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Trooper: The Bobcat Who Came in from the Wild
Whenever middle-aged desert tour guide Forrest Bryant Johnson went out on his daily walks into the Mojave, all was usually peaceful and serene. But one beautiful summer day in 1987, Forrest heard a cry of distress. Following the cries, he came upon a small bobcat kitten, injured, orphaned, and desperately in need of help. So Forrest took his new feline friend home for a night. But when the little “trooper” clearly needed some more time to recoup, that night turned into two nights, a week, and eventually nineteen years. And so Trooper became a part of the Johnson family. And in those nineteen years, Trooper lived his nine lives to the fullest. He explored desert flora and fauna around him, befriending kit foxes, jackrabbits, desert tortoises, and other creatures and getting into mischief along the way. Trooper became a “big brother” to stray tabby Little Brother, teaching, guiding, and protecting Brother on the pair’s adventures and misadventures. He became a beloved patient at his local vet, and cherished housemate of Forrest’s wife, Chi. And Trooper even managed to melt the icy heart of a tough guy neighbor. But most of all, throughout his nineteen years, Trooper became Forrest’s best friend, as the two shared each other’s worries and frustrations, musings and rants, joys and laughter. Harrowing and heartfelt, The Bobcat Who Came in from the Wild is for any reader who ever had their heart stolen by their pet.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
169 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Forrest Bryant Johnson
12 books13 followersForrest Bryant Johnson was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1935. He acquired the nick name “Frosty” while captain of the high school swim team and continued to use that name for many years. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 1957 with degrees in psychology and chemistry, working at the YMCA in the evenings and life guarding during summer months to pay his tuition. He had planned to go on to medical school but had neither the funds (no student loans in those days) nor the grades required by the only medical school in the state. While at the University he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the American Chemical Society and the Kentucky Archeological Society.
After graduation, Forrest was employed as an assistant chemists at a local industrial coatings manufacturer. In 1960 he entered the army as a private and received Basic Infantry Training at Fort Knox, Ky. In 1961 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and completed company grade officers training at Ft. Sam Houston, graduating with a grade of “Superior”. He went on to serve an additional eight years with the army completing his service with the rank of captain. Returning to civilian life and the coatings company, he was assigned the Iowa territory as a salesman and lived in Cedar Rapids. He was promoted to the Chicago territory and lived in Naperville, Ill. Soon he resigned to work with another company. His last position there was Sales Director. During those days in the Chicago area Johnson became interested in ancient Egyptian history and owned two Basenjis. He wrote his first book, Basenji Dog From The Past, published in 1972 by a small Chicago company. It was revised and re-released in 1992. Long out of print, the books are sought by collectors.
In 1970's the Chicago Tribune contracted with Johnson to lead an expedition into the swamps of Northern Minnesota to search for or prove or disprove the existence of an ape man reported to be roaming the wilderness there. The resulting Tribune article brought such an interesting response from the readers that Johnson wrote a fiction satire based on the subject, titled, The Strange Case Of Big Harry. Self published as, “Frosty Johnson” in 1972.
During the mid 1970s’ he wrote Hour of Redemption, World War11 non fiction, published by Manor Books in 1978 and republished in 2002 by Warner Books. In 1982 Johnson relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and wrote two fictions, Tektite and What Are You Doing Derby Day?. In 2008 his true World War 11 story, Phantom Warrior was published by Berkley and the same publisher released his Last Camel Charge in April, 2012.
Forrest Bryant Johnson has been married to former Japanese singing star, Chiaki Keiko (Chieko Takeuchi) for over twenty five years. Together they conduct desert scenic tours in and around the Las Vegas area. They also enjoy the friendship of three cats, “Brother”, “Dot com” and “BB”. Forrest has four adult children by previous marriage.
