Synopses & Reviews
Well-known animal writer and advocate Kristin von Kreisler is, says Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "among the leaders in an exciting new field of scholarship where we find that not only do we not own an animal, but that giving up that concept allows a new and deeper kind of friendship." In this book, von Kreisler has collected hundreds of accounts of that friendship: true stories from all over the world of cats, dogs, bears, horses, and more whose behavior proves that animals are capable of strong feelings, and that they can, as a result, choose to behave in ways that are virtuous and moral.
Focusing on eight virtuous characteristicscompassion, loyalty, fortitude, courage, resourcefulness, sensitivity, cooperation, and generosityvon Kreisler combines moving anecdotes with fascinating interviews with scientists and animal experts to debunk the idea that the behavior of these creatures is driven only by instinct or self-interest. Animals, like people, can be hoodlums and troublemakers. But these real-life accounts show that they're also as capable of being "good" as we are.
Review
"Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support her claim, Von Kreisler (The Compassion of Animals)...argues that animals do not only act instinctively, they are also capable of making conscious even moral choices. To prove her point, she offers scores of extraordinary anecdotes in which animals from dogs to elephants to chimpanzees to fish demonstrate eight clearly identifiable virtues that are usually only ascribed to humans, arguing that these traits sensitivity, compassion, courage, loyalty, fortitude, cooperation, resourcefulness and generosity are actually "extensions of the same life force" that extends throughout the animal kingdom. One of the most touching tales is about a pair of Canadian geese crossing a busy highway. The female had been hit by a car, and the male "spread his wings around her so protectively that Frisch [the national coordinator for the Coalition to Protect Canadian Geese who came upon them] could scarcely see her." As cars continued to speed past, the gander risked his life by choosing to stay with his companion. According to Frisch, he was absolutely unyielding. Although some readers might wish for fewer and more in-depth stories (we never learn, for example, if the geese survive), this is a feel-good overview of animals' heroic deeds. Animal lovers of all ages, particularly those who have not read other books of this sort, will eagerly welcome this charming study." Publisher's Weekly
Synopsis
A collection of heartwarming true stories of animals--cats, dogs, bears and horses--who demonstrate virtuous characteristics including courage, generosity, resourcefulness and compassion. Photos.
Description
A collection of heartwarming and inspiring true stories of animals who demonstrate virtuous characteristics, including courage, generosity, resourcefulness, and compassion.
Well-known animal writer and advocate Kristin von Kreisler is, says Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "among the leaders in an exciting new field of scholarship where we find that not only do we not own an animal, but that giving up that concept allows a new and deeper kind of friendship." In this book, von Kreisler has collected hundreds of accounts of that friendship: true stories from all over the world of cats, dogs, bears, horses, and more whose behavior proves that animals are capable of strong feelings, and that they can, as a result, choose to behave in ways that are virtuous and moral.
Focusing on eight virtuous characteristics-compassion, loyalty, fortitude, courage, resourcefulness, sensitivity, cooperation, and generosity-von Kreisler combines moving anecdotes with fascinating interviews with scientists and animal experts to debunk the idea that the behavior of these creatures is driven only by instinct or self-interest. Animals, like people, can be hoodlums and troublemakers. But these real-life accounts show that they're also as capable of being "good" as we are. Bibliography.