Rita Mae Brown's first memory is the sound of a deep, rumbling purr. From the cat that slept in her cradle to the horses, hounds, cats, and chickens who live on her Virginia farm today, Brown has always been surrounded by animals.

Listeners will meet Mickey, a long-haired tiger cat who joined Rita Mae on childhood exploits; Franklin, her grandmother's parrot with a wicked sense of humor; R.C., a courageous and devoted Doberman who was killed by a pack of coyotes; Baby Jesus, a tiger cat from New York City with sharp teeth to match his attitude; and, of course, her beloved tiger cat Sneaky Pie.

Animal Magnetism is a celebration of these wonderful creatures and of their remarkable capacity to enrich our lives and our hearts.