Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on January 17, 2002. The length of the article is 722 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Dogs' visit brings shelters to school.(Animals)(Class project: One successful adoptee and one happy mascot show off as shelter success stories.)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: January 17, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: D1

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This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on September 21, 2007. The length of the article is 700 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Keep focus on animals.(Editorials)(Activists and shelter should note common goals)(Editorial)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: September 21, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: A12

Article Type: Editorial

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This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on October 6, 2008. The length of the article is 1051 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: CRUNCH TIME FOR CATS.(Animals)(Rescue groups and shelters see more pets given up by owners in crisis)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: October 6, 2008
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: B11

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This digital document is an article from The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM), published by The Santa Fe New Mexican on September 20, 2009. The length of the article is 494 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: OLDER ANIMALS FOCUS OF TWO SHELTER PROGRAMS.(Scoop)
Author: Unavailable
Publication: The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM) (Newspaper)
Date: September 20, 2009
Publisher: The Santa Fe New Mexican
Page: C-8

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This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on September 13, 2002. The length of the article is 463 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Shelter freezes kitten adoptions.(Animals)(Distemper: The contagious virus brings drastic action at Greenhill.)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: September 13, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: D1

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This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on January 7, 2002. The length of the article is 788 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Shelter faces budget crunch.(Animals)(Cost, use rises: A task force will explore new ways to fund the county's animal regulation program.)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: January 7, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: B1

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This digital document is an article from The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM), published by The Santa Fe New Mexican on February 28, 2010. The length of the article is 1647 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A SIMPLE FIX; EVERY DAY IS SPAY DAY AS SHELTERS SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION.(Scoop)
Author: Unavailable
Publication: The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM) (Newspaper)
Date: February 28, 2010
Publisher: The Santa Fe New Mexican
Page: C-9

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Product Description
Deacon Tremont establishes a no-kill animal sanctuary in Utah that launches an undercover operation to expose a meat supplier before the conglomerate can take them down for protecting animal rights. ... Read more

Product Description
A step-by-step guide to the care of stray and feral cats. Here is everything you need to know to give your feral or stray cat a quality life, including how to care for, feed, and control the population by humanely trapping to spay or neuter. Also detailed information about taming feral cats and kittens, managing more than one stray, and caring for orphan kittens. Contains photographs and a 20 page Resource Guide to organizations, products, and additional information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Bringing a worthy topic out of the shadows
If you have a stray cat hanging around your home and want to do something to help it, this book is a good place to go for information.The author's philosophy is basically that most ferals (un-socialized cats who are born or have lived for a long time in the wild) are happier outdoors.Some feral cats and kittens can be socialized and live indoors, but the majority are better off being trapped/neutered or spayed/ and returned to their natural habitat.However, this does not necessarily mean abdicating responsibility for the cat.

The book's subtitle is "How to Help the Stray Cat in Your Life (without adding to the problem)," and the author makes the point that if you are going to feed an intact feral cat, it will breed and the population coming into your yard will multiply. Having the ferals fixed is recommended over more direct forms of population control. Even if you don't mind the extra mouths, the neighbors might.

Feral cats, according to the author, require high quality food, regular shelter and perhaps occasional vet care in case of illness or injury - all of which is gone into far more detail in the book.In addition, the book provides tips on caring for orphan kittens, long term cat management and an index of resources.

Personally (purrsonally?) I agree with the author's philosophy.I've known feral cats who werehappier as house cats and ones that were happier living outdoors.Even if you don't agree with every point, it is still a useful and informative guide to an issue that shouldn't be ignored.

You'll want to read this book.
Very readable, helpful and thorough, this is a handbook for the person who wants to care for strays and feral cats but doesn't really know how best to proceed.Lots of references. Recommend highly.

Errors and omissions make this a chancy book
We do and teach a lot of rescue/TNR, and found this book to have many errors/omissions.Some examples:

p. 19 there is *not* controversy over whether domestic cats are really domesticated.They are.Again, p. 39 -- "would you bring the same animal in the house if it was a raccoon or squirrel?"Feral cats are not wild animals as raccoons and squirrels are; this is a very significant difference, and this is a very misleading comparison.

p. 23 In discussion of "is cat a feral or stray", no mention is made of the ethical necessity to **list as found** any cat you can even remotely touch.Many lost pet cats can present as quite scared.If your cat were missing, you would want finders to err on the side of listing every found cat as found!

