Rescue & Romance

I read just about every genre of book, but I have never ventured into romance novel territory.  I don't know, I just always picture a shirtless Fabio with his hair blowing in the wind, and...I go look at the memoirs instead.  The closest I've ever come to reading a bodice-ripper is 50 Shades of Grey, and that's only because the media was all abuzz about it.  But I just might be a romance novel convert, because last weekend I discovered Catherine Mann's Second Chance Ranch series!

No bodice-ripping going on here! (photo from Amazon)

The first book in this series is called Shelter Me.  Yes, the majority of the plot is focused on this couple and their romance - of course - but there is a large subplot dedicated to a Shepherd mix named Trooper.  Trooper was Sierra's father's right-hand man in Iraq, and when her father is killed while serving his country, Sierra is surprised to find his two partners (one human, one canine) on her doorstep.  Sierra and her mom run the Second Chance Ranch, a hectic animal rescue.  The last thing Sierra needs is more stress and painful reminders of her father...but Trooper and his (very handsome) new owner are difficult for her to resist.

You mean you don't get frisky on a picnic blanket on top of a snow-covered hill?!  (Photo from Amazon)

Rescue Me, the second book in the Second Chance Ranch series, features the same setting with slightly different characters.  Sierra is a minor character, while her friend Mary Hannah - who now works at the rescue - is at the forefront.  Mary Hannah has a scandalous history with Detective AJ Parker, who is working with her now to rehabilitate a terrified Boxer named Holly.  Holly was seized by the pair during a drug bust - she is traumatized and unsure.  But Mary Hannah has to heal and train Holly, all the while trying to avoid her feelings for AJ.  

Each book has its share of "sexy" scenes, as well as cheesy lines and silly scenarios.  However, it's very well-written, and the characters are relatable and real.  What I loved most, of course, was the rescue aspect - I so wish there was more of this in fiction!  In each book, there were also a few portions that were written from the dog's perspective, which was super entertaining.  Take it from me:  If you aren't so into romance novels, but you're a dog-lover, try these books!  I'm not sure if the author is planning on a third in the Second Chance Ranch series, but I sure hope so! 

Because it is Tuesday's Tails, I am also including two adoptables:

This is Lady, and (like Trooper in Shelter Me) she is a Shepherd mix.  Lady is 6 years old, fully trained, and good with other animals.  And look how beautiful she is!!  Check out her Petfinder profile here.

Like Holly in Rescue Me, Fargo is a female Boxer.  Fargo loves other animals, children, and running around outside.  She's super sweet but pretty shy - she just needs a bit of extra love to bring her out of her shell.  And yes...her ears are always like this!  Adorable!  Check out Fargo's Petfinder profile here.

Judy: A Dog in a Million

(photo from Goodreads)

Judy sounds like she was quite a remarkable dog:  A liver-and-white English pointer born in a Shanghai kennel, she became a canine hero in the midst of World War II.  This intelligent and brave dog was adored by all the Allied servicemen she came across, and in return, she saved their lives several times over.

Taken under the wing of the Royal Navy, Judy lived much of her life on a gunboat called the Gnat.  While the Navy patrolled the waters, the brave and intelligent dog kept her eye out for the Japanese, both airborne and in the river.  When there seemed to be danger, she would bark, pace, and whine, alerting her shipmates to trouble.  When the boat capsized, it seemed like Judy would be done for - but this girl had the 9 lives of a cat!

Eventually, Judy found herself a canine Prisoner of War, nearly starving in a Japanese prison camp.  Though the conditions in which they lived were absolutely horrifying, Judy represented hope - something to look forward to - to the men in the camp, and she was taken care of by most everyone there.  By simply being her wonderful self, this dog probably gave many men something to live for.

