All Creatures Great and Small; All Things Bright and Beautiful
For fans of the recent premiere of PBS MASTERPIECE’S release of All Creatures Great and Small, St. Martin’s Griffin is reissuing two of James Herriot’s first books. Millions of readers around the world have enjoyed the stories of the world’s most beloved veterinarian and his animal friends. All Creatures Great and Small follows a young Herriot as he meets his patients. Some are heartbreaking, like a dog who is his ailing owner’s only companion. Some are hilarious, like the Pekingese who has his own stationery. Herriot’s follow-up, All Things Bright and Beautiful, includes more memorable animal antics, this time told by a newly married Herriot from his home in the Yorkshire countryside. Herriot’s books are must-reads for animal lovers everywhere.
Lost Companions: Reflections on the Death of Pets
This new book by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson explores the grief that results when the bond we forge with our animals is broken by death. Pets are family members, and, for many, the loss of a companion animal brings on the same levels of grief one would experience for a close human companion. Pet lovers memorialize their animal friends with everything from tattoos and customized jewelry to obituaries and memorial services. They share their grief on social media, join bereavement groups, contact pet loss support hotlines or visit counselors. But, many who go through the loss of a pet don’t feel taken seriously. This book puts grief and mourning in perspective, showing us that it’s valid and necessary, and shares insights gathered from a lifetime of connecting with animals. Published by St. Martin’s Press.
Chew This Journal
Looking for ways to enrich your dog’s life? This one-of-a-kind book by Dogster contributor Sassafras Lowrey can help! Part activity book and part keepsake, it leads you through fun activities with your dog, and you can creatively record your adventures. The book includes more than 100 activities, tricks and challenges, like paw painting, no-sew beds, DIY treat puzzles and pet birthday party ideas. The best thing about this book is that you and your dog can complete it together. Published by Mango Publishing.
When Harry Met Minnie
When CBS Sunday Morning News correspondent Martha Teichner had a chance encounter with an old acquaintance in New York, she didn’t realize how much her world would change. The friend knew someone who was dying of cancer due to toxin exposure after 9/11 and was desperate to find a home for her dog, Harry. He was a Bulldog, just like Martha’s beloved Minnie. Martha agreed to meet Harry and his owner, Carol, and to consider giving Harry a safe, loving, new home. But what started as simply a transaction involving a dog became a deep and meaningful friendship between the two women. The bond that developed changed everyone’s lives. This touching narrative considers the ways our life stories are changed by the peo-ple we meet — and the love we can find by opening our hearts. And if you need something fun to listen to while walking your dog, the audio version of the book is read by Martha herself. Published by Macmillan Publishers.
Tell us about YOUR favorite dog books! Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.