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

Following her own harrowing experience during the October 18, 1989, San Francisco Bay earthquake, during which she received great solace and comfort from her pets, von Kreisler made a decision. She would collect and document stories from around the world of animal courage, kindness and, most significant, compassion. The result is an inspiring collection of animal loyalty, love and bravery. From Snort, the pet pig whose fine sense of smell detected carbon monoxide, saving her owners' lives, to Norman, the blind Labrador Retriever who risked his life to save a drowning woman, von Kreisler presents animals in roles such as ""Champions of the Sick,"" ""Selfless Guardians"" and ""Natural Healers."" Even though von Kreisler's argument that animals have human emotions is one still debated by animal behaviorists, no one can deny the emotional impact of this anecdotal book. Those animal lovers who have made Jeffrey Masson's When Elephants Weep and Dogs Never Lie About Love bestsellers will want these stories depicting animals at their finest. (Dec.)