Rating: 
Summary: An extraordinary work -- highly recommended
Review: I'm touched by Dr.Shoen's book. I empathize with his deep caring and compassion for all living things and feel a stronger kinship or oneness with all life than ever before.If you've had animals in your life, you know how they add to the quality of your life and how you add to theirs. Dr. Schoen reinforces this quality through numerous real-life examples of the human-animal connection. (These examples are as special as any described in "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul". He also illustrates how animals communicate with us and each other. For instance, he refers to the thought-provoking work of Rupert Sheldrake, who suggests that animals can communicate telepathically. (I invite you to read Sheldrake's book "How Dogs Know When Their Owners are Coming Home.) I am impressed by Dr. Schoen's broad medical experience and greatly appreciate the real-life examples that illustrate how he has integrated traditional and alternative therapies to treat animals holistically. Before reading his book, I didn't understand the possible uses of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbal medicine (traditional and Chinese), nutrition, homeopathy, and gladular therapy. From the case studies in his book, now I have a much greater appreciation for these therapies and how I might use them for my pets as well as myself. Throughout his book, he refers to scientists and researchers who've contributed to our understanding of animals. And, at the end of the book, he helpfully includes a list of these resources so that you can read more about them. This book is written beautifully and sensitively. It is a magnificent contribution to our appreciation of animals and our understanding of how to care for them more compassionately and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: A WORLD OF LOVE, COMPASSION AND DEDICATION!
Review: If you love animals, you will thoroughly enjoy this delightful book. Schoen goes beyond the call of duty with his love, respect and overwhelming compassion for the animal kingdom. From my studies in psychology, and on a personal level, I can attest to the wonderful warm and loving bond that exists between humans and animals. The bond is so great that many physicians are no longer referring to animals as "pets" but "companions." In many ways, the term implies a well-deserved status and respect in our society. Not everyone is blessed with the benefits of a warm, nuturing family. For some, the love of a gentle, purring cat, or the devoted nature of a canine friend, is the only joy or ray of sunshine a person has in their life. Anyone who has had a life-long "companion", one who has shared their ups and downs, laughter and tears, survived marriages, divorces, and all kinds of life-encountered tragedies, knows only too well how strong and real the bond is. When old age and/or suffering takes its toll, and you find that out of kindness and love, it is time to take that wonderful companion for its last ride to the vet, you realize, without question and a tear in your eye, the remarkable bond of love that exists. Schoen, himself, is a remarkable heartwarming and compassionate person; the kind of person we could all use in our lives. As a veterinarian, one can only admire and respect his outlook on life and his deep understanding of the bond that can truly exist between humans and animals. Animals have a way of bringing out your deepest feelings. If you love animals, share Shoen's experiences and enjoy reading this marvelous book.
Rating: 
Summary: Dubious information, egotistical tone
Review: This is a wonderful publication on a meaningful subject. I didn't read the book but ordered the abridged cassette tapes. All animal lovers should know about this book or tape and read or listen. Truly one that you'll be glad you bought.
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