This is a collection of fictional short stories about breeds that have graced my life. May these stories entertain you as much as they entertained me while creating them.

A powerful dynasty founded in Arizona’s frontier past faces a grave threat in the stunning conclusion to a Spur Award–winning historical romance series. Years have passed since Tracy Benoit last set foot on Rancho del Socorro. Now she returns to the magnificent spread in the shadows of Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains to say goodbye to the ranch’s dying patriarch, Patrick O’Shea. But her visit stirs deeper emotions than Tracy anticipates, because Shea, Patrick’s handsome Vietnam veteran son, has come home as well. Just when the electricity between Tracy and Shea is about to ignite, Patrick dies. There is no time to mourn, however, as Shea’s half-brother, Judd, has sinister plans to the sell the ranch for a quick profit. But Judd wants to control more than the land; he has a dark desire to possess Tracy as well, and will destroy everything his ancestors worked so hard to build in order to make his wicked fantasies a reality. Can Tracy and Shea stop such a reckless and powerful enemy, or is their love doomed to die along with Patrick’s legacy? The sensational final chapter in a powerful saga inspired by the turbulent history of the Southwest, A Mating of Hawks is a masterpiece of romantic fiction from a bestselling author with “a clear-voiced style that transcends genre” (TheKansas City Star).

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Borzoi serves as a complete introduction to beautiful, aristocratic Russian sighthound. The Borzoi, known in Russia as the Psowaya Borzoi, combines elegance and strength in a way that only a truly noble purebred dog can do. As the history chapter details, the Borzoi was once called upon to "pin a wolf," though today he is more frequently seen as a fashionable home companion and top-winning show dog. Still able to course alongside the hunter, the Borzoi remains a powerful, courageous, and enduring hound. Written by renowned British Borzoi breeder, illustrator, and author, Dr. Desiree Scott, this volume provides well-researched information on the breed's origins in Russia, Europe, Asia, and the United States.The book continues with a chapter on characteristics, encapsulating all of the virtues of this unique sighthound, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed. The chapter devoted to the breed standard is illustrated with computer-generated graphics by the author to demonstrate correct type and structure for newcomers and experienced Borzoi fanciers alike.All owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are brimming with detail and illustrated with handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help readers better mold and train their independent-minded dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered good canine citizens. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides accurate information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. The final chapter on showing the Borzoi will be of great interest to all owners interested in exploring the competitive world of dog sports. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as vaccines, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and more. Fully indexed.

Why does my dog lick his balls? Admit it; you’ve always wanted to know. Well, finally there’s a professional out there who’s not too embarrassed to answer–bone-fide veterinarian, critical-care specialist, and dog lover Dr. Justine A. Lee. It’s a Dog’s Life . . . but It’s Your Carpet takes you behind the scenes to look at the training and off-the-record opinions of a certified vet, and answers all the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about your dog, including: Is a dog's nose a good indicator of his health? Can a Chihuahua and a Great Dane mate? Why do dogs eat their own poop? What's the smartest breed? Can I get my dog's ears pierced? Why does my dog roll around in rotting feces? If I mix food coloring with Fluffy's kibble, will it make her poop easier to find in the yard? Written by one of two hundred veterinary board-certified emergency critical-care specialists in the world, It’s a Dog’s Life . . . but It’s Your Carpet offers factual and funny answers to some of the most common, offbeat questions about our beloved companions. Whether you’re looking for advice on pet rearing, solutions to your dog's most frustrating habits, explanations of his weirdest quirks, or simply a good laugh, this book is sure to inform–and entertain–dog lovers of every breed.

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.

The New Complete Dog Book is the American Kennel Club’s “Bible” of dogs. For the past 88 years it has been the ultimate breed resource—the one book that no purebred dog aficionado and expert can live without. In addition to being the longest continually published dog book in history, it is also the most successful dog book ever published, with over two million copies sold. The revised and updated 22nd edition contains revised breed standards, changes in breed classifications, and recently recognized breeds. Dog owners, breeders, and clubs will find the most current information here on AKC registration, competitive events, and programs. A celebration of every breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club—over 200 breeds—this new 22nd edition offers readers: Official standard for every AKC-recognized breed, including seven variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class Breed histories, puppy-buying tips, and pet attributes, each breed written by one of the 200 AKC national parent clubs Over 800 exceptional color photographs of adults and puppies illustrate each four-page breed entry Spotlight on finding well-bred puppies, sports and activities for dogs and owners, AKC programs, and canine anatomy Illustrated glossary of canine terminology

Official standard for every AKC-recognized breed, including seven variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class Breed histories, puppy-buying tips, and pet attributes, each breed written by one of the 200 AKC national parent clubs Over 800 exceptional color photographs of adults and puppies illustrate each four-page breed entry Spotlight on finding well-bred puppies, sports and activities for dogs and owners, AKC programs, and canine anatomy Illustrated glossary of canine terminology Updated edition includes new AKC initiatives and programs (including virtual titling options), recently recognized dog breeds, revised breed standards, and changes in breed classifications

From the bestselling author of "Cowboys Are My Weakness" comes a very special love story between a woman and her dog, a wolfhound who teaches "his human" that love is stronger than fear.