Amazon Pets Weekly Category:  Pets/Pet Care Publisher: Southwest Publishing ISBN-10:  0971657505 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 96 Copyright: Dec 15 2000 Witty and insightful, the author leads her readers on a series of adventures based on actual events. This author has been described as “…the Erma Bombeck of animals” by readers of her online column. Witty and insightful, the author leads her readers on a series of adventures based on actual events. The book begins with the arrival of Malachi and Aquilla, two rescued wolf dogs, and progress through the life of Tristan, a very intelligent coyote, his neurotic sidekick Roscoe (a beagle), and the abrupt arrival of nine indoor house cats. The result is a hilarious, inspiring and wildly entertaining collection of interconnected stories. This is a comedy, a romance and an adventure novel, all woven together with a philosophical approach to life. It is the life of a woman who has raised wolf hybrids and coyotes in the city, and has been chased by elk in the mountains of Colorado. It is the story of someone who has brought nature into her home and has learned to live in relative harmony with animals of all species even, on occasion, the human species.        Excerpt Thoroughly enjoyed this article! Living with animals is truly an art form!! - trvlbound Man on man am I staying out of your woods! This is a wonderful story. I laughed and laughed! - Cynthia Ballard If this wouldn't have been so SCARY, it would have been funny! What a terrifying experience! And I don't think you look (or smell, either, I'm sure!) much like a female elk, really ... - Terrie Ens Oh, Stacy, what a good story. So many emotions are felt as one jumps from one paragraph to the next. I was laughing out loud at times. Wow! I'm so glad you and yours made it out alive. - Jonell Roragen I LOVE the way you write, and your stories make me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time! THAT is what good writing is supposed to do! Thank you for sharing your stories, feelings and convictions -- I agree with everything I've read by you so far! - Laurie (livingbyheart) What a cute story ! I was prepared to be offended, as I am against wolf or coyote hybrids being kept as pets. Thanks for a second glance at my pet peeve:) - brkncognrgears July 14, 2000

Don't Try This At Home!
The author has achieved a sanctuary of a home where coyotes, wolf-dogs, cats, a ferret, and fish, all coexist peaceably, for the most part - they have learned new attitudes about the natural food chain, and they don’t attempt to eat each other. Mantle does this because she has never learned to say "no" to an animal in need, and she is successful because the wilder species all respect her as the leader of the pack. Some of the stories will rip at your heart, such as the tale of Napolean, the rescued cat who died too young, or the story of Aquilla, the wolf-dog. Other vignettes will make you laugh, including a chapter on Cat Games. If you are tempted to experiment at home, be very careful - know your animals, and prepare to take control.
Franny Syuffy
Guide - cats.about.com

More Than A Pet Talk!
Conquering the Food Chain: Living Amongst Animals Without Becoming One is a "feel good" read. Ms. Mantle brings readers into her domain by sharing her unique experiences with the pets she loves. The content is captivating and touches the emotions of all of us who love and respect our pets as family members. Some of the excerpts will make you laugh and others might make you cry. Whether the reader is already a pet owner or contemplating a new addition to the family, this book is a "must read."
-D.E. Stanelli
Author


An Extremely Enjoyable Read!
This book had me laughing and crying. Through her humorous, sad, tragic, and poignant stories dealing with the experiences she's had with the various animals in her own life, Stacy Mantle has provided an excellent glimpse into the minds, hearts, and souls of dedicated animal rescue workers all over the world.
The world needs more books like this one!

Ed Kostro, Author
Curious Creatures, Wondrous Waifs