John Grogan: Marley & Me

About the book:

Has anyone ever thought about what it would be like to live with the world's worst dog?

The married Grogans buy a little puppy named Marley. It is almost like a test run at parenthood. Marley is thick-skulled, wild, and full of antics. But the dog also has a sensitive side. Despite his sometimes boorish behavior, Marley's heart is pure, just as he joyfully refuses any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty are boundless too. Marley is a part of every aspect in Grogan's life, whether minor or major. Though lovingly dubbed "the world's worst dog", Grogan realizes the value of his unruly pooch and shares his touching story with the world.

About the author:

This is a perfect book for dog lovers and anyone who is in the mood for a heart felt story. "Marley and Me" is the perfect family story that will leave you with a warm heart and maybe even a few tears.

Leslea Newman: Hachiko Waits

    Price: R188 Buy Now

“What a good dog you are. What a fine dog you are. Hachi, you are the best dog in all of Japan.”

Professor Ueno speaks these words to his faithful dog before boarding the train to work every morning. And every afternoon, just before three o’clock, Hachi is at the train station to greet his beloved master. One day, the train arrives at the station without the professor. Hachi waits. So Hachiko waits. He waits for ten years. Not even the kind young boy known as Yasuo can persuade Hachiko to leave his post, and take shelter in a warm home. Soon Hachiko is known around the country, and the world, as the dog who never gave up on his owner's return.

Hachiko Waits is a novel inspired by a true story. Hachiko´s love to his owner moved the whole of Japan and had a big impact on how the Japanese treat their dogs and even a statue was build in his honour.

Leslea Newman is an author of children books and tells her version of the story in a way that is even appropriate for children to read. She uses short, memorable and emotional sentences, that are easy to understand for children, but adults will be touched just as much. 

Newman managed to make the characters in the novel walk straight into your heart, even though the book  is only 100 pages long.  

Hachiko Waits is a moving and absolutely touching book about a deep friendship, loyality and hope. Especially one dialogue is very significant, and everyone, who owns a dog, should keep it in mind:

“The woman reached out to stroke Hachi's fur again. "Hachi, you are a very good dog," she said to him. "And your master was a very good man."

Yasuo picked up Hachi's bowl and looked at the woman. "Did you know Professor Ueno?" he asked.

"No," the woman answered. "But it is clear to me that he was a fine man. That is why Hachi continues to hope and to wait. He remembers the kindness of his master."

Click here to buy "Hachiko Waits" from kalahari.com. With your purchase you support SA's shelter animals as a percentage is being donated to FurKidz.

Alexandra Horowitz: Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know

    Price: R159.95 Buy Now

What's it like to be a dog? What's it like to be able to smell not just every bit of open food in the house but also to smell sadness in humans? How does a tiny dog manage to play successfully with a Great Dane? What is it like to hear the bodily vibrations of insects or the hum of a fluorescent light? Why must a person on a bicycle be chased? What's it like to use your mouth as a hand? In short, what is it like for a dog to experience life from two feet off the ground, amidst the smells of the sidewalk, gazing at our ankles or knees?

Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human. Horowitz introduces the reader to dogs' perceptual and cognitive abilities and then draws a picture of what it might be like to be a dog.

Inside of the Dog gives us surprising answers and explanations of why dogs do what they do. With a light touch and the weight of science behind her, Alexandra Horowitz examines the animal we think we know best but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself!

"I feel like I am now in my dog's head. Every time he sniffs me I understand it more and more."

"This is a fantastic book for those who want to relate to their companions in a deeper, more profound manner. I won't be able to look at my dog in the same way again."

"I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see what their dog "sees"."

"It's not a book on how to train your four legged friend. It gives you a great grasp of a dog's perception of our world. A must read if you own a dog and see him as a member of the family."

"This is a serious book based on science and observation and it is essential reading for anyone who truly loves dogs. The book can only strengthen the bond between you and your dog."

"You will recognize your dog and yourself in this funny and interesting book."

Click here to buy "Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know" from kalahari.com. With your purchase you support SA's shelter animals as a percentage is being donated to FurKidz.

Cesar Millan: How to Raise the Perfect Dog

 “I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about getting a puppy”

  Author: Cesar Millan
  Format: Softcover, 320 Pages
  ISBN: 9780340993071
  Publication date: September 2010

  Price: R135  Buy Now

Did you decide to get a dog? You want to have a cute puppy?

Don’t underestimate yourself! Puppys might be cute and friendly to everyone, but they will grow bigger and bigger and might not be that cute and friendly anymore. You have to teach him how to behave, not the other way round.

This book is written by the bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, the only resource you’ll need for raising a happy, healthy dog.

Cesar Millan himself says, “Yes, you can raise the perfect dog!” It all starts with the prober foundation in the early years! 

In this book, Cesar tells you everything you need to know to create the best environment for a well-behaved dog in order to avoid behavior issues in the future, and shows you how to correct the most common behavior issues for young dogs.

When you read “How to Raise the Perfect Dog”, you feel like having Cesar right beside you, as your own personal expert, coaching you and your dog from the first day of your life together. He always has a hint for you.

This book will answer all the most commonly asked questions and quides you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationships with your best friend.

Cesar Millan shows you how to raise the perfect dog and prevent behavior issues before they start, including

• what to expect from each stage of your puppy's development
• the essentials of proper nutrition
• the importance of vaccinating–and of not over-vaccinating
• how to avoid the most common mistakes owners make raising puppies and young dogs
• how to correct any issue before it becomes a problem
• unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed

…and this is just a small collection!

“How to Raise the Perfect Dog teaches us which puppy is best for our energy level and what to do from the minute we bring it home in order to become the proper leader. “