Judy on the deck of the gunboat - such a good girl!  (photo from Wiki)

Though I loved the heroine of this true story - Judy - and all of the servicemen who cared for her, it was not exactly a fun book to read.  The events were shocking and depressing, and many chapters ended by saying something like, "But this was only the beginning of the horror for Judy and her comrades..."  It wasn't by any means uplifting.  I also noticed that Judy kind of faded into the background - it didn't seem to be the dog's story, but rather the brave men on the boat and in the prison camp.  And that's just fine, but I fell rather in love with Judy, and I wanted to hear more about her.

Overall, I would recommend this book to dog lovers and history buffs alike!  Though it was not necessarily a happy story, it was an inspiring read nonetheless.

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I received no other compensation.  All opinions are my own.

Christmas Gift Guide #1: Gifts That Give Back

So much about the holiday season is about spending money, going to the mall, and running around for last-minute gifts... It often makes me feel kind of...I don't know, selfish?  That's probably not the right word to use.  But as Cindy Lou Who would say, "Isn't this all a bit much?" 

Instead of getting your dad a tie he'll toss in the back of his closet, or that new purse for your sister...consider purchasing a gift that gives back instead.  That way, even if your friend's dog turns his nose up at the treats you gave him, you will rest easy knowing that your purchase will have gone toward helping an animal in need.  Here's a few of my picks to get you started!

For your dog:

Cloud Star All Natural Pet Products is a great example of businesses giving back.  With each purchase, they donate to organizations not only helping animals, but those benefiting women, children, and the environment.  In addition to dog treats, Cloud Star offers cat treats, grooming products, and some great accessories for humans.  They pride themselves on using only natural ingredients that are super safe and healthy for your pets.

Haven't heard of BarkBox?  What planet are you living on?!  When you and your dog sign up for BarkBox, you receive a box chock full of goodies every month - toys, treats, hygiene products, and even new gadgets could be inside!  You're guaranteed at least 4 quality items in your box per month.  Better yet, BarkBox donates 10% of their sales to animals in need, in the form of everything from rescues and sanctuaries to spay/neuter programs and training.  Sign up for BarkBox, and your dog will learn to love the mailman instead of fearing (or loathing!) him :)

For your cat:

Fun and functional, this DJ Cat Scratching Pad will amuse you and your kitty.  Plus, the proceeds are donated to the ASPCA.  Perfect for a cat lover who also loves music...Emily at Kitty Cat Chronicles, whaddaya think?! ;)

For you:

I am obsessed with Marnie the Dog.  Absolutely obsessed.  She was rescued at 12 years old, and she is now universally adored for her lopsided gait and sweet face.  So when I posted on her Facebook asking about a calendar, I was overjoyed to see that there was one in the works!  Of course I ordered it immediately, and it was icing on the cake to see that a portion of the proceeds is donated to senior animal rescue.  (I may have also ordered a t-shirt.  With Marnie's face on it.  For the cause, people!)  Click the link above to order yours!

I saw this amazingly quirky and perfect tee on the Cyber Monday sale on Stylish Canine, and I had to have it.  The price was right, and the sentiment fits me to a...well, to a tee.  (Sorry.  Terrible pun.)  It shipped quickly and is super soft and comfy.  (Psst:  If you like your tee shirts oversized, order the men's size!  I am a size 8/10 and ordered a women's XL, and it is a bit snug.  I forgot to read the fine print.)  Though I would have ordered it anyway, I was delighted to see that $5 of the proceeds are donated to The Perfect Dog Rescue in California!

Rescue Me is a fairly new magazine, and it focuses on all things animal rescue!  I have purchased every issue so far, and it hasn't disappointed me yet.  Full of wonderful and useful information about spay/neuter programs, different rescues across the country, even "voluntourism", this magazine is worth the subscription price of $29.95...especially when you consider that 50% of the cost is given back to a rescue of your choice!

