As a devoted cat-mom and ardent fan of the animal kingdom, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that I gravitate toward books about animal friendships. Based on the number of titles available about interspecies affection, I’m not the only one charmed by these beastly bonds. Perhaps these four-legged relationships make us feel especially warm and fuzzy because humankind seems bent on being as hateful and divisive as possible. I say, let our furry — or winged, or scaled — companions show us a better way of getting along.
Case in point, I recommend this week’s children’s book “Henry & Tink: A Remarkable Romance.” Henry and Tink’s story may not be the most exotic of interspecies relationships, but it sweetly fulfills my wish for more understanding and acceptance of those who are different.
The story (a true one, by the way) begins like this: “Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, a puppy was born — an unusual little dog.” What makes the puppy so unusual is that she is born with only two legs. For many people, the challenge of raising an animal with a disability would be too much; fortunately, a wonderful family instantly falls in love with the special pup and adopts her without hesitation. Deciding to name their two-legged girl “Tink” because it was “a very small name for a very small girl,” Tink soon proves that neither her size nor her disability will prevent her from living a very large life!
Arriving at her new home, Tink starts exploring her “digs” by bouncing along on her chest. Here a sniff, there a sniff, until suddenly, a stranger appears! What manner of beast lurks upon yonder chair? A cat! And not an ordinary cat, but a handsome three-legged feline named Henry JM (Henry Just Me). After a few more sniffs, Henry and Tink become fast friends.
