Pets

What could be better than the presence of a fuzzy and faithful four-legged friend?

From their loyalty and devotion to their endearing capacity to face life, work and exercise with endless enthusiasm, dogs have been our steadfast companions for thousands of years. They may be wordless, but their ability to communicate with deeply expressive eyes, a wagging tail or a joyful bark brings out the very best in their humans – and it's no wonder they have inspired many a bon mot or wise insight over the decades. Packed full of wonderful quotes as well as fascinating snippets of information, this little book is the perfect gift for any dog-lover.

'If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.' Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson, 1894.

'Like many other much-loved humans, they believed that they owned their dogs, instead of realizing that their dogs owned them.' Dodie Smith, The 101 Dalmatians, 1956.

'My dog is half pit-bull, half poodle. Not much of a watchdog, but a vicious gossip.' Craig Shoemaker.

Time spent with cats is never wasted. Comforting, cuddly, cute... What could be better than the presence of a fabulous feline fur-ball? As well as being totally adorable, cats are fiercely independent, curious and mischievous – and they make wonderful, low-maintenance companions.

Research has shown that a purring cat on your knee – or quite possibly lying across your computer keyboard! – is the perfect antidote to stress. It's no wonder these superior beings have inspired many a bon mot or wise insight over the decades. Packed full of wonderful quotes as well as fascinating snippets of information, this little book is the purr-fect gift for any cat lover.

'In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods. They have never forgotten this.' Terry Pratchett.

'Unlike a human smile, purring cannot be, as far as anyone knows, faked.' Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart, 2002.

'Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.' Mary Bly.

'Cats have it all – admiration, endless sleep, and company only when they want it.' Rod McKuen.