Comments on: On THE DOG WHO COULDN’T STOP LOVING

By: mady

mady — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:39:39 +0000

The Emperor's Embrace is an excellent book by Masson. I was going to buy more of his books but after reading The Emperor's Embrace I listened to an interview with him where he stated that he and his wife are vegan but yet they allow their small children to eat animals!!! I haven't taken him serious since.

By: Deb H.

Deb H. — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:09:19 +0000

Thanks much for your comments back, Mary. Not having more than 2 of Masson's books myself, it's great to hear there's been steady progression in his education and perceptions - hope springs eternal! I suppose I'd just erroneously expected that simply from the stances in "When Elephants Weep," it was almost a "given" that his open outlook would extend to all other species as well - what really excited me about that book in the first place.

Although it seems to be the case for many people, I'm not sure whether it's really a "certain" animal that ever need come into one's life, or simply the act of already sitting in the willingness to open one's eyes and heart, that 'makes' any particular being the cat-a-lyst (ha) for such a change in perception, but for whatever reason, the felines Masson HAS had in his life to date haven't yet quite done the trick. But yes, let's hope for another such teacher to grace his life.

I also meant to mention I really appreciated your comments that included Mr. Magoo, too. Same difference, as they say.

As a further footnote, although you may not wish to post this (or any) part of this reply, please accept my deepest condolences on the transition of your very beloved Charles. Yes, indeed, your friend's tribute was simply beautiful, and I hope all the support you received has served to somewhat soften the edges of your pain since.

By: Mary Martin

Mary Martin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:13:45 +0000

Deb H,
If you look at all of Masson's animal books, there's a progression. With each book, he seems to "get it" more and more, deeper and deeper. I look at this book as part of that and have already read interviews where he says that since the release of the book he has been educated about pit bulls. We certainly know from his books that when he learns something new, he incorporates it into his life and his work. Though I don't know if the cat people have educated him to the extent that the pit bull people have, let's hope that that happens, or better yet, that a cat comes into his life and he is open to what the cat has to teach him.

By: Deb H.

Deb H. — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:43:16 +0000

How highly disappointing is this newer offering from an author I'd previously admired so much! Given this review and the few but telling examples cited, I would NOT support him or certain of his viewpoints by buying this particular book.

For years, I've loved and helped promote his co-written book, "When Elephants Weep." Because of this I bought his other book, "The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats," which in a nutshell, left me not just thinking, but KNOWING, he'd never formed a real relationship of any great depth with a feline being. It was quite the let-down and I've warned other animal lovers against reading it, not wanting to help spread such disinformation.

Unhappily, this book on dogs only seems to clinch my opinion. Despite Mr. Masson's brilliance in some other animal-related areas and issues, his normally keen observational skills seem to dim remarkably regarding cats, suggesting a surprising speciesism of the heart. This seeming bias does not help in raising the perceived 'status' of cats in this age's uncaring, blinded society (particularly regarding cats) -- a position I would think Mr. Masson NOT wish to be a co-creating/conspiring part of. I would strongly suggest that no reader believe he is much of an 'expert' on felines and their relationships to and with us or other species...nor on pitbulls, either, it sounds. Additionally, the Egyptians' idolizing of and respect for cats seems to belie the special status he ascribes only to dogs' history with us.

I'm left rather shocked and dismayed, disagreeing vehemently, and wishing to inform Mr. Masson that "CATS can and do help us evolve into even MORE enlightened beings." He should have lived at OUR home to observe the possibilities...ones that changed ME (and many other humans I know who've had beloved feline family members) forever!