I love great photography, especially when the subject is a dog!  Traer Scott's "Shelter Dogs" is a perfect addition to your library, featuring gorgeous dogs in need of homes.  The portraits are sometimes heart-wrenching, other times funny - this photographer is always able to capture the dogs' emotions and personalities.  Be warned, the portraits may make you cry (each dog's story is given at the end, and some of the dogs do not end up finding homes...), especially if you're a sap like me, but it's worth it for such a beautiful book.  And $.50 of each copy sold goes straight to the ASPCA.

Pup Art is an online art show that is dedicated to raising money for shelter dogs, and I haven't stopped browsing the site since I stumbled upon it last week!  All of the prints for sale were inspired by adoptable dogs and painted by a volunteering artist, and 50% or more from each print sold will go to whichever rescue the featured dog came from.  There are all sorts of breeds and pictures, but my personal favorite is this one, titled "Uncle Larry" - who wouldn't want to take this face home?!

Organizations for everyone:

Hooray for the Underdog is a wonderful business that gives back in many ways:  photographing adoptable shelter animals, donating art work to fundraisers, and designing bus billboard campaigns are just a few of the ways they have helped pets in need.  Their shop offers one-of-a-kind greeting cards and stationery, along with treats and other fun dog accessories.

Another great resource for gifts that give back is the organization itself - many rescues/shelters will have items for sale on their website, and, of course, all proceeds go into helping the animals.  My personal favorites are National Mill Dog Rescue, Best Friends, and Underdog Rescue MN.

Note:  I was not compensated in any way for posting these items and businesses.  I just love these products and thought my readers might too! :)

Happy shopping! <3

A Letter From Riley

Have you heard of the book called Sorry I Pooped in Your Shoe by Jeremy Greenberg?  It's full of cute photos and letters from naughty dogs to their "pack leaders".  The subject matter of these hilarious letters ranges from grooming mishaps to pleas of "throw the ball already!"  Each letter is accompanied by a photo of the letter's canine author, and each is funnier and more adorable than the last!

Inspired by this book, Riley decided to take matters into his own hands...er, paws...and share his own letter with you...

Dear Mama,

Lots of the dogs in that book you kept laughing at called their mama "pack leader."  I am not going to call you that, because we all know who truly leads the pack around here.  Yes, me - Riley!  So I just call you Mama instead.  

Can I just tell you one thing?  When I roll over and look at you like I am looking at you in that picture, I am asking for something.  That something is a belly rub.  I don't want you to take a picture of me, and I definitely do not want to be laughed at or called "cute."  Just rub my belly, woman!

Even though we both know that I love Daddy more - I don't do a great job of hiding it, do I? - you are by far my favorite mama!  Sure, you don't give me as many belly rubs as I'd like, and you think it's funny when I am afraid of the Evil Ice Machine...but you're pretty cool otherwise.  I really like it when you sing that song that has my name in it, and you are the only one who knows how to scratch my ears properly.

One more thing, though, Mom...no more baths.  Ever.  That stuff I rolled in in the backyard smells delightful!  Don't ruin it with those awful, wet, sudsy bubbles!  And I happen to like when I get food stuck in my mustache, so no need to bother with that anymore either.  

Love,

Riley 

What would your pets say if they could write you a letter??

I'm participating in the Thoughtless Thursday Blog Hop, sponsored by Ruckus the Eskie, Owned by a Husky, and M.K. Clinton!

A Seriously Great Book: Travels with Casey

I was seriously flattered and pumped when Leah over at Let's Go Dog put me in touch with a publisher, who sent me an advance copy of Benoit Denizet-Lewis' book:  Travels with Casey.  This easy-to-read memoir/travelogue revolves around all things dog, and it is available for purchase on July 22.

(photo from Goodreads)

Most books about animals that I've read tend to fall prey to sentimentality, sappiness, or an unnecessarily heartbreaking ending.  Happily, Travels with Casey did none of these, and I gave it a rare 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads!  I am not exaggerating when I say I loved just about everything about this book:  the chapter titles ("In which Casey and I encounter cats, cows, PETA, and the 'dog-poop lady'"), the places the author ventured to, and the author's way with words.

