If you care about animals, you must read Dreaming of Animals. As Valerie Harms notes, we can learn a great deal about animals by observing their behavior, and if we make a practice of writing down our observations, we will gain an understanding and insight into their nature and their inner connectedness with humankind.
I have always believed that animals have a greater range of emotions and a higher intelligence than most people think, and this belief can be confirmed by following the author's approach.
Dreaming of Animals brings to mind fond recollections and a new appreciation of the many animals I have known over the years.
Harms has written a book that gives the reader fresh insights and much to think about.

DREAMING OF ANIMALS is a beautiful, caring, and forceful meditation on the relationship between people and animals.

Each chapter has three sections, all of which are fascinating: the details about the specific animal; commentary on how the animal has been "used," perceived, and lived alongside humans through history; and interpretations of this animal in dreams and art. There's a smorgasbord of useful and inspiring quotes from writers, artists, naturalists, and scientists, and the examples of real dreams are interesting and helpful.

I had the strong sense while reading this book that every bit of it, every sentence, was necessary -- no fluff. Harms has written a balanced, forceful book that invites the reader in, and then gives her what she's looking for. We would do well to, as Harms suggests, "have a heart that listens to animals."