by josie
Peter Trachtenberg’s new book explores the writer’s reflections on love when he realizes he’s in danger of losing both his marriage and his cat.
Things have been going to the dogs — and cats — lately here at VIVmag, with our recent pet photo contest. So I can’t resist mentioning a few new books that would make great holiday gifts for pet lovers.
In Another Insane Devotion: On the Love of Cats and Persons (Da Capo, 2012), writer Peter Trachtenberg explores the complex relationship he has with cats and his wife in this work of nonfiction. From the start, he reveals he’s danger of losing them both. His wife, working on a project in Italy while he is at a teaching post in North Carolina, seems to be drifting away. When his favorite cat Biscuit has turns up missing, Trachtenberg makes plans to return home to upstate New York to look for her.
As he prepares to leave North Carolina, his musings about Biscuit and his previous cats provide glimpses into his relationship with his wife, from courtship into their marriage. Aside from Trachtenberg’s genuine affection for his cat, it’s clear he feels especially compelled to find her, because at the time, “Everything else I’d wanted in life seemed to be slipping out of my grasp.” But what makes his story truly compelling — and haunting — are the images he paints, the poignant moments with both feline and female that make up this dual love story.
Interwoven throughout the story are feline legends and facts that cat lovers will enjoy. (A blinking trick Trachtenberg describes in the book doesn’t work on my own cats, so I think they may be plotting against me.) And through Dec. 20, the book’s publisher, Da Capo, is hosting a feline photo contest! A grand prize winner, chosen at random, will receive a signed copy of the book and $25 donated to a cat shelter of his or her choice, and another winner receives a $35 shelter donation. Five winners will receive a signed copy of the book.
For dog lovers, we have some suggestions as well. In a previous issue, we explored pet nutrition in a story called “Your Best Friend’s Diet,” since many people are increasingly concerned about what they feed their animal companions. Grant Nixon, D.V.M., and David Bastin and Jennifer Ashton, owners of Licks and Wags pet treat company, recognize that there’s a lot of conflicting information on the best diet for dogs. So the three set out to create a guide for those who want to give their dogs natural, home-prepared meals, resulting in Better Food for Dogs: A Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide (Robert Rose, 2012).
For those who want to follow this path, this book is a comprehensive resource, filled with nutritional requirements, information about diet-related health problems, handy charts and tips on how to track your dog’s wellness. And the recipes admittedly sound mouth-wateringly good, such as stir-fried ginger beef with greens, basil chicken and vegetable pasta and Texas chili. The recipes are supplemented by bonemeal and other canine-specific add-ins, however, so that should prevent you from sneaking a taste!
If you’re looking for a fun gift for dog lovers, check out Underwater Dogs (Little, Brown and Company) by Seth Casteel, a collection of striking — and often funny — photos of dogs as we’ve never seen them before, at play below the surface of the water. Casteel, who contributed photos to “How to Calm a Crazy Canine” in the Summer issue of VIVmag, explained how his work with animal charities led to the “happy accident” his career path has taken. For a year of playful pooches, there’s also an Underwater Dogs 2013 Wall Calendar.
Also check out the BarkBox subscription mentioned in a previous VIV Says about gift ideas. Dogs can get a box of surprise treats every month!
What are you getting that dog or cat lover on your holiday list?
