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Two Dogs and a Parrot presents both heartwarming stories and thought-provoking reflections about sharing life with an animal companion. The relationships we form —with dogs, birds, cats, horses, rabbits, and other pets —are full of joys and rewards. Their personalities, their intelligence, their feelings draw us out of ourselves and make us aware of another whole level of what it means to be alive. They teach us to cherish life’s pleasures and to deal with its struggles. They show us the importance of being able to accept ourselves and to have empathy for others. They help us to find purpose and meaning in what we do and to overcome challenges and setbacks. In our companion animals we observe varying degrees of excitement and play, of love and fear. We see them court adventure and give themselves fully to enjoyment. And we realize their beautiful uniqueness, their sensitivities, and strong sense of purpose.
A loving human-animal relationship is built on mutual care and concern, on mutual responsibility and respect. We become a part of each other’s existence. And we grow as human beings if we learn to listen to the animals. We begin to understand that we are here as part of creation, not as consumers of it. We are here to care for this planet, not to exploit it. We are here to find our proper place in nature, to grow with it physically as well as spiritually.
Whether we have an animal companion, wish to live with a pet or know someone who does, or cherish the animal world and nature, Two Dogs and a Parrot will speak to us all. It illuminates the significance of the deep bond between humans and animals and invites us to embrace and celebrate our animal friends
Sr Joan spoke to Oprah Winfrey about how a bird named Billy taught her about the meaning of humanity, and offers an insight into this wonderful book.
About The Author
Joan Chittister is an internationally known author and lecturer, and Executive Director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality.
A Benedictine Sister of Erie, Pa., Joan Chittister is a best-selling author and well-known international lecturer on topics of justice, peace, human rights, women’s issues and contemporary spirituality in the church and in society.
She presently serves as the co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, a partner organization of the United Nations, facilitating a worldwide network of women peace builders, especially in the Middle East.
Sr Joan has won 14 Christian Publishing Awards (US) awards for her books with countless best sellers including Breath Of The Soul: Reflections on Prayer, Radical Christian Life: A Year with Saint Benedict, Sacred In-Between, Songs of the Heart: Reflections on the Psalms, Art of Life: Monastic Reflections for Every Day, God’s Tender Mercy: Reflections on Forgiveness, The Friendship of Women, The Monastery of the Heart, Our Holy Yearnings, and the global phenomenon The Gift of Years.
