PET DISH: Fun books on animals come in many breeds

Pets are popular, and so are books on pets. We see plenty and a few always stand out, either because they’re fun, beautiful or just a great story. Here are a few suggestions if you’re looking for a good book for a pet lover, or for yourself.

“Dewey” by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter. This sweetly told story traces how an abandoned, half-frozen orange kitten is dumped in a library book return in a struggling Iowa town and goes on to help people and the town heal the emotional wounds of life. $19.99.

“Dog-Ku” by Steve D. Marsh. Although the premise of haiku written by dogs seems like it wouldn’t work, this book does. The poems are so funny you’ll be reading them out loud. And they’re coupled with wonderful photographs. Any dog lover will enjoy this book. $12.95.

“A Very Marley Christmas” by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. The bestselling book is becoming a movie this holiday season, and the publishers have put out a series of children’s books to go along with the release. This illustrated book for children ages 3 to 8 shows a Marley puppy Christmas. There also are two books for beginning readers with photos from the movie called “Marley & Me, Meet Marley” about his puppy days, and “Marley & Me, Marley to the Rescue” about Marley helping during a mugging. For slightly older children, there’s an adaptation of the original book, including original photos of Marley. $3.99 to $17.99.

“Wesley the Owl” by Stacey O’Brien. O’Brien was working in an owl laboratory when a 4-day-old barn owl with an injured wing was brought in. She took him home and spent the next 19 years discovering secrets about owls’ habits. You’ll be glad she shares them in this sometimes funny, sometimes touching and often informative book. $23.

“Cat Capers” by Gandee Vasan. If you’re looking for a cat picture book, this “Catitude For Cat Lovers” book by photographer Gandee Vasan should fill the bill. The beautiful photos are paired with quotes, poems, musings and funny writings that most cat owners will be able to identify with. $24.99.

“We Bought a Zoo” by Benjamin Mee. The story of a man who bought a failing zoo in the English countryside in 2006 and, with his sick wife and two small children, worked to renovate the facility and save the more than 200 animals. The story deals with workmen, escapes, unyielding bureaucrats, a race against time and a dwindling bank account, with the family all the while refusing to do harm to any of the residents. A book for any animal lover. $24.95.

“Your Inner Dog” by Diane Morgan. Ever wonder what it says about you if you have a poodle? Or a German shepherd? This book lists 75 breeds and what owning them says about their owners, from food and fashion choices to personality traits. There’s also a quiz that will help you decide what breed matches your personality if you don’t yet have a dog. Sure, it’s a little like reading your horoscope, but dog lovers will immediately turn to their breed then lend it to their friends to check out what their breed says about them. $14.95.

“Katie Loves the Kittens” by John Himmelman. This sweet book will help teach children the importance of being quiet around young animals. That’s the problem Katie, the family dog, has when three little kittens are brought home. She loves them so much she frightens them when she tries to play. $16.95.

“The Ultimate Cat Lover” and “The Ultimate Dog Lover” by Marty Becker and others. These books have delightful stories, great tips on pet care and wonderful photos, making them both a great read and good reference books. $14.95.

Yard sale for dogs

Our Pal’s Place, a dog rescue group in Marietta, is holding a yard sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. They’re also accepting donations for the sale through Friday. For information: 678-795-0202 or ourpalsplace.org. Sale at 4508 Canton Road.

Angels with hooves

A horse rescue group in Cumming is having a holiday event, including caroling, refreshments, pony rides, photos with Santa (and a Santa horse), crafts, vendors and a petting zoo, from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 7. The event is free, but there are charges for some activities, such as $7 for a 5-by-7 photo with Santa. Money goes to feed the horses at the Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund. 1768 Newt Green Road. More info: www.savethehorses.org or 770-886-5419.

A deal on vaccinations. PAWS Atlanta is holding a low-cost clinic Dec. 7 from 1-4 p.m. Dog shots will be $45 and cats vaccinations are $35. No appointment needed and no office fees. 5287 Covington Highway, Decatur. More information: www.pawsatlanta.org or 770-593-1155.

Paws & Claus

Dogs will be able to chase snowflakes at Atlantic Station’s Central Park from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 7, as well as have their picture taken with Santa. The event will benefit Atlanta Labrador Rescue. Admission is $25 and includes food from Strip restaurant, beer and soft drinks, a picture with Santa and the chance to play in the fake snowfall. At 245 18th St., Atlanta. More information: www.atlantalabrescue.com or 404-261-5227.

QUICK TIP

Poultry bones tend to split or shatter easily, so don’t feed leftover turkey or chicken bones to pets.

NEWS TO SHARE?

Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call 404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.