
Chapter One. - Cats.
Chapter Two. - Dogs.
Chapter Three. - Horses. - The Mare and her Foal.
Chapter Four. - Donkeys.
Chapter Five. - Elephants.
Chapter Six. - Oxen.
Chapter Seven. - Savage and other Animals. - The Lion and his Keeper.
Chapter Eight. - Birds.
The collection gathers a series of charming anecdotes that argue animals are capable of more than simple instinct. With a focus on familiar companions—cats and dogs—the narrator invites listeners to reconsider the quiet intelligence that surfaces in everyday moments. Lighthearted yet thoughtful, each tale highlights how reason can emerge when creatures face unfamiliar challenges.
One favorite story follows a clever house‑cat named Deb, who learns to manipulate the front‑door knocker after being shut out repeatedly. By patiently watching the rhythm of human arrivals, she discovers how a well‑timed tap summons a servant, eventually mastering the technique herself. This and other delightful examples illustrate perseverance, imitation, and surprising problem‑solving, offering listeners both amusement and a gentle reminder of the subtle wit that lives beside us.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (269K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
Oct 17, 2007
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1880
Known for thrilling sea stories and boys’ adventure novels, he drew on his years in Portugal and his practical knowledge of seafaring to create a world of voyages, danger, and discovery. His first boys’ book, Peter the Whaler, launched a remarkably productive career.
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