Bea Reviews Big Kibble by Shawn Buckley, Dr. Oscar Chavez, and Wendy Paris

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 1st, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A big, inside look at the shocking lack of regulation within the pet food industry, and how readers can dramatically improve the quality of their dogs' lives through diet.

What's really going into commercial dog food? The answer is horrifying.

Big Kibble is big business: $75 billion globally. A handful of multi-national corporations dominate the industry and together own as many as 80% of all brands. This comes as a surprise to most people, but what's even more shocking is how lax the regulations and guidelines are around these products. The guidelines--or lack thereof--for pet food allow producers to include ever-cheaper ingredients, and create ever-larger earnings. For example, "legal" ingredients in kibble include poultry feces, saw dust, expired food, and diseased meat, among other horrors. Many vets still don't know that kibble is not the best food for dogs because Big Kibble funds the nutrition research. So far, these corporations have been able to cut corners and still market and promote feed-grade food as if it were healthful and beneficial--until now.

Just as you are what you eat, so is your dog. Once you stop feeding your dog the junk that's in kibble or cans, you have taken the first steps to improving your dog's health, behavior and happiness.

You know the unsavory side of Big Tobacco and Big Pharma. Now Shawn Buckley, Dr. Oscar Chavez, and Wendy Paris explain all you need to know about unsavory Big Kibble--and offer a brighter path forward for you and your pet.

Charity Sunday - Tomten Farm and Sanctuary

Welcome to my stop on the Charity Sunday blog hop. This is a monthly blog hop founded by author Lisabet Sarai at her blog, Beyond Romance. The idea is to support a charity, or non-profit. For each comment other than mine on this post, over the next 30 days, I will donate $2 per comment (excluding my own) for a total of $30 to a local organization, Tomten Farm and Sanctuary. 

Bea Reviews If A Horse Had Words by Kelly Cooper & Illustrated by Lucy Eldridge

Publisher: Tundra Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: June 5th, 2018 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

For horse-loving readers of all ages, a lyrical and exquisitely illustrated picture book following the relationship between a boy and a horse, separated then reunited. This is a story about enduring friendships and how language is shaped by our experiences.

The foal is born on a spring morning of sunshine and snow melt. If she had words, she would say willow, crocus, puddle and sky. . .

Red Badger is a newborn foal learning to stand when she slips and gets stuck in a muddy badger hole. It is a young boy who frees her, and his kindness and gentleness mark the beginning of their friendship — though she will always be wary of the ground that briefly trapped her. As the seasons pass on the ranch, Red Badger learns more about her world: Fall is leaf rustle and fence posts. Winter is white hills and long nights. The boy is hay, a gentle touch, playing in the snow and the sweet smell of peppermints. If a horse had words, the word would be . . . friend.

This is a beautifully written and heartwarming story told from the horse’s point-of-view that follows her relationship with a boy from the day she is born, to when she is sent to auction, to the day she and the boy are reunited at a rodeo, where she has become a bronc and he a cowboy.

Bea Reviews Meet My Family! Animal Babies and Their Families by Laura Purdie Salas & Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Publisher: Millbrook Press
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: March 1st 2018
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository*  | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

What kind of families do animal babies have? All different kinds! Charming text and sweet illustrations introduce a wolf pup cared for by the pack, a young orangutan snuggling with its mother high in a tree, a poison dart frog tadpole riding piggyback on its dad, and more. Featuring rhyming verse and informational text, this book lets you discover just how diverse the animal kingdom really is!

Mini Reviews of Stay Calm and Collie On by Lane Stone & Escape Claws by Linda Reilly

Series: Pet Palace Mystery #1
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review 
Release Date: November 7th, 2017 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* iBooks* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Buckingham Pet Palace is known for treating dogs like royalty—until murder dethrones its good reputation!

As owner of an upscale doggy daycare and spa, animal-lover Sue Patrick pampers pooches for the most elite clients in Lewes, Delaware. Surely she can survive a week-long visit from Lady Anthea Fitzwalter, her well-to-do business partner from England. But before Sue can serve her guest a spot of tea, she discovers more-than-a-spot of blood inside the company van—and all over the driver’s dead body . . .

