ALDF Animal Book Club’s First Giveaway & Contest
March 11th, 2013
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is excited to announce its first Animal Book Club contest! To enter the contest, simply leave a comment below and join the club—three lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive a free copy* of Susan Orlean's best-seller Rin Tin Tin.
Rin Tin Tin: the Life and the Legend
By Susan Orlean
Rin Tin Tin: The Life and The Legend (2012), is a New York Times bestseller by Susan Orlean (author of The Orchid Thief). Susan has been featured on PBS and NPR, and writes a column in The New Yorker called "Free Range."
The iconic cultural memory of Rin Tin Tin seems to transcend history. And yet his story is deeply entrenched in a historical moment—the birth of Hollywood, the post-WWI era, and of course, the dawn of television, and, perhaps most importantly, the advent of companion animals. At the Animal Legal Defense Fund, we know that the law lags well behind the reality of animals as our family members and companions. From tenant disputes to custody battles and the outdated legal status of animals as "property" we know only too well that the law doesn't properly recognize the rights of companion animals. So how did dogs transform from working animals to companions lying at the foot of our bed? One answer is Rin Tin Tin.
More than a story of how one orphaned dog became a silver screen legend, Susan Orlean's book Rin Tin Tin describes how Americans came to see dogs as loyal sidekicks, and companions. Born in France during World War I, Rin Tin Tin was just a newborn when Lee Duncan, a U.S. soldier, found him in a bombed out shelter. The small, still-blind puppy lay trembling in the dark with his siblings and mother amongst dead dogs. From that moment, Rin Tin Tin and Lee forged a relationship that cemented their bonds and led to increasingly central roles in the burgeoning silent film industry.
These silent stories of dogs fascinated the audience. In films like Where the North Begins, The Lone Defender, Rinty of the Desert, and The Million Dollar Collar, dogs were heroes. Watch a clip of heroic Rin Tin Tin from Clash of the Wolves.
Off the set, they were celebrities. Rin Tin Tin, the most famous German Shepard of all time, had his own phone number, his own salary, and earned more than most of his co-stars.
So why was Rin Tin Tin so popular? Susan's book reflects on his enormous ability to convey feeling. Many fans described him as 'the human dog.' Rin Tin Tin's presence in the budding medium of film allowed people to better understand animals, to first figuratively then literally bring them into their home. Movies allowed the audience to see their interactions with dogs as relationships and their companions as sentient beings with feelings.
Dogs had been domesticated for thousands of years, but had been work animals, with jobs to do, rather than household companions. This leap was helped by Rin Tin Tin, who inspired many to want a Rin Tin Tin of their own. With this insight into dogs' lives, dogs became treasured not just for their intelligence, work ethic, loyalty, and protectiveness, but for their empathy and ability to connect with humans.
In World War II, Americans even gave their dogs to the war effort in a project called Dogs for Defense. Almost impossible to imagine now, 19,000 companion dogs were given up to fight in the war. At the time, the Army acknowledged both the sentimental and monetary sacrifice with gratitude. Dogs worked for the Red Cross bringing aid to wounded soldiers, helped locate dead soldiers, and sniffed for danger.
Rin Tin Tin was an unusual dog with a unique story. Of course, the Animal Legal Defense Fund does not support the use of animals in entertainment; one concern is the treatment of animals on the set, another is what happens behind the scenes. So, how did Lee Duncan get Rin Tin Tin to perform the strenuous work required of him? Lee demonstrated the relationship with audiences, using voice commands rather than instruments of punishment or reward. He attributed their relationship to camaraderie between the species, developed from their early bond of affection and respect.
Susan Orlean doesn't shy away from noting that most animals were not trained this way, but rather with physical punishment: kicks and slaps, and perhaps worse. Then, as now, many animals in films were harmed or killed. Horses, especially, were tripped and shocked, and ridden off cliffs.
