Charles Siebert

This is a very short and thus very easy read about the exotic pet hoarder that, apparently, committed suicide covered in chicken blood after releasing his bears, lions, tigers, and more - oh my! It's a messy seen, coming on the heels of divorce and firearm-related imprisonment. His apparent pre-suicide actions and the suicide itself makes me ask why this man could legally have guns, let alone predators. The predators themselves were largely de-clawed and de-fanged companion animals raised show more from cubs and most of the 49 killed probably could have been gathered and saved by the on-hand caretaker that knew them, but either the sheriffs on hand did what they felt they had to do given insufficient information and keeping public safety as the highest priority, or they took the opportunity to slay even in their cages mostly harmless animals that they had long sought to get rid of you. You decide. show less

It might be considered pretty pathetic that a dog's memoir moved me to tears. Well, so be it. Perhaps because I own Jack Russells and any owner will swear there is some human in the JRT - the dogs are so intelligent and quirky. Not that that translates into well behaved....

This non-fiction book details aspects of animal behavior that one might argue is anthropomorphic, however to say so would miss the larger point the book addresses.
The bulk of Siebert's narrative is an exploration of inter species existential crisis.

This central story of the book is intersticed with anecdotes and data that depict animals as surprisingly sentient and intelligent which challenges the notion of human supremacy and our disconnection from the animal kingdom. The interaction show more between the main characters provides an engaging dramatic tension that underscores this message.

The principal characters Roger, a chimpanzee in a retirement home and Charles, the author are engaged in a psychological dance that carries the reader through to a reconsideration of our "place" in relation to other living things.

A good read, with an astounding, thought-provoking ending. Highly recommend. show less

This is a moving and effective memoir, apparently true-to-life, of the life of the author's Jack Russell terrier, Angus. The tale is told through the eyes of Angus, in flashbacks, as he lies in the woods, torn by coyotes and desperately trying to crawl into the sight of his searching Masters, Huge-Head and Sweet-Voice. It sounds gimmicky, but the device works pretty well, and it's easy to fall under the spell of belief in a dog who articulately explains his breed's boundless energy and show more devotion to humankind. Nicely done, with a moving ending. show less