Someone abandoned the van full of dogs at the Lewes ferry terminal and got away with murder, leaving Sue and Lady Anthea pawing for clues. With a fundraising gala approaching and Buckingham Pet Palace facing scandal, can two very different women work together to fetch the culprit from a list of dodgy suspects—or are they heading toward a proper disaster?

Bea Reviews Of Cats and Men: Profiles of History's Great Cat-Loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers, and Statesmen by Sam Kalda

Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 18th, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A stylish, illustrated gift book from an award-winning artist that profiles notable cat-loving men throughout history in words and pictures.

Of Cats and Men presents a fresh approach to cat entertainment that’s smart, sweet, and driven by beautiful art (instead of tacky photography, as many cat books are). Appealing to both men and women, the “cat men” approach is a fun
twist on the “cat lady” stereotype and makes for a highly giftable book. The 30 men profiled range from writers and artists such as Haruki Murakami, T.S. Eliot, William S. Burroughs, and Ai Weiwei, to historical luminaries such as Sir Winston
Churchill, Nikola Tesla, and Sir Issac Newton. In addition to the portraits, the book features beautifully hand-lettered quotes about cats by some of the men, including Twain’s “When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without
further introduction.”

Bea Reviews Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage

Publisher: Dutton 
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 23, 2014
Challenges: NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge | What An Animal
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Kobo | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The New York Times bestselling author of Soldier Dogs returns with the incredible, true story of K-9 Marine hero Lucca, and the handlers who fought alongside her through two bloody wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
In Top Dog, Maria Goodavage takes readers into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond develops between Lucca and Marine Corps dog handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, in what would become a legendary 400-mission career. A Specialized Search Dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name.

The book describes in gritty detail Lucca's adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and firefights, as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately we see how the bond between Lucca and her handlers overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas this violence ignites.

Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.

Bea Reviews Furry Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition by Jane Seabrook

Publisher: Ten Speed Press 
Format Read: hardcover
Source: Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 11, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The adorable and high-profile Furry Logic series celebrates its 10th anniversary with a menagerie of illustrated animals and hilarious sayings about life, love, and everything in between.

     No one understands the ups and downs of life's little challenges better than the frisky critters of Furry Logic. The inspirational and tongue-in-cheek advice from series creator Jane Seabrook and her plucky animal characters will tickle the fancy and the funnybone of readers everywhere. Each intricately illustrated spread features a member of the animal kingdom with a unique take on life, from the adorably grumpy owl who advises "Smile first thing in the morning. Get it over with" to the fluffy hawk who admonishes, "If at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished." So join the original flock of penguins, bears, frogs, and more in celebrating a decade of wit and wisdom with ten new illustrated spreads for fans looking for fresh inspiration.blah

Bea Reviews A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books 
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: Owned by the reviewer
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The Instant New York Times Bestseller!

James is a street musician struggling to make ends meet.
Bob is a stray cat looking for somewhere warm to sleep.

When James and Bob meet, they forge a never-to-be-forgotten friendship that has been charming readers from Thailand to Turkey.

A Street Cat Named Bob is an international sensation, landing on the bestseller list in England for 52 consecutive weeks and selling in 26 countries around the world. Now, James and Bob are ready to share their true story with the U.S. in this tale unlike any you’ve ever read of a cat who possesses some kind of magic.

When street musician James Bowen found an injured cat curled up in the hallway of his apartment building, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London, barely making enough money to feed himself, and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn't resist helping the strikingly intelligent but very sick animal, whom he named Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining that he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.

Perfect for fans of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog and Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat That Changed the World, this instant classic about the power of love between man and animal has taken the world by storm and is guaranteed to be a huge hit with American fans as well.

