Paw Tracks in the Moonlight

Paw Tracks #1

by Denis O'Connor, Richard Morris (Illustrator)

When Denis O'Connor rescues a three-week-old kitten from certain death during a snowstorm, little does he know how this tiny creature will change his life forever. Against all odds the kitten - who he names Toby Jug - survives and forms an unusually strong bond with his rescuer.Set against the rural splendour of Northumberland, Paw Tracks in the Moonlight charmingly chronicles the adventures of one man and his Maine Coone cat. From an invasion of bees at Owl Cottage to the case of the disappearing tomatoes, life with Toby Jug - who believes himself to be human - is never dull. Nevertheless, it is only when Denis and Toby Jug embark on a summer camping trip on horseback in the Cheviot Hills that a new world opens up for them both.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Cats, Memoir, Biography, British Literature, Biography Memoir

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Denis O'Connor trained as a psychologist and teacher. Throughout his career he taught in schools and lectured in colleges and universities. He is retired and lives with his wife Catherine and his two Maine Coon cats in a remote country cottage in Northumberland.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is featured on Throwback Thursday @ https://readrantrockandroll.wordpress...

I first noticed this book after my friend Leila was reading it on Goodreads and then I noticed that Luis Carlos Montalvan had rated it highly and reviewed it as well. I got online and ordered a copy and was pleasantly surprised to obtain a signed copy. I’m so happy to have found this gem of a book! It’s one of the best cat stories I’ve read.

This book is the true story of Toby Jug, a Maine Coone kitten rescued at the age of three weeks old from the barren winter by the author, Denis O’Connor. The book highlights the author’s experience with trying to save Toby Jug with limited resources and knowledge. Denis O’Connor shares the story of the relationship they build together over the course of a year and beyond.

Toby Jug proved to be a unique cat who was both curious and adventurous but remained loyal to Denis throughout his life. I loved reading about their adventures together, including car rides and walks through the garden. It reminded me of my own cats and the time that we spend together outside when I come out into their world and the unique relationship we can have with animals if we only let them lead the way. Not only that, I admired the way the author describes the countryside in Northumberland, England, and at their place of residence, Owl Cottage. It’s quite fascinating and I began to reflect on how much I appreciate the seasons as each season from Toby Jug’s first winter, spring, summer, and fall is described in beautiful detail. All of their adventures together from an infiltration of bees into Owl Cottage, to riding horseback through the countryside are described in this book. When reading, parts of the book seemed boring, but they really aren’t if you take the time to appreciate the beautiful prose. The ending of Toby Jug’s life is saved for the epilogue and can be skipped entirely if desired.

I do plan on reading the next two books in the series. My rating on this book is 5-stars.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me personally, this is one of the most moving books I have read in a long time, though I feel it isn't for everyone. It is autobiographical in content. Lovers of the countryside, animals and cats in particular are the most likely readers of this book. The author has written a gentle,genuine, detailed and intimate portrait covering a portion of his life. It is a true story. Set in Northumberland in the North of England quite close to where I live...the author shares his life with a tiny Maine Coon kitten he rescues from near death in the depths of winter. His descriptions of the rural surroundings throughout the seasons are beautiful. His tender relationship with his beloved cat throughout the book is something really special. I took my time reading this exquisite story as there was so much to appreciate. The cover of the book attracted me too. I smiled, laughed and shed tears while reading this book. I will for sure read it again and also will read this author's other books too. I recommend it most highly.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Paw Tracks in the Moonlight" will tug at your heart and paw at your soul. Toby Jug and Denis share a love that is otherworldly and yet so close to home.

[Kerrie Sakura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often cry at books, but I wept at this one. And then I went and hugged my own cat.
It's definitely worth reading though. Toby Jug was a special cat (and like all cats would relish his story being told) who brought a lot of happiness into the world. That's what made it worth reading, for me - even though it made me sob, it's a lovely reminder that animals can't stay with us forever, but we're lucky that we get the time with them that we do.

Now, go and hug your cat.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Love of a Cat

This is a difficult review to write as I still have tears in my eyes, but anyone who ever had a special pet they befriended in life would understand my reaction to this book. This isn’t a book with action or romance, but some of the sweetest most wonderful days I can imagine were spent by Denis O’Connor in the historic Owl Cottage with his little rescue cat Toby Jug.

I found Mr. O’Connor’s words soothing and sometimes amusing, but this was the book I chose to read before nodding off to sleep since the imagery was so kind and lovely.

A lonely professor saved a dying kitten and nursed him to health and for twelve years they were inseparable companions. To tell you any more you take away your opportunity to read this lovely story and spend time with Denise and Toby Jug too. It was a five star heart breaker.

