Animals as Teachers and Healers

The author, a former veterinarian's assistant in Oregon, attributes her recovery from cancer to the love of her dog, Keesha, and a stray kitten, Flora. McElroy presents a collection of heartwarming and inspirational stories about animals interwoven with her reflections and observations. The stories are tributes to the lives of beloved animals who accompanied their human companions through illness, divorce and other crises, including death. We meet dogs, cats and horses, swim with dolphins and visit a wolf rescue center. McElroy veers into mysticism when she discusses animals as dreams and totems (part of a cancer therapy program). She writes about grief and the death of a pet. Her overwhelming message to readers is to recognize our kinship with other species. Author tour. (Feb.)