In a world often filled with stress and uncertainty, stories that celebrate the bond between humans and animals offer a much-needed source of comfort and joy. This collection, though published in the late 90s, continues to resonate with readers today, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the incredible lives of our furry and scaled companions. The book excels at showcasing animals in various roles, from loyal protectors and therapy providers to unwavering sources of love and companionship.
The stories presented here highlight the remarkable capabilities of animals. We read about German Shepherds who bravely serve in war zones, not only detecting bombs but also providing crucial emotional support to soldiers. There’s a touching account of a dog’s profound gratitude towards a veterinarian, manifested in its courageous protection against a pack of hyenas. Even those unfamiliar with reptiles will find their hearts softened by the tale of a python that brought immense love and healing to a child battling muscular dystrophy. Animals of all kinds are featured, each story a reminder of their ability to warm our hearts more effectively than any comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup. For this heartwarming aspect alone, the collection deserves high praise.
However, a critical look at some of the narratives reveals that not all stories have aged gracefully, an unfortunate consequence of media published in the 1990s. One story, for instance, depicts the selling of young horses to circuses, an environment now understood to be detrimental due to potential animal abuse. While information and ethical standards may have been less developed then, this narrative feels questionable by today’s standards. Similarly, another story glorifies pet shops, a practice we now recognize as often linked to problematic breeding mills. While understanding the historical context of limited knowledge, these portrayals are now viewed with a more critical eye.
Perhaps the most controversial is a story shared by Gilda Radner about her tumultuous relationship with Gene Wilder. In the narrative, when Gene initially ended their relationship, Gilda’s dog ingested rat poison, leading Gene to reconsider and return to the marriage. What is presented as a “cutesy-wutesy” turn of events would likely be met with strong criticism if depicted in contemporary romance novels. The optics of using a pet’s near-fatal incident to manipulate a romantic outcome are not favorable. Yet, despite these dated perspectives, the collection’s overall positive message about animal companionship prevents a harsher judgment.
On a more poignant note, the stories dedicated to bidding farewell to beloved pets are deeply moving. While heartbreaking, these narratives offer a sense of closure and help restore faith in the human-animal bond, even in the face of loss. These gentle tales acknowledge that love comes with the inevitable pain of grief, a reality all pet owners must eventually confront. The collection’s strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotion, allowing readers to connect with the characters’ sorrow and find solace in shared experiences. This emotional depth, even when tinged with sadness, is a testament to the power of these animal stories.
What truly stands out is the complete nature of these narratives, despite their brevity. Unlike typical anecdotal nonfiction, these stories possess developed characters, plot arcs, and clear beginnings, middles, and ends. Consider the story of Corey, a bitter individual paralyzed after a car accident, whose life was transformed by the comfort of animals. In a short span, he evolves from a self-pitying individual to an empathetic person with a renewed sense of purpose. Another compelling arc features a grumpy father whose demeanor softens with the companionship of an old dog, ultimately encouraging him to build new friendships and fully realize his character development. This narrative completeness within short stories is a remarkable achievement.
This collection offers something for everyone, even with its acknowledged flaws. For those contemplating pet adoption, these stories provide compelling reasons to welcome an animal into their lives. For individuals navigating the grief of losing a pet, the book serves as a source of comfort and understanding. Even for those who may be wary of religious undertones, the collection’s Christian themes are presented subtly, never feeling forceful. It encourages readers to embrace their beloved creatures and immerse themselves in these sweet tales. Ultimately, this collection of animal stories earns a solid B grade, offering a delightful and touching reading experience that readers are sure to cherish.
