Adams makes it abundantly clear in the very first few pages precisely where he stands on the issue of animal experimentation. The acronym for the research centre from which the two dogs manage to escape is A.R.S.E.

What follows is a rambling and truly surreal narrative that doesn't just grapple with Man's role in Nature. It also delves into warfare, the media, and the government - some really heavy stuff indeed. However, it is carried off with great aplomb and a deftness of touch on numerous occasions.

Apparently, a significant number of the 'nicer' characters in the book are actually real. I sincerely hope that this means 'The Tod'. This aspect adds an interesting layer of authenticity to the story, making it all the more engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, Adams has crafted a unique and captivating piece of literature that challenges the reader's perceptions and forces them to consider some profound and complex topics.

Another total gem from Richard Adams for animal lovers.

Wow, this work is truly powerful. It has the ability to completely change the way you think and feel.

After reading it, you'll never again look at animal testing or dogs in the same light.

The author's words are so vivid and engaging that they draw you into a world where you can experience the emotions and struggles of the animals.

It's a wonderful piece of literature that not only entertains but also makes you think deeply about important issues.

Whether you're a die-hard animal lover or just someone who enjoys a good story, this is definitely a must-read.

You'll be amazed at how much it can touch your heart and open your eyes.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this gem and let Richard Adams take you on an unforgettable journey.

The Plague Dogs

I'm truly in a dilemma as to whether I should recommend this book or caution people against it.

On one hand, it is a good book. The writing is of a superb quality, and I have rarely disliked so many characters with such intensity. The plot line is intricate and flawless, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The true message that the book conveys is also quite awesome.

However, any form of violence towards dogs or pets in general really upsets me, and the degree of neglect and torture in the name of science that is depicted in this book is extreme. It's heart-wrenching to read about the poor puppies going through such hardships. Even the rats in the story got to me, and according to my life philosophy, I usually try to avoid the domain of rats, spiders, mice, etc.

If you are easily distressed, then it's probably best to stay clear of this book. But if you need a reminder as to why some people turn into tree huggers, then by all means, give it a listen. The narrator in this book also plays a significant role in making it a challenging read for me. He has managed to make every character unique with a distinct voice of their own, which is truly brilliant.

Overall, it's a complex book that elicits a wide range of emotions.

Emotionally overwrought and not very well anchored in the reality of research, this type of book has led to a misperception among people. They believe that all labs simply use any animal of any kind for prurient vivisection. However, the truth is quite different.

I work in labs, and I can attest that there are no animals that are not bred specifically for lab use by specialists. In order to compare results accurately, the animals must have very limited genetic diversity. They are not common pet store animals. Of course, most of the animals used were mice, but there were also rats and rabbits in some labs.

My own work with mice involved creating knockout mice to model human genetic diseases. Once the mouse line is established, studies of the disease etiology and of drug efficacy can be trialed. No lab would buy stolen pets that may harbor disease and offer too broad a genetic variance.

No one who spends their careers developing medicines to relieve suffering is going to be heartless when it comes to the animals used. I remember once our'mouse house' facility received a series of letters from hysterical people seeking their lost pets. They had been informed that we did animal work by some local variant of an animal rights group, but one that never checked the validity of their reports. Since all we ever had was lab-bred mice, this campaign had to be passed on to the police. It led only to massive suffering by the pet owners who had been so sadly misled.

It is important to have an accurate understanding of what really goes on in labs to avoid such misunderstandings and the unnecessary distress they cause.