Page 36 - Harnett Life Fall 2018

Books on Animals Perfect for

Gift Giving

By Dr. Janet Batker-
Lillington Veterinary Hospital & Boarding

Greetings, animal lovers from Dr. Jan. I was googling the increasing success of the SPCA in helping animals.
top ten animal books, and realized there are two lists, one
for adults and another list for children, which are not mutu- I think most children have read the Cat in the Hat, and
ally exclusive. Christmas time is a perfect time to consider any parent who has read the Velveteen Rabbit to their kids
the gift of a book. Needless to say I HAVE read quite a few probably tears up just thinking about it! Everyone knows
of these and some of my favorites coincide with those on Winnie the Pooh is a bear, and Peter, is a rabbit. Call of the
the lists. Wild and the Red Pony were required reading when I was
an adolescent, and so was Animal Farm.
It is also clear that popular fiction or non-fiction chang-
es with the generations, and that only timeless stories told One of my Book Club’s favorites (a dog’s story) is The Art
well can remain relevant. My own personal journey toward of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein; I think I’ll suggest we
becoming a veterinarian was shaped by literature, includ- read Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand soon.
ing the Black Stallion series written by Walter Farley, the
Lassie books by Eric Knight and most importantly by the My top book for kids: Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen
James Herriot classics about an English country veterinari- Huneck-he likes us! The art work is fantastic. I do love
an which include All Creatures Great and Small. Good Dog Carl, though, and my son loved Where the Wild
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is still on the list even though Things Are by Maurice Sendak-that may or may not count
it was written in 1877. This is appropriate for all ages but as animal related!
now is more of a historical document! Like much great
literature it actually helped aid social change by enhanc- Happy reading and Merry Christmas.
ing public awareness of animal cruelty which led to the
Harnett Life ~ Winter 2018