[Eti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Трогателна, емоционална и истинска история за началото на живота на едно чудесно коте...
Но финалът трябваше да го пропусна. Трябваше да усетя какво следва... Той направо ме съсипа! Защото през цялото време си представях Гугъл, моето черно-бяло котараче 🦝 (което също понякога прилича на миеща мечка, но от по-дебеличките)

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this delightful tale about Dennis and Toby Jug.

Who would think that a book with very little else happening apart from the relationship between a slightly eccentric character and his cat would be so interesting. A very gentle paced story that I really looked forward to picking up, and losing myself, to find out what was happening.

It very much reminded me whilst reading of Noodle. We, as a family, were living in Saudi Arabia for a 4 year posting with my husbands job. Sneak was a semi ferile female cat living on our compound who had litter after litter and was looking awful, scabby, skinny and very Ill. Sneak would parade her kittens along the streets for the residents to see as she knew we would bring out food and water and milk for her and the kittens. She appeared friendly until you got too close to the kittens and then she'd attack . We all knew the rules and stuck by them if we wanted to see them. The PAWS representative on the compound couldn't catch her in time between pregnancies to have her spayed for her own health and benefit so it was decided to catch her when she'd had her latest litter.

She was caught but 2 of the kittens had been moved and could not be found. We had one of the 3 found. At the time he was only 4 weeks old and we had to prepare ourselves for the possibility that he wouldn't make it. I had to sleep with him snuggled into my neck and hair and wake up to feed him evaporated milk from a pen lid. I can tell you I was exhausted and after 2 days didn't think I could continue for much longer without a good nights sleep and getting up at 5.30am to get the kids to school. Luckily for all of us he finally got the idea and drank from a saucer.

Noodle went on to become quite a character on the compound. Loved by some and served ASBO's by others as he believed he had rights to all villas and any pet food lying around. He loved to attack adults legs as they walked and loved children so much he would seek them out. He would follow the children to school and walk with us wherever we walked. He would even happily sit on the front seat of the car for a drive.

I would get phone calls to say that he was shopping in the supermarket or in the library and then the bus would drop him off back home.

When we finally had to return to the UK we were afraid he wouldn't last long with the traffic as he didn't know about how the outside world ran. He was used to walking wherever and resting if he felt in the middle of the road. If a car came by it would drive around him.

It's been 2 months and so far he's still ok. I just hope it stays that way.

But I digress ... Back to my review. I actually laughed and cried during the course of reading and so glad that Newbooks sent me this one to review. However I had previously purchased the kindle version for 99p earlier in the year but had forgotten about it so am pleased that I received this book to review as I don't know when I'd have remembered to read my kindle version.

I think it's still currently on a special 99p purchase on Amazon and I highly recommend it especially to any cat lover out there.

[Redfox5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a cat person. I have had cats since the age of 3 and I can't imagine not having a cat in my life. This book ticked lots of boxes for me. Kitten rescued from near death, the love and joy you get from a cat, tales of mishaps with all the traits cat owners will recognise from their own furry friends.

I would have liked to have known Toby Jug, he seemed like a character. I loved following him through the first year of his life as he got stronger. Owl cottage seems like a lovely place to live. The way Denis describes his garden makes it sound wonderful, makes me want to plant a bunch of fruit trees in my garden!

I'm also glad I don't have a chimney as what happened with the bees sounds horrific! I don't think I could have coped with that!

This was written in 2004 but is set in the sixties so as a reader we know that Toby Jug is no longer around but this doesn't make it any less heartbreaking when your reach the final chapter. I lost my cat Jake who was 18 this year and it just made me think of that so I was balling my eyes out at the end. Cats really do leave pawprints all over your heart, even when they are no longer around. This is one for the cat lovers. I loved it.

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this around 5:30 or 6:00 am this morning when I could not sleep and it is excellent. His descriptive writing about that area is amazing and you will enjoy it very much I am sure. Toby Jug was a very unusual cat and he eventually finds out why and it is a surprise. I want to tell you but I don't want to ruin anything.

I would give this book six stars if I could and it deserves six stars by someone who can write a good review that it deserves.

I am sorry it is over. I should have read slower.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because there's nothing tacky about it and there's no bad language or sex in it. It is a good, clean read. (It has given me hope that creative writing without sex or swearing in it is still published!)

The book is a bit slow in parts however. The style of writing is clear, but a little dry and boring in parts. Nevertheless there were some quirky bits and what I loved most is Denis O'Conor's tenderness for his pet, and it reveals how people long for something to fill "emotionally sterile gaps" in their life as he put it.

