Review by Booklist Review
This accessible, amply illustrated title offers an informative introduction to canine-rescue endeavors. After recounting his own moving story of adopting a rescue dog, Bial provides a history of human-dog relationships, from game hunters to pet companions to service animals. Bial also explores rescue organizations, such as the ASPCA, addressing who staffs and supports them and the challenges they face. The material is quite sobering. Bial frankly discusses the abuse many dogs experience including puppy mills, dogfighting, neglect, or abandonment as well as euthanasia. However, Bial's unabashed advocacy for all animals shines throughout, and he intersperses the more troubling passages with examples of inspiring dog rescues, shelters, and workers and offers practical suggestions to help end animal cruelty. Sections about evaluating websites and what to expect during the shelter-adoption process will further raise awareness and assist youth in better understanding the importance of humane treatment and responsible pet ownership. Historical and contemporary photos; extensive book lists (one for children, another for older readers); websites; and a detailed index complete this well-presented resource on a high-interest topic.--Rosenfeld, Shell. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Bial introduces man's best friend and informs readers about the poor treatment that many of them receive from puppy mills, backyard breeders, pet stores, and some owners. He tells of his own experiences adopting pets and shares heartrending and touching stories. Full-color photos appear on every page; many scream to readers to avoid places that hurt animals and go straight to animal shelters instead. Looking at the Champaign County Humane Society in Illinois, the author shows what those veterinarians, technicians, and volunteers do to prepare a dog for a happy life in the home of a caring owner. Packed with information about the history of dogs and animal-welfare organizations, the book also introduces some individuals who do foster care and work for the ASPCA. Bial suggests a seven-step process on how to adopt. The suggestions for further reading are divided among younger readers, older readers, and adults.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Without sugarcoating the subjects, Bial tackles big topics of animal abuse and overpopulation, the creation of animal welfare organizations, and a typical day in the life of an animal shelter operation and the people who work there. The true-life stories and photographs are, by turns, inspiring and heartbreaking for dog lovers. Reading list, websites. Ind. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
