If you or someone you love is one of the ten million Americans who suffer from some sort of pet allergy, you are likely hesitant to get a dog. As much as you long to experience true "puppy love," the itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose have put a damper on your dreams. Well, take heart: with the right information and preparation, just about anyone can manage their allergies and find the perfect breed for a sneeze-free life.

Sneeze-Free Dog Breeds is the only book on the market dedicated to giving those with allergies the chance to have a dog as a pet. It includes information on treating allergies, including at-home remedies and recent medical breakthroughs; ideas for the best places to purchase or adopt a dog; dozens of tips for controlling and managing the home environment; and specific ideas for an allergy management plan. There is also an extensive section of in-depth breed profiles of 21 hypoallergenic dogs, including grooming needs, personality traits, activity levels, health issues, and trainability.

This book covers the full scope of pet-related allergy issues, making it easier for anyone with a love of dogs to find the perfect pet pooch while still managing their allergies....

Every culture has developed its own lore of rocks. From the stones of Aaron's breastplate to the foundational rocks of the New Jerusalem, from the creation tales of South America to the blood stones of Burma, gems have taken their place in the mythology and magic of the human race. This book details the lore attached to particular gems. Each chapter covers a particular stone and discusses the gem's geological, historical, mythical, and legendary qualities. A valuable resource for anyone researching symbols, myth, history, or literature, this book also helps science students understand the humanistic context of gemstones and offers social studies students a fascinating view of gems in world cultures.

Each chapter covers a particular gemstone, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. It also covers organic gems, such as pearl, coral, and amber. The chapters discuss the natural history of the stone, including where the gem is found, its value, and its use; the role the gem has played in history, especially for certain famous stones such as the Hope Diamond; and the myths, powers, and legends that have attached to the stone over the centuries. Science students will appreciate the humanistic context the book offers for gemstones, while social studies students will appreciate its consideration of gems across times and places. Students of literature and the arts will welcome the book's attention to gems as symbols, and general readers will find it a fascinating guide to the lore and legend of precious stones.

...

The snake is one of humankind's most powerful and ambiguous symbols: it has at various times represented immortality and death, male and female, deity and demon, circle and line, killer and healer, the highest wisdom and the deepest subconscious. By virtue of its mysterious movement, potent poison, fearful grip, unblinking gaze and lightning quick strike, the power and image of the snake has wound its way into every culture. Whether snakes are worshipped as gods, feared as devils, or handled in religious ceremonies to test faith, snakes have played a critical role in the human heritage. This book explores the cult of the snake in world history, religion, and folklore.

Fascination with snakes has been around since the dawn of time. Even today, images of snakes attract attention, fear, disgust, or admiration. Morgan examines that obsession with this mysterious creature, covering in vivid details such topics as mythical snakes like the Plumed Serpent, serpent iconography, tall tales, as well as the psychological symbolism that has attached itself to snakes. Cultures as diverse as pre-Columbian America, India, Egypt, China, sub-Saharan Africa, Celtic Europe, and the United States have all accorded the serpent a special place in their culture—apparently regardless of whether or not real snakes play an important part in the life of the people. Here, the mysterious nature of the snake unfolds, enchanting readers with a colorful and lively discussion of its place in our history, stories, religions, and cultures.

...

Are you a cat aficionado in search of the most complete, current information on nutritional options, effective training ideas, and breed selection? Or are you a new owner looking to better understand your cat's actions and improve communication with your feline friend?

Good Catkeeping is the most all-inclusive, up-to-date, daily care guide for the modern cat owner. The book includes information on the most popular breeds, as well as how to determine the breeds best suited to you. It then explores subjects like cat body language and vocalizations, and offers both explanations and solutions for problem cat behaviors so you can better understand your cat through the training process. An easy-to-reference health guide features alternative approaches to care and treatment such as raw and natural diets. It even offers helpful tips on air and car travel, hotel stays, and travel safety for the millions of cat owners whose pets are also travel companions.

