After a rough 2020, we've finally made it to December. It's time to kick back, relax and to get stuck into some entertaining reads about fascinating furry, feathery and scaled friends.

1. “A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron

The book is about a dog named Bailey, who discovers the reason for his existence. He lives many different lives and discovers the meaning of love, friendship and pain.

If you’re not a bookworm, you can watch the movie on Netflix. It will take you on a beautiful journey and help you see life through the eyes of man’s best friend.

2. “Marley & Me” by John Grogan

Marley & Me is a beautiful story of a wild, but lovable Lab. Although she keeps her parents on their toes, she leaves a big paw print in their hearts.

If you’d like to skip the reading, you can watch the movie starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.

NOTE: You might cry a river while watching, so keep a box of tissues on standby.

3. “Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat” by Jackson Galaxy

 

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Jackson Galaxy, the host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell”, takes the reader on a journey to explore and to understand the behaviour of our complex feline family members. When problems arise,  it's because your cat lacks confidence or has lost their mojo. Read this book to help your fur-ball get their mojo back.

If you can’t get your hands on the book (or simply prefer to kick back and watch), Jackson Galaxy has a YouTube page where you can learn more about your cat's behaviour.

4. “Unlikely Friendships” by Jennifer S. Holland

Friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, scales, feathers and furs. This book is about unlikely friendships between animals that usually don’t belong to the same social circles. Follow the journey of a snake that befriends a hamster, a cat that connects with a bird, and a wild Indian Leopard who sneaks out at night to snuggle with a calf.

5. “My Dog: The Paradox: A Lovable Discourse About Man’s Best Friend” by Matthew Inman

This book is perfect for those lazy days on the beach. The book is filled with comics about man's best friend.  If you page through it, you’ll see that your furry friend is not the only one who chases tail and picks fights with companions three times their size.

6. “Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence” by Irene Pepperberg

Birds of a feather flock together...  To read this fascinating book about a beautiful bond between an African Grey and his human soulmate. The African Grey, Alex, loyally stood by his mom’s side for thirty-one years and crossed over the rainbow bridge with a beautiful goodbye message. He also beaked the interest of scientists for his intelligence and scientific achievements.

7. “The Life and Love of Cats” by Lewis Blackwell

This book is purr-fect for cat ladies and men. It takes readers on a journey to the first domestication of cats and forward to the present. It’s a feast for the cat-lover's eyes with hundreds of images of various cat breeds. The book is both educational and entertaining.

8. "Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days" by Brandon McMillan

Celebrity dog trainer, Brandon McMillan, has spent his career transforming posh pooches and shelter dogs into well-trained family companions.

He shares his expertise and training secrets in the book. After reading it, you will be able to teach your old dog new tricks in just seven days.

9. “Molly: The True Story of the Amazing Dog Who Rescues Cats” by Colin Butcher

This true story will give you chills and turn your frown upside down.  A rescued dog saves the lives of many other lost pets, including a few cats. She is a bold, brave and beautiful detective always in search of an animal in need of saving.

10. “A World Full of Animal Stories - 50 Favourite Animal Folk Tales, Myths and Legends” by Angela McAllister

This collection of stories takes readers on a journey around the world with 50 best-loved tales, featuring animals of all shapes and sizes. This book has lovely illustrations and is perfect to keep your toddler occupied or ready for bed with a good bedtime story.

While you spend your holiday relaxing and getting stuck into these great animal tales, don’t worry – we’ve got your animal’s tails covered. No matter where you are in SA, you can access your policy and upgrade your pet plan anytime through the 24/7 Manage Portal here.