Rescues and Shelters Books

I bought this book because I read all the wonderful reviews and frankly I was extremely disappointed. I am a real dog lover and melt at the sight of any dog but these photos lack life. They look like mannequins and very few of them show the wonderful expressions we so often see in dogs and which make dogs so utterly lovable. For a book that is trying to tug at your heart on the subject of shelter dogs, it has failed spectacularly.
Give this book a miss.

This was a very good book. The descriptions were great. The pictures were beautiful. I really enjoyed reading it. There was alot of information. Shelter Dogs

I'm an aspiring photographer/shelter owner...and this book just confirmed why I want to do each of those things. I cried when I read some of the stories in the back, and each picture was so darn cute. I love this book, and (when I get one) will sit on my coffee table for all my guests to look at!

This book gives us details on shelter dogs, who the author Traer Scott, has met in her travels. So touching, uplifting and heartbreaking, especially when we learn so much about them and are told at the end which dogs lived and were adopted...and which ones were not (sniffle)...If this book doesn't convince you to adopt from an animal shelter, then I don't know what will! A portion of the proceeds from this book and Scott's other book, Street Dogs, are donated to animal charities. Worth it to buy both! Thanks for this great, insightful look at America's animal shelters.

..of finding the soul of her subjects, and showing us all what loving, intelligent, sensitive creatures these abandoned companions truly are!

As the proud "parent" of five rescued canines (and three rescued felines), I can only express my regret that our "forever home" cannot accommodate more: I'd take in each and every one of these lost souls that she captures so hauntingly.

Complaint has been lodged that Ms. Scott erred by not including each animal's bio with their photograph, but I take exception to that: The impact is magnified, when the photograph alone is displayed.

My only dissatisfaction might be that the book is too short, and I can only implore the author to continue her exceptional work with additional issues: If only more people could truly see these loving creatures through the "eye" of her camera, perhaps our shelters would not be so full, and "euthanization" could become anachronistic...

I have 5 dogs and years of dog experience.... and this book still managed to point out a few things I haven't thought of.

I work with a local dog rescue organization. Many rescue dogs have had a tough life and are very fearful. Techniques from this book have been very helpful with these dogs and helped them to come a long way towards becoming great adoptable pets.

I just recently acquired a somewhat shy mini-dachshund and needed instruction on how to assist him in overcoming his apprehensions. Various sources on line recommended "Help for Your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood. I bought it, as well as this book by Nicole Wilde. The Deborah Wood book was a complete waste of time - no details were included on how I should proceed with my dog on anything, only just what amounted to a bunch of cheerleading (e.g., "with patience even you can do it!"). This Nicole Wilde Book, however, contains all the protocols you need to follow for virtually any kind of fear a dog might have. I highly recommend it for anyone with a shy dog, or any kind of dog for that matter. After reading this book, I am now making huge progress with my dog's apprehensions, and feel well equipped to deal with any fear that may come up in the future.

If I had found this book a few months ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This book has ALL of the advice that I received from several sessions with a trainer and from a veterinary behaviorist! I learned a lot more, too.

This book has everything you need to know about a scared dog, whether the dog is aggressive or hiding under the bed. The book has great advice about recognizing a scared dog, training, leadership, toys & treats that motivate, medications, food, complementary therapies, understanding a scared dog's motivation, and exercise.

I purchased this book at a seminar. I couldn't wait to get to my room and dig in to it! I was not disappointed! As a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, I am always looking for new and better ways to handle behavior problems. This book is full of great suggestions. I think every dog trainer should have this book as part of their reference library.

I have been asked by a local community college to prepare a course on canine behavior problems and how to correct them. This book will be one of my textbooks. The information contained in this book is clear, concise, and to the point. It is presented in a manner that makes the reader feel comfortable enough with the material to put it into practice.

I would recommend this book to anyone that owns a dog. Furthermore, it would make a great gift for that neighbor with a fearful dog. If you are a trainer, make sure this book is on your shelf; make sure the pages are well read!

Quentin is such an amazing little pooch! And Randy's honesty and sense of humor really comes through in his writing. And I enjoyed seeing all of the photos of Quentin in action. It really is a miracle that Quent survived and that he ended up in the hands of Randy Grim! Every dog lover needs to read this book and spread the word about all of the dogs who are needlessly euthanized while puppy mills continue to crank out thousands of sick, unsocialized pups. It's a quick read - I started and finished it yesterday.

Although a sometimes difficult read, this book brings hope and inspiration to any dog-lover or rescuer. For those not blessed with the companionship or love of a dog, this book will move you to open your heart. Making a difference doesn't have to mean bringing a stray into your family. This book shows help for these loving beings can take many forms - petitioning for changes from 'owner' to 'guardian', donations to local organizations, becoming educated on your city's animal control policies - Read this book and you will be moved to help in whichever way you can. Be moved to do small things with great love....

This was an excellent book. Randy Grim is an amazing person to be able to rescue and save so many dogs and I applaud him for "telling it like it is" even though so much of the abuse is very hard to read, even harder I'm sure for him to see and deal with. Quentin is truly a miracle dog, not only from a survival standpoint but in the way he lives and inspires everyone he meets, including other dogs. I would highly recommend it to everyone - we should all become guardians of our dogs and regard their care as a lifelong commitment.

The book was well written and definitely shows the horrors of what goes on behind the shelters in this country. Quentin was a miracle and how Randy saved him is nothing short of amazing. Through their events a change was made with the shelter orginizations throughout the country. Quentin and Randy were definitely meant to be together and their cause for animal rights is undying. I don't think one could of done what they did without the other. Very comical in many parts and hearbreaking in others. Worhtwhile reading. It opened my eyes.

Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row is the heart warming story of Quentin and his guardian Randy Grim. Quentin is a very unique dog for a variety of reasons, perhaps surprisingly the least of which is that he miraculously survived fifteen minutes in the gas chamber while watching his fellow inmates die. Quentin's crime: his family moved to a home that didn't allow pets.

Upon his reprieve, Quentin didn't choose to retire happily to a big backyard to dream about chasing rabbits. Instead, Quentin decided to become a spokesperson for all animals with the help of his guardian Randy Grim. Randy, as the president and founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, had always tried to do his part to protect and save animals where and when he could. However, as is so very common in such crusades, there were never enough funds for every helpful project or space to save every animal. That Randy hated the spotlight, made fundraising even more difficult. Quentin saw a true love, caring, respect, and passion for animals in Randy. Quentin also saw that, if pushed and prodded appropriately by just the right miracle dog, this man could help deliver Quentin's message that would save animals from the fate he almost shared with his cell mates in the gas chamber.

Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row reminds us of the importance of a respect for life. Far too often, we forget what our animal friends do for us on a daily basis: greeting us happily after a hard day at work, wanting our company regardless of our appearance or financial situation, and urging us to play when we start to take things too seriously. This book reminds us of this gift of unconditional love and affection. After reading this book, you will definitely feel the intense urge to run to your nearest animal shelter and become the guardian of a new animal. Just be sure to really think out your decision, spay or neuter your new addition, and always remember to love and respect your new friend as he or she will love and respect you.

The book was well written and I enjoyed it. It was a very quick read and I was disappointed at the price I paid for how quickly it was read and the individual stories seemed very short. This would be a good book for children 4th - 6th grade. Personally I would wait till it showed up at your local library or borrow it from someone.

Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale - you'll laugh, you'll cry, but you won't be able to put this wonderful little book down.

If you've done transports you will find yourself saying "Been there, Done that!!!"

Deborah has captured the essence of pet transport - thru bad weather (try carrying 9 dogs in 2 cars thru torrential rain on I-40 in TN) and good. This book will help you remember nearly every transport vividly (yes, I still remember carrying two labs, who we discovered didn't like water, thru 6 inches of water in a driving rain in a MacDonalds parking lot to their next ride). This book will bring those memories back vividly.

And if you aren't a transporter - follow the directions in the book and join the fun - and the sadness, for there will be times of sadness in a transport. A recent cocker transport I was involved with included a very sick 10 year old senior. But there was a silver lining. Tho she didn't make it, crossing over the bridge 3 days after the transport, she at least was in a loving home when she left us.

This little book will bring all of these memories flooding back. Enjoy - I did.


AB

Anohter great read ... highly recommended for kids. Tells of the actions being taken by such dedicated animals lovers to getdogs/cats/etc. into their forever loving homes that they all deserve. Great read for kids!

This is a beautifully written book that will certainly touch your heart! It did mine! The pictures are truly heartwarming as well! This is a must read for dog lovers everywhere! Debbie has a heart of gold, and I am so proud to call her a friend!
Well worth every penny!

This book is fantanstic. Everybody needs to be educated about the plight of dogs that are abused and neglected. These stories will touch your heart !

Being able to share Mama D's story was one of the truly memorable times in my life; knowing that her story is just one of millions makes my heart break. Everyone who read my copy of this book has loved the animals, cried over their circumstances, & rejoiced at most of the outcomes. In an age of all the cruelty in the world, it does my heart good knowing this kind of book can touch so many. Christina, thank you again for your belief in Mama D's story & it's ability to touch your readers.

Susy Hiller

I haven't read all of this book, but rather the stories that interested me. Several brought tears, usually happy, to the eyes. There is a wide variation of the expertise of the writers, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the read, and shows you don't have to be a professional writer to write a good story. I would recommend this book to those that have an interest in saving unwanted and abused animals, and perhaps encourage more people to seek out adopting these "loosers". Most make our lives much fuller. Heart warming, feel good stories.

This book was wonderful!! It made you laugh and cry, which is the scale I judge books on. The stories were written in different styles, making it so personal. And it makes you want to head down to the nearest animal shelter to see how you can help. Congratulations to the author. I wait for her next compilation.

I became aware of this book through the local Pittsburgh Shelter I volunteer for - Animal Friends. The only no-kill shelter in the city of Pittsburgh. It has many heart warming stories and I've sat reading many with tears in my eyes. It not only tells tails of pets from Animal friends, but other rescue groups as well. A must for any animal lover out there.

This book is the best I've read about rescued pets. Too many people look at rescue and shelter pets as second best. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book shows pets who have changed lives. Whether they come to us at a time we need a best friend or we rescue them when all of their chances are gone. Animals make lives better every day! Thanks to Chris for telling their stories!

I awaited the release of this book very eagerly, looking forward to seeing a lovely little all-black shorthair cat named Pauline featured as a starlet. And there she is, cute as can be!

Entertaining and poignantly written together with adorable photographs. Helps bring the plight of shelter animals to the forefront. It was a much appreciated gift to an animal lover friend.

While some of these strips have been in the paper, this is a great introduction to Patrick McDonnell's gentle way of urging his readers to adopt from shelters and rescues. He never preaches or belabors the point, allowing the reader to come to it through humor (and a little dash of pathos.)
If you love animals, you won't get through this book without laughing and crying.

This is one of the most heart warming and delightful books I have read in a very long time. I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time. I am the proud person of 4 rescued dogs, 10 rescued cats and the caregiver for a feral cat colony of 13. This book gives me hope knowing there are others out there who love these wonderful animals as much or more than I do. Please don't stop what you do, Patrick. The world is a much better place because of people like you.

The 'Shelter Stories' comic strips alongside the pictures of the adopted cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. are so touching and sometimes even tear-jerking. This really is a great book!

I read this book to my daughter and I cried. It felt like this book was our family story. We lost Rebel after 14 years and rescued Sneakers from the SPCA soon after. My daughter asked a lot of the same questions as the boy in the book. I highly recommend this story to everyone.

I loved every bit of this book - the illustrations are great and the story is told in a way that any child or adult can understand.

"Before you were mine," by Maribeth Boelts was a "stumble upon" that touched me with it's voice and authenticity. I think it will allow readers and their young listeners to explore the difficult topic of abandonment with hope and humor. Boelts doesn't pull any punches, which makes the happy ending all the more pleasing. This is great storytime material for pre-schoolers to pre-teens.

This book was so sweet and innocent. I cried. I used this at "Story Time" at our local Animal Shelter, it was a big hit. It showed the shelter in a positive light. It is a very nice book to share with children, gives them a lot to think about. I definately recommend it.

Reviewed by Conner Aguren (age 3) and Mom for Reader Reviews (12/07)

A boy wonders about the life of his dog before he adopted him from the animal shelter. "Before You Were Mine," explores many possibilities of a dog's life before coming to a new owner: showing reasons such as intolerance for dog behaviors, neglect, becoming lost, and/or not being welcomed at a new home.

"Did you like the book?"
"Yes. It was all about a puppy. It had a happy ending."
"Do you think the dog had a rough life before coming to the animal shelter?"
"I don't know. Lot's of things could have happened."
"Would you adopt a dog from the animal shelter?"
"What does adopt mean? I want all the animals!"

Parent's comments:

The watercolor illustrations set the nostalgic tone of this heartwarming book. A lot of pages are dedicated to hypothetical situations, most negative (otherwise the dog probably wouldn't be in a shelter), that I felt more could have been shown about the joy of the dog being rescued from a shelter. I feel it's the author's epilogue in "Before You Were Mine" that explains the message of giving shelter dog a second chance best.

The adjective to describe "No Fleas On Us" Animal Shelter Tales is that it is compelling reading. You put it down and pick it back up. You want to discover more and learn more. The wonderful stories will captivate you. Enjoy because you are in for a wonderful ride.

The true stories were captivating. The dedication of the author and other shelter volunteers is brought to life in the book.
You cant put it down. It is truly a great work. A must read!!!

No Fleas on Us: Animal Shelter Tales
Just like the famous Chicken Soup series, No Fleas on Us will entertain, encourage and uplift. The book dives right in with a heartbreaking story about a neighbor who drowns kittens entrusted to her for adoption and never let's go of the reader's heart. No Fleas is packed with moving stories of these cast-off animals, each as individual as the animals themselves, and the dedicated volunteers of the self-funded No Kill shelter and the unexpected crises they overcome. A natural storyteller, the author infuses the book with the same passion and drive she has for abandoned animals. This book won't disappoint!!!

An honest and moving portrayal of what really happens in a no kill animal shelter. One moment your laughing and the next your crying. I truly enjoyed the many heart warming stories from beginning to the end. It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down.

Shelters are the melting pots of the animal world. With a one-eyed Siamese cat, a gambling greyhound, a king snake, and many others, Critters is a prime example.

The story encompasses many animals, but each one ties into a central tale. Goldie, a yellow lab whose real name is Rex, is determined to escape. He is loyal to his boy and can't stand the idea of going home with anyone else. His adventure touches many lives, including Placido, the cranky Siamese, Catherine the greyhound, and even Marshall the king snake.

Will Goldie, AKA Rex, find his way home, or into the dogcatcher's evil hands? Will Placido offend yet another family and be returned to Critters--again? Will Marshall always be disregarded for being legless and scaly?

M.E. Kerr bring a wonderful story to children that covers so many life issues that listing them all would take more space than this review. Suffice to say, this book is will touch readers with its frankness and charm. Sometimes anthropomorphizing characters can be ridiculous, but not so in this case. Here, it serves to show readers what animals can go through, all the histories that humans will never be able to hear them tell. Kerr also gives the animals personalities that readers can relate to. What a great tail... I mean, tale.

This would also be a GREAT gift to have a kid read before you take them to choose a rescue animal--they'll appreciate their new friend even more.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
02/09/2007


Personal Note: I adopted a rescue dog two years ago next month. Alice has been a WONDERFUL friend, and she is excellent around my daughter. I couldn't have asked for a better dog--well, except for the shedding thing... I emphatically encourage you to look at rescue animals before choosing a new pet. If you're looking for a purebred, you can still find them through rescue groups by breed specialty. Do it. It will make you happy. It will make you a better human. ~C.Fix

Christmas is only a few days away, and at this time of year, the animals residing within the cages at Critters Animal Shelter begin feeling sorry for themselves. After all, while other animals are cozying up near warm fireplaces with their beloved owners, and batting the ornaments on the Christmas tree, the Critters residents are left to their own devices, sleeping in cold, metal cages, and wondering if they'll ever be given the chance to be called someone's pet. Don't get me wrong, the animals at Critters are well-taken care of. They receive daily walks, and people play with them, and on Christmas Eve they even receive edible treats that are lip-smacking good. But it's still not the same. But this year, things are different. For one thing, Placido, a bossy, one-eyed Siamese has been adopted (again!), and while the rest of the animals are holding bets regarding how long until Placido returns to Critters, the mischievous fellow is snacking on mackerel, and sharing a pillow with an eleven-year-old entertainer named Jimmie - looking to make a star of herself. Then there's Catherine. The ex-racing greyhound has a penchant for betting, but this year she's making a new life for herself with a young girl named Sun Lily, who happens to have not one but four mothers. Which brings us to Marshall, a gentle king snake with a huge vocabulary who wants nothing more than to go home with his favorite boy - Walter. But Walter's famous news-correspondent father isn't having it, and insists that Walter pick a more suitable pet for a New York City apartment. And, of course, we can't forget Goldie, aka Rex, who has lost his beloved boy, Bob, and wants nothing more than to be reunited with his one and only in time for the holidays. And, while that may seem like enough animals to keep anyone's hands full, it doesn't include the arthritis-stricken, soap opera loving Irving; Posh, an animal resembling a pit bull and a pig; Dewey, an Irish setter looking for someone to take a chance on him; and the newest addition to the crazy bunch, Noel, an iguana with a chip on her shoulder. Together, these animals will drive one another, as well as the shelter volunteers up the wall!

I have volunteered at various animal shelters over the years, and have seen the tales and stigmas that accompany each fuzzy friend - from cats to dogs, and rabbits to guinea pigs. However, as animals can't talk, it's hard to get a full understanding of the various stories they have to tell. Perhaps that's why M.E. Kerr's SNAKES DON'T MISS THEIR MOTHERS appealed to me so greatly. Kerr has touched upon a subject that many authors steer clear of. She has introduced us to a gang of shelter animals, all with their own heartbreaking, yet touching tales of survival, and the harshness they have had to suffer through over the years. Together, these animals, amidst bickering and sarcasm, seek solace in one another to help them through their stay at Critters, while at the same time comparing notes on the cruelty they have seen: from being used and dumped by racetracks, to being adopted and returned various times because of slight mishaps. Each animal brings along a sympathetic tale that makes the reader feel for them, while at the same time root for their survival in this cruel world, and hope that they one day find a family that will treat them like the kings (and queens) they truly are. Animal lovers come forth - this is a can't miss addition to the fiction world!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

What a great novel about the lives of shelter animals! Kerr writes vivid characters that evoke sympathy for the plight of all the unwanted animals out there. They each have a story to tell--just like Placido the one-eyed Siamese, Marshall the king snake, and Irving the older pointer. A quick read!

I gave this a present for my 3 yr old nephews and it immediately became one of their favorites. (In fact, I liked the book so much I got another copy for myself.) It is illustrated with a mix of photo-collage and drawings, and almost every page is a story within itself. This is much richer than the simple linear style of many children's books.
Separately, I'm an animal lover, and I love that it shows the shelter as a place of warmth, caring and dedication. A percentage of the book's profits is being donated to the Wood Green Shelter, so when you buy it everybody wins.

Come spend a day with Patricia Casey at Wood Green Animal Shelter. "It's a place in the city where sick, stray, or abandoned animals are taken care of." First let's meet the staff and their own pets who like to come to work with them. Then, let's get the shelter and clinic ready for business...preparing the waiting and examining rooms, feeding and attending to the animals who are staying there because they're sick, injured, or homeless, and need help. Finally at noon the clinic opens and the vet is ready to see patients. When the day is over, the staff feeds and prepares the animals for the night, and then go home, themselves, to eat and rest, because tomorrow is another busy day..... Patricia Casey has written a charming and informative picture book, full of fascinating and engaging stories about both the people who work at the shelter, and the many different animals who've come to stay or live there. Her simple and straightforward text is interesting and entertaining to read, but it's the busy collage artwork that really makes this book stand out. Ms Casey combines photographs, watercolors and colored pencil drawings to create a detailed smorgasbord of visual fun, and youngsters will enjoy poring over the illustrations and finding something new and exciting each time they open the book. Perfect for kids 5-9, One Day At Wood Green Animal Shelter is a clever and innovative story that your little animal lover will want to read again and again.