p. 45 Very misleading info on FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).The typical first test for FIV tests for *antibodies*, not antigen -- thus, kittens can test FIV+ from maternal antibodies.With time, they clear the maternal antibodies.We have encountered many litters of kittens who initially tested FIV+, *all* of whom subsequently retested FIV-.There's no mention here of the need to have a test/retest protocol.(For great flowcharts, see http://www.felineleukemia.org/fiv1.html).

p. 22 "Feral cats are happier in the wild and are never really happy being confined".This is a mythical overgeneralization.We have done a lot of TNR in dense inner-city settings, and have brought a number of feral cats inside in various places, because their colony habitat was being destroyed (construction, redevelopment, etc.).Most former ferals, if they are kept inside with decent care, some windows, scratching and climbing posts, cat company, do quite well.A very small percent really want to be back in their colony.We've had quite fierce tomcats sit looking out a window at a thunderstorm, and purr up a storm.One "nth generation feral" loves to be picked up and cuddled (and he was definitely a feral cat).TNR (trap-neuter-return) is the default, but bringing a cat in to your home to sanctuary as a "permanent rescue cat" is a viable choice.

There is a lot of good information in this book, but unfortunately also a lot of errors; someone new to rescue would not be able to tell which is which.

You can find good info on TNR at
Alley Cat Allies, [...]
Best Friends http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/feralindex.cfm

Gesine Lohr

Feline Finesse
This volume of data, anecdotes, and knowledge is unsurpassed in helping the growing volume of stray and/or feral cats!Beautifully written and lovely photos, it is a treasure of information and a pleasure to read!It should be in the library of every "cat person" as well as schools, vet waiting room, pet supply shops, book stores!

A practical, useful guide for cat lovers of all ages
Arising from her lifelong commitment and efforts to helping all types of animals, Ann K. Fisher has written Living In Shadows: How To Help The Stray Cat In Your Life (Without Adding To The Problem) is a straightforward, informed and informative introductory guide to feeding and caring for stray cats without attracting other animals, how to humanely trap feral cats for spaying or neutering, orphan kitten care, and gradually taming feral cats for domestic relationships. A practical, useful guide for cat lovers of all ages and circumstances, Living in Shadows is very highly recommended reading and an invaluable addition to community libraries and animal shelter reference collections. ... Read more

Product Description

Christmas is coming, and Marshall, a black-and-yellow king snake who likes big words and live rats, and Irving, a twelve-year-old part-German shorthaired pointer, are still accidental residents at Critters, an animal shelter in the Hamptons. Even word of Placido's umpteenth adoption doesn't cheer them up. The large, one-eyed Siamese usually "goes out" for only twenty-four hours before his new owners decide he should "come back." Still, this time might be different. Sam Twilight and his daughter, Jimmie, are former circus performers and just might be clever enough to deal with a cat who has very bad habits.

As the holidays arrive, all sorts of surprises are in store for the creatures at Critters. Catherine, an aging greyhound rescued from the racetrack, is invited to Ginny Tintree's home for Christmas weekend. Goldie, a.k.a. Rex, a recently arrived yellow Lab sought by the evil dogcatcher with red gloves, escapes and is on the run again. And a heartsick Maine coon cat named Rags Randall is compelled to compose his first poem about a dog:

"Rex, this is Rags, can you hear me? / I miss not having you near me. / Run fast, Rex, run hard. / Till you come to our yard! / Rex, this is Rags, can you hear me?"

With her own special brand of humor and compassion, the inimitable M. E. Kerr ex-plores a small corner of the world where the lives of humans and animals intertwine daily, often bringing new hope to all.

Customer Reviews (3)

A Heartwarming Tail, er, Tale
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

Animal lovers come forth...!
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

Kerr does it again!
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! ... Read more

Product Description
Seattle socialite Julia Dorsey has it all—prestige, money, magnificent Morgan horses, and a powerful, brilliant husband. But Julia's life is a nightmare of abuse and terror, and only an act of courage can save her. Will the price be too high?

When mysterious Heck Dillon enters her life, Julia's fears return. Who is he? Can she trust him? As Dillon offers her quiet strength and protection, Julia begins to believe in hope for a new future. But the old life still haunts her and, before she can move forward, she must face her past.