With its in-depth coverage of the latest breakthroughs in feline health and wellness, Good Catkeeping is an invaluable resource for both new and veteran cat parents looking to provide the utmost in care to their furry pals....

This concise yet informative volume outlines the importance of positive dog training and explains why punishment is ineffective. It also describes the best types of training equipment and covers key topics such as crate training, housetraining, and teaching your dog basic commands.

...

For novices, orchestrating The Feast is no easy task. And even for old pros it's a bit of a challenge. Enter The Thanksgiving Table—offering you everything you need from foolproof cooking secrets and techniques and classic and innovative recipes, to menu suggestions and simple, elegant table settings....

The Christmas Table serves up comfort and joy with helpful hints and recipes to plan an unforgettable holiday feast. Award-winning author Diane Morgan fills the book with festive recipes and decorating ideas that are sure to become favorites. On Christmas morning opening presents will be even sweeter with a breakfast of Cinnamon-Scented Bread Custard and delightful recipes like Juniper Brined Roast Turkey and Whipped Yams topped with a Crunchy Praline Crust will be instant yuletide classics. This comprehensive holiday guide also includes recipes for Christmas cookies candied nuts and other giftable goodies. With simple beautiful crafts and delicious easy-to-follow recipes The Christmas Table ensures a very merry Christmas for everyone....

Whoever said grills are reserved for weekend barbecues has never met Diane Morgan. In her newest grilling cookbook, she presents a compelling argument that grills should be used every night, complete with 125 recipes and the promise of less dishwashing. For novice grillers, she's incorporated chapters on types of grills, cleaning and safety tips, and lists of helpful tools. Mouthwatering recipes include meat and veggie entrees, side dishes, and even flame-broiled desserts like Bananas Slicked with Rum and Molasses. If that's not enough, she's even added The Grill Planner, a chapter devoted to ensuring that Tuesday's leftover ingredients from Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro Drizzle will become Wednesday's Pineapple, Shrimp, and Anaheim Chile Salad....

Thanksgiving is the favorite holiday of millions of Americans. And with so many diverse regions across the United States, it's no surprise to find that the Thanksgiving menu changes significantly from New England to the Pacific Northwest. This is the quintessential cookbook for our national day of thanks, capturing this diversity with creative recipes for the perfect dinner and providing the key to a stress-free occasion with author Diane Morgan's indispensable do-ahead tips. Including appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, stuffings, casseroles, biscuits, side dishes, desserts, and even leftovers, it contains everything the busy cook needs to celebrate this most festive and food-centered of holidays!...

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and versatility. Learn why it's so important to properly train these dogs and exactly how to keep them happy and healthy....

The Whole Horse Wellness Guide is the first and only book to combine traditional veterinary care with holistic treatments for an integrated medical approach to the care of horses. This cutting-edge guide helps you determine when it is appropriate to treat your horse using natural remedies and when you should consider seeking veterinary consult.

The book explains how many health problems may affect major body systems, how to manage and treat them, and even how to prevent problems before they start by recognizing subtle physical and emotional signals. It explores the ways in which the body-mind connection influences your horse's behavior and how alternative therapies can help in healing his spirit as well as his body. You also will learn how to assess ailments, injuries, and illnesses from the perspective of multiple therapies and remedies, including Western veterinary medicine, holistic medicine, nutritional therapy, herbal and Ayurvedic therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, aromatherapy, bioenergetic medicine, and more.

For the horse lover looking for the most up-to-date options in equine healthcare, including all the major conventional, natural, and alternative healing modalities available, The Whole Horse Wellness Guide provides a comprehensive, in-depth reference that is informative, easy to read, and filled with colorful photographs, helpful tip boxes, and sidebars....

The Beagle is a very smart dog with a high level of trainability. Learn the best training methods for embracing the Beagle's cheerful, fun-loving nature while also managing his somewhat stubborn tendencies....

The Weimaraner is strong, alert, and good-natured. This title features an extensive health chapter that details those disorders to which this able breed can be prone....