Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Compassion of Animals



























From Library Journal

Lassie, go home! RinTinTin, move over! The deeds of these fictional dog heroes cannot compare with the exploits of the real-life animals detailed in this book. Motivated by the courageous behavior of her own pets during the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, the author resolved to write a comprehensive compilation of the heroic actions of dogs, cats, dolphins, horses, and even iguanas. There is Norman, the blind Labrador, who swam into the ocean to rescue an unknown child. There is Goliath, an iguana, who warned of an impending asthma attack. There is Ringo, a grouchy Manx cat, who alerted an elderly couple to a gas leak. A host of other anecdotes suggest that animals can be compassionate to their own species, humans, and the endangered and disabled of other species. Recommended for public libraries.?Florence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, N.Y.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Do Animals Have Feelings?

From the Inside Flap
Do Animals Have Feelings?
According to Kristin von Kreisler, the answer is an undeniable yes. Here, she shares dozens of absorbing, true stories of animals who've risked their lives to keep the human they love out of danger. You'll read of incredibly heroic acts—from the dog who swallows a firecracker to protect a toddler, to the horse who runs through traffic to save an injured woman. You'll come away from this profoundly moving book with a deeper appreciation for the indispensable role animals play in our daily lives.
"Remember some of the feelings you had as a child for the animals to whom you were closest . . . That is what this book is all about."
—Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, from the foreword
"An inspiring collection of animal loyalty, love, and bravery. No one can deny the emotional impact of this anecdotal book."
—Publishers Weekly
"An extraordinary combination of incredible research and deep feeling."
—Cleveland Amory, author of Ranch of Dreams and The Cat Who Came for Christmas
"Through dozens of inspiring true stories, Kristin von Kreisler makes a strong case for a 'controversial premise'—that animals demonstrate genuine acts of compassion toward others every day. This book will remove the 'controversial' from the premise!"
— Paul G. Irwin, president of The Humane Society of the United States
"Ms. von Kreisler is fearless, intriguing, and herself compassionate. Highly recommended."
— Roger A. Caras, president of the ASPCA


From the Back Cover
Do Animals Have Feelings?


About the Author
Kristin von Kreisler is a staff writer at Reader’s Digest, and her articles have been published in many other national magazines and newspapers. She and her husband share their home with two dogs, four cats, and assorted strays.


Book Description
Do Animals Have Feelings?
According to Kristin von Kreisler, the answer is an undeniable yes. Here, she shares dozens of absorbing, true stories of animals who've risked their lives to keep the human they love out of danger. You'll read of incredibly heroic acts—from the dog who swallows a firecracker to protect a toddler, to the horse who runs through traffic to save an injured woman. You'll come away from this profoundly moving book with a deeper appreciation for the indispensable role animals play in our daily lives.
"Remember some of the feelings you had as a child for the animals to whom you were closest . . . That is what this book is all about."

Available at the National Library