Bea Reviews Alfred Ollivant's Bob, Son of Battle: The Last Gray Dog of Kenmuir by Lydia Davis

Publisher: NYR Children's Collection 
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Bob, Son of Battle, is a sheepdog so canny and careful of his flock, so deeply devoted to his master, James Moore, and so admired for his poise and wisdom by the residents of a small village in the rugged mountains of England’s North Country, that young though he is, he is already known as Owd Bob. In a recent contest, Bob has proved himself a matchless sheepdog, and if he wins the trophy two more times, he’ll be seen as equal to the legendary sheepdogs of yore.

But Bob has a real rival: Red Wull, with his docked tail and bristling yellow fur, a ferocious creature, just like his diminutive master, Adam McAdam, a lonely Scot, estranged not only from his English neighbors but from his son, David. McAdam just can’t stop belittling this strapping young man, all the more so since David began courting Moore’s beautiful daughter Maggie. But what McAdam really wants is for his beloved Wullie to wrest the prize from Bob once and for all.

The story takes a darker turn when a troubling new threat to the local flocks emerges. A dog has gone rogue, sneaking out at night to feast on the flesh and blood of the sheep he is bound to protect. Again and again, new sheep fall prey to this relentless predator; again and again, he slips away undetected. This master hunter can only be among the boldest and sharpest of dogs . . .


Bob, Son of Battle has long been a beloved classic of children’s literature both in America and in England. Here the celebrated author and translator Lydia Davis, who first read and loved this exciting story as a child, has rendered the challenging idioms of the original into fluent and graceful English of our day, making this tale of rival dogs and rival families and the shadowy terrain between Good and Bad accessible and appealing to readers of all ages.

The Friday 56 #34 Bob, Son of Battle by Sir Alfred Ollivant

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join in the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm reading a children's book about a Scottish sheep dog,  "Alfred Ollivant's Bob, Son of Battle: The Last Gray Dog of Kenmuir" by Lydia Davis. It's marketed as a children's book but really it's more YA on up. It's similar to Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight. The quote is from 56%  in the ebook. A dog has been killing sheep and there's much speculation, and tension, about which local dog it is.

"Where's yer gray dog?" This time the challenge was unmistakable.
"I sent him after the killer. Where's your red wull (also a dog ~ Bea)?"
"At home, as I told ye before."
"You mean you left him there?"
McAdam's fingers twitched.
"He's where I left him."

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Bea Reviews Does a Beaver Sleep in a Bed? by Harriet Ziefert, Illustrated by Emily Bolam

Publisher: Blue Apple Books
Series: Think About...
Format Read: ePub
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository*  | Barnes & Noble 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from the publisher:

This title explores and explains that while every animal sleeps, only some have beds. A funny, kid-like question ("Does a beaver sleep in a bed?") is paired with a silly scenario (a beaver gnawing at a headboard). A turn of the page reveals the answer, a picture of the critter in an authentic setting (a beaver asleep in his lodge), and a few facts about that animal's sleepytime habits and habitat. The pattern follows with a baboon, polar bear, bumblebee, horse, and dog, culminating with people in different kinds of beds. A final "Think About" spread presents kids, parents, and teachers with activities that relate to and extend each book's subject matter.

Review of Ivory Pal: Born to Fly Higher by Cindy McCauley

Publisher: Hooves and Tails
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 1, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon* 
* affiliate link; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through this link.

Blurb from goodreads:

Try as they might, the trainers could not get Ivory Pal to comply with the "traditional" Tennessee Walking Horse training techniques. The beautiful palomino colt had completely given up, shut down, relegated to a box stall 24/7, until he met his new partner Rafael Valle. His fate was about to take a U-turn. A heartwarming true story of a "show horse reject", his trials and triumphs, and his relationship with Valle built on trust and mutual respect rather than on fear and intimidation.

Bea Reviews The Cat Whisperer: Why Cats Do What They Do–and How to Get Them to Do What You Want by Mieshelle Nagelschneider

Publisher: Bantam
Format Read & Source: Egalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date:  March 5, 2013

Buying Links: Amazon*  Barnes & Noble  The Book Depository*
* affiliate links; clicking and making a purchase results in a small commission for the blog.

