Do Unto Animals

#1 New York Times bestseller and USA Today bestseller

The more we know about the animals in our world and the better we care for them, the better our lives will be. Former veterinary technician and animal advocate Tracey Stewart understands this better than most—and she’s on a mission to change how we interact with animals. Through hundreds of charming illustrations, a few homemade projects, and her humorous, knowledgeable voice, Stewart provides insight into the secret lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them. At home, she shows readers how to speak “dog-ese” and “cat-ese” and how to “virtually adopt” an animal. In the backyard, we learn about building bee houses, dealing nicely with pesky moles, and creative ways to bird-watch. And on the farm, Stewart teaches us what we can do to help all farm animals lead a better life (and reveals pigs’ superpowers!). Part practical guide, part memoir of her life with animals, and part testament to the power of giving back, Do Unto Animals is a gift for animal lovers of all stripes.

Commended for Books for a Better Life (Green) 2016

“" Do Unto Animals ”

“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

Tracey Stewart is the editor-in-chief of the website Moomah, which provides parents and kids with fun, easy, and effective ways to contribute to varying kinds of nonprofits. A passionate animal advocate and expert (she’s a former veterinary technician), she lives on a farm in New Jersey with her husband, Jon Stewart; two kids; four dogs; two pigs; one hamster; three rabbits; two guinea pigs; one parrot; and two fish—all rescues except for the kids.

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