There’s a good crop of pet books this season, but
two really stand out from the pack of training and
pet-care ones I normally receive. These are perfect
for curling up with beside the fire in the new year.
You might, or might not, remember the story of the
library cat named Dewey, who ruled the Spencer, Iowa,
Public Library for nearly two decades as its resident cat.
Library Director, Vicki Myron along with author Bret
Witter published a series of books about Dewey. Now,
they’re back with another great addition to the plucky
cat’s story: “Dewey’s Nine Lives: The Legacy of the
Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions”
(New American Library). Myron and Witter present
nine true stories of cats and their people, illustrating the
way pets affect and change our lives for the better.
If you’re more interested in a good piece of fiction,
take a break with “Walking Back to Happiness”
(Berkeley Books) by Lucy Dillon. It’s a well-composed,
smart tale of Juliet, who is grieving the recent loss of her
husband and rarely leaves the house except to walk her
husband’s terrier, Minton. Her mother and sister both try
to lift her spirits in between their own busy lives, but it
isn’t until Juliet begins walking her mother’s aging Lab,
Coco, that things begin to change. It’s a sensitive depiction of grief and healing,
with a bit of romance thrown in.
Send your pet questions, observations and tips to
editor@theresident.com.