Rescue Me touches two serious subjects: horse rescue and domestic violence.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A WOW of an addition to my Leland Library
So there I was, curled up in bed thinking I'd just take a "quick peek" at my newly acquired copy of Rescue Me. Twenty chapters later, it was 1:30 a.m. and I was still goggle-eyed awake, ghosting alongside Julia as she choreographed her tenuous escape and rebirth.

I love everything about this book - the synergy of the dual spouse abuse/animal abuse themes, the cliff-hang perils of Julia's escape and self-reinvention, the development of the supporting "cast," the flow of dialogue, the balance between action and contemplation, the conflict and character development, and especially the bell of truth rung over some things we might tend to marginalize as "not-our-concerns." Toni obviously applied meticulous research to all aspects of this piece, from the abuse issues right down to the details involved in acquiring false ID. As a result, she has not only gifted us with a gripping tale peopled with appealing characters and critters, but also taught us a lot along the way. Decidedly a two-thumbs-up! And heartfelt thank you!

More, please. And soon

She Just May Rescue Herself..
This was better than I expected. I was half afraid it would be fluffy or too romancy, but to my great pleasure, it was a serious and suspenseful read that addressed two very important issues while at the same time offering helpful advice and knowledge on both issues: escaping domestic abuse and the abuse and neglect of horses and how you can help.

Julia is married to very rich, but very abusive man. Stephen treats Julia like a possession and not a very prized one at that. He has jealous rages, beats her, verbally abuses her, monitors her every move and then aplogizes for it all, buying her trinkets or jewels just to begin the cycle all over again. Finally, Julia has enough and in the middle of an Oklahoma horse competition, she takes a tote bag full of necessities, hides behind a pair of sunglasses and boards the nearest bus. The bus takes her Illinois where she starts a new identity, a new job, rents an apartment, and looks over her shoulder constantly.

Julia learns fast that the only way to be safe from her past and Stephen is to keep to herself. It's easier to keep people at arm's length than to constantly fabricate lies to tell them. When a handsome and mysterious man comes into her life tho, Julia begans to doubt her choice. Was running away really the answer or should she have stood up to Stephen and did things legal? Does she want to start a new relationship on a pack of lies or allow this sexy former law enforcement officer, Dillon, into her heart and to possibly help her?

While Julia ponders her choices, Stephen is searching for her, Dillon is chasing trucks full of caskets and counterfeit money, and Julia discovers a horse rescue farm. Some of the situations these horses come from are appalling and they need to do just as much healing as Julia does. Maybe they can heal together.

The Author tackles difficult social issues, while delivering a fast paced, hold your attention, novel.
Rescue me enters the realm of abuse, both spousal and animal.Topics that are difficult to cope with, and not what you would expect to be the focus of a novel.

The author does an incredible job in dealing with both topics, while developing her usual unorthodox romantic plot.Toni Leland continues to integrate mystery and intrigue into a romantic novel.I tend to shy away from a genre expressed as "romantic", but Toni Leland's "romance novels" have a pace and plot rivaling the mystery/ whodunit genres that I am more comfortable with.

Rescue Me tells the story of an abused spouse who is an accomplished and recognized rider who takes refuge in her riding and her champion mare.As the plot builds, Julia must make some very difficult decisions that pit her personal well-being against her passion for her equestrian life style.

I found Rescue Me to be a fast paced and attention holding read.I continue to enjoy Toni Leland's writing and believe that Rescue Me is her best yet.

rescue me
it was a great book.couldn't put it down. i
enjoyed all of her horse books.

Excellent plot with tough subject matter
When asked to read and review a book by this author, I was drawn several times to this title because of the description. It's not something you particularly WANT to read about, but it's reality and it's close to my heart. You see, my mother is a survivor of domestic violence and we had a horse growing up. So that's where I'm coming from in this review.

The author does a fabulous job of weaving the plight of a domestic abuse victim with the plight of abused and neglected horses. Being inside of Julia's head is both intriguing and frightening. The story moves quickly as Julia runs away from that life into a life much different. There's a little romance, nothing overtly sexual (no heaving bosoms, thank goodness!), and a lot of heart.

The storyline about the horse rescue broke my heart. I guess I knew it happens. People are mean or get in over their head or the horse gets old and is no longer as "fun" or gets too expensive. I suppose the same is true with all pet rescue groups, but with horses, the sheer size and cost I imagine becomes a larger problem. I really did enjoy following Julia's research and experiences. While I haven't researched it myself, it rings true of what goes on inside of a rescue group - the constant shortage of funds having top billing.

