Shares patchwork patterns for animals from alligator to zebra, shows how to design, piece and assemble a quilt, and includes templates

. . . a collection of wonderful and encouraging stories about 'Animal Assisted Therapy.' - Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of DogsThis inspiring, humorous, and touching book celebrates the beneficial effects that animals have on humans and describes how their healing potential is being increasingly acknowledged by the medical community. Animal Assisted Therapy, an important new development in health care, has already shown that people are statistically less likely to suffer an early heart attack if they have a pet, and that stroking an animal actually reduces stress levels.This, however, is only the tip of the iceberg, says environmental psychologist Bernie Graham. Animal Assisted Therapy is now achieving amazing results in treating children with physical and mental disabilities by using trained dolphins in acquatic therapy. There are also programs that teach dogs to help the disabled by taking laundry out of the washing machine; selecting, unpacking, and paying for items in the supermarket; and even withdrawing money from the bank. Cats, rabbits, and dogs are now taken into hospitals to comfort the patients, and more exotic animals such as ferrets, donkeys, guinea pigs, monkeys, and even tigers are being used to bring hope to individuals, thereby enhancing human efforts.Written with warmth and compassion, Creature Comfort looks at all aspects of Animal Assisted Therapy, including the theories behind it, to provide both a practical guide and a moving account of the many rewarding human-animal interactions. A must for pet lovers, health care workers, and anyone who wishes to benefit from this most holistic of therapies.Bernie Graham, an environmental psychologist, is a member of the British Psychological Society, the International Society for Anthrozoology, and the Society for Companion Animal Studies.

To understand the shifting emotions human beings go through daily, regarding any and all relationships to family, friends, lovers, acquaintances and strangers (ourselves included), each of us needs to continue to evolve and to become educated while living creatively in a stressful society and world. My original purpose was to match a different animal and subject for every day of the year. As it turned out, some months have more entries than others; but, none is less than a month without Sundays and/or weekends. Often, true benefit only takes place when the self who feels victimized expresses emotions on paper (i.e. in form of a missive to someone else) to comprehend whatever may be bothering the letter-writer. But, these letters aren't intended to be sent; they are private. Instead, consider this volume a way and means to comfort and/or offer a solution or resolution to a troubling issue. For, only by appreciating ourselves can we totally fathom others before ultimately caring about humanity at-large, enough to accept and tolerate, eventually love each other's distinct uniqueness in this vast universe still striving for peace and harmony. Writing letters has become a dying art. So too comprehending the significance of all creatures to balance our environment that is dependent on survival of on animals and insects. Perhaps you won't be able to resist sending one or two missives to the right or wrong person. That's up to you. I offer Creature Comforts . with the genuine hope that you may realize every creature on earth has a purpose. (From the Author's Introduction dated Jan. 21, 2008)

From the No.1 bestselling author of The Christmas Invitation This will be the summer to remember...

Comfort, for a child, can be a cuddly blanket or a cozy sweater--and these 50 patterns, created by an award-winning designer, make it so easy to knit something adorable for a baby or toddler. Just follow the concise, simple instructions and full-color photographs of delightful garments, accessories, and throws. First, choose one of the basic silhouettes for a sweater, hat, mitts, booties, or coverlet. Then select from dozens of whimsical motifs to make each item unique. There's a purple cardigan with green stripes and bright yellow ducks, and a matching hat too; a sweater with variously colored fish swimming across a sea-blue background; a sailboat pillow, cow blanket, fire truck pullover with hats and mittens; and other appealing fashions.

Presents photographs and text to examine the special relationships that can develop with certain objects.

Cartoons take a humorous look at fairy tales, witches, monsters, business, and modern life