Great read for any animal lover!
920756
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ranger: The Little Horse with the Big Heart. This heart-warming story is made all the more touching by the fact Ranger was a real horse who embodied the very best that animals can share with us humans. Christie's description of Ranger's behavior and personality traits made me wish I'd had the pleasure of meeting him. The examples of their adventures together, like riding in the surf, trail rides, hunting trips, and cow penning contests, all demonstrated Ranger's adaptability to new experiences. His calm and steady personality also made him an invaluable addition to the horse ranch. Ranger became the lead horse to model for foals how to swim in the river and accept other "firsts". Under his owner's love, guidance, and training, the little horse who nearly didn't survive his first few days, went on to live a long full life that blessed many people, including the disabled. He was innately sensitive to his riders and could be entrusted to carry those with limited riding skills. The author and Ranger shared over thirty of his 32 years together. We all experience the loss of loved ones, people and animals. The poignant ending offers the promise that these precious relationships will someday transcend this earthly plane. This isn't just a tribute to a remarkable horse, it's the spiritual journey of his devoted companion. Very uplifting!
4962044
This book was so fascinating to correlate with real science what every pet owner knows to be true. The story was also told in such a way that it was a great read, and very easy to identify with all the characters.  Loved it, recommend it to any pet lover!
1751021
I found the insights into dog consciousness fascinating!  It was an engrossing read - throughly interesting.  This book radically expanded my awareness of, and compassion for, what dogs and animals in general may be capable of feeling.  Thank you for writing this, I feel a lot more connected to my pets concerns now.  I highly recommend this book. It also makes an excellent, entertaining and intelligent gift for the animal lovers in your life.
1700713
I loved this book. I read it in less than 2 days, I couldn't put it down. People have so much to learn about animals and I think this book reminds us that if we stop our busy lives for one minute and get to know an animal in a different way it would change the way many of us think. This book teaches you more about yourself than anything. Great book, though now I want a pig of my own!
2515660
I loved reading this book.  It's filled with so many great stories of love and companionship between people and their beloved pets....and cute photos too!
1211340
Excellent book for any animal lover or anyone to read!  True life stories about pets and their people who love them.  Heartwarming and endearing read for any and all ages.  And sales of this book benefits the rescue, Have A Heart Humane Society, who with their hard work and perseverance, can continue to help make their own home town, Tehachapi, Ca., the first NO Kill City in Kern County with their low cost spay and neuter clinics.
4174332
I recently received this book as a christmas present from my friend cause she knows I love wolves. Since I've had it, I can't stop putting it down! This was well written, and the story is awesome! This is a great book to read if your an animal lover or just need something good to read for a good pastime. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
1675594
This book is not only enjoyable and heartwarming to read, but it raises awareness to the powerful connection between humans and animals. By shedding light on the programs and success stories that go with them, the field of animal assisted therapy gets a boost. In a world full of violence, fear and overwhelming negativity, it's so refreshing to read stories that inspire and rejuvenate the soul. A must-read for the animal lover!
3790993
A wonderful book for animal lovers that brings both laughter and tears. Mr Ryan has a gift for bringing out the emotional depth that can exist between a human and an animal. I hope he writes another book!
1958552
This book ranks in the top 2 animal books I have ever read. The author is a GREAT lover of both animals and people. He has GREAT humor! The book is both humorous and serious. His real-life experiences are moving, touching and often funny. It is well written & keeps you interested. I highly recommend it!
81545
This book explores the relationship that people have with animals, both their pets and the creatures of the wild. The collection of stories contained in it underscores the intelligence and sensitivity of the animals that share the planet with us. It gives great advice on how to help animals and what to do in many situations involving animal rescue, pet care, ect. It is very well-written and enjoyable to read, full of humor and sincerity. I highly recommend it to any animal lover.
810657
Animals have a lot to teach us, all it takes is to listen.
Elaine shares a lot of information about the animals and she makes a parallel to what can be learned from them.
A delightful reading, I am reading one animal a day!
A must read for all animal lovers!
* Illustrations for each animal is a "cherry on the top!"
1735694
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover.  I especially liked the author's clearcut interest in dogs and the human dog relationship, and the end of the book (no spoiler here) was amazing.  Good read!
495081
Great book for anyone who loves animals.  The "politics" of members of the elephant herd was well described and eye-opening.
4725892
I came across this book at site where bloggers post their book reviews.  I knew I wanted to read it immediately because it was about a dog and well we know here that I am animal minded and loved the furbabies!  I reached out to the author and she so kindly and quickly responded.

If you are an animal lover, enjoy reading, like stories that are heartwarming and contain life lessons this book is for you.  It is a very quick and enjoyable read from the viewpoint of Joey.  Joey, the chocolate Lab, takes on a trip where we learn his rules, lessons and thoughts about his initial mother, his new human family, the runs and walks with his dad, being injured and what comes after.  I enjoyed reading this story, especially with the book being in Joey's voice because so many times I wonder what my furbabies must be thinking from my tone, words, actions, etc.  So many items I do must seem so arbitrary or random to them!

When I first started reading it I was not sure if it was going to be the standard cutesy dog lover story or something traumatic where I would need tissues for the rest of the day...I am very pleased to say it was neither!  It had cute moments and it had some sad moments, but by and large this story enabled us to get to know Joey, his family and what he loved.  The runs with his dad and the swims or splashing with his mom are probably my favorite parts of the story.  It showed the relationship between human and dog, friends and how they can become family.  The only part I got tangled up in was the initial history of his family lineage...but then as we learn more about Joey's roaming ways this made sense and was very applicable!

Upon completing this story I wanted to meet Joey.  I wanted to see if he came to events or something of that nature because my goodness he sounded so sweet and fun!  I was worried what I would find though when I saw the book was published in 2014 and that when the story occurred Joey was already 9+ old. Sadly while looking at the website and Joey's blog JH shared that Joey has passed, but his passing is the only thing I did not enjoy about this experience.  I found the story a joy to read and a true loving testimony to the impact and relationship Joey had with his family, neighbors, vets, mail carriers and all those he encountered!
828529
Awesome book.  Any animal lover will love this book!  Give you a different perspective of what a dog is thinking..
738253
This book was very well written and great for all ages.  It definitely keeps you interested because you have no idea what is coming around the next corner.  I especially recommend this book to anyone who loves animals!