The book started off on a rather sad note:  the author is under the impression that his dog doesn't like him, worrying that Casey would rather be elsewhere..."By elsewhere, I didn't mean in a different house or in a different neighborhood.  I meant with a different human."  To try and bridge the gap in the bond between human and dog, Lewis goes off on an RV adventure with Casey, traveling across the country to learn more about his canine companion and others like him.

The pair travels to a well-known dog park, the Westminster Dog Show, a pet expo, even to visit Cesar Milan!  A stop that was of particular interest to me was a visit to the PETA founder, Ingrid Newkirk.  Now, I knew that PETA had some rather radical ways of going about things.  Turns out there are some dirty little secrets about the organization that I was completely unaware of - I found this portion of the book fascinating and also rather horrifying!  I also appreciated that Lewis made a stop at Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a magical-sounding place that I have wanted to visit for some time now.

A map of some of the places the pair visited (via the author's Facebook page)

One place where the author and I did not agree?   The tendency of dog-lovers to compare their love for their pet with their love for a child.  "Although I adore dogs, I'm surprised when I hear people equate their love for their pets with their love for their kids," Lewis writes.  He goes on to imply that such a thought is a "sign of insanity", that it is ridiculous to compare the two kinds of love.  I understand where this comes from, but I have no children - I have my dog.  And I love my dog, if not as much as I could love a child, certainly as a pampered and beloved companion and friend.  I don't know - what are my fellow bloggers' thoughts on this?

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, though of course dog-lovers might appreciate it most.  Travels with Casey reminded me quite a bit of A. J. Jacobs' book Drop Dead Healthy, in which the author makes it his goal to learn about and experience all sorts of different trends in dieting and exercise.  In both memoirs, it was clear that there had been a LOT of research; however, the writing is so easy and fun to read that it doesn't seem like a research-heavy book.  It is a rare find - both informative and entertaining.  Although, readers be warned:  Don't pick this book up if you're easily offended by a couple of F-bombs.  (In my case, I say the more the merrier, so I had no issue!) :)

Before I go, I want to share with you one of my favorite passages from Travels with Casey, in which the author is learning to do "doga" (yoga with your dog) on the beach:  "I watched as she effortlessly incorporated Curli...into many of her poses, including lifting him high into the air for her Warrior Pose.  Curli looked like he'd been there before, and he almost seemed to smile as the wind rustled through his shaggy white fur."  So cute. :)

Fun fact:  Riley's name was once Casey! :)

My request to the author:  A sequel to Travels with Casey in which you travel around the world and learn about how other cultures treat dogs differently?!

A huge THANK YOU to Benoit Denizet-Lewis, Simon & Schuster, and Leah at Let's Go Dog for my advance copy of this wonderful book!  Disclaimer:  I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.  I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.

Visit the author at:  www.TravelsWithCasey.com

Facebook:  Travels With Casey

Instagram:  travelswithcasey

Twitter:  @BenoitDLewis #TravelsWithCasey

You can also visit SimonandSchuster.com.

Happy reading! :)

Book Review: Nick Trout's Cyrus Mills Series

The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs - Nick Trout (photo from Goodreads)

I read the first book in Trout's "Cyrus Mills" series about six months ago, and I LOVED it.  I have always been interested in veterinary medicine, so I figured this book - its main character a veterinary pathologist with a soft spot for lost dogs - would be right up my alley.  Cyrus Mills has returned to his Vermont hometown after years of estrangement from the town and his (now deceased) father.  Cyrus is determined to sell the practice his father left him - it is struggling financially, and as a pathologist, he is not used to working with living animals and their owners.  

But the Bedside Manor for Sick Animals wins Cyrus over, and so does an unwanted Golden Retriever he takes in.  He begins to care - not just for the animals he treats, but for the practice, the town, and the humans in it, too.  This was a heartwarming story; I rooted for Cyrus and his failing practice the whole way through.  The plot was peppered with some comic relief and sweet stories as well...an underwear-eating Lab and the charming "Frieda Fuzzypaws" were some especially memorable patients.  The best word to describe this novel would be "charming," and I would recommend it to any animal lover.  (Buy it here for $14.99!)

