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Rescue Ben
Ben is a dog in search of his family. They bought a new house, and while traveling to the new location, Ben chased a cat. He couldn't help it; the cat was teasing him! When he returned, though, he found his family was gone. Now, he'll do anything to get back to young Roy and Molly, but Ben has never been out in the world on his own. He was with his family since his puppy years. How will he survive in the big world, filled with loud noises, angry cars, and mean people? However, not everyone is mean. On his desperate search, Ben comes upon good humans--humans who need his help. Although the dog needs rescuing, so do many people out there, who are just as scared as Ben. Will Ben ever find his way to his family's new home, or will the perils of the wild world keep him away? Everywhere he goes, Ben makes an impression; he makes things better and makes new friends. Still, he searches for Roy and Molly. With the endless devotion of man's best friend, Ben won't stop his journey until he is safely in the arms of his loving family.
478 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2013
About the author
R.B. Smith
2 books8 followersRosemarie B. Smith is a devoted animal lover, and is passionate about changing the attitudes of a young generation that she worries is becoming desensitized by rapidly-developing technologies. Going back to basics, Smith wrote Rescue Ben to demonstrate the close kinship between humans and animals. She wished to remind the world that mankind is responsible for putting cruelty towards animals and humans to an end.
Smith, mother of three and grandmother of six, spent much of her career in Human Resources Management, before semi-retiring at age 60, and purchasing a start-up company, which she turned into a successful business.
She has personally adopted a total of 12 rescue cats. A host of stray cats have been fed, and taken to her vet for treatment for injuries that some of these wanderers received on their journey. Shots for Rabies and other ailments were given. These cats rested and healed until they chose to continue their search, just like Ben did with the characters in her book.
Smith, mother of three and grandmother of six, spent much of her career in Human Resources Management, before semi-retiring at age 60, and purchasing a start-up company, which she turned into a successful business.
She has personally adopted a total of 12 rescue cats. A host of stray cats have been fed, and taken to her vet for treatment for injuries that some of these wanderers received on their journey. Shots for Rabies and other ailments were given. These cats rested and healed until they chose to continue their search, just like Ben did with the characters in her book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 25, 2013
Rescue Ben is the uplifting tale of an extraordinary dog, Ben. The story begins shortly after Ben is separated from his human family while they are moving. While searching for his human family Ben encounters Joey, Sally, Jenny, Sam, and Amanda. One by one he changes and impacts each of his companions' lives for the better. From literally saving one of his new friends' lives to giving another a new outlook on life and giving him a much needed morale boost, Ben does it all. But with each new friend he makes, Ben becomes more and more desperate to reunite with his original human family.
Smith does an excellent job of showing the positive effect that animals can have on our lives. Like any dog, Ben loves all the attention he gets, which is all very well deserved. The story is both inspiring and tear-inducing. Each story is more touching than the one before it. But it's Amanda's story that really shows you the bond between man and his best friend.
Rescue Ben is a great read for animal lovers and the petless alike. There is never a dull moment in Ben's search for his human family and the amazing adventures he has on the way!
Smith does an excellent job of showing the positive effect that animals can have on our lives. Like any dog, Ben loves all the attention he gets, which is all very well deserved. The story is both inspiring and tear-inducing. Each story is more touching than the one before it. But it's Amanda's story that really shows you the bond between man and his best friend.
Rescue Ben is a great read for animal lovers and the petless alike. There is never a dull moment in Ben's search for his human family and the amazing adventures he has on the way!
November 3, 2013
When it comes to man’s best friend, true stories of amazing acts have been told about these four-legged beauties.
Author R. B. Smith taps into some of these wondrous acts in her fiction release, RESCUE BEN. This is an amazing tale of one canine’s journey to be reunited with his human family. If you are hesitant to read about an animal’s travels for fear of a sad ending, I will say the book ends with Ben alive and quite happy.
Life was good for Ben who had lived with his human family since he was a puppy. They were all moving to a new home when the unthinkable happened. Ben got separated from his family because of a cat. He had to chase it, there was no choice. But when he returned, his family was gone.
Determined to find his family, Ben sets out on a journey that will prove just how brave, strong, loving and caring he is. Along the way he encounters a number of humans whose lives he changes. This is an extraordinary tale of how a dog’s journey impacted not only his life, but many human lives he met along the way.
The story moves at a steady pace pulling you deeper into Ben’s search. Smith has developed realistic characters and given Ben a voice dog lovers will appreciate. The settings are vivid giving you a good sense of being there as the story unfolds.
While there may be some tear-shedding moments, the book is light-hearted and inspiring. The connection animal lovers share with their four-legged friends is beautifully brought to life in this story.
Whether you are an animal lover or not, RESCUE BEN will be an enjoyable read. It’s filled with suspense, mystery, compassion and caring. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to hug her dog(s) a little more after reading this tantalizing adventure.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author’s publicist in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Author R. B. Smith taps into some of these wondrous acts in her fiction release, RESCUE BEN. This is an amazing tale of one canine’s journey to be reunited with his human family. If you are hesitant to read about an animal’s travels for fear of a sad ending, I will say the book ends with Ben alive and quite happy.
Life was good for Ben who had lived with his human family since he was a puppy. They were all moving to a new home when the unthinkable happened. Ben got separated from his family because of a cat. He had to chase it, there was no choice. But when he returned, his family was gone.