The book itself is well written. The author does a wonderful job of keeping the story going while not revealing all of the information at once. I liked that each main character had a backstory and she was able to reveal bits and pieces of it at a time.

In typical fashion, I didn't really care for the ending. I guess I wanted more out of it. Having said that, if I were the author, I'm not sure I would have changed it. Again, it rang true. Abuse victims sometimes overestimate the power of their abuser and underestimate the power of themselves. I also liked that we were left to use our imagination a bit as far as what path(s) the characters may choose next.

This is a good book for those that are looking for something easy to physically read but want to learn a little something in the process. It kept me up until 2am, so I'd say it gets my recommendation. ... Read more

Product Description
Best Friends is a celebration of compassion and a movingreminder of the special bond we share with our companion animalfriends.Best Friends features heartwarming images of over 100 petswho have been cared for and given a second chance thanks to non-profitanimal shelters nationwide.You'll meet animals rescued from fires,floods, and earthquakes, taken from unkind owners, abandoned or lefthomeless when an owner died, and rehabilitated after injury orillness.An introductory essay, quotes about our pet friends,background notes on all animals pictured, and a resource section roundout this fine addition to the library of any animal lover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Sumner Got It Right
Sumner Fowler is an excellent photographer. I knew him in high school when he was a photographer for The Birmingham Eccentric. Even back then he had an eye for the unique. He knew what he wanted and was patient enough to wait for the right lighting, the right nod of the head or the look in the eyes. He saw life through a photographers lens. His talent has grown and he has captured the delightfullness of the animal world. Best Friends, is evidence of where Sumner's heart, as well as talent lies......

"How many hearts with warm red blood in them are beating under cover of the woods tonight, and how many teeth and eyes are shining! A multitude of animal people intimately related to us, but of whose lives we know almost nothing, are as busy about their own affairs as we are about ours." John Muir

Sumner's camera takes us into the lives of the animals he has photographed here. I highly recommend the book. The proceeds go to an excellent cause.

Is there more?
Each photo in this book touched me in some way for the better. Mr Fowler certainly has a magictouch with his camera.I'm hoping he comes out with more books.

Wonderful!
Beautiful black and white photographs--the look of unconditional love in a beagle's eye, a sleepy yawn from a tabby.These and other photos (there's horses too!) of rescued animals make this book completely heartwarming. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
The timeless tale of a boy (with autism) and his (shelter) dog.Over the past 10 years, author Sandra Gerencher has been on a mission to save dogs from high-kill animal shelters. Her first rescue was P.J., the black and white Pomeranian in the story. She also adopted the orange Pomeranians Shelby and Lil Rascal, and of course, Chance, the big black Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix. All characters in the story are based on Sandra's real life family. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos of her loved ones. Her most significant adoption was her son, Terry. He was considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A young boy with autism interacts with his new dog, Chance!
What if animals could talk? What would they tell us about autism? There are so many researched articles explaining how a pet can help people with this disorder yet it remains a challenge to the scientific community because of its diversity of symptoms and because there seems to be no one specific cause.

And yet in her small book, Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog (PBS Kids recommended title), author Gerencher explains how a mother who adopted Ryan, a child with autism, also adopted Chance to be his companion. Chance is a Rottweiler puppy and he is the voice of the story.

Second Chance begins with the Rottweiler explaining his somewhat formless life in an adoption shelter where he shares a cage with his buddy. Days simply come and go. But to this dog's good fortune, a mother and her adopted son, Ryan, visit the shelter and are impressed by this four-month-old puppy who seems equally impressed by both of them.

Ryan's mother calls the Rottweiler, Chance. the puppy hears the word "adopt." In his canine mind, he ponders "Adopt? Now there's a new word." With a new leash attached, Chance proudly prances out the front door of the shelter thinking he is going for a second daily outing. But he balks at the idea of getting into a scary automobile. He had not expected this. Nevertheless, Ryan and his mom hoist Chance into the car and drive away.

Ryan and Chance distract one another with hugs, kisses, and slobbers and by the cheerful atmosphere in the auto. Once home, The Rottweiler meets his three other dog relatives. Right away, he notices that Ryan's mother has a special love for her son and his new pet. He begins to wonder when this bubble of living in a caring home will burst because he's uncertain what the word "adopt" means.

