86.4 million cats, 78.2 million dogs, and 16.2 million birds are proof that Americans love their pets*

If you love animals, consider taking part in the Animal Welfare League of Arlington‘s 17th Annual Walk for the Animals, on Saturday, May 12.

Money raised by the Walk for Animals will help support local animal rescue, animal surrender and safekeeping, the Vetrinary Assistance Program, low-cost spay/neuter programs, rabies and microchipping clinics, and more.

 

How did you find your favorite animal companion?

Some Come Into Our Lives Unexpectedly…

Corvus: A Life with Birds

by Esther Woolfson

Ever since her daughter rescued a fledgling rook years ago, Woolfson has been fascinated with (and adopted an increasing number of) corvids – the bird group that includes crows, rooks, magpies, and ravens.

 

Dewey: the Small-Town Library Cat who Touched the World

by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

No list produced by a public library would be complete without the amazing story of Dewey. Found half frozen in a book drop as a kitten, he became a valued staff member – complete with job description.

 

Lost and Found: Dogs, Cats, and Everyday Heroes at a County Animal Shelter

by Elizabeth Hess

From dog kennels and cat rooms to a puppy mill raid and rides in the shelter ambulance, Hess introduces innumerable animals and humans who will inspire, educate, and break readers’ hearts.

Homer’s Odyssey: a Fearless Feline Tale, or How I learned about Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat

by Gwen Cooper

Homer lost his sight when he was a very young kitten, and no one believed he would be able to navigate the world without his eyes. They were wrong.

 

 

They Shape Our Lives…

Animal Magnetism: My Life with Creatures Great and Small

by Rita Mae Brown

Ms Brown, known for the detective series she produces with her feline business partner Sneaky Pie Brown,  relates stories of the many animals that have enriched her life.

 

The Cat Who Went to Paris

by Peter Gethers

Gethers hated cats when first presented with Norton, but became a lover of the species with Norton’s guidance. Norton became an exceptionally well-travelled cat, accompanying Gethers to Los Angles, Paris, and Fire Island, among other places.

 

Ever by my Side: a Memoir in Eight Acts, Pets

by Dr. Nick Trout

Trout, a veterinarian, dedicates a chapter to each of the pets that have been a part of his life. The result is a beautiful story.

 

 

 

And Sometimes Even Save Us!

Cats to the Rescue: True Tales of heroic Felines

by Marilyn Singer

Children are just as touched by their relationships with cats as are adults. Singer’s book, geared for elementary school readers, tells stories of heroic feats cats have performed.

 

The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son

by Rupert Isaacson

Isaacson was devastated when his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism. When Isaacson discovered that riding a neighbor’s horse together improved his son’s communication immeasurably, he decided to take Rowan to Mongolia – the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing intersect.

 

 

And When They Leave Us, Our Hearts Break…

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die

by Jon Katz

We celebrate our pets and grieve when we lose them. Katz talks about making the difficult decision concerning putting a pet down and how to honor the loss as well as provides prayers and rituals to help to help children grieve as well

 

The Art of Racing in the Rain: a Novel

by Garth Stein

Enzo, the canine narrator, believes he must be a misplaced human soul, and that when he dies he will be reincarnated as a human.

 

 

Numbers courtesy of the American Pet Products Association’s Industry Statistics and Trends for 2011-2012.