We just finished reading this awesome new book, DOGTOWN: Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Redemption. It is the companion book to the
National Geographic Channel show Dogtown. Miss Anna from
National Geographic Society was kind enough to send us a copy so we could review it.
It is about the largest no-kill animal shelter called
Best Friends Animal Society located in Utah. The book follows the stories of some of the canine residents at Dogtown taking you through their experiences and the experiences of the wonderful people who care for them. At Dogtown, they take the time and effort to treat not just medical problems but behavioral problems and even trauma, giving every animal, not just dogs, a second chance at life.
We do not have National Geographic Channel so this was the first time we had heard of this program. Boy! Now we wish we had that channel. The stories go from heartbreaking to heartwarming. They are interesting, educational and just plain inspirational.
Usually people say that the love dogs give their humans is unconditional. In Dogtown, that same unconditional love is given to each dog; whatever their history or medical situation or any mistakes they may have made in the past. They are loved regardless of their attitude, illness, age, looks or past and each story shows there is hope for even the hardest cases. Even in the most extreme cases, where they are unable to rehome a dog, that dog can live out the rest of its life at the shelter without fear of being put to sleep just because no one else will take him or her.
The people who work there and the volunteers will restore your faith in the human soul. They selflessly devote their time and effort to these poor animals. The different stories show how dealing with animals can be hard but rewarding and fulfilling all at the same time. The different personalities of the dogs shine given the proper time, love, attention and training. The book shows how dogs are individuals and cannot be completely generalized by breed traits alone. It allows the reader to see situations through the eyes of the trainer as well as the dogs. Dogs can think and feel. Pets are not just property that can be disposed of when it is no longer convenient to own us.
The book shows how the right person with the right attitude can make a difference and discover the loving personality in each dog.The stories will make you laugh and cry. Pets who are abandoned, elderly, sick, rescued from puppymills or dog fighting operations or hoarders, even those traumatized by war or natural disasters, all have a place in Dogtown. No life is wasted here. Everyone gets to be loved.
There is a saying: Saving one animal will not change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal. This rings truer than ever at Dogtown. And the fact that the program makes it possible for these unwanted pets to find a furever home is just the happiest ending of all.
We tip our hats to the people who work there, the volunteers and the people who come to adopt and give furever homes to my fellow animals. We are so happy there are people like them in the world. We recommend not just this book but the tv show itself.
The book is available anywhere books are sold and will make a great Christmas gift. Dog lovers are sure to love it. And perhaps even non-dog lovers will be converted. Hehe!
