Amazon.com editorial review:
Written by well-known and respected Greyhound expert Cynthia Branigan, The Reign of the Greyhound is a highly readable, thoroughly researched history of this noble breed.  This updated 2nd edition (published December 15, 2003) features a new chapter on the current state of ex-racer adoptions, as well as newly unearthed historical information and more spectacular examples of Greyhounds in art throughout the ages.

Full of fascinating facts, historical context, racing lore, and myth debunkers, The Reign of the Greyhound traces the Greyhound�s richly detailed life story, from its ancient origins to the current popularity of owning a former racer as a companion animal.  Branigan�s passion for and firsthand knowledge of Greyhounds shines through on every page as she discusses these affectionate, athletic, yet gentle dogs.  Branigan introduces us to the many branches of the breed�s family tree, notes the Greyhound�s place in Greek and Roman mythology, and traces the evolution of the Greyhound from sacred companion to racing dog to family pet.  You�ll discover how, thanks to the effort of dedicated, caring people, many ex-racers now have a new lease on life through adoption programs--and why Greyhounds so captivate their owners with their speed, grace, and sensitivity.

Amazon.com customer review:
The stories in this book truly represented the loving and loyal nature of these dogs.  All of the adoptive parents who shared their stories paralleled my experiences of what it means to be a lucky owner of one of these regal beings.  To be graced with the love of a Greyhound is a singular life experience, so I am especially thankful that I was allowed to interact with these animals on a day-to-day basis in a career that spanned 12 years.

I was a Greyhound trainer during this time and would have liked to have read a little less about the "atrocities" that face the racing greyhound.  As in every business, there are people who do not operate ethically or humanely, but these people are very few and far between.  They are held up as examples by people who are not intimately aware of the dog racing industry's strive towards responsible breeding, racing, and training of these animals.  To hear that "10's of thousands" of the dogs are euthanized annually makes my head spin.  The simple fact is that breeders do not raise that many pups per year, so that number is astronomically inflated.  It is true that some dogs are euthanized, but it is never a choice that is made quickly, easily or without regret.

The people who run adoption kennels know the hard work involved in caring for these dogs and I graciously thank them for taking on such a noble cause.  I would like to see that respect go both ways and read more stories that reflect the close bonds that can and do establish between kennel owners, trainers, adoption kennels and those who adopt a Greyhound.  To always focus on the minority does nothing but miss-educate those who are not as informed.  I am looking forward to another book, one that will include some of the "good guys" who take care of these animals daily.

Amazon.com editorial review:
The 2nd edition has been completely updated and revised.  It includes a definition of "therapy dog", a list of the major therapy dog organizations, an annotated bibliography of useful dog behavior and training books and web sites, and an index.  New in the 2nd edition is also a detailed outline for teaching therapy dog classes.  The value of using dogs for "animal assisted activities" in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation programs, schools and other settings is now well-recognized.  The reader will learn whether he/she is right for this work, how to select, socialize and train the family dog for therapy work and how to get a therapy dog program started.  "Therapy Dogs" the 2nd edition, also has excellent information about safety, liability, working with the elderly, disabled and children.  This book is also a useful tool for facilities considering inviting therapy dog teams to work with their clients.

Amazon.com editorial review:
The Volhards' gentle approach to training teaches all owners how to establish an ongoing rapport between dog and owner.  Regardless of whether the goal is a Canine Good Citizen certificate (which is usually required for certification in Therapy Dog work), this book thoroughly explains the basic information that every dog owner should know and understand.  It's a great book for someone just starting out and it's a good review of the basics for those who have been there, done that.  The well explained training methods work and the added information about how your dog views the world will help you understand why some of the things you might currently be doing aren't working.  This second and revised edition contains all the latest requirements for any dog, purebred or mixed. to earn a CGC title.

Amazon.com celebrity review:
"The best-selling author of "When Elephants Weep" explores the rich inner landscape of "our best and truest friend".  "This searingly honest appraisal of man's best friend will cause many people to think about dogs in an entirely different way".--Dr. Jane Goodall.

Amazon.com editorial review:
Dr. Sife, a New York-based psychotherapist and the founder of the Association for Pet Bereavement, addresses the pet owner whose grief at a pet's death is largely misunderstood or even ridiculed by friends, associates and society in general.  He defines the stages of grieving, using case studies to demonstrate those instances where expressions of mourning mask deeper problems.  He composes dignified remarks to those who launch a "perceived assault" on the reader's grief; explains why the rupture of a human-animal bond can be so devastating; offers specific techniques for dealing with anger; explores the special needs of children whose pets die; presents various factors involved in considering euthanasia, including such particulars as whether or not it is beneficial to remain with the pet until its final breath; and polls leaders of various religions.  This book is a superb contribution to a growing field.

Amazon.com editorial review:
This book has very good advice on helping children cope, practical information about helpful organizations, and words of comfort from pet owners and counselors.  This reassuring volume can help you get through this time of crisis and realize that you are not alone.  It is a compassionate manual for bereaved pet owners and helps readers cope with the loss of cherished animal companions, providing a guide through the grieving process, offering advice on helping children deal with death, and sharing words of comfort and solace.

Amazon.com customer review:
Those who are dying are often the best equipped to teach us about the mysteries of death and the wonder of living.  There is no exception with animals.  Rita Reynolds has worked with sick and dying animals for over 20 years at her animal sanctuary in Virginia.  Not only has she comforted a wide variety of animals in their final hours, helping them to die with peace, grace and dignity, but she has listened to them and learned.  As Rita was to learn in all matters of life and death, there is only the moment - and, "love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters."

Reynolds' book is both a spiritual and practical guide.  Including her personal story of creating a hospice as well as the stories of many animals who have shared their wisdom and insights, Rita also suggests a variety of tools for helping sick, old or dying animals - from prayers and flower essences to massage, chants and healing music.  As we help our animals to be comfortable, to lose fear and transition effortlessly, gracefully (or, as each body needs to do - sometimes with noise and fanfare) across the bridge called death, we lessen the fear within ourselves.

Amazon.com editorial review:
Buddi is an undefeated racing Greyhound who makes a rash decision when he hears about another undefeated racing Greyhound he�s scheduled to race.  Buddi has no interest in being a family pet, but he puts himself up for adoption and leaves the dog-track and the only life he�s ever known just to keep his winning streak intact.  On his way out of the track, however, Buddi discovers he�s not fooling anyone and that, instead of retiring as a champion, he�s seen as creeping away like a coward.  Much to his surprise, Buddi discovers he loves his new family and his new life as a pet and he soon finds himself forced to decide between returning to the track to regain his honor as a champion or losing his new family!

In this video, Linda Tellington-Jones works with ten dogs at a four-day clinic, you'll see how the dogs learned and changed.  Then Linda's sister Robyn Hood clearly demonstrates how to do the circular touches, lifts, and other techniques of the Tellington TTouch.  You can sit in front of the TV with your dog and practice, using this section.

In this video by Patricia Whalen-Shaw an experienced licensed massage therapist, you will learn the relaxation massage techniques of canine massage.  Your dog will love you for it!