A golden retriever narrates a hilarious, heart-tugging tale of a dog and his humans as he tries to keep his family together while everything around them falls apart. Ever since Cosmo became a big brother to Max ten years ago, he’s known what his job was: to protect his boy and make him happy. Through many good years marked by tennis balls and pilfered turkey, torn-up toilet paper and fragrant goose poop, Cosmo has doggedly kept his vow. Until recently, his biggest problems were the evil tutu-wearing sheepdog he met on Halloween and the arthritis in his own joints. But now, with Dad-scented blankets appearing on the couch and arguing voices getting louder, Cosmo senses a tougher challenge ahead. When Max gets a crazy idea to teach them both a dance routine for a contest, how can Cosmo refuse, stiff hips or no? Max wants to remind his folks of all the great times they’ve had together dancing — and make them forget about the “d” word that’s making them all cry. Told in the open, optimistic, unintentionally humorous voice of a golden retriever, I, Cosmo will grab readers from the first page — and remind them that love and loyalty transcend whatever life throws your way.

“it’s called a spade” is a reference to calling life like it is instead of hiding the tough stuff and pretending like everything is fine. It’s a collection of stories about life, about people and God, recovery and relapse, heartache and brokenness, and the reality that life is hard, even if you believe in God, even if you don’t. But there is also hope and humor and healing that comes without answers. This is a collection of stories from a human who almost disappeared in her efforts to be seen, a girl who called spades hearts and smiled while bluffing.

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.

With its short legs and oversized facial features, the Corgi has become one of the cutest and most popular dog breeds in America today. Their affectionate personality and adaptability make them perfectly suited to most homes and environments. The Complete Guide to Corgis is intended for the busy new owner who needs to quickly and easily learn everything they NEED to know as they embark on Corgi ownership. This comprehensive guide answers every question you may have including: Is a Corgi right for me? What do I do now that I've brought home my Corgi? How can I best train my Corgi? What common mistakes should I avoid? Be prepared for your new pup, and all the challenges that come along with owning a Corgi. This book will take you on a step-by-step journey and walk you through virtually everything you'll need to know as a new Corgi owner, including: The differences between the Pembroke and Cardigan breeds Corgi history and characteristics The ideal Corgi home Finding the right Corgi for you Preparing for your new Corgi The first Week with your new puppy The first Month with your new puppy Corgi House-training The importance of socializing your Corgi Being a GREAT puppy parent Corgis and other dogs Training your Corgi puppy Basic Commands Corgi Nutritional Needs Grooming a Corgi Basic Corgi health care Health concerns with Corgis Your aging Corgi If your are ready to take on the challenges and joys of owning a Corgi, then this is the book you need. The road to being a great Puppy parent is a long and difficult one, this road map can help you navigate all the twist and turns as you start the most amazing journey of your life!

Your past, your present, and your perceptions of the future are a powerful part of your life. What do you do with your past? How do you view your personal future? What impact does that view of the future have on you right this moment? Do you have any control over where your life goes from here, or are you simply a pawn in a great chess game?Avoiding the temptation to provide a simple self-help recipe or to ignore the dark and serious issues of life, Forward Story leads readers to a challenging reflection on meaning, purpose, and the future. This book equips you to take action and to be purposeful in the way you live. Rather than telling you how to live, Forward Story requires that you actually be the author of your own story. If you want to live a life in harmony with your values, purpose, and ambition, this book provides what you need in order to write the future you desire.Endorsements:"e;Forward Story is a compilation, with interesting storytelling, of everything I have learned about life, success, and failure in my eighty-three years. Casey has done a marvelous job of writing down in an orderly manner what I wished I could have heard when I was twenty years of age-and thereby could have avoided most of the pitfalls I experienced."e; Bill Martin, VP, Texas Instruments"e;Forward Story includes abundant anecdotal and historical narrative to illustrate and clarify the concepts of writing one's personal Forward Story. Casey relies on his ability to guide, persuade, and motivate others to a higher level of achievement, to successful accomplishment, and to the satisfaction of a job well-done. Read the book! Take the advice! Follow the steps in writing your own Forward Story. You will be glad you did!"e; Jimmy Creel, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Lamar University"e;For every dramatic performance, every achievement, every success, there's a story behind the story. It's called the backstory. Mark Casey writes the more important chapter, the Forward Story. This is a guide to help you achieve that success, to realize your performance, and to live your dream. Pulling from his own goal-oriented successes, and inspired by the achieved dreams from science, literature, public service, and sports, Mark provides a practical handbook to help you write your future and live the life you have yet to imagine."e; Thomas Graham, President and CEO, Crosswind Communications, LLC"e;I enjoyed three consecutive careers as a preacher, lawyer, and corporate senior executive, so I have had my share of transitional moments. As I was preparing to retire several years ago, Mark shared the concept of this book with me. My wife and I wrote our Forward Story for the first two years of retirement, and what a positive difference that made! Mark's book is a refreshing reminder of what it takes to successfully maneuver through the ambiguities of life's constant flux. Whatever your age and whatever changes you are facing, take the time to read and ponder this book."e; James W. Poppell, former Executive VP (Retired), NextEra Energy, Inc.

*A New York Times Bestseller* #1 National Bestseller Indie Bestseller From Kitten Lady, the professional kitten rescuer, humane educator, animal advocate, and owner of the popular Instagram @kittenxlady comes the definitive book on saving the most vulnerable—and adorable—feline population: newborn kittens. Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady, has dedicated her life to saving the tiniest felines, but one doesn't have to be a professional kitten rescuer to change—and save—lives. In Tiny but Mighty, Hannah not only outlines the dangers newborn kittens face and how she combats them, but how you can help every step of the way, from fighting feline overpopulation on the streets to fostering unweaned kittens, from combating illness to combating compassion fatigue, from finding a vet to finding the purrfect forever home. Filled with information on animal welfare, instructional guides, and personal rescue stories of kittens like Chloe, Tidbit, Hank, and Badger—not to mention hundreds of adorable kitten photos—Tiny but Mighty is the must-have kitten book for cat lovers, current-and-future rescuers, foster parents, activists, and advocates.

The highly anticipated companion to the sensational Slothilda: Living the Sloth Life! A collection of cute comics about friendship and the adorable mishaps of pet-parenting as told through the eyes of a sleepy sloth named Slothilda and her blissfully devoted corgi, Peanut. Life with a stumpy legged fur-baby is an absolute joy, but it often comes with some hilarious challenges, especially when you're a phone-addicted, snack-loving, always-tired little sloth. For Slothilda and Peanut, each with their own unique set of short-comings (literally and figuratively), navigating their way through the world can be a struggle. However, no obstacle is too great when they've got each other. Watch as the two take on life's day-to-day challenges as they grow together along the way!