Ask anyone who knows me - I’m a sucker for animals. I can’t walk past a cat or (non-snarly) dog without patting it, I’m forever forwarding emails of dehydrated koalas or tigers raising piglets, and the slow loris video almost did me in.
So I started thinking today - what were some animals from fiction that I really loved? I can’t call it a TOP ten, because I absolutely know I’ll be missing some, but here are some of the animals I’ve really loved in fiction.
1. Charlotte, the grey spider from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. As wise and kind as she was matter-of-fact, Charlotte was a great friend, always boosting a pig’s bruised ego when he needed it, without being afraid to tell it like it was. She commanded respect, and in turn treated those around her accordingly. She was very loving, and very loyal. Also, she could spin a mean web.
2. Wilbur, the pig from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Underneath a tendency toward vanity, self-pity and self-indulgence, Wilbur was a fine, strong pig. He was often impulsive and impetuous, but these are the follies of youth, and with the guidance of a friend like Charlotte in those key formative times, sure to be outgrown. When push came to shove, Wilbur found himself to be stronger than he could have believed, and learned that he was, indeed, some pig.
3. The Doubtful Guest from Amphigorey by Edward Gorey. Can I count the Doubtful Guest as an animal? I’m going to, anyway. The Doubtful Guest is…well, sort of a wild-eyed, furry penguin wearing high-top sneakers and a long, striped scarf. He rushes into the house of good and sensible people, and, beginning with standing with his nose against the wall and refusing to leave, essentially turns their lives upside down while they helplessly look on. A most contrary creature, I like to think of the Doubtful Guest as sort of a metaphor - a physical manifestation of the phrase ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Nothing is within our control. Expect the unexpected. Hey look, a hairy penguin thing just ran in. Etc.
4. Hobbes from the Calvin & Hobbes comic by Bill Watterson. Yes, I know he’s technically a stuffed animal, but that’s only because we’re grown ups, and the harsh reality of life has sucked us dry and killed our imaginations, replacing our once fertile landscapes of optimism and possibility with a barren, scorching desert of adulthood, with the only silver lining being the promise of eventual death beckoning on the horizon. Anyway, Hobbes was Calvin’s vesy best friend and confidante, always ready with sage advice, and a wise word, but always willing to join in the fun, help take the blame, and make it all up as they went along.
5. All of the insects from James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. James is a little boy in serious need of some hope and companionship. His parents were brutally killed (by a rhinoceros, at that), he has no friends, and is an orphan in the care of his two horrible Aunts, who beat, neglect and otherwise shockingly abuse him. Through a series of incredible adventures, magic and luck, he comes to meet a posse of oversized insects, who are by turns musical, wise, loving, crotchety, fun-loving, and above all, kind. The insects like James immdiately, are delighted to meet him, and treat him the way he deserves.
6. Goopy and Bagha, the Plentimaw fishes from Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. (Get it? “There’s Plentimaw fish in the sea?”) What’s not to like? Goopy and Bagha are inseparable environmentalists, cautionary tales and advocates of the ocean, racing alongside Haroun’s boat and speaking in rhyme, as a pair, consistently. They’re capable and efficient, knowledgeable tour guides, friendly and admirable.
7. Pigwidgeon, Ron Weasley’s pet owl from the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling. Owls aren’t just pets in the wizarding world; they are companions, family members, and most importantly, messengers. Owls carry wizards’ and witches’ mail back and forth. An important role, and one which ensures most owls (including Harry’s own Hedwig) maintain a dignified air of grace, commanding respectability. Pigwidgeon (’Pig’ for short) on the other hand, is a clumsy, undersized, runty ball of fluff, forever cartwheeling into things, emitting muffled squeaks of indignation, dropping things and the like. He is a decidedly undignified owl, totally endearing and perfect for Ron Weasley, who often has an unfortunate tendency toward the ridiculous himself.
8. Jonathan from Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach I could likely not be accused of hippiedom, but I really loved this story. Jonathan is a seagull with curiosity, ambition and aspirations. He wants to fly higher, farther, longer than any seagull before, sea everything there is to see, and sets about doing just that. Despite disappointment at initial failures, he perseveres and keeps doing exactly what feels right to him. The book is pretty heavy with brick-to-the-head obvious symbolism, but much like Le Petit Prince, The Alchemist or Candide, it’s a beautiful, simple story about an individual finding one’s way in the world as best as he can.
8. Bodger from The Incredibly Journey by Sheila Burnford After a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Bodger the English Bull Terrier ends up lost and far from home. Along with his pals Tao (TAY-oh, the Siamese Cat) and Luath (a Golden Retriever), Bodger sets out on a truly remarkable journey to get back to his people and his home. The trip face many obstacles and hardships on the way, and none show more courage, patience, affection and love than Bodger. Bodger is old, a senior citizen, and nearly blind in one eye, but plods along as best he can, helping his friends and making his way, little by little. He loves people, especially children, and is among the dearest characters in any book I’ve read. I think I would cry, still, if I reread this book today.
So, tell me. I know I’m missing countless animals. Tell me, who would you include? Lassie? Black Beauty? Old Yeller? What fictional animals have you grown to love throughout the course of a good read?
