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Sheltered: Stories of Rescue Animals and the People Who Were Saved by Them
Stories of rescue animals and the people who were saved by them
Sheltered explores the power of love between people and their adopted animals, and how those individual animals have changed and enriched people’s lives. These real-life, heartfelt stories showcase the deep bonds forged between rescue animals, whether they be dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, rabbits or donkeys, and the people who give them a second chance.
There’s Kaylee the kelpie cross who had been mistreated so badly she’d lost all trust in people before a family’s love, patience and devotion restored her faith in herself and humanity. Marvin, rescued from a violent home as a kitten who becomes an unlimited source of joy for his human family but amazingly also a carer and ‘guard cat’ for puppies and pregnant horses. Ollie a timid staghound transforms into an outgoing ‘goofy pooch’ who inspires his human rescuers to help other animals in need. And the pony Creature who becomes a hero for horse welfare and proves to his rescuer that happy endings happen, even against the odds.
Animals that had been discarded, lost, abandoned, or neglected by their previous humans find forever homes and bring joy, devotion, and hope to the those who adopt them. Uplifting and inspiring, Sheltered is for the animal lover in all of us.
PRAISE FOR SHELTERED
‘This heartfelt book shows that companion animals, just like us, need a warm home. Melody Horrill has written inspiring stories of hope.’ – Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace
Sheltered explores the power of love between people and their adopted animals, and how those individual animals have changed and enriched people’s lives. These real-life, heartfelt stories showcase the deep bonds forged between rescue animals, whether they be dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, rabbits or donkeys, and the people who give them a second chance.
There’s Kaylee the kelpie cross who had been mistreated so badly she’d lost all trust in people before a family’s love, patience and devotion restored her faith in herself and humanity. Marvin, rescued from a violent home as a kitten who becomes an unlimited source of joy for his human family but amazingly also a carer and ‘guard cat’ for puppies and pregnant horses. Ollie a timid staghound transforms into an outgoing ‘goofy pooch’ who inspires his human rescuers to help other animals in need. And the pony Creature who becomes a hero for horse welfare and proves to his rescuer that happy endings happen, even against the odds.
Animals that had been discarded, lost, abandoned, or neglected by their previous humans find forever homes and bring joy, devotion, and hope to the those who adopt them. Uplifting and inspiring, Sheltered is for the animal lover in all of us.
PRAISE FOR SHELTERED
‘This heartfelt book shows that companion animals, just like us, need a warm home. Melody Horrill has written inspiring stories of hope.’ – Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace
- GenresNonfiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Melody Horrill
6 books7 followersMelody Horrill is an award-winning journalist, presenter, and documentary producer, with more than 20 years' experience in broadcast media both in Australia and overseas.
A familiar face on TV in South Australia, she is well-known for her passionate writing and filming about the wild dolphins in the Port River. Her documentary A Dance with a Dolphin was broadcast across Australia on Network 10 and around the globe on CNN, with Melody presenting it from the US. It was one of three documentaries she produced for the 10 Network.
Melody is well known for her work as a senior science and environment reporter for ABC News, Channel 9 News, Channel 10 News and Channel 7 News and across the globe for the CNN World Report. She also presented the weekday weather for Channel 7 in Adelaide for almost 10 years.
In the mid 90’s Melody quit her first full time job to co-create a charity aimed at raising awareness about Adelaide’s unique dolphins. This work led to the formation of Australia’s first Dolphin Sanctuary in the Port River, SA. She continues lobbying for the protection of Adelaide’s dolphins even though she now lives in Melbourne.
A familiar face on TV in South Australia, she is well-known for her passionate writing and filming about the wild dolphins in the Port River. Her documentary A Dance with a Dolphin was broadcast across Australia on Network 10 and around the globe on CNN, with Melody presenting it from the US. It was one of three documentaries she produced for the 10 Network.
Melody is well known for her work as a senior science and environment reporter for ABC News, Channel 9 News, Channel 10 News and Channel 7 News and across the globe for the CNN World Report. She also presented the weekday weather for Channel 7 in Adelaide for almost 10 years.
In the mid 90’s Melody quit her first full time job to co-create a charity aimed at raising awareness about Adelaide’s unique dolphins. This work led to the formation of Australia’s first Dolphin Sanctuary in the Port River, SA. She continues lobbying for the protection of Adelaide’s dolphins even though she now lives in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 28, 2024
“Our furry companions soothe our souls, teach us to be selfless and allow us to let down our guard and fully open our hearts to love.”
It took me over two months to finish reading this. These stories destroyed me. Heartwarming or heartbreaking? Unfortunately, it felt too much the latter.
Sheltered explores how adopted animals can change and enrich people’s lives. It’s a book filled with deep bonds and much love. It’s also a book filled with plenty of heartache. Almost every chapter includes animal deaths, abuse or suffering. Even the stories with happy endings ultimately had tragic beginnings - which reduced my ability to fully appreciate the goodness. I was forced to put up an emotional wall, so I could get through the stories, which often put me in low mood.