After graduation, Forrest was employed as an assistant chemists at a local industrial coatings manufacturer. In 1960 he entered the army as a private and received Basic Infantry Training at Fort Knox, Ky. In 1961 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and completed company grade officers training at Ft. Sam Houston, graduating with a grade of “Superior”. He went on to serve an additional eight years with the army completing his service with the rank of captain. Returning to civilian life and the coatings company, he was assigned the Iowa territory as a salesman and lived in Cedar Rapids. He was promoted to the Chicago territory and lived in Naperville, Ill. Soon he resigned to work with another company. His last position there was Sales Director. During those days in the Chicago area Johnson became interested in ancient Egyptian history and owned two Basenjis. He wrote his first book, Basenji Dog From The Past, published in 1972 by a small Chicago company. It was revised and re-released in 1992. Long out of print, the books are sought by collectors.
In 1970's the Chicago Tribune contracted with Johnson to lead an expedition into the swamps of Northern Minnesota to search for or prove or disprove the existence of an ape man reported to be roaming the wilderness there. The resulting Tribune article brought such an interesting response from the readers that Johnson wrote a fiction satire based on the subject, titled, The Strange Case Of Big Harry. Self published as, “Frosty Johnson” in 1972.
During the mid 1970s’ he wrote Hour of Redemption, World War11 non fiction, published by Manor Books in 1978 and republished in 2002 by Warner Books. In 1982 Johnson relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and wrote two fictions, Tektite and What Are You Doing Derby Day?. In 2008 his true World War 11 story, Phantom Warrior was published by Berkley and the same publisher released his Last Camel Charge in April, 2012.
Forrest Bryant Johnson has been married to former Japanese singing star, Chiaki Keiko (Chieko Takeuchi) for over twenty five years. Together they conduct desert scenic tours in and around the Las Vegas area. They also enjoy the friendship of three cats, “Brother”, “Dot com” and “BB”. Forrest has four adult children by previous marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 19, 2017
I just had to read the story of Trooper, the baby bobcat, rescued in 1987. Trooper is a fitting name because when he was found, he was hurt, orphaned, and all alone in the Mojave desert. Trooper thrived and quickly became part of the Johnson family, living with them for over 19 years. Trooper became the best friend of the man who found him (and who wrote this book). I highly recommend this to anyone whose heart has belonged to a cat, or any animal. 🐱 🐈
Thank you to Forrest Bryant Johnson for rescuing Trooper and doing all the important work he does, as well as for writing this book. Also, many thanks for Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for providing this review copy.
Thank you to Forrest Bryant Johnson for rescuing Trooper and doing all the important work he does, as well as for writing this book. Also, many thanks for Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for providing this review copy.
April 27, 2021
Firstly I must say I am an animal lover and also a softy with animal stories...
I fully understand the love and relationship between an owner and his loyal and loving pet, but a Bobcat is certainly a different type of pet!
The author tells this story with honestly, a lover of all animals, did not know what he was doing when he brought home a bobcat kitten. The stories of their life together with his family, the love, the stress, the decisions on a daily basis are heart warming and also frightening as you will see when you read this entertaining book.
The author explains so well his life, his work and how his life was changed by a pet with a complete
different character, and a personality that brings smiles to your face as you are reading.
Some interesting escapades throughout his time with Trooper, nineteen years together.
Told with honesty, humour and a great read and recommended.
The author now in his eighties and still living in Las Vegas, and I am sure with some cats !
Forrest Bryant Johnson served nine years with the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Captain. Johnson is an experienced explorer and a professional at conducting scenic desert tours. He reports with authority and full knowledge on all the animals who must survive in the harsh environment of the Mojave Desert.
I fully understand the love and relationship between an owner and his loyal and loving pet, but a Bobcat is certainly a different type of pet!
The author tells this story with honestly, a lover of all animals, did not know what he was doing when he brought home a bobcat kitten. The stories of their life together with his family, the love, the stress, the decisions on a daily basis are heart warming and also frightening as you will see when you read this entertaining book.