Rin Tin Tin wasn't just a film-star—he was a real dog. But his life story allows us to see how the treatment of animals in Hollywood has changed. He was treated with dignity, on camera, and off. Unusually, Rin Tin Tin was an equal with human actors in the films—a fully realized character with his own storyline.
Rin Tin Tin's journey is the hero's journey, overcoming obstacles, and winning in the end, a structure that was especially important during the post-war experience. Susan writes:
"In his way, Rin Tin Tin had come to represent something essentially American … He was everything Americans wanted to think they were—brave, enterprising, bold, and most of all, individual."
The advent of diegetic sound in movies eventually displaced animals, and they became sidekicks rather than stars. His progeny (and lookalikes) later took up later roles in film, and a television show, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, in the 1950s. But when Rin Tin Tin died in 1932, millions of fans mourned his passing. Rin Tin Tin's story, and the great place he holds in hearts and minds of millions of people around the world, is just one more reminder of why ALDF works so hard to help the law adapt to recognize animals as more than mere property, and protect the rights of animals on their own terms.
Enter to Win
Join ALDF's Animal Book Club and leave a comment below to be eligible to win a free copy of this book. Tell us how important companion animals are in your life, or your favorite memory of the dogs known as Rin Tin Tin.
Questions for Response:
- How have dogs been heroic in your life?
- What are your favorite things about companion animals?
- How did animal stories in your childhood shape your own connections with animals?
* Apologies, books can only be shipped to U.S. Addresses.
My parents, my mother in particular, were always suspicious of my wanting to watch Rin Tin Tin on TV as a child. In her mind, the proper dog for a girl to want was Lassie; my father simply disliked all dogs. They would not be at all pleased with my 3 Bully-boy pack.
My favorite thing about companion animals is the joy they bring to my life! I love them like family and am so glad I was able to adopt them!
Interestingly, Ann, Lassie was often played by a boy dog :) So the irony continues!
The best thing about companion animals is the impact they'll have on your life forever. Sharing your home with a pet changes everything about you. Caring for them day-to-day teaches you about compassion, patience and responsibility. After they're gone, they leave a lasting memory of how much you can love a non-human animal. Basically, I love my dogs because they make me a better person.
How cool! I emailed to join the club last week and am excited to get started. :)
I thought at first the story of Rin Tin Tin would be the familiar tragedy of animals in show business but after reading that review I'm excited to read the book!
I look forward to being a part of this fun book club with like-minded animal lovers and animal advocates. I have a deep compassion for animals and an large passion for animal protections. I also regularly follow ALDF. I applaud this wonderful organization for its important work in educating the public about current issues and trends in animal welfare and for advancing legal, protections for animals.
All animals are incredibly important in my life, but especially Lexi Lou. She passed away last year (the day after Christmas), two weeks before her 15th birthday. She was my best friend and my main motivation for getting into animal advocacy (she was a beautiful American Pitbull Terrier). I will now be starting Lewis & Clark Law School for their Animal Law program in the fall! Very excited. Also, I'm really excited about this Book Club. Such a great idea!
This excites me so! Two of my great loves together - animals and books. Both have touched my soul from the earliest of ages. My family stressed the importance of books in expanding my mind and the importance of animals in expanding my heart. :)
Companion animals just add so much to our lives! Although I've never been able to have a dog (has always rented in L.A.), I do have a rescue cat and we just love her. She brings joy and happiness to each of our lives.
When I was a child, we had a GSD - my own Rin Tin Tin ( his name was Kurt). And I always watched the TV show. And today I am still a dog person!!!!
How exciting! Glad to be a member! :)
I'm very interested to read the book, and see how Susan Orlean handles the material - her last book had such a dark twist. I am interested in how she depicts Rin Tin Tin's dual role - as symbol of the potential human-animal bond, but also as the symbol of a particular breed of dog which became a commodity in post-war America.