Determined to find his family, Ben sets out on a journey that will prove just how brave, strong, loving and caring he is. Along the way he encounters a number of humans whose lives he changes. This is an extraordinary tale of how a dog’s journey impacted not only his life, but many human lives he met along the way.
The story moves at a steady pace pulling you deeper into Ben’s search. Smith has developed realistic characters and given Ben a voice dog lovers will appreciate. The settings are vivid giving you a good sense of being there as the story unfolds.
While there may be some tear-shedding moments, the book is light-hearted and inspiring. The connection animal lovers share with their four-legged friends is beautifully brought to life in this story.
Whether you are an animal lover or not, RESCUE BEN will be an enjoyable read. It’s filled with suspense, mystery, compassion and caring. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to hug her dog(s) a little more after reading this tantalizing adventure.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author’s publicist in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
January 18, 2014
"Rescue Ben" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a tender, poignant adventure that begins with Ben, a dog with the look of a 'formal tuxedo' who loses his family on the way to their new home. Having lost his anchor in life Ben finds himself adrift in a whirlwind of unfamiliar sights and sounds. Undaunted the brave canine starts out on a journey to find his lost family. What he finds in his search is frightened, lonely and desperate people who need rescuing. In the same vein as the 1979 -1985 television series "The Littlest Hobo" Ben befriends and helps those in need as he searches for his owners Roy and Molly and in the process discovers a life he never expected.
This is a story that tugs at your heart strings as Ben follows his heart, helping others find purpose and new-meaning for their lives. The narrative is written with everyday realism combining Ben's perspective and those he rescues. The dialogue is natural but at times basic in structure. There is little differentiation between the mental thoughts of a canine and those of the people Ben interacts with, which made me think at first this was a book for younger readers. But, the characters are all well-developed especially Ben who's a perceptive, smart hero with sharp senses and a keen mind for problem solving; Sally the rebellious teenager whose compassion gives her new insight; Sam Garner, the mild-mannered, kind drifter haunted by a family tragedy, and Amanda, the dedicated, work conscious handler who opens herself to love. All the core characters are warm, likeable personalities who find hope and love when they least expect it.
In this story of dedication, loyalty, trust, friendship and love are woven strong messages; having faith in others, being non-judgemental and treating others fairly and honestly. This is a novel I thought might be for a younger readership but found it a wonderful story for people of all ages. I loved it and highly recommend it.
This is a story that tugs at your heart strings as Ben follows his heart, helping others find purpose and new-meaning for their lives. The narrative is written with everyday realism combining Ben's perspective and those he rescues. The dialogue is natural but at times basic in structure. There is little differentiation between the mental thoughts of a canine and those of the people Ben interacts with, which made me think at first this was a book for younger readers. But, the characters are all well-developed especially Ben who's a perceptive, smart hero with sharp senses and a keen mind for problem solving; Sally the rebellious teenager whose compassion gives her new insight; Sam Garner, the mild-mannered, kind drifter haunted by a family tragedy, and Amanda, the dedicated, work conscious handler who opens herself to love. All the core characters are warm, likeable personalities who find hope and love when they least expect it.
In this story of dedication, loyalty, trust, friendship and love are woven strong messages; having faith in others, being non-judgemental and treating others fairly and honestly. This is a novel I thought might be for a younger readership but found it a wonderful story for people of all ages. I loved it and highly recommend it.
December 10, 2013
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads. I really loved the cover and the picture of the dog. I tried to love the book, but just couldn't. I made it to page 35. It is hard for me to believe that a coyote would attack a 13 year old boy. Coyotes are timid creatures that rarely attack humans. I think the 13 year old boy in this story was more in danger being hurt by flying baseballs while he was pitching at his baseball games than he ever would have been from coyotes. And when he used the dog as a stepping stool to climb a tree to escape the vicious coyote, I just couldn't read any further. I admire anyone who can sit down and write a novel and get it published, but the characters have to be believable.
September 14, 2024
Rescue Ben was my first novel. I wrote and self published in 2013. I'm so happy to see by the reviews and comments that my deep feelings about care and love of animals came through in my writing of this novel.
I wrote this novel for middle grade boys and girls, but to my surprise I have found that more gray haired seniors have read this story and loved it. Sometimes you find an unexpected group of readers. Thanks to all of you
Rosemarie B Smith
I wrote this novel for middle grade boys and girls, but to my surprise I have found that more gray haired seniors have read this story and loved it. Sometimes you find an unexpected group of readers. Thanks to all of you
Rosemarie B Smith
August 28, 2013
This is a captivating story about a dog who loses his forever family and about his quest to reunite with them. During his search, he encounters some very interesting people characters. His intelligence, intuition and loyalty help to rescue these people in many different ways. His adventures provide for a great read. Highly-recommended for dog lovers of all ages.
November 15, 2013
As an animal lover, this book was just what I was looking for! I loved reading about Ben and all the characters he encounters on his journey to find his way home. This book was definitely a tear-jerker! There were quite a few surprise twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves animals or loves a feel-good read.
May 27, 2013
I can't say enough about this book! It's so heartfelt and well written! I bought this for our daughter and after she was finished, she was like, mom you have to read this, so I did and we both cried! I won't give any spoilers but there are parts I never saw coming. Loved it!
September 20, 2013
Rescue Ben was a heartfelt read with action and fun from start to finish. You can't put it down! Expect to giggle and cry as you take this thrilling journey together with the oh-so-loveable Ben!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews