atlantabelle's review against another edition
I've always had pets growing up. As a child, my dog was like my brother to me but just a dog to my parents. I never understood why they didn't feel the same way about him as I did. Now as an adult, our cats and our dog are very much a part of the family. We call ourselves their parents, brothers and sister. It was refreshing to read this book and learn so much more about the pets we've come to love. It's nice to know we're not alone.
jlfred's review against another edition
5.0
I lived this book. Well written and highly informative, I often found myself unable to put it down. Grimm delves into the history of dogs and cats and explores the theories of how they came to be domesticated. From there he explores the history and evolution of these animals - from wild animals not even afforded the legal protections afforded to people's property thru the increasing number of rights and protections given to animals and their caregivers.
Be warned, though. As is typical of our legal system, many of the rights are granted only after terrible injustice and inhumane cruelty is bright to light. Some of the stories shared are heartwrenching and horrifying. I found myself sobbing and feeling emotionally distressed more than once in the course of this book.
Be warned, though. As is typical of our legal system, many of the rights are granted only after terrible injustice and inhumane cruelty is bright to light. Some of the stories shared are heartwrenching and horrifying. I found myself sobbing and feeling emotionally distressed more than once in the course of this book.
hyzenthlay76's review
5.0
Impeccably researched and exceedingly balanced. This book has a rare combination of head and heart and asks the difficult questions about the lives we share with cats and dogs and our duties to them. Although it contains stories of cruelty and suffering the prevailing message is that we are on the right path. The answers are complicated but with writers like Grimm as our signposts even the jaded can be newly inspired to make small changes for animal welfare and live within their values. The personalities highlighted, whatever their stance, were portrayed evenly in their passion. Truly one of my top books of 2014.
mslaura's review
4.0
I received an ARC of this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program, and I found it to be an extremely interesting account of the changing status of dogs and cats in society from the time they first became domesticated thousands of years ago to the present day in which many actually consider them their children. The author presents a very balanced view of the myriad issues involved in whether we treat pets as property or as something more, possibly even persons from a legal standpoint. He introduces us to many individuals who are "in the trenches" so to speak with regards to these issues, from police officers to lawyers to vets to animal rescuers. These individuals often have opposing and sometimes radical views on how we should view our pets, offering up lots of food for thought and leaving the reader to consider where we should draw the line. A very thought-provoking and highly recommended read.
creatures2010's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Abandonment
Minor: Racism and Misogyny
sp3cia1j's review against another edition
2.0
I quit this one, which is a rarity for me. While I found the scientific research about animals and their relationship to us interesting, the focus on legislation was not for me. I could have trudged through the boring (to-me) for the nuggets of good stuff, but there are just too many other good books out there.
becquebooks's review
3.0
This was interesting. I probably would have liked it more if I hadn't read so many other dog books. Is seems I am probably reaching some kind of point of diminishing returns on dog books, much of the early sections of this had been covered by other books I've read, though he brings in a lot of interesting reporting to this. I guess I find the question of pets as citizens perhaps less interesting, and I'm generally more interested in understanding the science of dogs, and for that purpose I would recommend Brian Hare's book [b:The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think|17322153|The Genius of Dogs How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think|Brian Hare|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367532469s/17322153.jpg|21394114]. This focuses more on some sociological and historical aspect of our relationship with cats and dogs.
melmar's review
4.0
Really makes you think about our evolving relationship with pets. I for one believe they should be treated as best as possible, but I can see how gaining more rights could be complicated and in some cases harmful.
katequeenofsprouts's review
3.0
I read a lot of books about dogs; about their history, psychology, emotions, behavior, legal rights, culture. I read a bit less about the same things about animals in general. This work represents nothing new in that vein. In fact, he referenced the same studies I've seen referenced in the many books I've read. However, he does bring many of the different aspects of pet culture into one book. It isn't just history, law, or psychology. For someone who wants a look at these encapsulated in one book, this would be a good overview.