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Rescuing Rover

by Raymond Bial
80p. 978-0-54734-125-5.
COPY ISBN
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
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.
With lucid, affecting text, Raymond Bial discusses the plight of dog overpopulation in America. Touching photographs show a multitude of adorable dogs; rescue-animal workers and shelter environments; and adopters spending time with prospective pets. Bial’s passion for the subject matter is clear. (He and his family have a number of rescued pets; in his introduction, he tells the story of the dog that he and his wife most recently adopted, and after spending a day taking photographs for Rescuing Rover at his local shelter, he brought a cat home with him.) Supplemental information throughout the book includes a shelter profile and a day in the life of a shelter worker (“It’s raining outside, but I didn’t realize it was raining stray cats.”), facts about the ASPCA and the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), and a list of animal shelter policies. A perfect choice for dog and animal lovers, or for those who are interested in possible pet fostering or getting involved at a local shelter.

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