Meetings With Remarkable Animals

by Martin Clunes

Pre-order these stories of the bravery and loyalty behind the animal recipients of the Dickin and PDSA Gold Medals, from national treasure Martin Clunes

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Irena Pasvinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like reading about animals, among other topics, but this book was a must read for another reason: truth be told, I'm a devoted fan of Martin Clunes (not exactly a die-hard Clunatic, but still, somewhere on the Clunatic spectrum;)). Not being British, I stumbled upon the hilarious medical adventures of indomitable Doc Martin only sometime by the 8th season, but I've been following Martin Clunes's past and present artistic endeavors ever since. Of course, as part of this quest I had already read his previous book A Dog's Life , published in 2008 -- it was an informative and enjoyable read, a peculiar mix of personal memoir and canine tales.


Martin Clunes and his Terrier Jim on his annual Buckham Fair , a vintage family fair , Beaminster, Buckham Down, West Dorset, UK, 2018. (Image credit:Millifanti, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

This new book is a kaleidoscope of fascinating and moving stories about -- well, just as it's promised in the title -- about meetings with remarkable animals, and about the many ways these animals become indispensable to us humans, helping us to live and even to survive, often without realizing the dangers we subject them to.

Some of these animal encounters were completely new to me, and the prize for the most unexpected protagonist goes to African giant pouched rats, who are trained to help locating landmines and detecting tuberculosis.


Siem Reap - Apopo mine clearing demonstration with rats, 2024. (Image credit: Ellywa, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

I've heard about horse therapy before but never understood what it was really about and what was so special about it. If you want to find out how horse therapy can change lives, read the book.;)


Horse therapy. (Image credit: Prof. Carola Dillenburger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Among the many animal heroes of this book there are horses, rats, pigeons etc., but, not surprisingly, dogs take the center stage: guide dogs, police dogs, acting dogs (yes, Doc Martin's fans will not be left without their fix of Doc Martin's dog stories). I'll never see a guide dog on the street again without thinking about the guide-dog who led her human charge out of the World Trade Center on September 11th, and this is only one of the many unforgettable guide-dog encounters in the book.


Service dog in public. (Image credit: flickr, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

P.S. For those who, like me, enjoy listening to audiobooks, the audiobook version of "Meetings With Remarkable Animals", obviously narrated by Martin Clunes himself, is a delightful treat.

Read in 2024.

[Phoebe Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes. Exactly why I want to study the human animal bond

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely read. Thankfully for me, due to work and life commitments you can pick it up and leave it for a few weeks/months.

[Miles Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible so wonderful cheeky Dr Martin really shines through.
Pure love of animals.
Martin Clunes is truely gifted.

[Kim Arrowsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories are not that entertaining, but the ones that are succeed in making you smile or feel huge admiration for animals and the people who work with them.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd seen previously that this author had taken on a retired guide dog, and this really interested me as my husband has a guide dog. When I saw he had written this book I thought it would be an interesting read as it covers stories about different amazing animals over the years. The author introduces us to pigeons, rats, dogs, horses and other animals. My husband's guide dog is also a dual trained diabetic alert dog and was both agencies who have trained her - Guide Dogs UK and Medical Detection Dogs - are featured in this book. Whilst I was more interested in these stories, the other stories were just as informative and heart-warming in parts. The book really goes to show how amazing these animals are!

And, a little information for those interested! My husband's Guide Dog is a black labradoodle called Millie. She is the first dual trained dog between Guide Dogs and Medical Detection Dogs. She has been guiding and alerting since 2019 and is now 8 years old. She's such a clever girl and is literally a life-changer and life-saver alerting him to diabetic highs and low on a daily basis all while keeping him safe out on his walks. And if the author is reading - perhaps Millie's amazing tales should be in any future books you write!!

[Jen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely read. I think it will appeal to all those who love animals, and understand the wonderful things they do for us.

I loved the book, each section telling me something new. I loved learning the origins of the charity the PDSA, founded in 1917. Maria Dickin bucking the trend of the early 20th century, by having a job as a married woman. How wonderfully scandalous! Carrying on her ground braking work, to care for animals hurt during the Blitz. To put this into perspective, the NHS wasn’t founded until 1948.
I have a very soft spot for rats, so it was lovely to read of their work with land mines, the battle against TB and so many other remarkable areas too.

Every single chapter has heart warming and humorous stories, about the relationships forged between animals and humans. Showing time and time again of the strength and power of working together, when trust has been achieved. Such a lovely 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.

[ItzHayley Beanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting here looking at the book and all I can think of is never judge a book by its cover, however in this instance I did judge the book by its cover, the book appears to be about different remarkable animals and from reading the back cover I was even more intrigued.
I believe I bought this book from Age UK for £2 which I don't think is a bad price for a hardback book, especially when it retails for £22 brand new, plus you have the added benefit of giving to charity.
Before getting into the book, I read the back and what intrigued me was three key areas. A pigeon who survived a plane crash, a parachuting Alsatian called Brian, and a search and rescue dog called Bear.
It was an interesting mix of stories and makes you sit back and realise how truly remarkable animals can be.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I really related with Martin Clunes how when you are at the lowest points in life, animals have a way of entering you life at just the right moment. Sadly they leave holes in the heart that can never be filled, but then another animal comes along, to help with the hurting and leave more prints. Whilst the hole is never filled, it is bridged.
Must read for any animal lover. Well written, honest and from the heart.

[Tamia A. True · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

Wonderful book, especially if you love animals but still great even if you do not. Well written, flows nicely and keeps you interested. I have been a fan of Martin Clunes, the actor for a long time (have watched the entire Doc Martin. Series 7 times) and now a fan of the writer. This is really a “feel good” book.

[Paige 🥰 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read! Heart wrenching true stories about some terrible situations and how animals help us to rectify them.

Martin is a wonderful writer with real truth to his words this book taught me a lot that I thought I already knew about which is exactly what I was looking for.

Definitely one I could read over and over again

Amazing 🤩

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always keen to read stories about animals and just for a change this one did not have too many sad ones. The Hero Rats (Gambian pouched rats) was an interesting read, I would love to be able to meet one. It was clear that the author has a great love for animals so it was nice to read about his own companions as well as the ones he has worked with.

[Amanda Hickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end! Beautifully written and narrated audiobook.
Many interesting stories giving me a new perspective on animals and their interactions with people. Anything with Martin Clunes is awesome.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, nice pace with lots of heart. A must read for any animal lovers - and what an amazing creature the rat is!!

[Janette Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t the type of book I expected from the cover but it did have lots of interesting information in it.

[Emily Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories were cute, but the book was not very well written. I found myself skimming in places. I think I prefer Martin Clunes as a TV Presenter/Actor.

[Christine De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

[Chelsea Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed listening to different stories about amazing animals. Quite emotional at times.

[Lisa Cramp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring! I kept thinking I was going to pick this book up and finish it! I just couldn’t bring myself to do so! It will go in charity pile. I hope someone else will enjoy it!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some lovely stories about our magic relationships with animals

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good book full of short animal stories. I enjoyed most of them. Got a bit bored when it went on about things not related to the animals. Happy that pictures were included :)