The author explains so well his life, his work and how his life was changed by a pet with a complete
different character, and a personality that brings smiles to your face as you are reading.
Some interesting escapades throughout his time with Trooper, nineteen years together.
Told with honesty, humour and a great read and recommended.
The author now in his eighties and still living in Las Vegas, and I am sure with some cats !
Forrest Bryant Johnson served nine years with the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Captain. Johnson is an experienced explorer and a professional at conducting scenic desert tours. He reports with authority and full knowledge on all the animals who must survive in the harsh environment of the Mojave Desert.
June 10, 2018
This was an excellent book. My only complaint was that there were no photos. Trooper was rescued by the author in 1987 and spent 19 years with him and his wife. He was allowed to come and go as he pleased and was not caged. I loved reading about the special bond these two formed. When the author was recovering from surgery, Trooper kept bringing him dead birds until he saw that he was eating regular food. The wife disposed of them without Trooper seeing for fear of hurting his feelings.
Trooper even befriends a stray cat and brings him home to share his food, they eventually become best buddies. Trooper was a very unique animal and the author was blessed to have spent so many years with him.
Trooper even befriends a stray cat and brings him home to share his food, they eventually become best buddies. Trooper was a very unique animal and the author was blessed to have spent so many years with him.
November 27, 2019
Once upon a time an orphaned baby bobcat was rescued from his entanglement under a cactus in the Mojave desert. He was hungry, he was hurt, and he was the only survivor of a coyote attack on his mother and littermates. And so began 19 years of an amazing friendship, a deep and enduring love between man and cat built on mutual respect and caring. Mr. Johnson has written a wonderful and engaging book about their years together that readers -- especially anyone who has ever loved a cat -- will find impossible to put down.
February 28, 2020
Mojave ... bobcat ... kit fox ... What is not for me to like?
March 27, 2022
Uncanny relationship between a cat and his man. It's so unbelievable at times--at most times--that it couldn't possible be true. But you know it is.
Since the span of the book is many years--all the years of a life--the author had hundreds of funny, touching, scary and curious little episodes to choose from. It almost makes me wish I'd kept a "Winston diary" to record the life of my black cat Winston. From his curious entry into the family (the shelter wouldn't let us adopt a black cat right before Halloween, so we had to wait two weeks), to his clothes dryer episode and all his years of hunting outside, it would have made a good story. But not near as good as this one.
Since the span of the book is many years--all the years of a life--the author had hundreds of funny, touching, scary and curious little episodes to choose from. It almost makes me wish I'd kept a "Winston diary" to record the life of my black cat Winston. From his curious entry into the family (the shelter wouldn't let us adopt a black cat right before Halloween, so we had to wait two weeks), to his clothes dryer episode and all his years of hunting outside, it would have made a good story. But not near as good as this one.
April 18, 2021
Animal Lovers will Fall in Love
We inevitably live longer than our animals. This indeed is a special animal whom was treated as such. I knew the conclusion would happen and I had to read it through to the end: Loved this book and loved the animal. What a remarkable life this author has lived.
We inevitably live longer than our animals. This indeed is a special animal whom was treated as such. I knew the conclusion would happen and I had to read it through to the end: Loved this book and loved the animal. What a remarkable life this author has lived.
September 25, 2023
While I found the book enjoyable I felt bad for his lack of empathy towards the coyotes. They were not wanton killers as he described. They were displaced from their habitat when the vacant golf course was developed. Not to mention his tours through their habitat. They ate or would have eaten every kill they made per his description. Trooper also preyed on wild animals but the same level of dislike was not leveled towards his actions. Domestic cats, left to wander have a HUGE impact on the songbird population. Not siding with either predator...but let's be fair. The guinea fowl also roamed freely. If you set a buffet in front of hungry predators...expect them to help themselves. It is similar to those who leave trash or birdfeeders out and wonder why bears come around. Bring the buffet in at night and you can help eliminate these problems. Sadly once the wild animals are conditioned to feed in this manner it almost always ends up with the death of the wild animal as they learn to feast both day and night.
