Chaliepud's 2012 Reading Log

[vodkafan]

Happy Birthday chaliepud !!

[frankie]

It's odd that some dogs can see people on screen when others can't, you'd think they'd all be the same! Dylan (black Lab cross) does the head cocking thing, we used to sine a laser ont eh floor which made him do it like Emma, so so cute..

 

That's must've been funny, I bet you could watch it for hours

 

Funnily enough the dogs don't go any madder when Steve comes home after 2 months away than they do after he's been out for an hour, always very enthusiastic!!!

 

That is weird! Aww they must love him to bits How nice it must be to come home when you have eager dogs greeting you and welcome you home.

 

Well it was my birthday today and I was fortunate to get some lovely book presents and with the money gifts I got from family I bought even more books! Now I need to spend more time reading them..... (And not playing on my new iPad!!)

 

Happy Belated Birthday chalie! I'm happy you got a lot of book pressies

Unfortunately I haven't read any of them, and I've only heard of the McEwan book and the Good Father, I think Ben's just reviewed it this week or last?

 

What's the dog book about? Is it fiction, non-fiction?

[chaliepud]

Thanks everyone!

 

A Dog's Purpose looks right up our street frankie, it was recommended to me by Amazon after buying The Art Of Racing In The Rain! Here's the synopsis from Amazon.........

 

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A DOG S PURPOSE touches on the universal quest for an answer to life s most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey s search for his new life s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders will he ever find his purpose? Heart-warming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A DOG S PURPOSE is not only the story of a dog s many lives, but also a dog s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man s best friend. This beautifully crafted novel teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on Earth is born with a purpose.

[frankie]

Awwwww Okay that's going straight to my wishlist, thanks chaliepud

[chaliepud]

You're welcome, I wonder if there is a thread somewhere where we can talk about and recommend books about dogs and other animals?? :-))

[frankie]

I didn't know there was, but I searched and found this! I'll go and look what kinds of books have been recommended, and that thread could definitely be used in the future

[Ben]

First of all, happy belated birthday, hope you had a great day.

 

It's a hot, crowded train. Helen Summers is on her way to see her sister Jill to tell her an awful secret. Another passenger, Kerm, is on his way back from his grandfather's funeral.

They are strangers, jammed against each other in a crowded carriage. Noisy school kids fill the train - and three of them are about to cause a whole heap of trouble. In the chaos, Helen and Kerm are thrown together in a way they never expected.

Catching a train? Read Strangers on the 16:02 and you'll never feel the same way about your fellow passengers again.

 

Aww, I read the synopsis thinking ooh this sounds fascinating, just to find out it's not worth it. Moving on.

 

17. The Woman He Loved Before - Dorothy Koomson

 

Libby has a good life with a gorgeous husband and a home by the sea. But over time she is becoming more unsure if Jack has ever loved her - and if he is over the death of Eve, his first wife. When fate intervenes in their relationship, Libby decides to find out all she can about the man she hastily married and the seemingly perfect Eve. But in doing so she unearths devastating secrets. Frightened by what she finds and the damage it could cause, Libby starts to worry that she too will end up like the first woman Jack loved . . .

 

This sounds similar to Rebecca and right up my street, will keep an eye on this one.

 

20. Dark Matter - Michelle Paver

 

January 1937. Clouds of war are gathering over a fogbound London. Twenty-eight year old Jack is poor, lonely and desperate to change his life. So when he's offered the chance to join an Arctic expedition, he jumps at it. Spirits are high as the ship leaves Norway: five men and eight huskies, crossing the Barents Sea by the light of the midnight sun. At last they reach the remote, uninhabited bay where they will camp for the next year. Gruhuken. But the Arctic summer is brief. As night returns to claim the land, Jack feels a creeping unease. One by one, his companions are forced to leave. He faces a stark choice. Stay or go. Soon he will see the last of the sun, as the polar night engulfs the camp in months of darkness. Soon he will reach the point of no return - when the sea will freeze, making escape impossible. And Gruhuken is not uninhabited. Jack is not alone. Something walks there in the dark...

 

This one sounds great too, another one to look at, uh-oh.

 

21. Divergent - Veronica Roth

 

What a fabulous YA read, the best I have read since The Hunger Games and another that could make a great movie. Tris is a great leading character, strong yet vulnerable, caring yet learning very quickly that she must fight if she is to survive... At the beginning of this dystopian novel Tris has to decide which faction she belongs to, based on which she feels will suit her personality best and she faces a tough choice because if she chooses a faction different to that of her parents and brother she may never see them again. I won't say anything else about this book as I don't want to ruin any of it for those that may want to read it at some point, but if you enjoyed The Hunger Games then give this a look, it's an original, exciting and you won't be able to put it dow. The second in the series was released today and dropped on my doormat this morning so I'll be starting it very soon!

 

5/5

 

I enjoyed The Hunger Games so this one looks like it would be a great read.

 

I should have escaped from this thread while I had a chance, looks like you've had some fantastic reads!

[bobblybear]

Happy birthday, Chaliepud. Have added A Dog's Purpose to my wishlist - it sounds great.

[chaliepud]

I didn't know there was, but I searched and found this! I'll go and look what kinds of books have been recommended, and that thread could definitely be used in the future

 

Definitely a thread to be resurrected!!

[chaliepud]

First of all, happy belated birthday, hope you had a great day.

 

Thank you Ben, I had a lovely day..

 

 

 

Aww, I read the synopsis thinking ooh this sounds fascinating, just to find out it's not worth it. Moving on.

 

Nope, that's an hour of my life I'll never get back!

 

 

 

This sounds similar to Rebecca and right up my street, will keep an eye on this one.

 

I havent read Rebecca yet (it's on my TBR shelf) but I WILL read it this year. Not sure if Dorothy Koomson may be more of a woman's book? Or is that very sexist? You are very welcome to my copy, it's just sitting there doing nothing and most of my friends have read it already.

 

 

This one sounds great too, another one to look at, uh-oh.

 

Dark Matter was great, and again you're welcome to my copy as its not one I'd re read (as I know what happened now!)

 

 

 

I enjoyed The Hunger Games so this one looks like it would be a great read.

 

I should have escaped from this thread while I had a chance, looks like you've had some fantastic reads!

 

I've been very lucky overall, I've got so many books now (by my standards) that I can pick and choose whatever I fancy as what I feel like reading very much depends on my mood.

[chaliepud]

Happy birthday, Chaliepud. Have added A Dog's Purpose to my wishlist - it sounds great.

 

Fingers crossed its a good one!! :-))

[frankie]

I don't mean to be bossy but I fear we were getting a bit off-topic in the animal stories -thread, as it's a thread for books So I'll reply on here.

 

It's not always funny when he herds them, he can lift the lawn mower a foot in the air! Mad dog!! My Dylan loves a cuddle, he's be your best friend..

 

Yeah I bet it's not funny when you have to live with that kind of behaviour all the time But how on earth can he lift a lawnmower in the air?? So silly

 

You know, there's a fair chance that I might be coming to England next year, I've made plans of such sort with a pal... So who knows, maybe I would be able to meet your doggy crew after all. If you really meant it And of course it would be really great to meet you, too, and talk books and maybe go bookshopping! But the plans are still quite open, we have to do a bit of geographical planning...

[chaliepud]

I don't mean to be bossy but I fear we were getting a bit off-topic in the animal stories -thread, as it's a thread for books So I'll reply on here.

 

 

 

Yeah I bet it's not funny when you have to live with that kind of behaviour all the time But how on earth can he lift a lawnmower in the air?? So silly

 

You know, there's a fair chance that I might be coming to England next year, I've made plans of such sort with a pal... So who knows, maybe I would be able to meet your doggy crew after all. If you really meant it And of course it would be really great to meet you, too, and talk books and maybe go bookshopping! But the plans are still quite open, we have to do a bit of geographical planning...

 

It's not bossy at all frankie, you're just 'doing your job'

 

It would be lovely to meet you if possible frankie, I can't promise how many dogs I'll have by then though I'm in Surrey which is south of London if that helps?

[frankie]

It would be lovely to meet you if possible frankie, I can't promise how many dogs I'll have by then though I'm in Surrey which is south of London if that helps?

