Thanks Vineca! I really enjoyed Jo-Anne McArthur's list too: so thoughtful, eclectic and compassionate!

Thanks Book Buzz and Cynthia. I came across this article on the weekend which suggests that bushmeat hunting, or the hunting of gorillas and other non-human primates for food may also be transforming the rain forests in Africa as these primates are crucial to dispersing the seeds of some fruit- and nut-bearing trees. See: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/bushmeat-trade-is-transforming-rain-forest So sad.

Thanks for the suggestion, Julia. I just placed a hold on it.

Thanks Hiyinko. Glad you enjoyed it.

Soheli, wow, Tama is both beautiful and clever. Every railway station should be managed by a cat! (Perhaps we could talk to TTC too?) Thanks for the info!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. Maureen, I'll help you with the sanctuary, and Victoria, I'll check out Slinky Malinki (love the name!).

Thanks for your comments, David. Your support and comments are much appreciated. I look forward to including your book in a booklist one day soon -- maybe next World Animal Day?

Thanks for your comment cassandraprince. "Animal Liberation" was the book that did it for me too, in the early 80s -- I haven't eaten meat since then. The incredible power of a book, indeed!

I read all Mowat's books as a teenager, and yes, cried through A Whale for the Killing. Mowat is a national treasure. Hard to believe that some countries still kill these magnificent, intelligent creatures -- including Canada. Thanks for suggesting this book, M.

Thanks for your comments, Cynthia. I've been to the Farm Sanctuary in upstate NY and was blown away by just how similar to cats and dogs farm animals can really be when they're in a normal, less horrifying environment than a factory farm. Playful, affectionate and so smart -- after cuddling with a calf or playing tag with a pig, it would be impossible to eat one. Toronto Pig Save is doing some fantastic work bearing witness to the ongoing transport and slaughter of pigs -- right here in downtown Toronto. And I'm adapting some Thanksgiving recipes from this book, Vegan Holiday Kitchen (http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?Ntt=vegan+holiday) for our Thanksgiving dinner. Have a peaceful long weekend!