Candy coating the BLM's treatment of "feral" horses was also kind of disheartening. Not that the author had to "enlighten" the world...but to say they save these animals is just wrong. Kind of seemed like "city folks move to the country" mentality.
Candy coating the BLM's treatment of "feral" horses was also kind of disheartening. Not that the author had to "enlighten" the world...but to say they save these animals is just wrong. Kind of seemed like "city folks move to the country" mentality.
July 23, 2018
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Prefiro cães do que gatos porque sempre os achei mais fofinhos e leais. Mas depois de ler este livro fiquei com vontade de ter um. Esta história é real e emocionante. Parece o "Marley e eu" em versão gato.
Tudo começa quando o autor salva uma cria de lince no deserto e decide ficar com ele mas dando-lhe liberdade e a escolha de partir. É relatado as maneiras como Tropper convive com outros humanos e animais. A forma como ele aprende e desenvolve as suas capacidades e o seu instinto.A história é mesmo emocionante e o final de chorar mas é um livro imperdível . Para quem leu, a parte que eu mais gostei é quando o Tropper coloca o ursinho de peluche na água e na ração de modo a fazer parte dele. Mas uma das cenas que mais me emocionou é quando ele arranja um passáro morto e dá-lhe comida e tenta que ele voe, ou então, quando o autor está doente e Tropper traz-lhe animais pequenos mortos para ele melhorar.
Os animais são/dever ser muito importantes nas nossas vidas. Trazem-nos serenidade, alegria e objectivo. São simples e cuidam de nós.
Prefiro cães do que gatos porque sempre os achei mais fofinhos e leais. Mas depois de ler este livro fiquei com vontade de ter um. Esta história é real e emocionante. Parece o "Marley e eu" em versão gato.
Tudo começa quando o autor salva uma cria de lince no deserto e decide ficar com ele mas dando-lhe liberdade e a escolha de partir. É relatado as maneiras como Tropper convive com outros humanos e animais. A forma como ele aprende e desenvolve as suas capacidades e o seu instinto.A história é mesmo emocionante e o final de chorar mas é um livro imperdível . Para quem leu, a parte que eu mais gostei é quando o Tropper coloca o ursinho de peluche na água e na ração de modo a fazer parte dele. Mas uma das cenas que mais me emocionou é quando ele arranja um passáro morto e dá-lhe comida e tenta que ele voe, ou então, quando o autor está doente e Tropper traz-lhe animais pequenos mortos para ele melhorar.
Os animais são/dever ser muito importantes nas nossas vidas. Trazem-nos serenidade, alegria e objectivo. São simples e cuidam de nós.
February 5, 2020
Unforgettable
I had a very special friend who was 19 when he passed away in my arms. I don’t know who rescued who when he came to live with me from the Animal Rescue League. He had the most amazing crystal blue eyes and was bigger than a normal house cat. When he died, someone told me about the Rainbow Bridge, where our beloved pets wait for us to cross over. They will meet us at the foot of the bridge and cross over with us. I pray that is true for me and Max and for you and Trooper. Thank you for sharing his amazing story with us.
I had a very special friend who was 19 when he passed away in my arms. I don’t know who rescued who when he came to live with me from the Animal Rescue League. He had the most amazing crystal blue eyes and was bigger than a normal house cat. When he died, someone told me about the Rainbow Bridge, where our beloved pets wait for us to cross over. They will meet us at the foot of the bridge and cross over with us. I pray that is true for me and Max and for you and Trooper. Thank you for sharing his amazing story with us.
April 13, 2021
Outstanding read that fully incorporates the loving bond between this family and Trooper. What a wonderful gift to have had this rare opportunity.
