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Quake Dogs
These strange-but-true Christchurch earthquake dog stories are perfect for all dog lovers. There are true tales of heroism, odd and quirky stories, funny stories, sad stories — stories that will surprise you and make you chuckle.
Quake Dogs includes stories of USAR dogs that worked in the central city right after the February earthquake; Guinness, the unofficial mascot of the Student Volunteer Army; Nemo, who has a special gift for predicting earthquakes; dogs who were rescued and dogs who rescued others; and stories showing dogs’ uncanny knowledge when trying to find their owners.
Part of the proceeds from the book go to support HUHA, a national organisation that works to rescue and re-home animals around the country. They went to Christchurch three times to take more than 70 dogs, plus numerous other animals, to safe and loving homes elsewhere in the country.
Quake Dogs includes stories of USAR dogs that worked in the central city right after the February earthquake; Guinness, the unofficial mascot of the Student Volunteer Army; Nemo, who has a special gift for predicting earthquakes; dogs who were rescued and dogs who rescued others; and stories showing dogs’ uncanny knowledge when trying to find their owners.
Part of the proceeds from the book go to support HUHA, a national organisation that works to rescue and re-home animals around the country. They went to Christchurch three times to take more than 70 dogs, plus numerous other animals, to safe and loving homes elsewhere in the country.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Laura Sessions
2 books1 followerLaura Sessions was born in Lexington, Virginia, and moved to Christchurch in 1996, where she lives with her husband, Will, and their two dogs, George and Mildred. She has an MSc in botany and a PhD in science writing from the University of Canterbury, and she now manages AUIP, an educational travel company that each year brings about a thousand American students to study in the South Pacific region. In her spare time, Laura writes for science organisations and magazines in New Zealand and overseas.
George and Mildred were away during most of the earthquakes, but they did escape from their house in Lyttelton during the June earthquake. George took himself directly to civil defence, while Mildred just lay in the middle of the road waiting for everyone to come home.
George and Mildred were away during most of the earthquakes, but they did escape from their house in Lyttelton during the June earthquake. George took himself directly to civil defence, while Mildred just lay in the middle of the road waiting for everyone to come home.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 4, 2017
I thought I was going to find the overall rating for this book on GR (5 stars at the time of the review) far too high - but it wasn't! I've never seen such beautiful photos of dogs. The photographer is Craig Bullock. I thought some of them were going to jump out of the page & in to my arms!
Laura Session writes sensitively of the bravery & long shifts worked by the rescue dogs & their handlers & about the dogs who experienced the quake. I was especially moved by the ordeal of the Unknown Dog.
Highly recommended especially for owners of pets that survive a disaster.
Laura Session writes sensitively of the bravery & long shifts worked by the rescue dogs & their handlers & about the dogs who experienced the quake. I was especially moved by the ordeal of the Unknown Dog.
Highly recommended especially for owners of pets that survive a disaster.
October 22, 2016
The photos in this book are amazing and the stories hit you in the feels. A great way to remind us what the people of Canterbury dealt with (and continue to deal with) and also makes us stop and think about what non-humans went through too.
December 20, 2014
This is SUCH a wonderful book!
The dogs are both heroic and lovable. Every one of them has a unique story to tell, and the accompanying photographs add to the enjoyment.
As I worked my way through their stories, I tried to pick my favourites. It is impossible, each story trumps the previous one.
However, I can tell you that my personal favourites were Guinness and Fritz. You'll see what I mean, but I encourage you to read the whole book and pick your own favourites.
The dogs are both heroic and lovable. Every one of them has a unique story to tell, and the accompanying photographs add to the enjoyment.
As I worked my way through their stories, I tried to pick my favourites. It is impossible, each story trumps the previous one.
However, I can tell you that my personal favourites were Guinness and Fritz. You'll see what I mean, but I encourage you to read the whole book and pick your own favourites.
October 7, 2023
I read this at a B&B and was pleasantly surprised at how both sweet and heartbreaking it was. With stunning photography and heroic stories, I had no idea how severely animals could be affected by stress and anxiety. The photos alone make for a great coffee table book.
January 27, 2023
Such interesting stories!
June 23, 2014
A great read which reminds us of the depths of change and trauma rendered on Christchurch by this earthquake. I loved the way the stories of the dogs moved between USAR and LANDSAR dogs and those family pets affected by the shakes.
February 3, 2014
The title includes 'heartwarming' and it certainly is. Lovely photography help ease some of the tragic tales to be found in this essential book.
March 26, 2017
This enjoyable book contains lovely accounts of the experiences of Cantabrian canines and their owners during and after the earthquakes. A nice tribute to non-human animals and the effects of the ongoing quakes on their lives. Featuring absolutely gorgeous photographs of the dogs.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews