Reviewer Jessica Roberts is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE
Author: Dr James Mahoney
Publisher: Howell Book House
ISBN: 978-0-470-50158-0
Author: Dr James Mahoney
Publisher: Howell Book House
ISBN: 978-0-470-50158-0
Click Here To Purchase From Elephants to Mice: Animals Who Have Touched My Soul
Dr James Mahoney, who has been a veterinarian for 45 years, has traveled the world treating and helping all kinds of animals. Through his work he has grown to understand and respect all of nature’s creatures. However, he is also a retired research professor, who has spent a vast majority of his career working with animals in biomedical research. He struggles to come to terms with his belief in animal rights and in the need to do animal testing.
When I began reading this book, I struggled to understand Mahoney’s logic. He says he is all for god’s little creatures, but also for testing. This should of course not make a difference to the book, but in my opinion it does. I found it difficult to read Mahoney’s tales of rescuing animals, since his beliefs and mine are so far apart. Is there no other way of doing medical research without using animals? After all, as Mahoney rightly points out, they do feel pain, fear, hurt and anger just like we do. Why does man continue to subject them to suffering?
If you read on the author does try to explain his reasoning, which to be fair, he does remarkably well, taking into account all angles of the argument.
When Mahoney used to work in testing labs, he didn’t cause much suffering at all to the animals placed under his care. In fact, as what we learn from the inside stories, he made friends with almost all the chimps and monkeys, that often expressed humor and played endless games with him. Mahoney maintains these are such clever intelligent creatures, that at times, even outdid his own intellect.
However, he does believe it is the descendant of dog, that really shows the most understanding of emotion. They can tell when we’re upset and will try to cheer us up. Would a chimp or ape do so?
As I read on, Mahoney explains the statistics of what dog is and what wolf is. And did we as humans have an impact as to what made a dog the way it is today? Or were they already a “dog” before we stepped into the world and made our mark? A really fascinating chapter, you should definitely read this one.
I shall also mention that throughout this book there are little pictures of the animals who have crossed paths with Mahoney. I think it adds the final touches to what appears to be quite a decent book. One which all animal lovers should pick up and read but be warned: you may not agree with Mahoney all of the time!
Click Here To Purchase From Elephants to Mice: Animals Who Have Touched My Soul