Dog Gone, Back Soon - Nick Trout (photo from Goodreads)

This is Trout's follow-up to The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one.  Cyrus is now fully involved with the Bedside Manor for Sick Animals (as well as a waitress named Amy), and he is determined to grow it into a thriving practice.  Unfortunately, a huge chain vet practice across town is just as determined to keep him from doing so.  Adding to the chaos in Cyrus' life:  relationship issues and a unique homeless dog he must struggle to find a home for.  Much of the book focused on various furry patients and their ailments, which was my favorite part.  The pet owners were often very kooky (and sometimes frustrating), and I found that to be pretty realistic.  (Buy it here for $15!)  Nick Trout has many nonfiction books available that I will definitely be checking out after reading these!  I suggest you pick these books up on your next trip to the library!  :)

xoxochelsea

Book Review: Love Saves the Day

Love Saves the Day - Gwen Cooper (photo from Goodreads)

I was surprised by how much I loved this book.  Generally, I am not into fiction written from the perspective of the animal, but Love Saves the Day was definitely an exception.  An incredibly sweet novel featuring several different narrators, this is a perfect (purrfect?  No?  Too far?) book for cat lovers.

Prudence, the brown tabby cat at the center of the novel, has "adopted" a woman named Sarah; the two live a happy life together until, one day, Sarah doesn't return home.  Though it's not a major event shown in the story, Sarah has died.  Prudence, of course, does not understand where her beloved human has gone, and she continues to expect Sarah to come home throughout the novel.  I found this absolutely heartbreaking.  

Coming to Sarah's house to gather her belongings, however, is Laura, who is Sarah's nearly-estranged daughter.  Prudence's comfortable life is turned upside down when she is brought to live with this stranger and her husband.  Laura and her husband are not cat lovers - in fact, they barely know how to interact with poor Prudence.  The plot follows the struggle of Prudence to "train" her new humans while still longing for Sarah, as well as Laura's attempts to push away the memories of her deceased mother.  

Laura and her mother once had a very strong relationship that ended with lots of arguments and fighting.  Prudence the cat only reminds Laura of the bond her and her mother once had.  The book has three narrators, if I recall correctly:  Prudence, Laura, and Sarah (her memories).  Each was equally heartstring-tugging and poignant.  Books that are written from the POV of an animal can be gimmicky and cheesy.  This (despite the sappy title and cover) did not happen in this book, much to my relief.  Instead, the cat's chapters were clever and fun, and it made me wish I could hear the things that go on inside my pet's head.

This book is sad, but also very sweet and affecting.  It is not only a "cat book" - it is a powerful novel about reconciling with one's past, loss of loved ones, and regret and its effect on a person's life.  Even if you're not a cat lover, I would still give this one a shot.  Trust me when I say that the cover/title does NOT do this book justice.  (Buy it here for only about $12!)

xoxochelsea

A Book Review and a Sad Goodbye...

Julie Klam is one of the reasons I became so passionate about animal rescue.  Before I became involved with a humane society, I had never been particularly interested in animal rescue, and I also thought most books about dogs were cheesy and poorly written.  But once I realized that helping animals was something I cared a lot about, it was like tons of doors opened - one of those being the huge amount of great dog books out there.  Two of them were written by Julie Klam, who is an author, magazine writer, animal advocate, and an all-around amazing person.

You Had Me at Woof and Love at First Bark are the two dog-centric books that Klam has written so far (though her other two books are fantastic as well).  I had already read the former when I stumbled across the latter on a Barnes and Noble clearance shelf - what it was doing there, I'm not sure, but it was the best five bucks I've ever spent!  Love at First Bark is a humor-infused, inspirational look at dog rescue and how it can change us for the better.

