Dr. Jim's ability to tell a story about his patients and their people is unrivaled. All veterinarians have clients and patients whose stories brought us joy in our veterinary profession. I admire Jim's ability to share those stories in a fascinating way. His gift is to make those clients and patients come to life and that makes this book so much fun to read. I can picture the patients and clients in their settings and fondly remember my patients too. Any animal lover or kind-hearted person will enjoy these stories. It's not just about animals and their health, it's about caring, kindness, and connections between individuals and the human-animal bond.
The relationships make our lives so much more enjoyable. Tom Johnson DVM Retired, Small Animal Practitioner 25 years, Director of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Iowa State University James Kenyon was my 15+ year old cat, Belle's, veterinarian from her earliest days until his retirement. What a soft voice and gentle hands Dr. Jim had in calming Belle, reassuring her that she was safe with him. It wasn't until I read A Cat Named Fatima that I learned of the author's special affinity for cats. This scientifically educated author writes lyrically, including the charming ode that introduces each cat. The reader quickly will be drawn into the stories, which can be read in any order. Kenyon captures the essence of the cat; I read some stories more than once, tears flowing by the end each time! Illustrations are whimsical and perfectly suited to every cat.
Anyone who ever had or has a cat will adore this book. It will be a great sentimental "read" for you and a fine gift for those you know who also have opened their hearts and homes to felis domesticus. Judith F. Harrington, Professor Emerita, University of Northern Iowa Cat lovers will want to keep the tissues handy as they read 23 tales filled with joy and heartbreak featuring loving, brave, and endearing kitties. If you've ever doubted that a cat can change your life, you will doubt no more when you immerse yourself in this very readable, enjoyable book. Cheryl Arvidson, Freelance Writer and Editor In a warm and affectionate portrayal, retired veterinarian James Kenyon recalls unique relationships between cats and their devoted owners. A series of human and feline personalities ranging from monstrous to mellow enlivens the sketches. While the stories are related with gentle humor, the book also features fascinating and informative sidebar-type fragments about cat reproduction, genetic selection and the history of various breeds.
Ardent cat-lovers, as well as the feline-indifferent, will be engaged and charmed by this collection. Margaret Bradford.