January 10, 2024
A book that warms the heart, especially if you're a cat lover. Also, each chapter has got a quotation about cats, like one of my fave: “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats” ~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer
January 20, 2024
This is so adorable. I want a bobcat! Great story if you like bobcats, which you should. 4.4 stars
March 6, 2023
This is a true story of a man who rescued a bobcat as a kitten and raised him as a domestic cat. I would rate it higher, but the tone was that of a grade school reader. I would have liked to have read an adult version. This seemed really "dumbed down". I do think this would be a great book for a parent or teacher to read aloud to an elementary aged child. I feel like the book is too long for a younger child to read, and certainly too long to read in one setting. I do think if it was a book you returned to each day that it would hold a child's attention. If the tone was changed, it would be a great adult read. I was very disappointed that there were not any pictures of Trooper included.
March 17, 2024
A fun and entertaining book and informative, too. Johnson, the author, recounts the twenty years that he spent with Trooper the bobcat whom Johnson had adopted as the lone kitten survivor of a surmised coyote attack in the Nevada desert outside of Las Vegas. Trooper, while still and always being a wild cat, adapts to domestication and still demonstrates wild, instinctive behaviors. He protects his people, his territory in the desert, and has unexpected reactions to other animal life. The book has moments of wonder, amusement, as well as worry and sadness. Altogether an uplifting and enjoyable book.
December 1, 2019
Beautiful Friendship between Beast and Man
In the beginning of this true story, it seemed the lead character, Trooper, spent too much time in the background. Really, learning about the human characters proves as important to the telling as does the bobcat 's tale. It's about relationships...The whole desert full of life and death for wild as well as domesticated creatures. I loved this story with its authentic forms of inter-species communication. Read it. Johnson's and Trooper's story will bloom like rare cactus flowers and leave you just a little bittersweet.
In the beginning of this true story, it seemed the lead character, Trooper, spent too much time in the background. Really, learning about the human characters proves as important to the telling as does the bobcat 's tale. It's about relationships...The whole desert full of life and death for wild as well as domesticated creatures. I loved this story with its authentic forms of inter-species communication. Read it. Johnson's and Trooper's story will bloom like rare cactus flowers and leave you just a little bittersweet.
October 23, 2019
A fascinating tale
As a lover of cats (all kinds), I was mesmerized by the story of Trooper and his humans. Rescued from a cholla patch, the sole survivor of a coyote attack, grievously wounded, he was found by the author as a very young bobcat kitten. The story is touched with humor, excitement, love and loyalty. This book is for everyone but will be appreciated especially by animal lovers. Highly recommended!!
As a lover of cats (all kinds), I was mesmerized by the story of Trooper and his humans. Rescued from a cholla patch, the sole survivor of a coyote attack, grievously wounded, he was found by the author as a very young bobcat kitten. The story is touched with humor, excitement, love and loyalty. This book is for everyone but will be appreciated especially by animal lovers. Highly recommended!!
September 25, 2021
Excellent book about living with a bobcat. The book has some errors in it that distracted me as I read and I thought it needed a better proofreader. But the story was great, and the encounters that Trooper encountered were interesting. The owl in the hallway was spooky. It was great that he encountered Little Brother and brought him home to be his companion. It was so neat that he taught Brother so many things to live life as a cat, but Brother was never going to kill anything.
September 2, 2018
Wonderful story
The book was so well written and the story so good that I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cats. The story is so amazing and Trooper is so wonderful. You can live the story through the owner's eyes. I hope Little Brother had a wonderful life too.
The book was so well written and the story so good that I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cats. The story is so amazing and Trooper is so wonderful. You can live the story through the owner's eyes. I hope Little Brother had a wonderful life too.
October 27, 2018
Trooper is found caught in a bush by the author. Johnson takes him home and raises him for 19 years as a house pet. First of all, don't know why I read this as I absolutely do not like cats. He lets the cat in bed at night and tolerates things I would not tolerate from my children. His wife is a saint. No photos at all in book. Why?
