THE BOND Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them

The president of the Humane Society of the United States examines the longstanding bond between humans and animals in a work that may surprise, sadden, and infuriate all at the same time. Walter Dixon’s delivery, while obviously sympathetic, gives listeners the opportunity to absorb and contemplate the text without feeling bludgeoned by blustery outrage. His restrained approach, subtle rather than strident, hits just the tight note as puppy mills, inhumane feed lots and slaughterhouses, cockfighting, disreputable zoos, and the trafficking of exotic animals are all brought to light in cruel detail. Happily, listeners will enjoy the touching accounts of mutually beneficial relations between animals and humans. Dixon’s interpretation is that of a devoted ranger educating park visitors on the natural world. M.N. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2011]