Blurb from goodreads:  Who says you can’t train a cat? Just when you thought you had reached the end of your ball of twine, one of America’s most popular cat behaviorists comes to the rescue of perplexed cat owners everywhere, providing practical and effective strategies for solving every feline behavior problem imaginable—from litter box issues to scratching, spraying, biting, and beyond. 

Cat Whisperer Mieshelle Nagelschneider has been helping people deal with these dilemmas for two decades, achieving a near-perfect success rate. Central to her approach is a keen understanding of the unique way cats see the world—their need for safety and security, their acute territoriality, and their insatiable desire to catch and kill prey. Her proven C.A.T. cat behavior modification plan is a commonsense course of action that can be specifically tailored to your cat in the context of its behavior problems and its particular household environment. Easy-to-implement solutions help transform even the most anxiety-riddled companions into confident, gregarious, and relaxed cats who live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Inside you’ll discover

Get Yourself Some Animal Attraction and Help Some Animals! New Romance Anthology

As you know I'm an animal lover. While I'm partial to cats, I love all animals and believe they all deserve to be treated decently and domestic animals given a good home. Several of romance's hot authors have come together to write a book to help animals.

"Animal Attraction" brings you four sizzling tales of finding love unexpectedly—with a little help from man’s best friend. All Author and Agent proceeds from sales of this book will benefit the Animal Adoption Foundation, a no-kill animal shelter in Hamilton, Ohio.

 Blurb from goodreads:

All Author and Agent proceeds from sales of the book will benefit the AAF - Animal Adoption Foundation - a no-kill animal shelter in Hamilton, Ohio.

Buckhorn Ever After by Lori Foster
Shohn Hudson & Nadine Moest.
Shohn is Casey’s younger brother, son to Sawyer and Honey....Includes appearances from other relatives (Link to family tree on Lori's website: http://lorifoster.com/buckhorn-brothe... ).

Gimme Shelter by Heidi Betts
When animal lover Erica Castillo’s sexy neighbor shows up on her doorstep at midnight, in the pouring rain, with three tiny kittens cradled in his strong arms, she can’t turn him away. But will Dean Maxwell’s rescue efforts make him a temporary hero…or the forever kind?

Imagine Me and You by Maisey Yates
Partner In Crime by Jules Bennett

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: June 1, 2013
Formats: ebook
Buying Links:  Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Harlequin

So go indulge in some animal attraction and help some animals while you're at it!

Penguin Books presents "Read Humane" Books in Support of Pets

Penguin Group (USA) is proud to present Read Humane®—their second year dedicated to the fight against animal cruelty—with a $25,000* donation to The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team.

* Regardless of Sales

May is National Pet Month — and Penguin is pleased to offer six of their bestselling mass market titles to support our furry friends.

The Read Humane special editions feature a distinctive Read Humane seal on their covers, conveying their support for this compassionate cause. Participating authors include their Read Humane spokesperson, Jill Shalvis, as well as Linda O. Johnston, Miranda James, Leann Sweeney, Judi McCoy, and Ali Brandon.

Penguin's donation supports the Animal Rescue Team, which works with law enforcement to investigate illegal animal cruelty, targeting the worst cases of animal abuse nationwide. According to The Humane Society of the United States, its Animal Rescue Team rescues thousands of animals from puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarders, and other situations where animals suffer from life-threatening cruelty. They also provide expert animal rescue response during natural disasters.


Join in the fight against animal cruelty by making your own tax-deductible donation today. To make a donation online, and to find out more about the work of The Humane Society of the United States, click here.

About READ HUMANE ~

All of us at Penguin love our pets, and we wanted to do something special to help animals in need. Read Humane provides funding to organizations dedicated to protecting animals.

Penguin's 2013 donation supports The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team, which works directly with pets in need in several different ways. We want to do our part to create a world free of animal cruelty – by contributing to and raising awareness of the Animal Rescue Team, we're doing just that.

