David Raber first saw Cougar when the mountain lion was an eight-week-old kitten on display, locked up in a toaster-size cage and poked and prodded by a crowd. Raber took him out, held him, and just couldn't put him back. He made four promises that day: one, no more petting, out of respect for Cougar; two, no more cages; three, he would educate the public against exotic-animal ownership; and four, he would make Cougar happy, and this has become a twenty-four-hours-a-day learning process and a duty that he adores.
Being the only large cat in the country who is federally licensed without a cage, Cougar strides down streets, roams hotel lobbies, enters competitions, and even films a Puma Sportswear ad with several Olympic gold medalists. As the official poster model for the Iams pet food company, Cougar has been seen by millions. Together, Raber and Cougar are a team, and in this book, Raber recounts their many adventures: He teaches Cougar about elevators, switches, and doors while saving him from bullets and speeding cars; and Cougar teaches him about deer, opossum, and squirrels while rescuing him from alligators and raging rivers. In helping each other, they share their weaknesses and become strong.
Beautiful and touching, entertaining and provocative, Through Cougar's Eyes is a love story that dispels the prevalent and presumptuous thinking that mankind and wildlife can't get along. This true story depicts sacrifice and dedication with a message: relating well to animals can set you both free.
