First, let us define what a pet is."" Good grief, do we have to? This wordy, utterly humorless guide extends its coverage beyond the usual household familiars to reptiles, viverrines, marsupials, and primates. Advice on general and medical care, feeding, training, breeding, and ""When the End Comes"" is dispensed in the first section with no particular distinction (""Basic training is actually educating your pet to be a good citizen""). The second, larger section characterizes specific kinds of animals--again minimally and without flair. Not much of a contender for pet set blue ribbons.