December 4, 2019
A remarkable story!
Fascinating and very touching account of a special relationship between a cat and the human he owned. All the more fascinating since the cat was a bobcat and the two shared many adventures and communicated with each other without difficulty. I want a Trooper, too!
Fascinating and very touching account of a special relationship between a cat and the human he owned. All the more fascinating since the cat was a bobcat and the two shared many adventures and communicated with each other without difficulty. I want a Trooper, too!
January 2, 2020
Wow
This is an incredible story and very informational about a lot of animals, nature in the desert, etc. It shows how intelligent all creatures God makes can be and the bond between man and their pets. Definitely a great read.
This is an incredible story and very informational about a lot of animals, nature in the desert, etc. It shows how intelligent all creatures God makes can be and the bond between man and their pets. Definitely a great read.
February 4, 2020
Trooper
Stayed up till after midnight to finish. Tears flowing, but this story touched my heart and soul.
I have had many precious cats and dogs during my life. They are family! You never forget
Them. Thank you for a wonderful story.
Stayed up till after midnight to finish. Tears flowing, but this story touched my heart and soul.
I have had many precious cats and dogs during my life. They are family! You never forget
Them. Thank you for a wonderful story.
February 28, 2026
I was bothered by some aspects of this book. First Johnson (as he likes to be called) is a professional trail guide in Nevada, you would think he could tell the difference between a Wild Bobcat and a house cat?
The cat is trapped in a hollow cactus, he rescues the cat brings it to vet for medical treatment. The cat recovers and he has to make a decision, keep a wild predator as a pet or release him to the wild! The decision should have been to release him, not turn him into something he isn't!
Johnson's business starts to expand and he purchases a fleet of Hummers! A gas guzzling dangerous vehicle developed originally for the military.
The Bobcat Trooper moves into the family, and here's where it gets crazy, Trooper sees some women walking up the street with a cat- I think on a leash, Trooper attacks the cat and the fur flies. Johnson separates the animals and soothes the cat owner. Neither were seriously injured. But I had to think what if that had been a 2 year old child instead? To be fair it was never reported that he attacked a human. There were a number of escapades that were glossed over, Johnson was bitten on occasion and his shirt torn, This was glossed over. Trooper somehow let 5 squirrels enter the house to run around. Trooper also one time brought a large-live horned owl into the house! Once there were feathers scattered about because Trooper brought in 3 dead birds, which included a dove and pigeon! He later destroyed a cuckoo clock gifted them.
The Johnsons from returning home from a restaurant spotted foxes on the side of the road, of course they had to stop and feed them, and eventually 2 stray cats joined the party, where they were all fed on a regular basis until they adopted the cats
Don't get me wrong these are nice people. What bothered me the most is Johnson starting to ascribe human characteristics like logic , sincerity, ability to interpret thoughts were attributed to Trooper. They slept together, played together and bonded like brothers, they could read each other's thoughts, and gave each other advice? Johnson even claimbed a tree at Troopers request! I found the relationship a little over the top, yes people talk to their pets, love their pets like family, but the Johnsons took it to another level!
As much as he loved his Bob cat he hated coyotes, which are predators the same as Bob cats. At least 2 coyotes were shot and one was killed by Trooper. Coyotes were referred to as a reign of terror or terrorist. When in modern times statistics show that human attacks by Coyotes are very rare .Only 2 people killed in the US and Canada during modern times! on the other hand house cats kill a 1000 to 4500 annually, while dogs kill between 30-50 people annually. In 2021 80 people died of dog attacks! Much of the coyotes hunting grounds were taken over by developers contributing to aggressiveness. To Mr Johnson, there are good predators and bad predators. One of the Coyotes was killed because it attacked an African Guinea hen, these alien birds were allowed to run loose, tempting any wild predator! The Johnsons fed some of their pets outdoors, possibly tempting predators. I liked the cover photo but wish there were more pictures.
