A charming collection of original and often hilarious insights into what puppies and young dogs really think How do puppies see the world? One another? Us? I Am Puppy, Hear Me Yap offers honest, original, and often hilarious insights into how puppies and young dogs might answer these questions. From sleepy golden retriever pups to sophisticated poodles, personality shines through in each of Valerie Shaff's remarkable photographs. The images, accompanied by Blount's puppy poetry, with the "canine measure somewhere between ordered and free," make this book a delight for dog lovers and, until dogs learn to talk, the best way to understand the "inner puppy" in all of them.

What would cats say if they were of a mind to talk? Valerie Shaff and Roy Blount Jr. have a good idea ... On the heels of their hugely successful I Am Puppy, Hear Me Yap and If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You, Shaff and Blount have paired again, this time for a witty and insightful look at America's other favorite pet -- the cat. Shaff captures the essence of the ever-elusive cat in her gorgeous photographs, and Roy Blount Jr., who the New York Times says is "in serious contention for the title of America's Most Cherished Humorist," provides accompanying verse that seems to speak a cat's thoughts. The combined result is a touching and often hilarious take on the minds and hearts of felines. When I purr Don't infer It's because you pat. No, you pat Because I purr. I am the cat, Don't forget that.

Ali G: How many words does you know? Noam Chomsky: Normally, humans, by maturity, have tens of thousands of them. Ali G: What is some of 'em? —Da Ali G Show Did you know that both mammal and matter derive from baby talk? Have you noticed how wince makes you wince? Ever wonder why so many h-words have to do with breath? Roy Blount Jr. certainly has, and after forty years of making a living using words in every medium, print or electronic, except greeting cards, he still can't get over his ABCs. In Alphabet Juice, he celebrates the electricity, the juju, the sonic and kinetic energies, of letters and their combinations. Blount does not prescribe proper English. The franchise he claims is "over the counter." Three and a half centuries ago, Thomas Blount produced Blount's Glossographia, the first dictionary to explore derivations of English words. This Blount's Glossographia takes that pursuit to other levels, from Proto-Indo-European roots to your epiglottis. It rejects the standard linguistic notion that the connection between words and their meanings is "arbitrary." Even the word arbitrary is shown to be no more arbitrary, at its root, than go-to guy or crackerjack. From sources as venerable as the OED (in which Blount finds an inconsistency, at whisk) and as fresh as Urbandictionary.com (to which Blount has contributed the number-one definition of "alligator arm"), and especially from the author's own wide-ranging experience, Alphabet Juice derives an organic take on language that is unlike, and more fun than, any other.

David Frei’s heartwarming collection of stories about the therapy dogs in his life and the people whom they touch, Angel on a Leash celebrates the “ministry” that Frei shares with his wife, Chaplain Cherilyn Frei, the director of spiritual care at the Ronald McDonald House of New York.Frei may be the most recognizable face and name in the dog sport, as “the Voice of Westminster,” the famous New York kennel club for which he has worked for the past two decades, but his true passion in dogs is therapy work. In the book’s eighteen chapters, Frei retells the stories of the everyday miracles he’s witnessed his therapy dogs perform over hundreds of trips to their favorite places. Currently in his second generation of therapy dogs, Frei gives his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Angel” and Brittany “Grace” all the credit for the life-altering work they do cheering up ailing children at Morgan Stanley’s Children’s Hospital, spending time with recovering patients at NewYork- Presbyterian Hospital, and placing a paw in the hand of world-weary veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Never sappy or sentimental, Frei’s writing style is straightforward and honest with a swiftness that keeps the reader turning pages (and wiping tears). Beyond the inspiring storytelling, the book also offers practical advice to potential therapy dog handlers about how to get a dog certified with a proper registry, the responsibilities that accompany therapy work, and the importance of community involvement. Frei’s association with Westminster yielded the formation of a nonprofit organization called Angel on a Leash (the book’s namesake), which Frei was the key founder. Although the organization is now a separate entity from its famous “parent,” Best in Show winners of Westminster have frequently retired from the show ring into the realm of therapy work, receiving Frei’s encouragement and guidance. Among the many exquisite moments captured in the book’s photography section are portraits of Rufus, the Colored Bull Terrier; James, the English Spring Spaniel; and Uno, the Beagle, all supreme victors of the famous show, spending time with children on therapy visits.

A delight for dog lovers and, until dogs learn to talk, the best way to remember that the "inner dog" is probably much like the outer one, this winning collection teams up dog portraits and humorous verse to offer an honest, original, and hilarious portrayal of what dogs really "think." 50 duotone illustrations.

"The author of Alphabet Juice presents a wry exploration of the complicated consequences of food choices in today's world, sharing meditative poems, limericks and satirical articles on subjects ranging from bacon froth and kobe beef to the global climate and personal health., "--NoveList.

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly! Puppyhood is the most crucial stage of your dog's life--the time when you get to teach him how to interact with you and behave in his new home. This updated guide gives you all the tools you need to keep your puppy healthy and turn him into a well-mannered member of your family, including: * Pointers on puppy-proofing your home * Nutritional information to help your puppy thrive * Tips on hassle-free housetraining * Positive training techniques that ensure success * Advice on immunizations and health problems * Bonus chapters available on companion Web site