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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Reigning Cats & Dogs

Bo the dog had been getting a lot of press lately. The Obamas’ new Portuguese water dog puppy is the latest in a string of presidential pets -- like Millie the dog (George H.W. Bush), Socks the cat and Buddy the dog (Bill Clinton), Barney the dog (George W. Bush) and perhaps the most celebrated presidential dog -- Fala (Franklin D. Roosevelt). If those “first pets” were royalty, one could say they are or were the reigning animal of our country.

At home, one of our reigning pets is Fluffy, who's hiding behind Edgar in the photo. She is president of F.A.L.L. – the Feline Anti-Literacy League. I cannot read the newspaper because she sits on it at inopportune times, and she often inserts herself between me and the book I’m trying to enjoy before it's time to retire for the night.

At the library, we have our own “reigning” cats and dogs – bestsellers and sleepers about the world’s two most popular pets – as well as materials about other beloved animals. Here are but a few of our selections about animals and their people. You can find even more information by stopping at the Readers’ Services or Reference desks. When you visit the Readers’ Services Desk, ask for bibliographies and bookmarks about books starring cats or dogs. Oh, and you can always take a look at our cat-alog.

FOR DOG PEOPLE:

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog – probably the best-known of the litter, this bestseller also was made into a movie and recorded as a book on CD.

The Art of Racing in the Rain – a fictitious family saga as seen through the eyes of their loyal dog.

Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul – heartwarming stories about dogs and the people they loved.

William Wegman’s photographs -- dogs dressed up and looking forlorn.

Dogs in art -- man's best friend as seen through artists' eyes.

Also check out our books about dog breeds (individual breeds begin with the call number 636.7), how to choose the perfect dog, and dog training.

FOR CAT PEOPLE:

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World – a kitten is found in an Iowa library’s book drop and becomes a worldwide celebrity.

The Cat Who Came for Christmas – Humorist (and curmudgeon) Cleveland Amory recalls several moments with his cat, Polar Bear.

Cat mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, as well as fiction about women cat owners, sometimes also known as "crazy cat ladies."

Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul – tales of cats and the people they own.

Cats in art -- artists' attempts to capture the feline soul.

And take a look at our books on cat care. Everything else about cats is under the call number 636.8. You would probably need to go to our fiction section to find books on how to train a cat, since it’s the cat who trains you.

FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE OTHER ANIMALS:

Richard Bach’s "Ferret Chronicles" -- a really clever and funny fiction series. For example, one is titled “Rescue Ferrets at Sea.”

A Lion Called Christian – a current bestseller about the bond between two men and the lion cub they purchased in London, set free in Africa and with whom they were reunited a year later.

Alex & Me – a scientist and a highly intelligent parrot form a deep bond while researching animal intelligence.

Born Free, Elsa and Her Cubs, and Living Free – Elsa the lioness and her cubs find their way into Joy Adamson's heart.

Books about Dian Fossey, whose major work, Gorillas in the Mist, is about the great apes she befriended. That classic book was made into a feature film in the late '80s.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't normally go for the dog and cat books. But I loved the Art of Racing in the Rain. It's a very human story told from the point of view of the dog. It tugs at the heartstrings a little too.

Linda K. said...

I enjoyed books about cat and dogs long before I became a crazy cat lady. There's just something about them that is warm and appealing (unless you're talking about Cujo, of course) and if you have pets you know and feel that bond the authors have with their subjects. Who can read "Dewey" or "Marley" without laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. I can also highly recommend "Dog On It" by Spencer Quinn. You'll laugh like crazy!

Cathy F. said...

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and Gates of Heaven are two documentary films that capture the wonder of the human/animal bond.
Once you are done with all those books, try these quirky, insightful and entertaining dvds.

Anonymous said...

I do not believe that pets should mix with literature.

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