For Pet's Sake Column

If your Christmas gift giving list is expanding faster than Santa’s tummy, let me help you make your decision-making process a bit simpler with these dog-gone great book ideas:

Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Feline Unfathomables, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors by Marty Becker, D.V.M. and Gina Spadafori – Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Favorite Vet,” and syndicated pet columnist, Gina Spadafori, have compiled the best and quirkiest questions they’ve ever received from readers and enlighten pet guardians with everything they wanted to know about their cats, but were afraid to ask. Things like: Can I teach my old cat new tricks? How can I keep my cat from unrolling the toilet paper? Do cats get “doggy” breath? Where did the term “cat’s pajamas” come from? If you have questions about your cat, this book – with its mix of humor and practical information – has the answers. (www.petconnection.com)

Marley and Me by John Grogan – This terrific tome needs little introduction: Since its publication in 2005, the heartwarming tale of a loopy Lab named Marley bounded to the top of The New York Times bestseller list, where it has remained for more than a year. This holiday season look for the beautiful hard-bound gift edition, complete with color photographs, as well as the original Philadelphia Inquirer column that John wrote about Marley’s passing, that started it all. (www.marleyandme.com)

Mostly Bob by Tom Corwin – Every once in awhile, a book comes along that grabs you and makes you think about things like forgiveness and redemption; about the deep friendships we create and how those experiences change us; about unconditional love and the steps we take in transformation. Mostly Bob is one such book. In a mere one thousand words, the author tells the poignant tale of a down-on-his-luck dog who changes his own destiny – by doggedly working to adopt Tom, a prolific musician and producer, as his new guardian. (www.mostlybob.com)

Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster by Allen and Linda Anderson – “We saw a dog swimming in the muck,” says Chris Cutter, Communications Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “Instead of allowing rescuers to help him into the vehicle, the dog turned and swam away from the boat. That’s when we heard barking coming from inside the house. That dog could have saved himself. Instead he swam off so we would find his ‘girlfriend.’” So begins “Rescued,” a book overflowing with dozens of heartwarming stories of animal rescue and reunion after one of our nation’s most tragic natural disasters: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (www.angelanimals.org)

If you still haven’t found the right gift for that special someone, don’t despair. The Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) and Coffee Cat presents CATS IN ART, an eclectic exhibit of paintings, photography, and prints by local artists. The art display is open daily from November 20^th – December 10^th. Join the artists for a Reception at Coffee Cat ( 1201 Anacapa St. ) on Friday, December 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. For more information, visit www.asapcats.org.

And don’t forget about those Christmas cards! For a $15.00 donation to the Molly Inspires Foundation, children and canines can have their picture taken with “Santa Paws.” Parents will receive a personalized photo, gift bag, and information on how disabled dogs help kids in our community. Santa Paws and friends will be available at the following locations: Off Leash+, 1103 State St., Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Healthy Pet, 3018 State St., Saturday, December 9 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. For more information, visit www.myspecialdog.com.

Happy Howl-i-Days!

As you can probably tell by this column, reading animal books is one of Karen’s favorite pastimes. Send the titles of your favorite books to Karen at karenleestevens@cox.net.