Dark Summer by Iris Johansen

At Leadership Mendocino they think all I talk about is the Library
At the Library they think all I talk about is dogs.
Actually I picked up this book because the heroine is a veterinarian
and so is my daughter. But it also is about a shaman, herbal medicine,
healing and in this case they think that it is the dogs that have the power to heal.
Six dogs, hidden away because someone is on a mission to steal them and will stop at next
to nothing to get them. When one of the dogs appears, shot by a would
be assassin and ends up in the hands of Devon Brody, the veterinarian, people die
and Devon's world is torn to pieces.
Of course, since it is written by Iris Johanssen there is romance mixed in
with the danger. A great alternative to a night of watching television.
Interesting theme, lots of technology and basic shamanism.

Eliza

The Parrot Who Thought She Was a Dog

The Parrot Who Thought She Was a Dog by Nancy Ellis-Bell

Two things brought me to read this book. My father had had a macaw and as the book crossed my path, I noticed she lived in Mendocino County. I am always interested in Mendocino County authors. There may be a list somewhere, but I have not found it.

Someone must have thought this was a catchy title in our current slew of dog books. I never found the connection. Sarah the macaw obviously is a parrot. A large somewhat feral, one legged macaw with a wing span of 4 feet while the author, her husband, dogs and cats live in a fairly small trailer. My father's macaw was imposing and he stayed in a large cage in the dining room spewing feathers, seeds and other dropped matter. Having a cage free and fairly large bird in one's house seems imposing, but then people tell me 5 dogs and 3 cats seem imposing to them.

It is a fascinating story though and I will leave you to read it yourself. I enjoyed the tale and thoroughly expect that you will also. If you are so inspired, the last chapter lists information, rescue organizations, bird organizations and avian veterinarians to help you integrate a large or smaller bird into your house.

Eliza