I found one of my 3 dogs on the street and she was so completely out of control that we could not find a home for her..so she stayed with us. She is a very difficult and complicated dog who has taught me patience, love, and the immense importance to understand and work with animals trying to help them to become less afraid and more able to live with people. ...well...This is what my life and my career are about today and all thank to this wonderful troubled dog!
The best thing about companion animals is that they never forget the people who raised them.
"He attributed their relationship to camaraderie between the species, developed from their early bond of affection and respect." So true. It's like raising a child, not a piece of property.
I enjoyed reading and learning about Rin Tin Tin and it did strike a chord with me because my family's first dog was a GSD named Kurt. Although I don't remember him, because he was with us when I was a baby, I always hear what a wonderful intelligent dog he was and how he used to sleep in front of my crib to "guard" me. Animals bring so much joy, comfort, friendship, love and understanding into our lives: I now share this with my three adopted cats, all individuals and all unique in their own ways.
I honestly don't think I would have survived a certain difficult time in my life, had it not been for my dogs. They gave me a reason to get out of bed, a reason to go on. I became a stronger person because of my Girls. I became who I am because of the lessons my Girls taught me.
What I love about companion animals is that they never forget the people who raised them. No matter how much time passes they will remain loyal to anyone who cared for them.
I love the loyalty that companion animals have for the people that care for them. No matter how much time passes they will always remain loyal and friendly to anyone who shows the kindness and took care of them.
The best thing about companion animals is the connection you have with them. The way that they can always sense how you feel and want to make you feel better. The unconditional love that they'll have for you always. The way that they simply love you more than you will ever love yourself. They see you as you and don't care what you look like. Companion animals always have a way of making you feel better, and I know this deep connection is the main reason why I could never love without one.
My companion animals were important "first steps" to me becoming a vegetarian; they provided a window into the emotions, intelligence, and inner world of animals. After sharing a bond with a cat or dog, it is no great leap to extend the circle of compassion to other animals.
Thanks for the chance!
Dogs have been heroic in my life because they are the husband and children I never had. I don't mean to say this in a way that evokes pity. I focused on my career and never married. I moved all around the world in the Navy. And always, always at my side to love me and keep me company were my dogs! They have been on so many adventures with me. Plus they always keep me warm in bed at night!
Rin Tin Tin was a little before my time but after reading the summary of this book I'm very excited to learn more about the dog behind the legend. As for my personal experiences with dogs, I always find it fascinating and profound that so many dogs who have experienced some form of abuse can still have the capacity to be so loving, forgiving and accepting of other humans - that, to me, speaks volumes of the nature of these animals. My two dogs, both of whom are bully breeds and one of whom was rescued from a neglectful, abusive situation, are both examples of how "bad" dogs can make wonderful family members. Together, my dogs and I strive to advocate to friends, friends and acquaintances that there is no such thing as "bad" breeds.
This book club is a great idea. You should choose books by vegan authors though.
I remember the most vivid, influential story about companion animals that I read as a child was a short story in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. I can't remember what it was called, but it was the story of a boy finding a little sickly kitten in the woods and, having always wanted a pet of his own, took it home to heal & keep as his pet. His mother made him take the kitten to his brother who worked at a vet's office, and that brother put the kitten to sleep, saying it was "too sick" and how it would be "humane" to kill it and "put it out of its misery." That story made me cry for days. Even now every time I think of it too hard I find myself choking up. It put a determination in my heart that I would never give up on any animal. That kitten deserved to live, and so does every animal. When my cat was 2 months old she badly broke her back leg falling off our cat tree. She had broken the head of her femur and needed a very expensive surgery or she would be crippled and in pain the rest of her life. Though we had to take out a loan and beg our landlord to let us pay rent 2 weeks late, we didn't give up on her & have her put to sleep, or drop her at a shelter. She had the surgery and has made a great recovery, using her leg practically as good as if it was never injured. We love her dearly, and if I hadn't been so influenced by that story in my childhood, who knows if she would still be here, a much-loved member of our family?
