Books by Sheila

Also see Sheila's bookstore on Amazon.

Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D., has won numerous awards and high praise for her writing. Six of her books have been judged at the top of her field by her peers, earning her three Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), two Muse Medallions from the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA), and three Awards of Excellence, also from the CWA. Her work has been published in Cat Fancy, AKC Gazette, Dog Fancy, and many other publications, and she has written books for the Animal Planet Pet Library and Complete Idiot's book series. In addition, Sheila has published short fiction.  For more, see About Sheila.

Animal Rescue

Rescue Matters!
How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals
July 2009, Alpine Publications, 160 pages
The first comprehensive guide to rescuing all kinds of companion animals! Read more about Rescue Matters! here.

Purchase from Amazon

Breed Rescue:
How to Start and Run a Successful Program
1998 Maxwell Award for Best General Interest Book, Dog Writers' Association
September 1998, Alpine Publications, 186 pages
Out of print, but available through libraries. Rescue Matters! (above) is Sheila's most up-to-date rescue book.

More information on Amazon

Companion Animals

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat
2005 Muse Award, Best Health and Care Book and
2005 Award of Excellence, Health and Care Book, Cat Writers’ Association
April 2005, Alpha Books, 304 pages
A comprehensive guide that every future and current cat owner needs to see their pet through a healthy and happy life. Includes information on finding the right cat, training, health care, nutrition, exercise, grooming, traveling and boarding cats, and caring for the aging or elderly cat.
Purchase from Amazon  
Want it now? Kindle edition available | Get a free Kindle reader for your PC or phone

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog
2002 Best General Interest Book, Dog Writers’ Association

2002, Alpha Books
Highly praised by breeders, trainers, rescuers, and dog-owners. Out of print, but available through libraries and resellers.
More information on Amazon

The Multiple Cat Family
2008 MUSE Award, Best Health and General Care Book and
2008 Award of Excellence, Cat Writers’ Association
Animal Planet Pet Care Library
September 2008, TFH Publications, 112 pages
This expert guide advises how to plan for, setup, and maintain a harmonious home environment for you and your cats while meeting their special nutrition, housing, and daily care needs.
Purchase from Amazon

The Multiple Dog Family
Animal Planet Pet Care Library
April 2009, TFH Publications, 112 pages
Covers important subjects like how to plan for, set up, and maintain a home environment that will help dogs and owners live in harmony. It explains the necessary housing and lifestyle adjustments required to accommodate multiple dogs, along with how to introduce newcomers to the group while keeping all your canine companions happy, healthy, and safe.
Purchase from Amazon

Senior Cats
2007 Award of Excellence, Cat Writers’ Association
Animal Planet Pet Care Library
September 2007, TFH Publications, 111 pages
Of the estimated 90 million cats living in households across the U.S., approximately 40% are seniors. This guide reveals how to recognize the signs and effects of aging and includes information on special nutritional and grooming needs, housing and lifestyle adjustments, and managing age-related health and behavior changes. 
Purchase from Amazon

Training Your Dog For Life
Nominee for Best Training Book, Dog Writers' Association
March 2008, TFH Publications, 240 pages
The first title in the Terra-Nova series to focus on training dogs of all ages, Training Your Dog for Life sets forth step-by-step puppy, basic, and advanced training techniques. It also provides management techniques for a host of problem behaviors and describes numerous activities that the well-trained dog and his owner can enjoy together.  
Purchase from Amazon

Breed-Specific Books

The Shetland Sheepdog   New!
February 2010, TFH Publications, 207 pages
This comprehensive and breed-specific guide provides extensive information on basic and advanced obedience training, along with details on the many competitive sports and activities at which the highly intelligent and athletic Sheltie excels.
Purchase from Amazon

Dachshunds
Animal Planet Pet Care Library
September 2007, TFH Publications, 111 pages
Dachshunds are bold and intelligent dogs with a particularly sharp sense of smell. Along with expert care and health information, this book gives special attention to the process of housetraining this potentially stubborn breed.
Purchase from Amazon

Golden Retrievers
Animal Planet Pet Care Library
September 2006, TFH Publications, 111 pages
These hard-working and confident dogs are more than just great hunters--they are the ultimate family dog. This guide is the best resource for developing a stronger understanding of this breed and features detailed training suggestions.
Purchase from Amazon

The Boxer
August 2005, TFH Publications, 192 pages
The Boxer is an observant and able companion but, like most dogs, can be mischievous at times. By following the detailed training and housing instructions in this book, owners can learn how to make the most of this breed's energetic nature.
Purchase from Amazon

The Parson and Jack Russell Terriers
January 2006, TFH Publications, 192 pages
Parson and Jack Russell Terriers are petite and lovable--and extremely energetic! In this book, which combines these two breeds, discover how to keep these dogs happy and healthy, while still maintaining a sane household.
Purchase from Amazon

The Simple Guide to Labrador Retrievers
2003 Best Single Breed Book, Dog Writers Association
August 2003, TFH Publications, 224 pages
Recommended by Labrador Retriever breeders, breed clubs, and rescue groups. Sheila has owned Labs since 1988, and founded the first Labrador Retriever rescue organization in Indiana in 1994. Out of print but available through libraries and resellers.
More information on Amazon

The Guide to Owning an Australian Shepherd
June 2001, TFH Publications, 64 pages
Sheila has bred highly successful Australian Shepherds, and has trained and titled Aussies in several canine sports. Out of print, but available through libraries and resellers.
More information on Amazon

The Guide to Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
June 2001, TFH Publications, 64 pages
Illustrated with beautiful photographs, The Guide to Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is designed to assist new owners in all facets of living with this energetic herding breed. From selecting the right Pembroke Welsh Corgi to answering the most frequently asked questions regarding health, nutrition, and training, this detailed guide offers the owner sound advice on how to raise a healthy and happy dog for a lifetime of fun and companionship. Out of print, but available through libraries and resellers.
More information on Amazon

Coming Up

October 1, Pittsburgh:  Writers and Other Animals: How to Write About Pets and Get Paid for Your Work

October 2-3, Pittsburgh:  Sheila presenting Beating Burnout and Volunteer Management at Animal Rescue Superhighway Conference.

November 13, Chicago:  Sheila presenting Volunteer Management at Good as Gold Rescue Conference

See all events and register

 

New!

New workshops from Sheila, including:

Tickle Your Muse: A playshop for writers, artists, and anyone who wants to stir their creativity.

Beating Burnout: A seminar or 1-day workshop for volunteers in animal rescue.

See all of Sheila's workshops.

 

“A must read for anyone that participates in rescue!" Kelly Drake - Animal Radio.


Check out Sheila's Rescue Matters! page and join the discussion on Facebook.

 

Sign up for Sheila's mailing list for writing and pet-care tips, and to learn about her latest events, workshops, books, and learning tools. Privacy Policy.