Introducing ‘Animal’: Walnut
9Digest
Sam Anderson, a writer for The New York Times Magazine, recounts a heartwarming and poignant story about his dog Walnut rescuing his daughter's hamster Mango from a hole in the floor. The story begins with the hamster's escape and the family's frantic search, culminating in the unexpected heroics of Walnut, who, despite his lazy nature, becomes fixated on a specific spot on the wall. This leads to the discovery of Mango, alive but filthy and exhausted, having been trapped for days. The story serves as a reminder of the magic and resilience of animals, their ability to sense and navigate worlds beyond human comprehension. Anderson reflects on his own relationship with animals, particularly his previous dog Moby, whose death left him heartbroken and disillusioned. He shares how Walnut, a descendant of Moby, became a source of comfort and love, reminding him of the cyclical nature of life and loss. The story concludes with Anderson's decision to embark on a journey to encounter other animals, not to claim or tame them, but to simply appreciate their presence and the mysteries they hold. This journey, he believes, is a way to embrace the inevitability of loss and find meaning in the interconnectedness of all living things.
Outlines
A Hamster's Escape
This Chapter begins with the introduction of Sam Anderson and his daughter's hamster, Mango, who escapes from her cage and disappears into a hole in the floor of their house. The family searches frantically for Mango, but she remains missing for days, leading to a sense of sadness and unease.
Walnut's Rescue
This Chapter details the unexpected rescue of Mango by the family's dog, Walnut. Walnut, known for his laziness and love of napping, becomes fixated on a specific spot on the wall, leading the family to discover Mango trapped in a hidden space. Walnut's actions highlight the intuitive nature of animals and their ability to sense things beyond human perception.
The Magic of Animals
This Chapter explores the author's belief in the magic of animals and their profound connection to the natural world. He reflects on his previous dog, Moby, and the deep bond they shared, which led him to become a vegetarian. Moby's death left him heartbroken and disillusioned, but Walnut, a descendant of Moby, brought him comfort and love, reminding him of the cyclical nature of life and loss.
Embracing the Inevitable
This Chapter concludes with the author's decision to embark on a journey to encounter other animals, not to claim or tame them, but to simply appreciate their presence and the mysteries they hold. He acknowledges the inevitability of loss and the interconnectedness of all living things, finding solace in the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Keywords
Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson is a writer for The New York Times Magazine. He is known for his insightful and engaging writing, often exploring themes of nature, human connection, and the search for meaning. His work has been featured in various publications, including The New Yorker and The Atlantic.
Walnut
Walnut is the author's dog, a long-haired miniature dachshund. He is described as a lazy and spoiled creature, but he unexpectedly becomes a hero by rescuing the family's hamster, Mango, from a hole in the floor. Walnut's actions highlight the intuitive nature of animals and their ability to sense things beyond human perception.
Mango
Mango is the author's daughter's hamster. She escapes from her cage and disappears into a hole in the floor of the house, leading to a frantic search by the family. Mango's disappearance serves as a catalyst for the story, highlighting the fragility of life and the unexpected ways in which animals can touch our lives.
Moby
Moby is the author's previous dog, a dachshund who he deeply loved. Moby's death left the author heartbroken and disillusioned, but his memory continues to influence the author's relationship with animals and his understanding of life and loss.
Animal
Animal is a new series from NYT Audio, hosted by Sam Anderson. The series explores the author's encounters with various animals, offering insights into the natural world and the profound connections between humans and animals.
Q&A
What is the main story recounted in this podcast episode?
The main story is about the author's dog, Walnut, rescuing his daughter's hamster, Mango, from a hole in the floor. The story highlights the unexpected heroics of Walnut and the author's reflections on the magic and resilience of animals.
How does the author's relationship with his dog, Walnut, evolve throughout the story?
The author initially struggles to accept Walnut as a replacement for his previous dog, Moby. However, over time, he comes to love Walnut as deeply as he loved Moby, recognizing the cyclical nature of life and loss.
What is the author's main takeaway from the story of Mango's rescue?
The author believes that animals are magical creatures with a deep connection to the natural world. He is reminded of the importance of appreciating their presence and the mysteries they hold.
What is the author's decision at the end of the episode?
The author decides to embark on a journey to encounter other animals, not to claim or tame them, but to simply appreciate their presence and the mysteries they hold. He believes this is a way to embrace the inevitability of loss and find meaning in the interconnectedness of all living things.
Show Notes
In a broken world, what can we gain by looking another animal in the eye? "Animal" is a six-part, round-the-world journey in search of an answer. Join the writer Sam Anderson on Episode 1.
For more on "Animal," visit nytimes.com/animal.
Soon, you’ll need a subscription to keep full access to this show, and to other New York Times podcasts, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don’t miss out on exploring all of our shows, featuring everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts.
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