One of the very first books I ever had published was a compilation of humorous shorts about living with a coyote/wolf hybrid and a bunch of cats. When I threw my back out, I learned that just because you are at the top of the food chain, it doesn't mean you have control over the rest of the chain. Once that dynamic shifts, all bets are off. I found myself learning how to live with my wily pack of animals without becoming one. Hence, the title: Conquering the Food Chain: Living Amongst Animals (Without Becoming One)
I hope you enjoy these fun stories.
- Paperback: 96 pages
- Publisher: Southwest Educational Pub (December 1, 2001)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0971657505
- ISBN-13: 978-0971657502
- Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,320,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
What others had to say:
5.0 out of 5 stars Offbeat and Insightful for All Animal Lovers, January 21, 2002
By Vicki Mccluredavidson “Classic Film” (Scottsdale, AZ United States) – See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Conquering the Food Chain: Living Amongst Animals (Without Becoming One) (Paperback)Ms. Mantle’s down-to-earth writing style and her unusual experiences with animals makes this a fascinating read. Emotional without being maudlin, it offers a kaleidoscopic and often humorous perspective on living with wolf-hybrids, dogs, cats, and other animals. Animal lovers will enjoy reading this; non-animal lovers will likely be converted. Her book deftly analyzes pet ownership and its responsibilities and foibles without any sugar coating. Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars A hilarious perspective on owning and living with animals., December 27, 2001
By Meggin (Phoenix, AZ) – See all my reviews
This is a clever book describing the challenges of owning a pet, any kind of pet, perfectly. It is filled with hilarious accounts of various animals interacting with their environment and each other. This book also touches a bit on the sentimental aspect of owning an animal. Miss Mantle’s book is entertaining, well written, and gave me a new understanding and amusement of my own pet.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book for Animal Lovers!, December 26, 2001
By A Customer
Very entertaining! This book had me laughing out loud in most places and crying in others. Highly recommended read for those who live with animals.
5.0 out of 5 stars An extremely enjoyable read!, September 26, 2003
By “edkostro” (Oak Brook, IL United States) – See all my reviews
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!
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about the depth of a pet owner’s love, January 20, 2002
By A Customer
What an awesome book! I laughed and had tears running down my face! I have always been a pet owner, but not nearly as brave as Ms. Mantle. To have coyote/wolf, beage mix, numerous felines (many with issues), a ferret, a turtle, and numerous fish under one roof ~ and still seeming to be in control; at least most of the time. What a great life with all the unconditional love surrounding you! Stacy, thank you for sharing your stories. I look forward to reading more about your life with Tristan, Roscoe and all your other companions. I hope that Ghost keeps control of that remote!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great peek into what living with multiple (and unusual!) animals can be like, January 13, 2011
By tamzilla “tamzilla” (AZ United States) – See all my reviews
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows that living with them is not always a cotton candy fairytale! Ms. Mantle does an excellent job of sharing her experiences as a pack leader in an entertaining way. Her stories are easy to identify with. Thanks for showing me I’m normal!
5.0 out of 5 stars More than a pet talk, November 17, 2003
By des (Philadelphia, PA United States) – See all my reviews
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.”
4.0 out of 5 stars: A new look at living with pets, May 11, 2002
By Janet Tobiassen DVM (about.com) – See all my reviews
In this humorous and touching book about living with a large assortment of pets, author Stacy Mantle had me chuckling out loud to myself more than once.
The book is composed of small essay-like chapters that are an excellent way to relax and end a busy day with a smile on your face. One of my favorite chapters was “Falling Into The Food Chain”, where Stacy happens to fall while vacuuming and cannot get up (this is not the funny part…yet). Her pets think that this is quite a fun game, and are seemingly amazed at how “into” the game she is as she crawls to the nearest telephone. What fun!
This book makes a wonderful gift for yourself, for all of the pet lovers in your life, and for all of the people who don’t know they are pet lovers… yet.
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, compassionate and entertaining!, May 11, 2002
By James C. Willis (Pennsylvania, USA) – See all my reviews
You don’t need to be owned by multiple animals of different species to appreciate and relate to Stacy’s book, but it will make it all the more pleasurable. Her writing is witty and full of heart, punctuated by endearing animal antics.
