Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

For anyone who enjoys Richard Peck's work, especially A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago, A Season of Gifts is the next book you should pick up.

Mrs Dowdel is back. We saw her as the grandmother during the Depression, taking care of her granddaughter and, occasionally, her grandson. Here she is, older but just as feisty - always with a trick up her sleeve to right wrongs and keep bullies off balance.

I wouldn't say that I want to be exactly like Mrs. Dowdel, but I do like her style.

Kathi Linz

30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog

30 Days to a well-Mannered Dog: The Loved Dog Method by Tamar Geller tells dog owners the 7 basic needs of dogs. You learn to teach a dog good behavior by getting them to look to you for instruction, by reinforcing their good behavior, and deprogramming their wolf-like instincts without hurting them. Tamar Geller gives clear, simple instructions that will help any dog-owner train any dog.

I live with two dogs and have instituted several of her suggestions. It would be very useful for anyone contemplating getting a dog to read this book first. She tells you how to work with the dog from Day One.

Kathi Linz

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Lary Levin

Oogy, the hero of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin, is a most remarkable dog. Probably because he would not fight, Oogy was used as bait so some other dog could learn to kill. In Oogy's case, he wasn't killed in the battle, but having half of his face and one ear ripped off, and being abandoned with open wounds almost finished the job. When he was found, he was taken to an emergency hospital where they cleaned up his wounds and saved his life.

At first, Oogy was mistaken for a pit bull, but eventually the Levins found out that he was a dogo, an Argentinian breed known for its loyalty, love of children, avoidance of fighting, but a killing machine when necessary. These animals are used in hunting wild boars and jaguars. Imagine the size and power this type of dog has!

Oogy adopted a family who love to adopt. The twin boys were adopted and Oogy became "the third twin". His story is amazing.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron.

Kathi Linz