A heartfelt and richly illustrated guide to the animals in our world—pets at home, wildlife in the backyard, and livestock on the farm—that encourages readers to interact with animals in a more caring and thoughtful way. Part practical guide, part memoir of Tracey Stewarts's life with animals, and part testament to the power of giving back, Do Unto Animals is a gift for those who know that the better our interactions with animals are, the better our own lives will be. This book is for those whose lives are enriched by animals, for those who want to understand more about animal behaviour, and for those who are interested in learning what they can do for animals in return.
Tracey is on a mission to change how we interact with animals. Since she was a little girl, she considered animals her friends and her saviors. In her mid-twenties, she became a veterinary tech and later a passionate advocate for the nonprofit Animal Haven. When her kids came along, she worked with animals to teach her family about responsibilty and the deep satisfaction that comes from giving back. And most recently, the entire Stewart clan has decamped to a farm in New Jersey (USA) to operate an affiliate of Farm Sanctuary, a place that provides a permanent, happy home to rescued farm animals.
Through hundreds of charming illustrations and a few homemade projects, Do Unto Animals provides a quirky, knowledgable insight into the secret lives of animals. She shares information on the kindest ways to live with them, and what we can do for them. She knows how to speak "dog-ese" and "cat-ese", why mutts are the most worthwhile companions, and how to "virtually adopt" an animal. In the backyeard, we learn about building a bee house, or find a place to bird-watch.
About the Author
Animal lover and expert (a former veterinary tech) Tracey Stewart is the Editor in Chief of the website Moomah, which provides parents and kids fun, easy and effective ways to contribute to varying kinds of nonprofits. Tracey is also a contributor to The Huffington Post and several parenting magazines. She lives on a farm in New Jersey with her huzband, two children, three dogs, two hamsters, one frog, and three fish.
Industry Reviews
“Do Unto Animals is delightful, entertaining, and hugely important. Tracey’s love for animals has led to a profound understanding of their world, and it becomes clear that the better we know this world, the better their lives will be. And this, in turn, will make our own lives more fulfilling. It is the perfect gift for all who love animals. And for those who should love them better.”
—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace
“Charming. . . . A memoir and how-to about enriching the world of the creatures in your life, whether they be dogs, cats, or the crows in your backyard. . . . The book details basic animal behavior as well as practical humane solutions to common animal-human conflicts (cats scratching furniture, moles destroying your lawn). It also has craft projects for those of us with great intentions and no skills.”
—New York Times
“A guide to understanding animals and treating them with respect. . . . While the book is about loving and caring for animals, it also follows Tracey’s path to happiness through animals.”
—Gayle King on CBS This Morning
“Stewart has a heart as big as all outdoors, which is helpful since her caring largesse extends to moles and squirrels, goats and sheep, as well as the more-commonplace cats and dogs. A lifelong animal lover and one-time veterinary technician, Stewart evinces a genuine empathy for all creatures, from the lowliest frog to the loftiest owl, and winsomely guides other animal enthusiasts in their desire to develop a more rewarding relationship with man’s best friend, whatever that turns out to be. An ardent proponent for the adoption of rescue animals, Stewart broadens that philosophy to include sanctuaries for farm animals as well. Married to former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, who announced their plan to create just such a haven for at-risk animals, Stewart is on a mission far above the typical, nominal celebrity cause du jour. Rich in informed insights on animal behavior, augmented by creative craft projects, and alluring with clever watercolor illustrations, Stewart’s passionate and practical guide to living with domestic pets, backyard critters, and farm animals artfully combines sensible advice with grassroots advocacy. Stewart’s zeal for animal welfare is infectious and sincere, and her desire to create a kinder world for animals and humans is earnest and essential.”
—Booklist, starred review
“A one-of-a-kind mix of info, advice, philosophy and hands-on activities.”
—Philadelphia Daily News
“Gives readers not only facts and advice, but also smart and caring ways to improve animals’ existences.”
—Chicago Tribune
“With humor and grace, this beautiful and inspiring book helps us to understand and appreciate animals and encourages us to treat them with compassion and respect . . . How we treat other animals is a reflection of who we are, and this wonderful book helps us to be kinder, better people.”
—Gene Baur, co-founder and president, Farm Sanctuary
“This book is a dazzling confluence of art, heart, and animal welfare information. Informative, thought-provoking, and charming, Do Unto Animals is a gentle call to action for animal lovers of all ages that fully embodies Stewart’s vital message: If we all do a little better, a lot of good is possible.”
—Susan Friedman, PhD, Behaviorworks.org
“I love this book. Superbly illustrated, beautifully written, and with a profound message that everyone needs to hear. Do Unto Animals has an entertaining, instructional, and compassionate message about the animals with whom we live and share this planet. From dogs and cats to birds and horses (even earthworms and bees), the story of life and living together is skillfully woven into the finely illustrated tapestry of this missive. With lighthearted humor and heartfelt sincerity, Tracey Stewart tell it the way it is—or rather the way it should be—when it comes to our understanding and interactions with animals. Two paws up (or feet, hooves, or talons)!”
—Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
