The Times Australia
Google AI
The Times Magazine

.

The Ultimate Pet Handbook



An essential guide for young people with a passion for pets 

“As you read this book it will soon be obvious that Ben Dessen is no ordinary individual. From a very young age Ben has had a fascination with animals of all kinds. He has the greatest enthusiasm for the conservation of not only Australian wildlife, but for many other species that find themselves close to extinction,” foreword by Dr Harry Cooper BVSC OAM. 

From the tiniest ant to the largest whale in the ocean, Ben Dessen cannot remember a time when he wasn’t fascinated by animals. Pets make great companions and loyal friends. They love and accept us just the way we are. Growing up with pets teaches us how to be more gentle, patient, and kinder to others. Opening our homes and hearts to pets can also help us care more about wildlife and the environment. 

Bringing a pet into your life can be the best experience ever, but it is one you need to take very seriously and carefully plan for. Whether you’re looking to get your first pet, or you’re an animal lover thinking about getting your next pet, this book is the ultimate tool for you. 

You’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect Pet Proposal to pitch to the adults in your life. Learn about awesome animals for you and your family to love in the Pet Profiles – from cats, dogs and guinea pigs to lizards, snakes, and turtles, and from stick insects to birds and fish.  By understanding what an animal needs, you’ll be able to give your special friend a safe, happy and healthy life. 

Ben Dessen has travelled widely to see first-hand how different animals are surviving in the world and holds a degree in Animal Science and Conservation Biology. He is a manager of one of the most modern and diverse pet stores in Australia and looks after the Reptile Department overseeing a collection of 300 reptiles, which has set the benchmark for the pet industry in Australia and around the world. 

Times Magazine

Narwal Freo Z Ultra Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)Category: Premium Robot Vacuum & Mop ComboBest for: Busy households, ha...

Shark launches SteamSpot - the shortcut for everyday floor mess

Shark introduces the Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop, a lightweight steam mop designed to make everyda...

Game Together, Stay Together: Logitech G Reveals Gaming Couples Enjoy Higher Relationship Satisfaction

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many lovebirds across Australia are planning for the m...

AI threatens to eat business software – and it could change the way we work

In recent weeks, a range of large “software-as-a-service” companies, including Salesforce[1], Se...

Worried AI means you won’t get a job when you graduate? Here’s what the research says

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has warned[1] young people ...

How Managed IT Support Improves Security, Uptime, And Productivity

Managed IT support is a comprehensive, subscription model approach to running and protecting your ...

The Times Features

Small, realistic increases in physical activity shown to significantly reduce risk of early death

Just Five Minutes More a Day Could Prevent Thousands of Deaths, Landmark Study Finds Small, rea...

Inside One Global resorts: The Sydney Stay Hosting This Season of MAFS Australia

As Married At First Sight returns to Australian screens in 2026, viewers are once again getting a ...

Migraine is more than just a headache. A neurologist explains the 4 stages

A migraine attack[1] is not just a “bad headache”. Migraine is a debilitating neurological co...

Marketers: Forget the Black Box. If You Aren't Moving the Needle, What Are You Doing?

Two years ago, I entered the digital marketing space with the mindset of an engineering student ...

Extreme weather growing threat to Australian businesses in storm and fire season

  Australian small businesses are being hit harder than ever by costly disruptions...

Join Macca’s in supporting Clean Up Australia Day

McDonald’s Australia is once again rolling up its sleeves for Clean Up Australia Day, marking 36...

IFTAR Turns Up The Heat With The Return of Ramadan Nights From 18 February

Iftar returns to IFTAR, with the Western Sydney favourite opening after dark for Ramadan  IFTA...

What causes depression? What we know, don’t know and suspect

Depression is a complex and deeply personal experience. While almost everyone has periods of s...

5 Cool Ways to Transform Your Interior in 2026

We are at the end of the great Australian summer, and this is the perfect time to start thinking a...