Heart Songs for Animal Lovers: Inspirign Stories of Incredible Devotion, Profound Courage, and Enduring Love Between People and Animals

This is the best book on animal-human relations to come out since country vet James Herriot opened the field with his charming "All Things Bright and Beautiful" series. Naysayers of the bond between people and their pets should take a close look at all the new research coming out of medical schools on companion animals and how their owners live LONGER, happier, safer, healthier and more prosperous lives. The pets in our midst give us their unconditional love and we are better people because of it. Their devotion brings out the best in their owners. Don't miss this engaging and uplifting collection.

Heart Songs For Animal Lovers weaves together a perfect mix of funny stories, including Hester Mundis' own hilarious account of raising both a chimpanzee and a German shepherd "with an attitude" in an apartment in Manhattan (which had me convulsed with laughter) and many other stories that brought me to tears. Ron Van Warmer's unforgettable tale of Peewee and Black Jack, "The Oddest Couple In Town" managed to accomplish both.There are also great quotes sprinkled throughout the book, from such diverse sources as Walt Whitman and Plato to Elizabeth Taylor.I think any lover of animals will love this book, and I especially recommend it to anyone who is mourning the loss of a beloved pet. This book will raise your spirits and make you laugh and cry and not feel so alone. The last chapter, "In Loving Memory: Tributes, Epitaphs, and Eulogies" is especially moving. It's a great comfort to read a book as heart-felt as Heart Songs, and to know that the world is filled with so many people who love and respect and care for animals.Many thanks to Hester Mundis for collecting their stories!

I'm usually a reader of science fiction, and I tend to get stuck in the idea that meeting members of non-human species is something we'll do tomorrow, in the distant future. This book will remind you that we already share this planet with a whole community of other spieces...and that they have lessons to teach us about love, healing, compassion, humor, and coping with loss. Who knows? If aliens ever really arrive to meet us and read this book, they'll like us...but they may decide that the animals are Earth's real intelligent life. I plan to pass along copies of Heart Songs to family and friends who are dealing with illness, marital strife, and the imminent loss of loved ones, both human and animal. The book has something to say about all these things, and reminds us that we're never alone with our struggles in life as long as there are animals.

This is a gem of a book! Whether you're a pet owner or not, you're going to love this heartwarming collection of beautifully written, true life animal stories. It's quite moving to read of people's love for their pets and the devotion these animals give in return. I particularly like the way the author has chosen stories that range from heart breaking to outright hilarious. Plus there are dozens of short,snappy quotes and anecdotes about animals that can't help but make you laugh and think. Yet, it is never too cutesy or cloying.The cover illustration is absolutely charming and perfectly sets the tone of the entire book. I heartily recommend it and plan on giving it as a gift to friends in the coming months. I just know they'll savor every page the way I did. I can't say enough about this book and please, please, please, let there be a Heart Songs for Animal Lovers Part Two!!