The only thing I found puzzling was the author's spirituality which seemed mixed up. The author obviously had a spiritual side to his personality, but it seemed to flit from omens, pagan talk to the trees, visit to church at Christmas, to believing in "animal spirits", so I found it difficult to pick-up the mixed messages about where he stood spiritually, but I could overlook this as part of his individuality.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first saw this book on GoodReads as a giveaway (I did not win one). When my local library got it, my name was the first on the list. As a lifelong cat lover (as well as other animals) I could not wait to read. If you have ever had a deep bond with a cat, then you must read this book. AS I read the first page, I knew I was in trouble. I knew I could not put down until finished and I didn't. Toby Jug and Denis O'Connor will melt your heart and put great big smiles on your face. Then along the way and as Toby Jug grows up, he finds many, many adventures, some will make your pulse race and feel as if your heart is in your throat. Sadly, as we all know no one lives forever and the last chapter will have tears running down your cheeks and sobs from you. What abeautiful relationship these two had and the memories he will always have of Toby Jug. This book, Toby Jug and Denis O'Connor will also remain in my heart and mind forever.

[Irena Milanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Може да звучи ужасно пристрастно, но като потомствен коткар оценявам книжлето изцяло по сантиментално достойнство, а не по стилистично. Разплака ме на няколко пъти, разсмя ме още толкова, значи безспорно ме е докоснало по тънката струна на котколюбивата ми душица. А и без бой си признавам, че подобен род четива, които карат коткофилията ми да избуява, са ми слабост, така че... :3 *отива да намачка котарака* ❤

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. I read this whole, sweet gem, of a book with a smile on my face, through every page, every section. Any animal lover would take to this book, especially lovers of our feline friends. You will fall in love with the cat, whose name is Toby Jug. A Maine Coon breed.

The true story takes place in England, which was a treat in itself. The descriptions of the countryside, the ancient buildings and homes, the quiet fields, the ponds and streams. Written through each season Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Also the book includes illustrated pages of the adventures the author had with his beloved pet, Toby. It has a tough ending so be prepared for that.

My favorite line from the book, that I found most moving was..."I found Toby Jug to be extraordinarily clever, which was all the more surprising in view of his traumatic start in life...A great deal of what made Toby Jug so exceptional was that, although I knew him well in so many ways, there were things about him that remained a mystery to me. This is what made our friendship fascinating....This book is testament to the fulfillment of my promise and to the enduring love of cats that was Toby Jug's legacy to me."

[Irena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Прочетох тази книга на един дъх.
Отношенията между котката и човекът, влюбен в нейния смел, самостоятелен, неимоверно привлекателен характер не подлежат на описание. Въпреки това Денис О’Конър е успял да създаде трогателно и драматично произведение за живота си с Тоби Джъг, котарак от породата Мейн Кун. Историята започва със спасяването на котето като непрогледнало бебе и разказва за неговото превръщане в истински котарак. В това време неговият стопанин минава през терзания и тревоги с нежност, неистова грижовност и сгряваща любов. Този текст ми е много близък и мога да твърдя, че е най-доброто описание на ежедневните вълнения, колебания и радости на притежателя на това удивително прекрасно, егоистично, грациозно, безстрашно и любвеобилно същество – котката.
Красивата природа на графство Нортъмбърланд не съществува сама по себе си, а за да я открие и да и се радва котаракът Тоби Джъг.
Малката, но изумително задушевна книжка ме убеди още веднъж в правилността на решението ми преди десет години да се преместя от големия град и да заживея сред природата с моите единадесет котки и техните верни пазачи – кучетата ми.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my mother in the nursing home, and she enjoyed it a lot. It recounts the rescue of the kitten and his first year. The author is a British psychologist and he is very British. It is an enjoyable story especially if you are a cat person. My mother who cannot have a pet had Toby Jug for a pet as long as I was reading it to her.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite kind of book to read! Beautiful setting in a foreign country, human and a rescued animal, adventures, flora and fauna! I just loved this book and the little cat!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho scoperto questo libro per caso cercando un gatto in copertina e mi si è aperto il mondo di Toby jug e del suo "padrone", ma direi più amico e compagno di avventure Denis. La trama potrebbe essere scontata al prima vista, il gatto trovatello, unico sopravvissuto della nidiata dopo che la madre è morta che viene accudito da un ragazzo solo.
Ma Toby jug non è un gatto "normale", agli occhi di Denis e anche ai nostri per come ce lo descrive è un super gatto che vive e fa vivere delle avventure incredibili, conosce e fa conoscere a Denis un sacco di persone e migliora la sua vita in tutti o sensi facendolo aprire al mondo. La fine di Toby sopraggiunge in modo tragico e inaspettato e anche questo cambia la vita al nostro Denis che chiude il libro con la possibilità di un'altra storia
A me che sono un po' gattofila è piaciuto tanto, ho riso per le cose buffe che succedono ai protagonisti e ho versato una lacrimuccia per la fine di Toby e il cambiamento che ha generato in Denis.
Ho scoperto che Denis ha scritto davvero altri racconti di "Toby nella brocca" che leggerò sicuramente
Una lettura scorrevole e leggera che di presta per delle serate un po'uggiose

[Didka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Боже, тази книга буквално ме разби в последните си страници! Но трябва да се чете само от хора, които някога са имали домашен любимец и обичат животните, другите просто няма да я разберат...

