Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live

Invoking the ""mystical, magical, or metaphysical"" aspects of our relationships with animals, veterinarian Schoen (Love, Miracles and Animal Healing) recounts his dawning awareness of amazing acts of courage and compassion by animals toward both their human companions and one another. Early in his career, his golden retriever, Megan, came to act as his ""ecumenical guide"" and veterinary assistant, responding to the distress of an injured lamb, kitten or cow--or panicked human onlookers--with loving licks. In an engaging work that is part memoir, part argument for a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, this ""left-brained"" man of science tells how he gradually learned to observe and respond to an animal's emotional state, as well as to the physical needs he was trained to focus on. Since then, with Megan's help, he has learned to care for animals on both levels, and has incorporated alternative medicine into his practice. While a growing number of books espouse our interrelationship with animals and attempt to change our attitude of superiority, this account is distinguished by Schoen's fresh voice and seamless writing. ""As we learn more about our connections to animals, we will consider them our heart,"" Schoen believes. ""More than anything else on this earth, animals have the facility to make sure we remain connected to our deepest feelings.... Always remember: Do unto all animals as you would do unto yourself."" Agent, Richard Pine. (Feb. 6) Forecast: Blurbs by Andrew Weil and Bernie Siegel make this book catnip for the legions of holistic healing enthusiasts. More potent still will be Schoen's appearances on pledge drives for PBS affiliates, as well as a 20-city radio satellite tour and eight-city author tour.