# Kindness to Animals in The Story of Doctor Dolittle

> Theme guide for The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

The central theme of the book, embodied by Doctor Dolittle's preference for animals over people, his willingness to care for them regardless of cost, and his ability to communicate with them, which leads to mutual understanding and respect.

## Where it surfaces

- [Puddleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/i-puddleby): The Doctor's deep affection for animals leads him to keep many pets, even at the cost of his medical practice and wealth.
- [More Money Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/iii-more-money-troubles): Doctor Dolittle rescues Chee-Chee and the crocodile from poor conditions, prioritizing their well-being over financial gain.
- [The Rarest Animal of All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/x-the-rarest-animal-of-all): The pushmi-pullyu trusts the Doctor because of his kind treatment of animals, and the Doctor promises to send it back if it dislikes the Land of the White Men.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/themes/kindness_to_animals
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/themes