(Photo from Goodreads)

The book starts off with a quote from Henry Bergh, the founder of the ASPCA:  "Mercy to animals means mercy to mankind."  Throughout the memoir-like book, Julie Klam has many opportunities to show mercy to animals in need:  a pitbull tied up and abandoned in the street that Klam fought tooth and nail to find a good home for, a special-needs pup in need of a foster home, and so many homeless dogs that were victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Charming and inspiring, this book is one of those rare reads that makes you laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously!  

Even if you think you aren't interested in taking an active role in animal rescue, I can almost guarantee that this book will change your mind.  It is incredibly inspiring, and Klam writes in a way that is very relatable.  The first thing I did when I finished reading was Internet research on the ways in which I could become more involved with Iowa animal rescue, and I'm slowly but surely getting there (I attend my 'orientation' meeting next month to become a volunteer for transporting animals across state!  :)  )  

Here is a short piece from Love at First Bark:  "So we all gave what we could where we were most needed.  We were all pursuing the same goals in our own territory, to make the lives of some unfortunate dogs a little better.  And the experience with the dogs changed us, too.  If there was something I couldn't do myself, I knew I was a part of this global community, with friends who would be able to help me.  We found ourselves more committed and tenacious and resolved and confident.  And empathetic.  I've discovered that I can pretty much do anything, or at the very least try, without giving up."  Inspiring stuff, right?!  I think that I have found such a community, and I'm looking forward to making more friends in the rescue community! :)  In sum...if you haven't yet read this book, do so immediately.  I don't like to choose favorites when it comes to books, but this just might be the best dog book I've read so far.  (Purchase Love at First Bark here for only around $10!)

I'd also like to take a moment to share some sad news.  A couple of months ago, my husband and I assisted in transporting a 13-year-old black Lab to a local shelter.  Her owner had abandoned her in an old house by herself after finding out she did not get along with his new dog; he went to check on her and feed her every two days.  This is no life for a dog, especially one in her golden years.  After being notified by the local shelter, Jared and I drove a few hours to pick her up.  A happy, smiling girl who seemed much younger than her 13 years, she jumped right up into our backseat without hesitation.  While I drove, Jared sat with her in the back, her greying muzzle resting contentedly on his knee.  She was a sweet girl with lots of love and kisses to give, and during the short time we spent with her, we sorta fell for her.  After arriving at the shelter, she was adopted fairly quickly by a nice family with children who gave her lots of loving care.  But six weeks later, she began to have some balance and coordination issues, and yesterday, she fell over and did not get up.  

It might be silly to be sad over a dog I only spent a few hours with, but I am.  I am just glad that for that six weeks, she had someone there to care for her.  If she had to go, I am glad she didn't go alone.

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

xoxochelsea

Book Recommendation: Roam by Alan Lazar

My dog has never run away.  (Knock on wood - we've only had him for a year!)  I like to think that this is because he loves it so much here - I mean, he gets all the treats and belly rubs he could ever want, why would he ever leave?!  But I recently tried to let him outside off leash, and he immediately attempted an escape.  Riley is an older dog who has some...extra meat on his bones, so it was a very slow attempt, but an escape nonetheless!  This little incident scared the hell out of me - I don't know what I would do if I ever actually lost my dog.  I see posts on Facebook of friends whose dogs have run away, and my heart just breaks for them.  What is it about this thing dogs have, this obsession with running away?!  Where do they think they're going?  Do they think the streets have better treats to offer or comfier places to rest?  Anyway.  I recently read a novel that concerned a little dog running away and all of the scary, dangerous, exciting things he experienced during his adventure.

I finished this novel last weekend, and I still can't stop thinking about it.  Told from the perspective of a beagle/poodle mix named Nelson, Roam follows this dog through eight years of his life.  Nelson starts out in the home of the woman who bred him, and he eventually ends up in a cold and unfamiliar pet store.  Soon, though, he is taken home by Katey, who quickly becomes his Great Love.  An incident allows him to escape, and he does so...and of course, Nelson can't find his way back home to Katey.  Nelson roams city streets and dangerous woods, somehow surviving year after year.  He runs into friends, foes, and human companions.  Through dog shelters, sickness, and a motorcycle accident, he toughs it out - all to get back to Katey.  

