Why are we
so in love with our finned, feathered and four-legged friends? How and when did
this passion develop and how has our relationship with our pets changed over
time?
These
questions and more are captivatingly explored and portrayed in Creature Comforts: New Zealanders and their
pets – an illustrated history by Nancy Swarbrick.
‘I set out
to gain some understanding of why New Zealanders are so fond of their animal
companions by tracing the development of pet culture in this country. I define
“pet” very broadly to include companion animals of all kinds,’ says author
Nancy Swarbrick.
Creature Comforts sheds lights on the different kinds of
relationship we have had with our pets and how this has changed over time: from
pets in the settler home and pre-European Maori pet keeping to today’s view of
pets as one of the family.
‘Because
of New Zealand’s geographical isolation animals were important in helping to
adjust to a new life – both Maori and Pakeha brought animals with them,’ says
Nancy Swarbrick.
Illustrated
with beautiful and intriguing photographs and artworks – many of which have
never been published before – and filled with colourful, quirky anecdotes, the
book reveals the delight we have always taken in our companion animals.
‘There are
some serious issues for readers to ponder, but at the same time, the book celebrates
the lighter, if not peculiar, side of our passion for pets,’ says Nancy
Swarbrick.
‘One of my
favourite stories is of the “chief rodent control officer” at the workshop of
the National Publicity Studios: a cat by the name of Mr Moggs, who had held his
position since the mid-1950s … . By 1967 Mr Moggs’s duties were evidently light
– no rats had been seen in years – but he was a favourite with the staff and
even had his name on the telephone list.’
Creature Comforts is both wonderfully entertaining and informative
– the development of pet culture in New Zealand has never before been so richly
documented.
Creature Comforts: New Zealanders and
their pets – an illustrated history
By
Nancy Swarbrick
ISBN
978 1 877578-61-8, $55
OtagoUniversityPress
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