 

Well we're most likely to arrive at the Heathrow Airport in London, and then stay there and do something for a while, and if I got it right, Surrey is really close to London? And all of Surrey would be within 50-60 miles of London? So geographics-wise it would be doable! I would of course have to negotiate with said pal etc, but I believe there's no reason to rule it out at this point and we'll just have to wait and see

[chaliepud]

Yes not far from London at all, and only 20 mins from Heathrow... I shall wait and see.. :smile:

 

If you make it March you could visit Crufts!!!

Edited May 18, 2012 by chaliepud

[frankie]

Only 20 mins from Heathrow? It would be utterly appalling then if we didn't make it, I say!!

 

What's Crutfs? We haven't landed on a particular month yet but I think the months we've discussed happen to be Jan-Feb-March, hehe! So who knows. Off to google Crufts!!

 

Edit: Oh man, doggy show!!! I so want to see it

[chaliepud]

Crufts - billed as the greatest dog show on Earth! It's in Birmingham though which is a 2 hour drive from me so depends where you will be staying, and it's on for 4 days with different breeds on each day so you'd have to choose what day you'd like to go.. I've been lots of times, mostly before the kids were born and it's a great day out.

[chesilbeach]

Have you seen any of the Flyball events live, chaliepud? My favourite bit of the television coverage, the dogs seem to have so much fun!

[chaliepud]

Have you seen any of the Flyball events live, chaliepud? My favourite bit of the television coverage, the dogs seem to have so much fun!

 

Not at Crufts but as I have seen them training, it's manic, I was planning on doing it with Obi but then he needed an elbow op so it wouldn't have been advisable... They have modified the sport a lot as too many dogs were getting spinal injuries from the sport, so now it is a fun and a safe sport. I love watching the bitsa dogs participating, I know Collies are amazing at it but it's so much fun to see lots of different dogs having so much fun!

 

Personally I love the obedience competition as that is what I used to compete in, I love the bond that is formed between dog and handler, and the level of control that is required to get the movements so precise..

 

 

[frankie]

Crufts - billed as the greatest dog show on Earth! It's in Birmingham though which is a 2 hour drive from me so depends where you will be staying, and it's on for 4 days with different breeds on each day so you'd have to choose what day you'd like to go.. I've been lots of times, mostly before the kids were born and it's a great day out.

 

I googled it and watched the 2 minute clip on their website. It was funny when they announced the best in show big doggie (if I got it right), the darling, humongous dog jumped on his owner and gave her a big huggle So sweet!

 

I'm only a bit worried that it might not be so good, because the audience is so far back. Do people get to see the dogs up close before the show, or after? I'm more into the shows where I can look at the dogs more closely. You know match shows? My friend has a young Sheltie and I once went with her and her dog to a match show, I loved it! There were sooo many dogs around, so many different kinds. Hm, now that I think about it I saw some Australian doggy breed dog over there. It wasn't a kelpie, but it might've been a bit like Obi. No, wait, I think it was an Australian Shepherd dog which of course is not the same breed. Very cool, anyways

[chaliepud]

 

 

I googled it and watched the 2 minute clip on their website. It was funny when they announced the best in show big doggie (if I got it right), the darling, humongous dog jumped on his owner and gave her a big huggle So sweet!

 

I'm only a bit worried that it might not be so good, because the audience is so far back. Do people get to see the dogs up close before the show, or after? I'm more into the shows where I can look at the dogs more closely. You know match shows? My friend has a young Sheltie and I once went with her and her dog to a match show, I loved it! There were sooo many dogs around, so many different kinds. Hm, now that I think about it I saw some Australian doggy breed dog over there. It wasn't a kelpie, but it might've been a bit like Obi. No, wait, I think it was an Australian Shepherd dog which of course is not the same breed. Very cool, anyways

 

The clip they show is of the main ring which is where they do the agility, obedience, and the group judging (the top dog from each breed) and of course best in show - the clip you saw. The tickets for the main ring are sold separately and in advance, I go in there if I can but not always. The rest of Crufts is MASSIVE, there are the breed rings where breeds recognised by the Kennel Club are judged, starting with the puppies (6-12 months old) and up to the open classes (the dogs that have qualified through all the classes)... They end up with top dog and top bitch, the judge then chooses one of them as the best of breed, that dog goes into the group judging (toy, utility, hound, gundog, terrier, working and pastoral) and the winner of that goes through to try and win best in show.