Johnson who never mentioned it is an author, writing a number of books.
The cat is trapped in a hollow cactus, he rescues the cat brings it to vet for medical treatment. The cat recovers and he has to make a decision, keep a wild predator as a pet or release him to the wild! The decision should have been to release him, not turn him into something he isn't!
Johnson's business starts to expand and he purchases a fleet of Hummers! A gas guzzling dangerous vehicle developed originally for the military.
The Bobcat Trooper moves into the family, and here's where it gets crazy, Trooper sees some women walking up the street with a cat- I think on a leash, Trooper attacks the cat and the fur flies. Johnson separates the animals and soothes the cat owner. Neither were seriously injured. But I had to think what if that had been a 2 year old child instead? To be fair it was never reported that he attacked a human. There were a number of escapades that were glossed over, Johnson was bitten on occasion and his shirt torn, This was glossed over. Trooper somehow let 5 squirrels enter the house to run around. Trooper also one time brought a large-live horned owl into the house! Once there were feathers scattered about because Trooper brought in 3 dead birds, which included a dove and pigeon! He later destroyed a cuckoo clock gifted them.
The Johnsons from returning home from a restaurant spotted foxes on the side of the road, of course they had to stop and feed them, and eventually 2 stray cats joined the party, where they were all fed on a regular basis until they adopted the cats
Don't get me wrong these are nice people. What bothered me the most is Johnson starting to ascribe human characteristics like logic , sincerity, ability to interpret thoughts were attributed to Trooper. They slept together, played together and bonded like brothers, they could read each other's thoughts, and gave each other advice? Johnson even claimbed a tree at Troopers request! I found the relationship a little over the top, yes people talk to their pets, love their pets like family, but the Johnsons took it to another level!
As much as he loved his Bob cat he hated coyotes, which are predators the same as Bob cats. At least 2 coyotes were shot and one was killed by Trooper. Coyotes were referred to as a reign of terror or terrorist. When in modern times statistics show that human attacks by Coyotes are very rare .Only 2 people killed in the US and Canada during modern times! on the other hand house cats kill a 1000 to 4500 annually, while dogs kill between 30-50 people annually. In 2021 80 people died of dog attacks! Much of the coyotes hunting grounds were taken over by developers contributing to aggressiveness. To Mr Johnson, there are good predators and bad predators. One of the Coyotes was killed because it attacked an African Guinea hen, these alien birds were allowed to run loose, tempting any wild predator! The Johnsons fed some of their pets outdoors, possibly tempting predators. I liked the cover photo but wish there were more pictures.
Johnson who never mentioned it is an author, writing a number of books.
November 10, 2024
I began this book with great curiosity as my own personal opinion is that humans should never keep wild animals as pets. I wasn't into it very far when I found myself thinking, "Well, what else could he have done?" The author, a naturalist and desert guide, found a tiny bobcat kitten alone, embedded in a cactus and crying for help. The area was surrounded by coyote footprints so it was obvious that mom and any siblings had been killed.
Mr. Johnson also had a hesitation to keep a wild animal as a pet but after the bobcat had been taken to a vet and healed up, he decided to take it home since it lacked training from a parent as to how to survive in the desert. So he decided to make the desert completely available to the kitten any time it wanted. He was in the unique situation of purchasing a ranch outside of Las Vegas that was fenced in but certainly not so high that as the kitten grew larger, he could have chosen to leave.
Trooper chose to come and go as he pleased for nineteen years. The more I read, the more I was drawn into his unique lifestyle and all of the adventures he and Mr. Johnson experienced. The most interesting to me was the revelation of the intelligence and logical thinking that a bobcat has. There is probably no other story quite like this in the world and I was so grateful that Mr. Johnson chose to tell his story.
