By Sarah Smith, Adult Services
At a recent family gathering, my mom announced that all of her children were DINKWADs, with the exception of myself. I’m a DINKWAC. She had recently read an article about the rising number of young couples who are Dual Income No Kids With A Dog, or in my case, A Cat. My mom wasn’t trying to insult us; she adores all of her grand-dogs and her grand-kitty. She’s also very happy not to be asked to babysit in her golden years.
Traditionally, it’s meant as an insult to be called a crazy cat lady, so I’m glad to know that our society is becoming more accepting of the different types of families we build in life. Whether we have a romantic partner or not, children or not, pets or not, we’re all deserving of love. As a librarian, I’m happy that the cultural conversation is offering me an opportunity to share some recent graphic novels that pet parents will enjoy!
“Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair” by Lucy Knisley
If you missed Lucy Knisley’s visit to Carnegie-Stout earlier this summer, you can still enjoy her most recent collection of comics about the late, great Linney the cat.
“Cat + Gamer” by Nadatani Wataru
This charming manga features a young woman who pours all of her passion into video games, until the day a stray cat steals her heart and upends her world!
“A Cat From Our World and the Forgotten Witch” by Kashiwaba Hiro
Once a powerful witch, Jeanne’s grown old and lives alone and forgotten. Until the day she accidentally summons a cat to be her companion. A regular, non-magical Earth cat who in this strange magical world is now gigantic!
“With a Dog and a Cat, Every Day is Fun” by Matsumoto Hidekichi
A charming and lighthearted manga series about the everyday adventures of a pet dog and cat and the chaos and joy they bring.
“My Dog is a Death God” by Chinen Mikito
A powerful being whose task it is to assist those who are dying is brought to Earth and placed in a hospice. Obviously the best form for this death god to take is that of a warm and loving dog.
“Doomsday With My Dog” by Ishihara Yu
A teenage girl emerges from her room to discover that the apocalypse has happened and she’s the last human on Earth! Thankfully, she has her adorable Shiba Inu to keep her company as they explore a suddenly unfamiliar planet.