Our Loyal Friends

A dog, a cat, a horse, a caged bird, or even a little duckling... How often they become our most loyal friends. In old houses, in noisy courtyards, and in zoos—everywhere next to humans live our "smaller brothers," who require not only food and shelter but, above all, understanding and kindness. In this collection, Russian writers and poets—from Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov to Sasha Chorny and Daniil Kharms—narrate with amazing tenderness and sometimes a sad smile about their four-legged or feathered heroes. You will see so much on these pages! Together with the heroes, the reader will race on an imaginary horse, save an unprotected kitten from dogs, and understand why it is so important to let a hand-raised swan go free at the right time. There is always room for wisdom, courage, and compassion for animals here.