Mr. Johnson also had a hesitation to keep a wild animal as a pet but after the bobcat had been taken to a vet and healed up, he decided to take it home since it lacked training from a parent as to how to survive in the desert. So he decided to make the desert completely available to the kitten any time it wanted. He was in the unique situation of purchasing a ranch outside of Las Vegas that was fenced in but certainly not so high that as the kitten grew larger, he could have chosen to leave.
Trooper chose to come and go as he pleased for nineteen years. The more I read, the more I was drawn into his unique lifestyle and all of the adventures he and Mr. Johnson experienced. The most interesting to me was the revelation of the intelligence and logical thinking that a bobcat has. There is probably no other story quite like this in the world and I was so grateful that Mr. Johnson chose to tell his story.
December 30, 2021
If you are an animal lover, you will love reading this true story told by Trooper’s best friend, Forrest. Forrest did such a great job of writing the details about what that experience must’ve been like living and owning a bobcat, learning the many things he had to learn to understand a bobcat versus a domesticated cat, let alone all of the other animals he and Trooper rescued and took care of throughout the years. It was so beautifully told and I read it in less than two days. My only complaint would be what I read from others, too, is that I wish it had had pictures in it. I know he said they tended to only take pictures when he was younger, like we tend to do with our children, but I still would’ve loved to have seen more pictures than just on the cover. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful memoir and heart felt story. I love any human that will go above and beyond to rescue and help our animals on this planet. Forrest certainly helped and saved many and was blessed with having Trooper for 19 years.
September 10, 2019
A cute animal pet tale. I enjoyed many of the stories, but also felt like the author was one of *those* parents - whose child is the most intelligent most precocious child in the world. No doubt I've told similar unbelievable stories about my parrots. I did not believe some of the accounts of Trooper's amazing abilities, and one story toward the end was too fanciful for me. It was sad to read about the desert disappearing to make way for development but overall I liked the Nevada setting.
I'm sure having a pet bobcat was an amazing experience and that the author and his wife greatly missed him when he died. (And he does die, but after a long and healthy life. No dramatic death a la wildlife TV shows.)
I wanted photos!
I'm sure having a pet bobcat was an amazing experience and that the author and his wife greatly missed him when he died. (And he does die, but after a long and healthy life. No dramatic death a la wildlife TV shows.)
I wanted photos!
July 26, 2019
Being a self-professed cat lover and a pushover for all feel good animal stories, this book was no exception and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I wish it had contained some photos of Trooper because honestly how often do you see a domesticated bobcat, but despite that I liked the book. I was amused by the humorous situations Trooper got himself into, found the facts about cat behavior and animal behavior in general as well as information about the desert interesting, and became completely involved in Trooper's life story; by the end and Trooper's death I was definitely a little misty-eyed. Overall, it was a quick, easy and entertaining read and I'd absolutely recommend it to animal lovers, especially cat lovers!
January 20, 2022
Great story. I am Reid's wife and we have a feral cat that was put out on the back lot of our home. Over the period of a year pulse I have named the cat Grayson. He has big bright green eyes and started coming up on our back porch to eat dry cat food I was putting out for him. Long story short he comes and sits in my lap and butts his head against mine to say hello. Of course I cried all the way through the
ending. I will certainly recommend this book to all my cat loving friends.
And on these cold nights in middle Georgia Grayson has slept inside for two night's.
ending. I will certainly recommend this book to all my cat loving friends.
And on these cold nights in middle Georgia Grayson has slept inside for two night's.
October 18, 2023
This was a cozy read, the kind of book to snuggle under a blanket and enjoy! This is the story of man and his pet bobcat. Before you think, "that's not allowed!" know that this book begins in 1987, before many of the new laws restricting this sort of ownership became law. He also raises this cat with much freedom and care, right on the edge of the desert in Nevada. This was, indeed, a heartwarming tale! They had such a beautiful friendship and love like any other cat owner knows. 🐱 This story has lovely tales of other animal encounters, as well. If you love cat books, this is a highly enjoyable read about an unusual pet and how he changed so many lives. I recommend this book!
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