Tails of Devotion: A Look at the Bond Between People and Their Pets - Hardcover

Emily Scott Pottruck

3.73

11 ratings by Goodreads

9780977063703: Tails of Devotion: A Look at the Bond Between People and Their Pets

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0977063704 ISBN 13: 9780977063703

Publisher: Tails of Devotion, 2006

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

TAILS OF DEVOTION A Look At The Bond Between People And Their Pets is a coffee table book of letters and photographs of 58 San Franciscan families and their beloved pets -- a visual and profound testimony to the very special relationship between pets and their families. The book presents an interesting dialogue between owner and pet, and vice-versa, through a series of letters that answer the question: "If you and your animals could communicate via paper, what would you say to each other?"

Amy Tan writes a very personal foreword detailing her relationship with her animals as well as an ode to our pets. Luminaries such as Robin Williams, Isabel Allende, Peter Coyote, Ronnie Lott, Mickey Hart, Michael Chabon, Ayelet Waldman, Orlando Cepeda, Michael Tilson Thomas and Stephan Jenkins open the doors to their home life because of their love of animals and desire to help others who care about the animals.

The humans may vary, the non-humans may vary, the handwritten notes may vary but the message is clear - we love our animals, they are members of our family.

And, outside of the family unit, we have found that these animals are uniters of people not dividers. Anyone who has ever had a family pet will find kindred spirits in the letters and photos.

100% of the gross proceeds from TAILS will go to The San Francisco SPCA, the Friends of San Francisco Animal Care and Control, PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support), Pets Unlimited and Rocket Dog Rescue. Each of these non-profit organizations is profiled in the book with their mission and work.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Publisher:

Nearly 70 Million Pet guardians in the United States prove that they hold an integral place within families. Devoted owners celebrate their birthdays, worry when they are sick and speak to them like they would their closest friend. In society pets hold a place beyond companionship—they contribute to healing the physically and emotionally sick, lending sight to the blind, alerting us to danger, and even saving lives.

Within TAILS, readers will find testimony by luminaries and devoted pet-owners. Award-winning author Amy Tan shares an original poem "Ode to Our Perfect Companions," writes the book’s forward and reflects, "My little animal playmates taught me other lessons as well: the fragility of life, the sanctity of a good one, and the sorrow that can come in the sword slice of a second." While Robin Williams’ dogs tell his family to "Please Stop Traveling," and seven-year old Aryssa confides in her snake "I love you Eve because you are my baby for almost four years...we are growing together!!" Without their knowing it, pets are one thing that levels the human playing field and creates an instant connection between people. It’s no wonder that U.S. Presidents have been seen walking across the White House lawn with their dogs. Pets are allowed in major stores and hotels, and are now more widely accepted in the workplace. The tech industry is famous for their dog-friendly work environment with Google as the latest adoptee.

With 100% of all proceeds going to animal welfare non-profit organizations, Tails of Devotion is a great gift in so many ways.

From the Author:

The short version – I have incredible love for my animals and they have provided me with even more love than I thought was possible. They have changed me and my life in ways that I would not have imagined 9 years ago. I wanted to do something to honor this relationship, knowing that I am not alone – there are millions of us out there who derive warmth, love and companionship from the animals in our family. When Andy – my first born – was attacked 6 years ago, I was the recipient of well wishes and sympathy from other Yorkie owners who I did not know. They also sent me their own stories of devotion and those personal stories have stayed with me.

I also wanted to give back to the community of individuals - veterinarians, nurses, technicians and others who help the animals. As someone who has spent years fundraising for non-profit organizations, I decided to put those skills to good use in the work of animal welfare. So I decided to underwrite the cost of this book and not recoup a dime so all the proceeds --- gross proceeds --- would go to those organizations. They saved my Andy and my family, I wanted to say "thank you."

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.