Posted by Candice on Monday, Feb 13, 2012
And by not-so-great, I mean those that are prone to misbehave, to chew on furniture/pee on expensive handbags/eat food off the counter that's still in a plastic bag, etc. If you're lucky, you'll have known one or more of these creatures. Very recently, my good friend found himself saying goodbye to one, the noble cat Arthur, aged 21...that's a really long time to live with a companion, and suddenly have them be gone. If you've spent any amount of time with an animal that you've loved, you know how overwhelming it can be when they leave us -- not at the door when you come home, not on your pillow at night, not rattling around quietly in their habitat, in the background, always there.
I recently read Jon Katz's new book Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die. I've had quite a few animal companions: several dogs, a hamster, hermit crabs, mice, numerous fish, eight cats, and a backyard snake that I named Brownspots and believed that he was my snake, and that he smiled at me every day. Right now, I have six cats that range from 9 to 16 years old--some in the glory years of their plush, kibble-filled lives, others in their dotage. I know what's coming, and I've been through it before, but sometimes I feel like I need some help getting ready for it, being prepared. I picked up Katz's book not knowing if I would like it, but thinking that it might offer me something without being dismissive, treacly or new-age. It ended up being incredibly helpful for me. Among many things, it helped me to understand that my emotions and worries about my pet's dying are mine, not those of my pet -- they live life in the moment, right up to the end, and that is where my focus should be. It also reminded me to remember all the years that came before the end, to not let the (sometimes scary/stressful/painful) last moments overshadow everything else.
There's a lot more to be found in this slender book, and I recommend it to anyone who's loved an animal. The author is the owner of Bedlam Farm, and his books are full of interesting and honest insight about animals and humans, life on a farm, and life in general.
About the Author
I work at the Info Desk on the second floor, and I select books for the adult nonfiction collection. I have a degree in anthropology, which really helps in selecting...well...almost anything. I also manage the Art To Go collection of framed prints and original art, and the nonfiction DVDs.
What do you like to read?
In no particular order:... more
I must admit that I'm at a bit of a loss for words with this book--I'm not ambivalent, but a little conflicted in how I feel about it. I placed a hold on it before it's publication, based on reviews I read, and in between that time and now, so much has already been said about the book that I know I my reading of it was changed to some degree. I wasn't just reading to learn Molly's story, her life and her life with Blake, her actions, and what one does in the aftermath of the worst situations, but now I was also reading to see if the author needed to be judged in some way, to ascertain if his telling crossed lines or was vindictive, or if parts of the story were even his to tell. I can see why the book has been polarizing for many, and I'll admit that while parts of it were achingly open and full of grief for a love lost, other parts felt more like they were written by someone who has been hurt very much and wants to hurt back. As ever, I would still encourage those who are interested to read it and form your own decision. -Candice