breed is for them. Information about health issues, temperament and breed-specific traits and characteristics is an essential part of the research a puppy buyer is recommended to carry out and this book ticks that box very nicely albeit that as the author points out, the Cockapoo is a crossbreed, not a breed. The debate, often heated, about designer crossbreeds no doubt will continue but the reality is, as anyone who runs pet classes will tell you, pet dog buyers are actively choosing Cockapoos. A book which helps them understand better what they might be taking on can only be helpful. Plenty of excellent illustrations, beautifully produced and well written, a lot of space is devoted to what constitutes a Cockapoo. Author David Alderton addresses the need to be sure both parents are health checked and examines the potential health problems. Some excellent information on grooming, rearing, management and socialising, plus good coverage of health topics and excellent photos makes this a good buy." – Dog Training Weekly

"5 STARS. This book is a well-balanced presentation, from background of the breed and selecting/buying a puppy through training and routine care. The layout of the book is excellent, with many color pictures and helpful chapter subheadings. Sidebars provide more details such as a checklist for purchasing a cockapoo puppy or an older cockapoo and health warning signs to monitor. The chapter on breed background was interesting and informative. The chapters on settling in and on establishing a routine can apply to most breeds but also contained some sections more specific for the cockapoo, such as grooming." – Amazon customer review

"As the owner of a healthy and energetic 3 year old male cockapoo, many of the points in the book resonated with me and confirmed my observations. I recommend this concise 96 page book to anyone who is interested in the breed or buying a cockapoo." – Amazon customer review

"Provides a thorough rundown on everything Cockapoo – from a background on the breed to settling your Cockapoo into its new home and even establishing a daily routine. This is a really helpful guide about this adorable hybrid breed." – Dog's Life Magazine, Australia

"All the essentials, such as recognizing your dog's individual personality and learning about the way dogs learn in order to train your dog correctly. Full of tips and examples, a must read for those considering buying their first dog and anyone who wants a balanced relationship with their pet." – Dog's Life Magazine, Australia