Book Review: Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats: Felines Who Make a Difference by Anne E. Beall

Today I am very excited to tell you about a wonderful book Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats; Felines Who Make a Difference, that I am honored to be featured in along with Lola.

I met The author, Anne E. Beall, Ph.D., in July 2019 when I attended Meow Meet Up in Chicago. In her workshop, “How Cats Help Humans”, Anne shared her foray into the world of rescue and advocacy by telling the audience how she became a managed colony caretaker with Tree House Humane Society in Chicago through their Cats at Work program. When Anne asked attendees to share personal stories about how their cats help them and have made a difference in their lives, I knew I had to share Lola’s story with her. 

Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats; Felines Who Make a Difference is a compilation of 18 touching and moving stories about the impact cats have had not only on their owners’ lives, but the lives of other people around them as well. Anne relates the heartwarming tales of therapy cats, emotional support cats, community cats, and cats who inspired their people to embark on new career paths. It includes a forward by the wonderful Steve Dale.

I have written about how adopting two rescue cats has changed my life many times, (check out this post and also this one), and when Anne told me she wanted to include Lola and me in her book I was thrilled! After speaking at Meow Meet Up, we scheduled a phone interview to discuss more details. I love the final version that made it into the book. 

Lola and I are chapter three – Lola, a Dumpster Cat, Creates a Writer. One of the things I shared with Anne is that Lola has shown me the power of forgiveness. “Lola has taught me that with love, you can overcome anything, and that forgiveness is very powerful.” I also shared with her that people can see through Lola’s life that sometimes the cats seen as “damaged” are the best pets you could ever have. 

One of the things I enjoy about Anne’s books is the data and statistics she includes about cats based on her own personal research and data analysis. Many of our readers know that I work in the field of behavioral psychology, which means I depend on data daily. I love data. Data is factual and paints a true picture of the subject being discussed and analyzed. It is tangible proof that helps drive a point home. It can turn a naysayer into a believer, or it can bring an issue to light to someone who previously had no knowledge of it. 

I love that Anne includes statistical data on a variety of topics including people’s attitudes toward indoor and outdoor cats, TNR, and general attitudes toward stray cats and euthanasia. My hope is that her research brings an increased awareness of community cats to help improve their lives. I have several ideas in mind for posts next year, and I hope to incorporate some of Anne’s data. 

Note: Lola The Rescued Cat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats; Felines Who Make a Difference is a feel-good book, and we all could use a little bit of that right now. It is perfect for the cat lover on your holiday list, or anyone who loves to read about the human-animal Bond and how cats connect to their people.

You can get your copy at Amazon.

While you’re there, check out Anne’s other books, such as Community Cats: A Journey Into the World of Feral Cats or Heartfelt Connections: How Animals and People Help One Another. 

I’m giving away a copy of Heroic, Helpful and Caring Cats; Felines Who Make a Difference as a gift to one of our readers. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents, 18+ years of age, except where prohibited by law. The winners will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter and contacted via email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and a new winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Please note that to qualify for the prize a comment must be left on this post. The giveaway closes on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at 12:00 am Eastern Time.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Anne for including Lola and me in her book. I’m sure you’ll love reading all of the stories as well.

Dawn

From the publisher:
Dogs have masters; cats have staff. That old saying reflects the conventional wisdom about our favorite pets. Cats are described as independent and aloof. But that stereotype clashes with the reality of untold cat companions, who know that their felines can be just as affectionate, devoted, and trainable as any dog. Like Basil, a licensed therapist who comforts hospital patients and staff, hospice-care residents, and trauma victims. Or Belle, who repaid being rescued from a sewer in Costa Rica by becoming a devoted nurse to her companion during his lengthy illness. Or Peach, who can run obstacle courses, play a piano, and perform other amazing advanced tricks. Or the dozens of stray and feral cats who have inspired their caretakers to step up and become involved, hands-on advocates within their communities. These are just some of the real-life cat stories that animal advocate and psychologist Anne Beall shares in Heroic, Helpful, & Caring Cats. These heartwarming stories highlight how cats can comfort, inspire, and connect with the humans they love. Including Beall’s original cat research into American attitudes towards their furry friends, this book reveals the depths of connection and empathy people and cats can share. Read Heroic, Helpful, & Caring Cats to learn about cat psychology, and discover what feline fans have always known: if you want unconditional love, adopt a cat.



About the Author:
Anne E. Beall received her MS, MPhil and Ph.D. degrees in social psychology from Yale University. She has written extensively about the human-animal bond. She is the founder and CEO of Beall Research.