From Elephants to Mice: Animals Who Have Touched My Soul »

DR. JAMES MAHONEY, a veterinarian for almost forty-five years, has traveled the world to treat all kinds of animals and has grown to understand and appreciate the individuality of all creatures. A retired research professor at the New York University School of Medicine, he has spent the majority of his career working with chimpanzees and other primates in biomedical research, struggling to come to terms with his belief in animals' rights and the inextricable needs of humankind. He is the author of Saving Molly: A Research Veterinarian's Choices.

A beautifully written narrative that tells the stories of the many animals who have touched the soul of longtime veterinarian James Mahoney

From wild Asian elephants to "lowly" field mice, this collection of stories relates the poignant experiences Dr. James Mahoney has shared with animals throughout his career as a veterinarian and as a compassionate animal lover. He serves as a voice for all the creatures whose tales he tells, including:

• Loki, the South Indian elephant branded as a killer who is captured but resists being broken

• The Caribbean Trio of dogs who find their way home with the author to America and demonstrate amazing powers of love and devotion

• The Three Wild Mice, a threesome of clever females who conspire to outsmart their human host and show him the importance of freedom

While each story stands alone, together they provide a compelling case for recognizing each animal as an individual endowed with certain rights. When even a small fish in a pond can demonstrate what seems to be a sense of humor, how can we overlook the contributions that every animal makes to our world?

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction: A Life in Research 1

1 The Power of Dignity and Courage 11

2 A Life in Captivity 43

3 Survival of the Fittest 68

4 Humor in Animals 84

5 Personality in Animals 100

6 A Story of Love 114

7 The Caribbean Trio 137

8 The Gang of Four 165

9 Three Wild Mice 184

10 Great Escapes 194

11 The Last of the Sparrows 216

Epilogue 233

With Gratitude 237

Suggestions for Further Reading 239

Index 243