A Matter of Breeding


Book Description

A provocative look at the ‘cult of pedigree’ and an entertaining social history of purebred dogs—“a must-read for all dog lovers” (Booklist). So-called “purebreds” are the mainstay of the dog industry. Expert Michael Brandow argues these aren’t time-honored traditions—but rather commercial inventions of the 19th century that were marketed as status symbols to a growing middle class. Combining social history and consumer studies with sharp commentary, this reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets pay the price with devastatingly poor health. It includes chapters devoted to popular breeds such as: • Golden Retrievers • Boston Terriers • English Bulldogs • Labrador Retrievers An essential read for animal lovers and animal rights activists everywhere, A Matter of Breeding is a fresh take on the history pedigree dogs and encourages us to love all our furry friends—no matter the coat color or price tag. “If you’re considering welcoming a dog (or two) into your family, read Michael Brandow’s fascinating and eye-opening book before visiting a pet store or breeder.” —Betsy Banks Saul, founder of Petfinder.com




The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins


Book Description

Welcome to the Adventure Zone SEE The illustrated exploits of three lovable dummies set loose in a classic fantasy adventure READ Their journey from small-time bodyguards to world-class artifact hunters MARVEL At the sheer metafictional chutzpah of a graphic novel based on a story created in a podcast where three dudes and their dad play a tabletop role playing game in real time Join Taako the elf wizard, Merle the dwarf cleric, and Magnus the human warrior for an adventure they are poorly equipped to handle AT BEST, guided ("guided") by their snarky DM, in a graphic novel that, like the smash-hit podcast it's based on, will tickle your funny bone, tug your heartstrings, and probably pants you if you give it half a chance. With endearingly off-kilter storytelling from master goofballs Clint McElroy and the McElroy brothers, and vivid, adorable art by Carey Pietsch, The Adventure Zone: Here There be Gerblins is the comics equivalent of role-playing in your friend's basement at 2am, eating Cheetos and laughing your ass off as she rolls critical failure after critical failure.




Before and After Getting Your Puppy


Book Description

How to raise the perfect puppy A revolution for dogs: Very few dog trainers have not been influenced by Dr. Ian Dunbar’s dog-friendly philosophy. In the 1970s, Dr. Ian Dunbar sparked a dramatic shift in puppy training — away from leash corrections and drill-sergeant adult dog training classes based on competitive obedience and toward a positive approach using toys, treats, and games as rewards for teaching basic manners, preventing behavior problems, and modifying temperament. Before Dr. Dunbar there were no classes for puppy training, very few family dog classes, and not much fun in dog training. His positive approach revolutionized the dog training field, especially puppy training. Raising a great dog: Now, in Before and After Getting Your Puppy, Dr. Ian Dunbar combines his two popular puppy training manuals into one indexed, value-priced hardcover dog training book. In clear steps, with helpful photos and easy-to-follow puppy training milestones, he presents a structured yet playful and humorous plan for raising a wonderful dog. Dr. Dunbar’s guide is based around six developmental milestones: Your doggy education Evaluating puppy’s progress Errorless housetraining and chewtoy-training Socialization with People Learning bite inhibition The world at large Fans of The Art of Raising a Puppy, Training the Best Dog Ever, or Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, will love Ian Dunbar’s Before and After Getting Your Puppy.




The Dating Playbook


Book Description

When a personal trainer agrees to fake date her client, all rules are out the window in this "fun, heartfelt, and totally relatable" romantic comedy named one of the best of the year by USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly (Abby Jimenez, NYT bestselling author of Life's Too Short). When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle. And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There's just one catch—no one can know what they're doing. But when they're accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor's game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win . . . or is he playing for keeps? USA Today Best Rom-Coms of 2021 NPR Best Romances of 2021 Kirkus Best Romances of the Year Vulture Best Romances of 2021 SheReads Best of the Year nominee – Romance




Microwave Cooking for One


Book Description

Fast, easy, and economical, the recipes in Microwave Cooking for One are ideal for individuals, whether they live alone or share busy modern households. From breakfast through dinner, fresh, delicious meals can be prepared to satisfy personal tastes without wasted food, overheated kitchens, or messy clean-up.Author Marie Smith emphasizes the importance of measured portions, careful timing, and the right utensils when cooking in a microwave. A food scale assures the success of the recipes and is also helpful to those watching their food intake. Inexperienced cooks will be able to cook like professionals with these easy-to-follow recipes. From Soft-Boiled Eggs to Fried Scallops and Shoo-Fly Cake, there's something for everyone, and with over 300 recipes, there are plenty of possibilities for exciting meals. Also, when you begin with a recipe for one, it's easy to double or even triple when you need more to go around.Uniquely practical, Microwave Cooking for One is a guide to a new method of wholesome and efficient cooking.Marie Smith, a former resident of Lakeland, Florida, was an experienced microwave chef who wrote a "Microwave Cooking" column for the Plant City Post. Her frequent attendance at microwave symposiums made her knowledgeable in many areas of microwave cookery and technology.For a sample of the wonderful recipes in this book, try Ms. Smith's recipe for Onion Hamburgers.Onion Hamburger3 oz. lean ground beef1/8 tsp. salt1 tsp. dry bread crumbs1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1 tsp. minced fresh or frozen oniondash of black pepper1 tbsp. milkMix all ingredients in 1-quart mixing bowl. Shape into 5-inch patty and set aside. Heat 6" browning skillet 2 minutes at 100% power. Place patty in skillet and cover skillet with paper towel. Cook 1:30 minutes at 100% power, turning patty over halfway through cooking time. Let stand 1 minute. Place on plate and serve.




When Your Pet Dies


Book Description

Affirming a pet owner's struggle with grief when his or her pet dies, this book helps mourners understand why their feelings are so strong and helps them overcome the loss. Included are practical suggestions for mourning and ideas for remembering and memorializing one's pet. Among the issues covered are understanding the many emotions experienced after the death of a pet; understanding why grief for pets is unique; pet funerals and burial or cremation; celebrating and remembering the life of one's pet; coping with feelings about euthanasia; helping children understand the death of their pet; and things to keep in mind before getting another pet.




The Other End of the Leash


Book Description

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.




New York Magazine


Book Description

New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.




Microbe Hunters


Book Description

First published in 1927.




Doggie Language


Book Description

Dogs communicate with so much more than barks and tail wags. This small but mighty book is the perfect illustrated guide to noticing and understanding the subtle cues and behaviours that our beloved pets use to express how they're feeling, so that we can improve our relationship with our best friends, helping them to feel safe and happy.