The Compassion of Animals: True Stories of Animal Courage and Kindness

By Kristin von Kreisler

Book Overview

You may recall the story of Binti, the gorilla in the Chicago Zoo who made headlines around the world. When a boy fell into the pit surrounding the primate exhibit, Binti cradled him in her arms, comforted him, and then gently laid him at a door where attendants could retrieve him. Binti's kindness was just one instance of a common trait among animals, especially our domesticated friends. Consider these other examples from "The Compassion of Animals" - A dog--terrified of explosives--grabs a hissing firecracker in his mouth to protect a toddler- A cat gets help for patients suffering seizures behind closed doors- A horse whinnies and runs toward passing cars to attract help for an elderly woman lying in a snowy ditchThese and many more intriguing, true tales make clear the depths of love and compassion that animals feel. This absorbing, inspiring book will lead you to a life-altering conclusion: We humans are deeply indebted to the rest of the animal kingdom. It is a debt that can only be repaid with our own love and deepest respect. Author and animal lover Kristin von Kreisler makes a powerful contribution toward that repayment here, changing our perception of the animals around us. "Through dozens of inspiring true stories, Kristin von Kreisler makes a strong case for a 'controversial premise'--that animals demonstrate genuine acts of compassion toward others every day. This book will remove the 'controversial' from the premise "--Paul G. Irwin, president of The Humane Society of the United States "Ms. von Kreisler is fearless, intriguing, and herself compassionate. Highly recommended."--Roger A. Caras, president of the ASPCA "It always gives those of us in the animal protection community great hope when we come across books like "The Compassion of Animals." These] warm and illuminating stories will inspire us to continue forward in our efforts to end their abuse and suffering."--Elliot M. Katz, D.V.M., president and founder of In Defense of Animals ""The Compassion of Animals" celebrates the loyalty, intelligence, and bravery of some very special creatures These brave animals who often risk their own lives to save another prove that animals are capable of amazing acts of heroism."--Robert F.X. Hart, executive director of the American Humane Association

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761509909
• ISBN13: 9780761509905
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

The Compassion of Animals

I recommend this book highly but be prepared to cry when you read some of the stories. In one story, a dog gets in front of a rattlesnake to save a little baby and gives up his own life doing so. The author does a splendid job of explaning how animals have compassion for other animals and human beings.

For people who love animals

These stories are warm and inspiring. My 12 year old daughter has read it a few times now, cover to cover. Great for anyone to read who loves and appreciates animals. This book really grabbed me.

changing pardigms

I recently finished this remarkable book. I must say I listened to it (from a tape from the Blind Center) while working on a portrait of a dog for a friend. I have always believed in the compassion of animals, having several 'Animal Angels' in my own life. Kristin's stories of true compassion verify what every animal owner & lover knows in their own heart. One of the saddest comments, after asking prominent Scientists, were that animals performed the compassionate acts out of self interest. After all of the stories, as well as my own experiences, I can say thankfully ,that we are living in a time of changing thoughts. I am more than happy to recommend this book to all of my friends, and lovers of animals of all kinds.

And some people say animals aren't smart!?

I loved this book, read it completely in one night after a marital spat. The stories touched and warmed my heart as I curled up on the sofa with my dog, and listened to my ferrets playing in their room. Just the stories comforted me, as my own dog did on that lonely night. I realized not only how lucky I was to have my pets, but how lucky they were to have me. This book will help anyone realize just how special their pets are.

Recommended the book to Humane Society for pet education

I recommended this book to our local Humane Society for their pet education department. The department has an outreach program to travel to schools and teach kindness to animals. This book is the best for this kind of teaching. It's filled with one short story after another, just right to read to a class of children and hold their attention. Each story opens our hearts to animals!