Now the monks concentrate on the first three months of a puppy's life in The Art of Raising a Puppy. The book observes a litter of monastery puppies from birth to 12 weeks. Tender photographs and dialogue reflect these precious first few weeks of life. Even at this time, the human-canine link is vital; the monks stress the importance of gentle touch to help forge this connection. Basic puppy training techniques are explored and executed, all of which puppy owners should find easy to implement. Virtually all types of dog problems and dog training are examined in the book, always in compassionate and easily comprehensible language. The monks also look well beyond surface training techniques to analyze the roots of dogs' problems and explain how training can help. Owners are taught how to gently assert dominance over their dog, which will make for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.

Pets roundup

The Cumberland County SPCA will begin hosting a free class on dog behavior for our adopters. The first class is scheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the shelter located at 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland.

Renee Premaza of Berlin will be teaching the class. Premaza is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is certified as a Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Music Review: Patti Smith — Twelve

After just a few moments listening to "Gimme Shelter" my head started nodding up and down and I just felt like I was witness to something raw and alive, coming from my stereo. Considering the age of both the song and of the artist singing, it kind of startled me. If Patti Smith still sounded this good, why the hell didn’t I know about it?For some reason I just had an idea of her being a kind of recluse that only came out to play an occasional show. Shows how much I know about things, I guess.In some bizarre way, I think, that is what Smith might hope to accomplish with this record. Everything contained in it, from the militant insistence of her voice intertwining with the percussion on "Are You Experienced?," the plaintive surrender of "Helpless," the feral seduction of "Gimme Shelter," the buoyant staccato of "The Boy In The Bubble," the eerie gloom of the banjo playing on "Smells Like Teen Spirit," to the seductive harmonies on "Pastime Paradise," all are musical apostles, if you will excuse the lame comparison, bringing notice to the fact that Patti Smith is where she’s always been.

Books give children pet perspectives

And many will hear refrains such as: "We'll see." "Not until you're old enough to help take care of it." "How about a gerbil?" or "When you have a house of your own."