Dog, Jack Russell Terrier, George Hodan, via Public Domain Pictures
We co-exist with animals, both domestic and wild… and while we sometimes think we have everything figured out, animals have always found a way to remind us that we don’t. We can learn so much about our humanity from animals. From their natural instincts to their ability to love so unconditionally, animals have so much to teach us. We owe it to animals, as their co-habitants, close companions, and as pet owners to try to understand their behavior, body language, and unspoken cues, allowing us to keep them just as happy as they make us.
Written by authors who have closely interacted with animals, non-fiction animal books contain insights into the lives of different animals, tips on care and training, analysis of animal behavior, and so much more. These two books are compelling and informative:
- The Secret Life of Your Cat: Unlock the Mysteries of Your Pet’s Behavior by Vicky Halls
Beautiful Cute Cat, Icon0, via Public Domain Pictures
In modern society, cats occupy a cute little space in our lives, but this has not always been the case. Cats were previously wild animals until a time when Egyptians begun taming them to control pests and protect their crops. Due to the global migration, this feline friend slowly became a cherished pet in every home all over the world.
Did you know that cats have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their rear paws? Many other fun facts about cats are included in this book. The Secret Life of your Cat explains the biology and physiology that explain cat adaptions to living with humans as domestic companions. Elaborating on cats most mystifying behaviors, the author explains what instincts have remained the same since ancient times. On the other hand, cats have also gone through some changes over time, both biological and behavioral, to be able to build bonds with humans.
This book is a great fit for animal lovers, as well as anyone who is looking to fully understand why cats are the way they are, and why they do what they do. Additionally, it contains advice, tips, and trivia that a pet owner can use to create a friendly environment and help cats to cope with toilet troubles, turf wars, and other issues they face in modern society.
There is so much mystery in the life of a cat and this book attempts to explain a cat’s psychology and why they do certain things. It is most certainly entertaining and informative. Whether you are a cat lover or not, this book will make you appreciate the lovely life of having a cat as a pet and who knows? You just might find yourself expanding your family with a cute furball sooner than you expected.
- Dogtography: A Knock-Your-Socks-Off Guide to Capturing the Best Dog Photos on Earth by Kaylee Greer
Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback Portrait, Karen Arnold, via Public Domain Pictures
If you have ever tried taking a photo of a pet or a toddler, then you fully appreciate just how hard it can be to get the perfect shot. Kaylee Greer, a National Geographic star and award-winning photographer, makes the process of animal photography seem effortless and fun. By incorporating her experience in animal photography and knowledge of dogs, she guides readers on how to capture the personality of their canine companions and take impressive pictures.
With this new age of technology and social media, we all want to capture and share those special moments and every single pet milestone with our online friends. If you are planning to have an Instagram page for your dog or just enjoy taking pictures for fun, then this is a must-have book for you. You will learn all the tips and tricks on animal photography, all from an experienced dog photographer who has a portfolio so captivating it will literally render you speechless. The lessons range from camera settings to choosing the right lenses, sunshine wrangling, illumination, catchlights, post-processing, and taking group photos of dogs. You can easily tell the author’s love and passion for dogs simply by how she emphasizes on understanding every dog before a photography session.
According to Kaylee, the secret to being a great dog photographer lies in understanding the dog’s body language, what they love most, and finding the best location where they can feel comfortable, safe, and less distracted. It is not just about taking random pictures, but it entails capturing the special moment in these creatures’ lives.
Kaylee further advises that these shoots will require you to get low to the dog’s level throughout the session. In addition, the book also contains tips on how to speak to your dog to make them cooperative and how to work with dogs of different shapes and sizes. Most importantly, she states that a good dog photographer has to learn patience because sometimes it can take more than an hour to get the shot you are aiming for.
There is nothing as soothing as viewing a perfect picture of a dog, portraying their whole essence of friendship and loyalty. If you’re an animal lover, you can frame that beautiful photo of your dog up against your accent wall, and light up your pet portraits with picture lighting. This makes for a great focal point to your living spaces as well as commercial spaces. Greer encourages her readers to give back to society by taking pictures of animals in orphanages as they perfect their skills. Though it may seem like a small act, such amazingly taken pictures make people fall in love with dogs and apply for adoption. That’s the true power of photography.
Keep Learning About
There are many non-fiction books on animals that are highly informative and interesting. These books cut across many topics. For example, Our Dog Ourselves, 97 Ways to Make Your Dog Smile, and many others, cover this topic. All in all, there are lots of new information you’ll learn from the above animal books, and you should definitely add them to your reading list.
