Today is my cat’s 4th birthday. And while we don’t celebrate her birthdays as enthusiastically as we did that first one (we almost lost her at 10 weeks to a bronchial infection), we still make an effort to bring home a new toy or put out some wet cat food as a special treat to commemorate the may memories we’ve shared since she was adopted from the shelter.
When I was a child I read the book Black Beauty by Anna Sewell which is a story about a horse name Black Beauty who lives in the time of Victorian England and is sold many times to owners of all trade and caliber. I can still remember the lessons it taught me about how to treat others and the importance for caring for animals.
Another great piece of fiction related to pets is White Fang by JackLondon. Admittedly, I was probably too young when I first read this book, but the story is still unique and every time I read it, I still shed some tears at the end. This book is about a ½ wolf, ½ dog that survives starvation in the wild only to be taken in by individuals who treat the animal cruelly.
Both of these books are told from the animal’s point of view, but there are some good ones told by the owners themselves in these non-fiction books.
Dewey is the story of a kitten rescued by small-town librarian Vicki Myron. Dewey, true to his nature, captured the hearts of the town while he was living in the library and people came from all over to visit and make donations to his home.
Marley & Me by John Grogan is another touching story about a young husband who unwittingly takes on the task of raising a Golden Labrador Retriever that, through the ups and the downs, eventually wins his heart.
Both of these books take place throughout the lifespan of the animal from the time of adoption until the time of death. Be prepared to shed a few tears as the parents of these beautiful pets say their final goodbyes in the end.
Finally, for a little bit of humor, try Awkward Family Pet Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack. These families love their pets so much they invite them to take part in their lives and even their family portraits.
How about you? What is your favorite animal book?