These are the books supporting Read Humane:

     

About The Humane Society of the United States ~

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, and was voted by GuideStar's Philanthropedia experts as the #1 high-impact animal protection group.
Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. The HSUS works with local humane societies and supports their work through training, evaluations, publications, and other professional services.
The Humane Society helped to save animals during Hurricane Sandy in the New Jersey and New York area — a place where many Penguin employees live and work. You can learn more about their efforts at www.humanesociety.org.

 You love to read, right? Buy a book or two for yourself, buy some as gifts, maybe buy some and do a giveaway. You can read and help an animal at the same time. :)

All information provided by Penguin's website.  Read Humane is trademark of Penguin Group (USA).

Paws with a Cause Fundraiser and Giveaway!

Hello Everyone! We have a total of 59 blogs that have gotten together to help raise money for a great cause. There are going to be some awesome prizes up for grabs for people that donate money to the cause.  Here is a little about the company that we are raising the money for:

Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.

PAWS® increases awareness of the rights and roles of Assistance Dog teams through education and advocacy.  Founded in 1979, Paws With A Cause is dedicated to helping its clients who are challenged by many disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorders, and Hearing Disorders to name just some.  Each of our dogs are trained to meet the specific needs of our clients. Tasks may include opening and closing doors, picking up objects, pulling a wheelchair, turning lights on and off, and alerting a person to particular sounds like a telephone, doorbell, smoke detector and many others. Our dogs change lives by enhancing the independence of our clients. By just opening a door, a dog opens up the world for a person with a disability and your donations will go to making that happen.  PAWS thanks you so much for your donation and allowing us to open more doors.

Paws With A Cause

4646 South Division

Wayland, MI 49348

How to donate:

1. Go to https://www.everribbon.com/PawswithaCause

2. Click on "Make a Donation"

3. Enter a amount you wish to donate. Everibbon will add a small fee to your donation for processing. My fee for donating $5.00 was .49 cents. So keep this in mind when deciding your donation amount. You will receive 1 entry into the giveaway for every $1 you donate. 

4. In the box that says "on the behalf of" please put your name. This is the name that will be listed on the everibbon website so put a name you do not mind being visible to everyone. Do not check the box to make a anonymous donation because I will not be able to track your donation to enter you into the giveaways.

5. Next it will ask you for your credit or debit card information.

6. Then it will ask for your email address to send you a receipt. This is so that you can submit it for tax purposes.

7. Ta Da! You're all done making your donation. Now you need to contact Danielle to enter the giveaway.

8. Please email Danielle at RomanceBookJunkiesDanielle@Yahoo.com with the name you used to donate your money. For example the name I used to donate on behalf of was Romance Book Junkies. Do not send me your name off your credit or debit card because I will not be able to see this. Along with the name you used please tell me how much you donated and if you live in the US or are International.

9. You're all done. Thank you for donating!

Warning: Do not try to email Danielle the name and donation amount of another person that is not yourself. If Danielle recieves more than one email with the same persons name and donation amount she will have to ask for your copy of the receipt from everibbon to verify that you are the correct winner. Thank you.

We will have 4 winners for the main giveaway.
We have 2 $65 gift certificates to any online book store.
Also we have 2 huge boxes of books and swag from Romance Book Junkies and Bitten by Paranormal Romance for US residents only.

Good luck to all and thank you for helping make this fundraiser a success. 

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I am an animal lover, with cats being my favorite. Many studies have shown the emotional and physical benefits of living with a pet. My own cat provides benefits, including letting me know of impending asthma flare ups. We all know of people who have service animals and the tremendous services they provide and enable their owners to live a normal, full life. Please take a minute, donate as much as you are able, and please spread the word - post on your blog, share a link to this post, share on twitter, facebook, Google+ and any other social media sites you use.

THANK YOU!

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I'm giving away one cat-themed book of your choice, fiction or non-fiction, print or digital, from either Amazon or The Book Depository, worth up to $10. Enter by commenting below. Giveaway ends at 11:59PM EST on March 8th. Please read my Giveaway Policy. Open internationally.