This book could easily have been cheesy and sentimental.  And don't get me wrong, it definitely had its fair share of sap.  But it never went overboard.  The writing from the viewpoint of Nelson felt very realistic; I wanted to keep this little trooper of a dog for my very own!  The story is very reliant on smell:  Nelson can smell everything.  I enjoyed this; it made me think about what scents my dog picks up on.  Another thing I enjoyed about this book was that it came with a "soundtrack" - by scanning little barcodes after the chapter with my phone, I could hear short pieces of piano music that went along with the story.  These pretty pieces were composed by the author himself!

I had a couple of issues with the book.  First, it felt almost too realistic at times - it made me feel uncomfortable to read about Nelson wanting to mate and things like that.  In regards to that, I think the author went a little too far.  I also had a problem with the way the author portrayed pit bulls (vicious, scary, and mean) as well as shelters (cold, damp, dark, awful).  I don't agree with those stereotypes one bit, and I was a little disappointed that the author did.  And finally, yes, the ending came together quite neatly - more neatly than was realistic.  But I would absolutely rather read a happy, convenient ending to a dog book over a sad and depressing one...so I was okay with that.  :)

This novel was very different from most I have read about dogs, most likely because it was all told from the perspective of Nelson.  I really enjoyed the strong voice in this story; I hope you will, too!  (Buy it here for $13.39.)

Happy reading!

xoxochelsea

Book Recommendation

I love to read.  Always have.  I inhale books like they're sustenance, and to me, they kind of are.  I read memoirs, chick lit, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, research-based nonfiction, humor, and the list goes on.  But one of my favorite genres is literature about animals.  I try to keep track of and rate the books I read on Goodreads, and a 5-star rating is pretty rare from me - except when it comes to books about dogs. This includes Jon Katz's story collection called Dancing Dogs, a book I had the pleasure of tearing through this weekend.  I laughed at some stories, cried at others, sniffling so loudly that my husband looked over at me and asked, "What the hell are you reading that's making you cry like that?!"  All I had to do was tip the cover over and show him the dog on the front, and he nodded understandingly.  He gets it.  :)

(photo from here)
Generally, I stay away from short story collections, just because there tends to be one or two stories I love, while the rest I don't really care for.  That was not the case with this collection.  I loved and related to each and every story.  In one story, a young girl bonds with a beagle puppy at a shelter and will stop at nothing to adopt him.  In another, a pug rescues his elderly owner, in a way, after his wife passes away.  My favorite story was called "Laura Passerby", and in it, the title character must decide if taking an unhealthy, chained-up German Shepherd from a neglectful farmer's yard would be the right thing to do.

A few of the stories were pretty heart-wrenching; many of the stories dealt with death in different ways.  Some stories were funny:  a dog makes observations of the world outside while his owners are away; a husband who doesn't want a dog is won over by a Yankees-loving hound.  There's a little something for every dog lover in this collection.  After checking this out from the library, it is now on my list of books to buy.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how many times shelter dogs or rescue was mentioned.  Many of the dogs were described as being rescued, and one of the stories even takes place inside a shelter - a woman comforts the dogs who are on death row the day before they are scheduled to be euthanized.  (That one hit a little too close to home for me - oh, the feelings!!!)  The importance of helping neglected or abused animals is also mentioned in these stories, specifically in the aforementioned "Laura Passerby."  I loved that, and I think it's very important for more books about animals to educate people about the importance of adoption.  Since Jon Katz has many more books (both fiction and non) about animals, he is definitely on my list of authors to watch!  (Buy this great book of short stories for under $12!)

Happy reading!

xoxochelsea