How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals

by Sy Montgomery

What have animals taught me about life? How to be a good creature.

and later in the tame suburbs, I knew there was a vivid, green, breathing world out there, bustling

also raised his tail and excreted a sizable watery mass.

New Hampshire Public Radio. We hoped that all the little guy needed was some warmth, some love, and a reprieve from hungry brothers and sisters who pushed him away from the food. But we had never raised a pig before. In fact, other

held out a watermelon rind or a chocolate donut or an empty hand to rub behind his ear—Christopher welcomed you with grunts of good cheer. No wonder everyone adored him. Studying at the cloven feet of this porcine Buddha every day, I could not help but learn from a master how to revel in and savor this world’s abundance: the glow of warm sun on skin, the joy of playing with children. Also, his big heart, and huge body,

helped give me a home. And after my parents had disowned me, out of an assortment of unrelated, unmarried

so much better, I’d never before given spiders much

gorgeous. The ermine’s fur was the purest white I had ever

my chicken. Like my friend had done with the first

in the flock was remarkably affectionate. After I had moved their headquarters from my office

her hand as she fearlessly breathed her last. Since the

loaned me her dog superpowers—powers I did not myself

animals with whom we’d shared our vibrant youth

Chris’s appreciation for the best things in life—gentle touch, loving company, and chocolate donuts—continued

the curtains. At other times, she would fluff them, a