In interactive language only Second Chance and Ryan understand, the young boy tries his best to explain that "adopt" means becoming part of a loving family for the rest of his life. "There's something different about this boy, but I sense that he is friendly and that he likes me." During this explanation, Chance sees Ryan jumping up and down, sometimes flapping his hands in the air, sometimes obsessively chewing on the sleeve of his clothing.

What will become of these two friends? The rest of the story is short but to the point. From the wise brain of a dog, I came away with a new understanding of what it means to be adopted and what it means to accept someone who is noticeably different.

I would recommend this book as an imaginative read for any age, but particularly grade school students. It could be a great leaping off point for discussions about children labeled as autistic, and also about adoption and what that means.

Children can be encouraged to tell what they think each not-so-perfectly-clear water color in the book is all about. Who is to say that Second Chance and Ryan view their worlds with this somewhat blurred, almost distorted, outlook of reality? Most critical is having a child understand that Ryan and Chance accept one another unconditionally. Is that not what love is all about?

Other interesting books for children and adults:
Strange Son: Two Mothers, Two Sons, and the Quest to Unlock the Hidden World of Autism
Saving Ben: A Father's Story of Autism (Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Series)
You Know When
Adopting A Dog - The Secrets to a Successful Adoption!
Why Am I Different?
Oliver: A Story About Adoption

dog's point of view?Silly
This book is just plain silly. Come on, from a dog's point of view? It's just a dumb gimmick.I've been reading books on how dogs have changed lives, and there are a lot out there better than this.

Take a Chance and Pass it On
This is an incredibly moving story about the pets who were given second chances after being adopted from a shelter and a boy with autism who was given a chance to flourish.

Chance, a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix as well as a cat and some Pomeranians are adopted from a no-kill shelter.These delightful pets are used to explain adoption in a kid-friendly way, through the voice of Chance.(Dale, a boy with autism was helped by a therapy dog named Henry and often responded when people spoke to him "through" his dog.A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World )

Adoption is a word that is used freely.Chance keeps hearing the word being used by a kind woman at the shelter, little knowing that he is about to be given a Chance of a lifetime!

Enter Ryan, a child with autism and related neurobiological conditions.He, like Chance was adopted.Boy and dog connect; the two would form a bond that was indeed heartwarming.Ryan unwittingly teaches Chance the meaning of adoption means when he recognizes his current home as his permanent one.No longer shuttled about the foster care system and no longer serving time in a shelter, the two respond to one another on a level specific to their commonalities.Ryan sums his assessment of adoption up neatly with this poignant statement - it means being loved forever.

Autism does affect communication.It is as varied a condition as there are people who have it.Ryan has difficulty in communicating with people, as did Dale Gardener of "A Friend Like Henry," but he has no trouble at all understanding his beloved dog Chance.

This wonderful book serves many purposes.It teaches tolerance of people with special needs; it teaches the value in caring about others and the importance of pets and being willing to step up to the plate.Chance and the other adopted pets were given chances.So was Ryan.The interaction among them all was extremely heart warming.

This author is a brilliant and compassionate woman who has used her own life experiences to continue to pass on the message the value of caring about others.Her plea for people to adopt pets from shelters (and in many cases save their lives) is one that can never be said too many times.Many people who have gotten pets from shelters will attest how loving the pets were and delight in watching the animals settle into their new "forever" homes.

We could all use a Second Chance
A wonderfully true story about the ultimate statement of a mother's love, adoption. The author's "journey" begins many years earlier with rescuing unwanted dogs from shelters, but this book tells the tale of the bond that is formed between her two most precious and recent adoptions - her son Terry and his dog Chance. Told from the viewpoint of the dog, the book is both comical and at times emotional as you witness almost firsthand the difference Chance makes in Terry's life. A nice gift for yourself or for others.

Heart-tugging
Sandra Gerencher's book, Second Chance, is uniquely written from a rescued dog's point of view. It is a delightful quick read about the adoption of an animal shelter dog who goes home with an autistic child...also adopted. Even though the book is a light read, the message between the lines is powerful. A must read for adopted children. ... Read more

Product Description
Animal shelters in the U.S. take in millions of cats every year. If you're thinking of adopting a feline companion, Shelter Cats will provide you with everything you need to know to select and care for your perfect pet. You'll learn about the variety of shelter philosophies and services so as to find a shelter that meets your needs.

