A beautifully written narrative that tells the stories of the many animals who have touched the soul of longtime veterinarian James Mahoney
From wild Asian elephants to "lowly" field mice, this collection of stories relates the poignant experiences Dr. James Mahoney has shared with animals throughout his career as a veterinarian and as a compassionate animal lover. He serves as a voice for all the creatures whose tales he tells, including:
Loki, the South Indian elephant branded as a killer who is captured but resists being broken
The Caribbean Trio of dogs who find their way home with the author to America and demonstrate amazing powers of love and devotion
The Three Wild Mice, a threesome of clever females who conspire to outsmart their human host and show him the importance of freedom
While each story stands alone, together they provide a compelling case for recognizing each animal as an individual endowed with certain rights. When even a small fish in a pond can demonstrate what seems to be a sense of humor, how can we overlook the contributions that every animal makes to our world?
DR. JAMES MAHONEY, a veterinarian for almost forty-five years, has traveled the world to treat all kinds of animals and has grown to understand and appreciate the individuality of all creatures. A retired research professor at the New York University School of Medicine, he has spent the majority of his career working with chimpanzees and other primates in biomedical research, struggling to come to terms with his belief in animals' rights and the inextricable needs of humankind. He is the author of Saving Molly: A Research Veterinarian's Choices. Introduction: A Life in Research. 1. The Power of Dignity and Courage. 2. A Life in Captivity. 3. Survival of the Fittest. 4. Humor in Animals. 5. Personality in Animals. 6. A Story of Love. 7. The Caribbean Trio. 8. The Gang of Four. 9. Three Wild Mice. 10. Great Escapes. 11. The Last of the Sparrows. Epilogue. With Gratitude. Suggestions for Further Reading. Index.