Katja M. Guenther's book, " The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals ," offers an intimate look into a high-intake animal shelter in the United States.  Over three years of ethnographic research (see definition of this term below), she encountered thousands of animals and noted a stark contrast in their stories and survival odds.  Guenther suggests that the fate of these animals is closely tied to societal views on race, class, gender, ability, and species.  See citation for this image below. She deciphers the language and actions of the shelter's staff and volunteers, shedding light on internal power structures, breed bias, and moments of defiance and autonomy.  This book prompts us to reconsider the way we view our animal companions. Guenther's research highlights the impact of social justice on animal shelters, revealing the processes that lead to higher rates of animal euthanasia in public shelters.  Her work shows that human-created inequalities affect the d...

Scottish fold kitty in France- temporary couch potato. I guess it's not just Maine coons that like to kick back on the couch. Human says: (translated) Our Scottish Fold Doudou rests as usual next to his father during the soccer game. To learn more about Scottish Folds via POC, read here, and and here. I can't help but wondering if the worldwide popularity of the Scottish Fold breed came about in part by the charming books by Peter Gethers. I read the first one, "The Cat Who Went to Paris" years ago, and it was a totally delightful read. Among other things, it's about the transformative power of kitty love. From Publishers Weekly: Gethers, publisher of Villard Books, was an aileurophobe until he met the six-week-old Scottish Fold kitten, a gift from his friend Cindy. He capitulated immediately. From the beginning Norton exhibited extraordinary aplomb no matter where he was, or in whose company; he was sensitive, intelligent and always aware of what was hap...