 

The dogs are benched generally close to their breed rings and you can wander freely around them, although you are asked not to touch when the owners are not there to ask permission, which is obviously sensible.

 

There is also a Discover Dogs area where EVERY breed is represented EVERY day, these areas are manned by breed enthusiasts, so you can normally meet and greet dogs of very breed there, and the dogs (and handlers ) are chosen for their people skills. They will introduce you to their dogs and give you lots of information about the breed and whether it is suitable for you. You'll see all the breeds you are familiar with and others that you may never have heard of! I took Obi to the London Discover Dogs when he was a puppy to represent the Australian Cattle Dogs, it was great fun!

 

Strangely the Australian Shepherd Dogs are American! They're only called Australian as they used to herd Australian sheep - just a little factoid for you! :)

 

Sorry, I've gone on a bit... Can you tell I'm on my favourite subject?

Edited May 18, 2012 by chaliepud

[frankie]

Wow, it definitely is a massive event and to think all the rounds the dogs have to go through to get to the Best in Show round, it's no easy task and there is a lot of competition!

 

The dogs are benched generally close to their breed rings and you can wander freely around them, although you are asked not to touch when the owners are not there to ask permission, which is obviously sensible.

 

Okay so you do get to go and see the dogs more closely, that's cool. And of course I wouldn't go around poking them without permission I may be an enthusiast but I always ask permission

 

There is also a Discover Dogs area where EVERY breed is represented EVERY day, these areas are manned by breed enthusiasts, so you can normally meet and greet dogs of very breed there, and the dogs (and handlers) are chosen for their people skills. They will introduce you to their dogs and give you lots of information about the breed and whether it is suitable for you. You'll see all the breeds you are familiar with and others that you may never have heard of! I took Obi to the London Discover Dogs when he was a puppy to represent the Australian Cattle Dogs, it was great fun!

 

This sounds like my kind of fun! I'd love to go to see that in particular. I love it that I could go there and the people are there to answer the questions, so I could talk to them all day and pat the doggies and they'd have to tolerate me It must've been so much fun doing that with Obi, and I bet he was among one of those breeds not everyone is familiar with.

 

Strangely the Australian Shepherd Dogs are American! They're only called Australian as they used to herd Australian sheep - just a little factoid for you!

 

Oh! On hindsight I think I read that somewhere, but had forgotten by now But it's good to be reminded. Oooh, I just realised that there must be some Finnish breeds you might not know about either. This reminds me of a tv show I watched, and it was about a dog show. One of the judges (I think she was British) had years ago fallen in love with a Finnish breed called suomenpystykorva (it's our national breed) and she was so infatuated with those things that she learnt Finnish! And she actually gave the interview in Finnish. She also went on a hunting trip in Finland, with the dogs She was fun, she said some funny things about the breed but unfortunately I can't remember. Here's a picture of a suomenpystykorva for you.

 

Suomenpystykorva is used for hunting, he's job is to let the hunter know where the game is by barking. And boy do they bark! We used to have a neighbor who had one of those dogs and kept him outside and the dog would bark at everything, anything and nothing at all, 24/7! I believe he was bored, though, and the owner did nothing about it Poor fella!

 

 

Sorry, I've gone on a bit... Can you tell I'm on my favourite subject?

 

I would never have guessed

[chaliepud]

I think that might be what we call the Finnish Spitz? We are also familiar with the Finnish Lapphund which is smaller and fluffier...

[frankie]

I think that might be what we call the Finnish Spitz? We are also familiar with the Finnish Lapphund which is smaller and fluffier...

 

I googled Finnish Spitz and yep, they are the same. Wow, you know everything Finnish Lapphund is called suomenlapinkoira over here. I love those, too, they are so incredibly adorable! And so wonderfully fluffy!

[chaliepud]

 

 

I googled Finnish Spitz and yep, they are the same. Wow, you know everything Finnish Lapphund is called suomenlapinkoira over here. I love those, too, they are so incredibly adorable! And so wonderfully fluffy!

 

Out of interest, do their names translate to anything in English? They are very rare over here! I think I may have seen one Spitz not at a show ut certainly no Lapphunds, it's a shame as they are great dogs and great workers.