Lives on Earth

animals

  • Prickles, Thorns, Spines, Hooks

    Something is odd about the thorns on rose bushes. I noticed it when I was trimming the plants in the yard. To get at the inner twigs, I reached in and down while avoiding most of the barbs, then snipped… Continue reading

  • Animals and the Law: More Like Persons Or Property?

    At the beginning of her article “Are Animals ‘Things’?: The law evolves” (Harvard Magazine, March-April 2016), Cara Feinberg tells the story of a Texas couple whose family dog ran off and ended up in a shelter. The couple found him… Continue reading

  • Beavers, Humans, and Evolution

    Despite the links of many kinds between us and our animal ancestors, the obvious ways in which we are unique remain striking. Unlike any other species, we talk a lot, we learn by listening, we hold meetings, we make plans,… Continue reading

  • The Family Dog Dies

    After growing weaker each day for a week, no longer eating or drinking, her ribs visible from weight loss, her look glassy and, I thought, a little frightened, and no wag at all in her tail, Ginger was put to… Continue reading

  • My New Heart Valve Has a Serial Number

    My first surprise came the day before my aortic valve was to be replaced. My wife and I met with the surgeon. He explained that he would be inserting a cow valve—and by that he meant not an actual valve… Continue reading