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paw Prints in the Moonlight tells the story of Toby Jug, a diminutive and charming Maine Coon cat rescued by the author as a tiny kitten, after its mother was hit by a car. From infancy, Toby Jug was an unusual cat, small but curious, cheerful, affectionate, and adventurous. His loyalty to the author was strong enough that Mr. O'Connor was able to take him on walks (usually but not always wearing a harness) and car rides. Toby Jug even accompanied the author on a horseback camping trip -- a memorable outing for man, cat, and horse.

Toby Jugs' adventures didn't stop there. He absconded with tomatoes from a neighbor's conservatory, had a run-in with foxhounds, and, with the author, endured a massive swarm of bees within the cottage. Through it all, he remained a loving and faithful companion.

Mr. O'Connor's deep love for Toby Jug shines through on every page of this memoir. His slightly formal, almost old-fashioned writing style seems oddly appropriate to both the story and the setting: England's Northumberland and in particular the author's home, Owl Cottage. If you hate pet memoirs in which the pet dies, O'Connor has thoughtfully put that section in an epilogue which you can skip if you prefer.

I enjoyed this book more than Cleo: How An Uppity Cat Helped Heal a Family, in part because there is far less tragedy in it, and because Toby Jug is such a charmer. I'd recommend Paw Prints in the Moonlight to those who enjoyed Dewey and Homer's Odyssey. You'll find yourself wishing you had your own Toby Jug!


Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author O'Connor tracks through snow in the darkest of winter nights to rescue an injured cat. When he finds her he also finds her two kittens. At the veterinarian's office he watches as both the mother and the babies are on the verge of dying. But one kitten tugs at his heart so much that he takes it home, against the veterinarian's advice because he believes the kitten will be dead by morning.

The kitten does not die overnight and so begins the life and love between a very tiny cat and a man with a great deal of compassion. Each day that the author comes home from work he worries that his small kitten will have succumbed but each day is brighter as the tiny feline fights to survive. Once he is out of the woods the adventures begin.

As you read this story you will find yourself near tears a few times or with a smile on your face as the tiny kitten begins explore the new world it has arrived in.

Anyone who loves animals will enjoy this book, especially the cat lovers.

PS-You have to read the book to find out the kitten's name as it is quite unusual and the story as to how he came by that name is fun.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really, really, really, REALLY wanted to like this book. The cover is adorable and the premise sounds purr-fectly delightful, but the author's writing style was too much for me. It was too focused on describing the idyllic-ness of his cabin, too effusive in delighting in nature, and too slow for me to continue reading. I had this book lying next to my bed for WEEKS as I tried to get myself to just get through one more description of his written commune with nature, and couldn't get past page 50. Even though I won this as a giveaway, I have to be honest about my thoughts. I would love to learn more about his relationship with his cat and how his cat overcomes his difficult beginnings - but the writing style just killed this book for me. After more than a month had gone by, and the sense of dread I felt every time I LOOKED at the cover, I gave up on finishing this book.

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Denis returns home from work to find a mother cat in a trap. What follows the rescue is a mad dash to the vet to try to save the mother and her kittens. Only one kitten survives and it takes a fight from both kitty and Denis. Kitty earns the name of Toby Jug and soon becomes the author's most beloved companion.

I enjoyed this story. It was sweet and heartwarming. There weren't any big surprises and gripping plots, just a feel good story about the love he found for his little friend. It's a story that my son will enjoy as much as I did.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet book about a man's relationship with a kitten he rescues and then keeps as a pet. However I later discovered that this is a true story. I couldn't quite understand why the author felt it necessary to write this book at all. He has some pompous and pretentious ideas about animals and nature and the descriptions of his relationship with his cat became a little uncomfortable knowing that the events were all factual. Just a bit odd. Another free Kindle read that I'm glad I didn't pay for.

[Ellen Pilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story of a man and his cat. The author found his cat as a starved kitten back in the 1960's and tells the story of how he saved him and all the adventures they had together. At the end, he writes of a message a medium gave him long after, Toby Jugg had passed away and I found this very reassuring. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever been owned by a cat.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvelous book!! Well-written and most enjoyable story of a very special cat named Toby Jug! A must for all cat people and Anglophiles!

[Profumo Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assolutamente delizioso! Una lettura che fa bene al cuore, che parla di anime belle, bipedi e quadrupedi. E che dire dell'ambientazione....cottage, campagna inglese, neve e buoni sentimenti, tutto quello che vorrei...

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me ugly cry both times I read it.

[Yoana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Изключително мила история, подходяща за всички котколюбители 🐈 Shed a few tears near the end 🥲

[Sandy Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good sad at the end

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very nice, but also so sad. I love animals and see how they affect people.