The stories cover a diverse range of animals – dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, ferrets, and rabbits. Melody writes effectively, and delivered a powerful introduction which included her own personal stories. But it was still a book that I needed lengthy breaks from. There was one occasion, after picking up the book again, that I only got two pages into a new story, before a chestnut mare was found in such bad condition it was euthanised on site. That kind of thing happened frequently.
Thankfully, I could relate to some aspects, such as the nonverbal communication between a loving pet and owner, demonstrating how we understand each other without need for words. I also enjoyed and found common ground with 97-year-old Fay’s story, involving her terrier, Sally.
“I look down and see a happy little face looking back at me, her tail is wagging - it’s a delightful sight to wake up to.”
Sheltered works best when highlighting the work that animal shelters and various organisations do. They make such a positive difference to the lives of animals, the individuals who adopt them - and because of this, society in general. I’m glad we have dedicated people looking out for our animal friends.
While I didn’t enjoy my time with this book, I do recommend it for those wanting to learn more about animal shelters and their volunteers, and those interested in veterinarian sciences.
“Animals know when you’re down. Dogs seem to care about us more than they care about themselves.”
Many thanks to Ultimo Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It took me over two months to finish reading this. These stories destroyed me. Heartwarming or heartbreaking? Unfortunately, it felt too much the latter.
Sheltered explores how adopted animals can change and enrich people’s lives. It’s a book filled with deep bonds and much love. It’s also a book filled with plenty of heartache. Almost every chapter includes animal deaths, abuse or suffering. Even the stories with happy endings ultimately had tragic beginnings - which reduced my ability to fully appreciate the goodness. I was forced to put up an emotional wall, so I could get through the stories, which often put me in low mood.
The stories cover a diverse range of animals – dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, ferrets, and rabbits. Melody writes effectively, and delivered a powerful introduction which included her own personal stories. But it was still a book that I needed lengthy breaks from. There was one occasion, after picking up the book again, that I only got two pages into a new story, before a chestnut mare was found in such bad condition it was euthanised on site. That kind of thing happened frequently.
Thankfully, I could relate to some aspects, such as the nonverbal communication between a loving pet and owner, demonstrating how we understand each other without need for words. I also enjoyed and found common ground with 97-year-old Fay’s story, involving her terrier, Sally.
“I look down and see a happy little face looking back at me, her tail is wagging - it’s a delightful sight to wake up to.”
Sheltered works best when highlighting the work that animal shelters and various organisations do. They make such a positive difference to the lives of animals, the individuals who adopt them - and because of this, society in general. I’m glad we have dedicated people looking out for our animal friends.
While I didn’t enjoy my time with this book, I do recommend it for those wanting to learn more about animal shelters and their volunteers, and those interested in veterinarian sciences.
“Animals know when you’re down. Dogs seem to care about us more than they care about themselves.”
Many thanks to Ultimo Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2024
This book was sweet, but a bit superficial. It was neat that I knew some of the people and animals who were mentioned though.
August 27, 2024
I honestly don’t know where to begin to express the emotions this book raised in me. Except to say it provides a massive explosion to the heart. There is no way a person can read Sheltered and not be moved. The author writes of her experiences and those of others in such a way that you are placed immediately in the centre of these situations where you can relate on so many levels. Most of us have had a pet of some kind at least once in our lives (yes, there can be exceptions) and we know how they can lasso our hearts and never let go. When they are injured or pass away, it is the end of our worlds as we know it.
Animals can play a special part in our lives. We are not only to be their caretakers and protectors but in doing so we are rewarded by their unconditional love, companionship, comfort and any other emotional support we need. We can even gain courage and hope from our little furry or non-furry friends. I have personally had dogs, cats, horses and aquarium fish as pets. Nothing unusual but there are those who have had ferrets, rabbits, roos and other wild life as pets. Regardless whether rescued domesticated or wild ones, we can love them and learn from them.
People who have taken on rescued pets end up being helped by the pets they have chosen to care for— so in that respect the rescuer becomes rescued, too! There are so many moving stories shared in Sheltered that point this out. To single out one example is tough as they are all equally amazing. But the cover picture will be my choice. The beautiful dog you see there is called Frankie. If you look closely, you will notice she has one front leg. She was dumped in a box sitting on the grass in a Melbourne park until seen by a man and his granddaughter. When they peaked inside they saw a ‘shivering blonde puppy’. The man called the Lost Dog’s Home in Northern Melbourne and once the pup arrived at the facility and staff member Ruby Smith saw the dirty, matted golden retriever pup with a grossly deformed paw, she was moved deeply. When the little bundle was set on the floor, she surprised everyone. In spite of her poor condition, she started wagging her tail and bouncing around on three legs happy to see them. That’s pretty amazing. When Ruby looked into her eyes, she connected with the pup. Her thought was, “What a beautiful little creature.” Of course, this was the beginning of a new love affair for this physically damaged pup. Ruby took the pup into her heart and home and she received surgery for her deformed leg. Frankie’s resilient happy spirit throughout it all is so inspiring. The rest of the story is stunning but I won’t say more except please read this book!