You'll learn how to evaluate the cats awaiting adoption so as to choose a cat whose personality will complement your own. Most importantly, you'll learn how to care for your new pet—from how to prepare for your cat's arrival to how to turn a skittish kitty into a loving lap cat. With heart-warming stories of successful adoptions and charming photographs, you'll be delighted that you have Shelter Cats when you bring home your adopted cat.
A Howell Cat Book of Distinction ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Shelter Cats
With luck, this helpful volume will encourage people to adopt wonderful cats from shelters and rescue groups!

Castaway Cats in Triumph!
No greater pleasure than to read the stories of cats who find new lives through quality shelters with caring workers!The photos are nice and the tales of furry feline tails will entrance and delight the soul!

One of the best books on cats so far.........
After reading Ms. Commings' book, Shelter Cats, I would recommend it not only to everyone who is interesting in adopting one of society's "throw away" pets, but to anyone who works or volunteers at their local shelter. Not only does she cover lots of ground, she obviously knows what she's talking about. She also mentions the most forgotten animals of our society, the "special needs" cats. The cats that have been abused or suffer from medical problems that will require them to have a special guardian the rest of their lives with lots of love in their hearts. Since I work at a non-profit, privately funded, "no-kill"shelter in Austin, Tx., I know how hard it is to place some of these cats in loving, PERMANENT homes, but they make the most REWARDING pets. At this moment "Bob" comes to mind, a kitty that was brought to us who is blind & deaf, but is pure joy to be with. In her book Ms. Comming's also mentions several animal establishments, like Denver Dumb Friends, the Tree House Foundation & the S.F. SPCA. All of these organizations are a WEALTH of valuable information, and they share a lot of it with the public through this book. This book is definitely FIVE STARS!!!!

Shelter Cats
Pssst! Here's a book that tells you the very best place to find a cat. Perhaps you've heard negative or scary things about animal shelters. If you, like many people, are a little nervous about entering a shelter toadopt a cat, grab a copy of Shelter Cats by Karen Commings. This booksgives you the courage (and the knowledge) to choose the right cat for you.It also banishes many animal shelter myths and describes the great thingsthat shelters nationwide are accomplishing for cats. An informative bookfull of tips and tales, Shelter Cats should be required reading for anyonewho steps through shelter doors to adopt a cat! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Back in the 1940s, the practice referred to as Opound seizureO became a common practice in taxpayer-funded animal shelters across the country. Whether for cosmetic testing, human or animal drug testing, medical technique and tool testing, or biochemical testing, these once-family pets are subjected to experimentation that often ends in death. While many states fail to keep accurate data, the number of pets that become victims of pound seizure easily reaches the thousands and though most citizens are unaware of the practice, it may very well be happening at their local animal shelter. Pound seizure remains a dirty little secret in American society, but the practice is moving toward extinction with the help of local citizens advocating for change at their shelter, as well as animal rescue and welfare organizations providing assistance and advocacy. Learning more about the practice, as well as alternatives, will help give readers a fuller picture of whatOs happening in American animal shelters and what they can do to stem the tide of dealers and brokers sweeping off animals to their almost-certain demise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A well-documented, well-written reference
The practice of pound seizure, while in decline because of local citizen advocacy, is still in force in United State animal shelters.Dogs and cats who were once-loved pets are brokered through class B dealers to cosmetic, medical technique and tool, and drug testing often without the consent or knowledge of the owners who release them, and with inadequate oversight and documentation.

Phillips provides thorough explanation of the history, law, and current status of this practice and provides myriad citations, case studies, and personal experiences.While clearly advocating for an end to this practice, the book is a well-balanced, sober look at the facts.The countless hours of research contained in this book is remarkable, and likely unparalleled for this subject.

This book, while informative, is also well-written, and a fascinating, albeit disturbing read.Lack of information can no longer be an excuse for communities not to act in support of the vulnerable animals in their midst.

Wonderful read - VERY informative
As someone interested in pound seizure and class B dealers, this book is a must have. But for those folks who are interested in animal welfare and animal rights in a more general area, it is a must read as well! This book opens up the world of Class B dealers and pound seizure to the reader. Ms. Phillips calls pound seizure the communities "dirty little secret" and after reading this you will 100% understand why.

I personally loved the chapter that shows what you can do to help stop pound seizure if it is occuring in your community. It is great to have that kind of direction and help in how to make a difference. ... Read more

Product Description
How can the love of animals translate into a career? In this engaging collection of interviews, activities, and advice, Willow Ann Sirch explores more than 30 careers with animals of all kinds. Organized by vocation groups such as jobs in animals shelters, veterinary medicine, wildlife rescue, and obedience training, the author addresses the young reader in a frank, conversational manner. From saving dogs who have swallowed antifreeze, to finding foster homes for abandoned llamas, to teaching sign language to chimpanzees, this book connects a love for animals into solid thinking about future careers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Animal Lovers
Any animal lover who wants to make a career with animals should get this book. It doesn't tell naything about salaries or anything stupid or unessacary like that. People who only care about salaries shouldn't become anything that involves animals. I personally want to be a small animal veterinarian and I could care less about money. I would work for free just to be with animals. Get this book if you have a dream of working with animals like me. You won't be able to put this book down till you know everything!

Needed more information
The book was detailed on jobs, but could have used information on salaries.It was also very basic not too much detail involved in this one.

You WILL find the right career for you!
I have been so confused on what to do with my life.I have always known that I want to work with animals but didn't know what kinds of jobs were available.I never realized that there were so many jobs available outthere that work with animals.Because of this book, I have found the jobthat is right for me and I know what I have to do to get there.It is amust read if you want specific detail of every job available in the animalindustry! ... Read more

Product Description
NEW LIVES presents stories of hope, inspiration, and second chances. The heroes are an unlikely assortment of dogs who were saved from shelters, animal rescues, and the streets. They have gone on to love, serve, and in some cases save the lives of the compassionate individuals who took a chance on these abandoned canines, and welcomed them into their hearts and lives.The book is a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals,and affirms the belief that it is never too late for miracles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Anyone considering animal assistance will enjoy and benefit from reading this book
Joanne Wannan tells the stories of 18 dogs rescued from shelters and the streets who were trained for animal therapy and as service dogs. They have helped people with physical and emotional disabilities, assisting some to achieve independent living; cheering people up - even relieving depression - in nursing homes, hospitals, and jails. They motivate children to read, offer comfort to victims of emotional and physical traumas. The fact that they come with their own stories of overcoming severe hardships and traumas becomes an asset - providing points of resonation for children and adults who have struggled with difficult challenges. It is moving and heartwarming to see how the lives of people and dogs are mutually healed.

Professionals incorporate both rescued and non-rescued dogs in their practices, but many prefer the former. They feel it helps create a potent bond between client and dog. This is particularly true when working with children and teens. Those who have experienced abandonment or abuse can often relate more easily to a dog with a similar past. Children with behavioral problems often "see themselves" in dogs who have few social skills, and who are learning, like themselves, to be valued members of society. Rescued dogs can also teach important lessons about the humane treatment of animals, as well as tolerance, patience and respect. (p. 3)

A lovely, unusual innovation of Wannan is in introducing dogs to children who were struggling in school because they were slow to learn to read.

If you go to any public library on a Saturday afternoon, you may see a dog sitting quietly on a blanket, starting intently at the pages of a book, while a child reads out loud. These dogs are part of Reading Education Assistance dogs (R.E.A.D.*), a trademarked program of Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA). This program's goal is to improve literacy in children by having them read stories to an attentive canine.

The concept behind the program is both simple and profound. Dogs aren't judgmental: they don't correct or criticize. This creates a positive learning environment and allows kids to practice their communication skills in a safe, non-threatening way. The result can be better grades, improved reading levels and increased self-esteem. And along the way, children discover that reading can be fun. (p. 39.)

Anyone considering animal assistance will enjoy and benefit from reading this book.

Deeply Moving Book
This is a beautiful book, full of profound human stories of survival and deeply moving, real-life accounts of how dogs have literally turned around the very hard lives of so many in pain.The stories are absolutely compelling and powerful, a real testament to the sublime relationship we share with canines."New Lives" is a superb work of non-fiction, well worth a read not only by dog-lovers, but readers at large.

Stories of Rescued Dogs Bring Comfort
I was deeply moved and encouraged by these stories. Not just by reading about how dogs who've been cast aside can be rescued and retrained, but about how much the strength of human spirit can accomplish. I have renewed faith in the compassion that we are all capable of.

HEARTWARMING "TAILS" WITH A PURPOSE
This book is not only enjoyable and heartwarming to read, but it raises awareness to the powerful connection between humans and animals. By shedding light on the programs and success stories that go with them, the field of animal assisted therapy gets a boost. In a world full of violence, fear and overwhelming negativity, it's so refreshing to read stories that inspire and rejuvenate the soul. A must-read for the animal lover! ... Read more