Rin Tin Tin was before my time, but I was a huge Lassie fan. Our first two dogs, Bucky and Cap (short for Captain America) were collie-St. Bernard mixes who faintly resembled Lassie. Cap had a black and white snout, the markings which resembled those of a raccoon. I remember going off to camp for the first time, crying into her fur because I didn't wanna. She was a very patient listener. :)
I am thrilled there is a book club for this! While I may not have copious amounts of free time to read, I definitely can make time to read for this cause!
This sounds like a wonderful book. In response to the prompt questions, my companion animals (a dog and a quaker parrot, both rescues) are the center of my universe; however, I recently had an experience that made me deeply question my "ownership" of these animals that were once, hundreds of years ago and still in parts of the world, wild. I stayed in a small village in southern Belize, a village with women and children who still bathe in the river every morning, who have virtually no contact with the "outside" world, yet live outside and in tune with the earth. Each family in this village had many dogs (nine or ten, at a minimum), and the dogs were treated as the other agricultural animals, just as the chickens that roamed around freely. While by American standards, those dogs were essentially neglected, receiving no vet care, left outside at night to fend for themselves against venomous snakes and jaguars, and to hunt their own food, the dogs seemed, from what I could discern, incredibly happy. And free. They were all friendly animals; I could walk up to any dog in the village and receive an affectionate lick. But unlike my own dog, who receives what I consider to be the best love and care a pet dog in this country could possibly receive, those dogs could be dogs. If I hadn't adopted my dog, she would have been euthanized - I absolutely believe her life with me is infinitely better than that alternative; but I feel sincere regret that I cannot allow her the freedom the dogs in that village have.
I couldn't imagine not having my childhood filled with loving animals! I have my parents to thank for that!
My favorite thing about companion animals is the love and joy they bring to my life. I have two cats and a dog, all three adopted from my local shelter. I can't imagine my life without them.
Great review, Jennifer! And Jaclyn, without having had the direct experience you write about above, I've had very similar thoughts in the abstract and spent much time pondering this issue. Like you, I will continue to share my life with rescued dogs but wish there were a way for their nature to to be more fully expressed within the confines of our anthropocentric society. Thanks for sharing!
As many of you have noted, dogs and other companion animals have a profound way of bringing us into a world of empathy and compassion for all living beings. For many, our love for dogs is a first step toward eliminating animals from our diet. For how can we eat one animal, while loving another? Dogs show us that all animals feel, suffer, and love. It does raise interesting questions about dog "ownership" doesn't it? Are we beneficent masters? Does it benefit the animal or the human, or both to have companion animals in our lives? Are we harming them by loving them? At the very least, we must ask ourselves, given our guardianship role for our animal companions, what rights has our legal system not granted animals and where does the law need to catch up, in order to reflect what we already know - that animals are sentient beings who have rights. Perhaps in our next discussion we can consider what laws in particular *dogs* really need to protect them and advance their interest. Protection orders? Abuser registries? Hoarding? First-strike felonies? Beyond property laws? Tenant laws? Anti-breed-specific legislation?
I never knew the real story behind Rin Tin Tin. So glad to hear about the real hero doggie, Rin Tin Tin. I'm a supreme animal lover. Have 2 dogs and 5 cats. Will be retiring in 2014 and would like to either have an animal rescue or help someone who has one. So glad ALDF is fighting to stop animal cruelty. Thank you. Jerilyn Capaccione
Thankfully my parents understood the value of companion animals to help instill important values in their children. From turtles and tropical fish to our first dogs, my most vivid childhood memories include our family's pets. Over the years, I've enjoyed a wide variety of books about animals and the human-animal connection. The Rin Tin Tin bio is a great choice to initiate this new book club.
Excited to be a part of this book club.
I love to read and read anything about animals that I can get my hands on, especially books on dogs, so I am excited for this book club!
So excited for this book club! Question: What are your favorite things about companion animals? My favourite thing about companion animals is how loyal & non-judgmental they are. Whether you're having a sick day, a bad hair day, or just a lazy day, they're there by your side no matter what. I recently lost my most loyal companion to illness, and as soon as she left us, my other pup stepped up to take her place. It was incredible to me that she could sense just how much I needed her there to help me through the tough times. <3
Animals have always been very important in my life. I have had dogs my entire life and currently share my home with four rescues. These animals, as did their poredecessors, save my life everyday. They give me a reason to get up in the morning and bring me joy, companionship, and love throughout my day. And when I am settling down in the evening, they help me focus on the important things and bring me a wonderful sense of peace.
This book club is a great idea! I love reading about animals. I am in law school now, studying animal law, so I don't really have time to read for pleasure these days.
This clip is awful, whether or not his "owner" abused him to do any of these tricks, these dogs were in danger. Where did they set that fire? Also Rin Tin Tin caused more animal actors to be abused. Just because his "owner" was good to him, doesn't justify the fact that he was still a slave. Doesn't excuse it in the human realm nor should it in the non human. How could you have this book about an animal slave actor on a site that protects nonhuman animals? Rin Tin Tin has been dead for many years but humans are still making money off him.
Please help support Military Working Dogs to be recognized for their immnse value and contribution to our service people, and to realize they are not just "equipment."
Thanks for one more way to connect with the ALDF and our best friends!
Dogs have always been a part of my life. From the moment I was born and my parents' German Sheppard, Rocky, guarded my crib and my life with animals began. Now I am raising my daughter with animals and she loves her four footed brother Rudy a golden retriever mix. Every dog I have ever known has been heroic in their own way. Many of our dogs have been rescues over the years and they survived a difficult beginning and still showed their capacity to love. Love is heroic.
Yes let's support military,service,guide and police dogs to see that they are not abused and treated with respect.But more importantly let's work towards phasing out these particular forms of nonhuman slavery. I am sure that nonhuman animals do not want to be in these situations. I have seen service and guide dogs be verbally and physically abused as well as having to "guide" their humans in all sorts of weather. This particular form of slavery promotes breeding of dogs as well. We all know where the surplus goes.
My parents allowed many animals into our home over the years. King the "gigantic" german shepherd belonging to my dad is the one I remember best from my youngest age. My dad had a close relationship with King but was a pilot in the Air Force and we were shipped overseas. Dad drove King from Louisiana to his uncle's farm in Kansas for safe keeping for the 4 years we were to be gone. King fell ill and died before we got back and the whole family was forever affected. Dad retired and we had a few cats, a squirrel and a raccoon as pets but it was 12 years before my sister could adopt a dog. I have been a Veterinary Technician for 15 years and still love the job and the animals. They are so trusting and so communicative if you allow them to be. I get a kick out of being the one accepted by some of our patients(unfortunately not all). They try so hard to fit in our wierd world.
Charlie, my late rescue dog, was heroic in my life because he lived to be beside me. Arthritic in his senior years, he slowly climbed 12 stairs to be with me - even if I was only going upstairs for a moment. He would not "Stay" downstairs! Slowly he would descend with me again, then sit down and wait for me to settle on the couch. Painfully, he climbed up beside me, lay down and sighed like the greatest burden had slid from his chest. Asleep in a matter of moments; instantly awake if I got up. I think of him all the time and miss him unlike I have ever missed a human companion. He is with me always.
When I was a child, a framed certificate hung on the wall of my grandmother's home acknowledging her donation of Barron, a German Shepherd to the US Military. At such a young age it was difficult for me to understand how she could part with her beloved friend, but she believed she was doing a great service for the country. Although she didn't like to talk about it, I believe her heart was truly broken over her donation. My grandmother was a lover of all animals and thankfully passed that passion onto me.