Story after story like this will touch your heart and make you appreciate and look at the human-animal bond in a new way. And yes, some of the sad situations these animals came from will break you. But then the love of the rescuers will uplift and inspire you. As there are still some good people in this world who truly want to make a difference in animal’s lives. And the rewards for those who decide to travel that path of restoration—well, they are boundless. Not to mention, the healing works both ways.
I adored this collection of true stories. Everyone who loves animals needs a copy of Sheltered and if you are not a lover, it just might change your mind and inspire you to take a second look at the animal kingdom and its value to mental, physical and spiritual health. 5+ bursting hearts from me! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Huge thanks to Ultimo Press for this beautiful copy of Sheltered that will forever remain in my collection. I have been telling readers far and wide to get this book, too!
Animals can play a special part in our lives. We are not only to be their caretakers and protectors but in doing so we are rewarded by their unconditional love, companionship, comfort and any other emotional support we need. We can even gain courage and hope from our little furry or non-furry friends. I have personally had dogs, cats, horses and aquarium fish as pets. Nothing unusual but there are those who have had ferrets, rabbits, roos and other wild life as pets. Regardless whether rescued domesticated or wild ones, we can love them and learn from them.
People who have taken on rescued pets end up being helped by the pets they have chosen to care for— so in that respect the rescuer becomes rescued, too! There are so many moving stories shared in Sheltered that point this out. To single out one example is tough as they are all equally amazing. But the cover picture will be my choice. The beautiful dog you see there is called Frankie. If you look closely, you will notice she has one front leg. She was dumped in a box sitting on the grass in a Melbourne park until seen by a man and his granddaughter. When they peaked inside they saw a ‘shivering blonde puppy’. The man called the Lost Dog’s Home in Northern Melbourne and once the pup arrived at the facility and staff member Ruby Smith saw the dirty, matted golden retriever pup with a grossly deformed paw, she was moved deeply. When the little bundle was set on the floor, she surprised everyone. In spite of her poor condition, she started wagging her tail and bouncing around on three legs happy to see them. That’s pretty amazing. When Ruby looked into her eyes, she connected with the pup. Her thought was, “What a beautiful little creature.” Of course, this was the beginning of a new love affair for this physically damaged pup. Ruby took the pup into her heart and home and she received surgery for her deformed leg. Frankie’s resilient happy spirit throughout it all is so inspiring. The rest of the story is stunning but I won’t say more except please read this book!
Story after story like this will touch your heart and make you appreciate and look at the human-animal bond in a new way. And yes, some of the sad situations these animals came from will break you. But then the love of the rescuers will uplift and inspire you. As there are still some good people in this world who truly want to make a difference in animal’s lives. And the rewards for those who decide to travel that path of restoration—well, they are boundless. Not to mention, the healing works both ways.
I adored this collection of true stories. Everyone who loves animals needs a copy of Sheltered and if you are not a lover, it just might change your mind and inspire you to take a second look at the animal kingdom and its value to mental, physical and spiritual health. 5+ bursting hearts from me! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Huge thanks to Ultimo Press for this beautiful copy of Sheltered that will forever remain in my collection. I have been telling readers far and wide to get this book, too!
September 23, 2024
A beautiful and well written book!
Many emotional and moving stories of animals helping people through their mental health crises. I really loved the heartwarming stories and deep connections between people and their pets.
I would recommend to any animal lover (but maybe buy a box of tissues too!!).
Many emotional and moving stories of animals helping people through their mental health crises. I really loved the heartwarming stories and deep connections between people and their pets.
I would recommend to any animal lover (but maybe buy a box of tissues too!!).
December 8, 2024
A beautiful exploration of human lives enriched by the adoption of a rescued animal. These are heartfelt stories by people who have adopted from one welfare group or another & have found their lives enhanced or improved by the presence & care of a pet in need. Some of the reasons for said animals being in a shelter are pretty harrowing but the aftermath is uplifting. Loved it.
December 4, 2024
This one made me both sad and happy to read and it can well be summed up by the quote at the end by French poet Anatole France. 'Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened'.
September 6, 2024
"Melody is an artist of words and paints stunning pictures that capture the relationships that she has been entrusted to share and the intimate journeys of people and animals who invariably save each other. As a rescuer of mostly dogs and cats, I found the love stories of horses and donkeys extra special knowing due to their size and breed that they would never be privy to the physical closeness that smaller pets experience within our homes. Melody has deep empathy with those who share their stories as she has also experienced deep relationships with many species that have filled her heart. The reader is taken on a journey, often with grim beginnings
- but with Melody's honesty, humour, and occasional tear-provoking clarity, she shares outcomes that leave our hearts overflowing. Melody has such engaging energy and cares deeply for all species including us mere mortals. Each lifesaving story is an affirmation that when we give so freely of ourselves it is returned to us tenfold".
- but with Melody's honesty, humour, and occasional tear-provoking clarity, she shares outcomes that leave our hearts overflowing. Melody has such engaging energy and cares deeply for all species including us mere mortals. Each lifesaving story is an affirmation that when we give so freely of ourselves it is returned to us tenfold".
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews