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Broken: How far would you go for a dog that you love?
What happens when an unbreakable bond with a dog transforms into a life-altering crusade?In this evocative and heart-rending memoir, lawyer Michelle Stark's world is turned upside down when she welcomes what she believes to be the perfect purebred dog into her life, only to be confronted with heartbreaking health issues. As Michelle embarks on a tireless quest to uncover the truth behind her beloved pet’s suffering, she stumbles upon some disturbing revelations about the dog breeding industry—revelations that cast a shadow on the lives of countless innocent animals.
Broken is more than just a personal story; it is a call to action that reveals an unexpected truth about dog breeding. From the depths of personal despair to the heights of investigative determination, Michelle’s journey will resonate with anyone who has ever loved an animal. Her story not only sheds light on an urgent issue but also serves as a powerful catalyst for change, by empowering future pet owners with essential knowledge to make informed decisions before welcoming a new companion into their lives.
If you were moved by the emotional depth of Marley & Me or the soul-searching journey of A Dog’s Purpose, then Broken is the memoir you’ve been waiting for.
In this book, you
Feel the emotional weight and heartache of caring for a sick dog.Discover some surprising aspects of the dog breeding industry that might change your perspective and make you rethink everything you know.Gain insight into the vital importance of understanding the risks involved when you adopt a pet that has been selectively bred for specific traits.Be inspired by a powerful tale of love, loss, and unwavering resilience that champions the need for change in the dog breeding world.Don’t wait—step into Michelle’s world and join her on an emotional journey that transcends a simple memoir. Broken is a testament to the power of love, a rallying cry for reform, and a tribute to the enduring connection between humans and their loyal, furry friends.
Broken is more than just a personal story; it is a call to action that reveals an unexpected truth about dog breeding. From the depths of personal despair to the heights of investigative determination, Michelle’s journey will resonate with anyone who has ever loved an animal. Her story not only sheds light on an urgent issue but also serves as a powerful catalyst for change, by empowering future pet owners with essential knowledge to make informed decisions before welcoming a new companion into their lives.
If you were moved by the emotional depth of Marley & Me or the soul-searching journey of A Dog’s Purpose, then Broken is the memoir you’ve been waiting for.
In this book, you
Feel the emotional weight and heartache of caring for a sick dog.Discover some surprising aspects of the dog breeding industry that might change your perspective and make you rethink everything you know.Gain insight into the vital importance of understanding the risks involved when you adopt a pet that has been selectively bred for specific traits.Be inspired by a powerful tale of love, loss, and unwavering resilience that champions the need for change in the dog breeding world.Don’t wait—step into Michelle’s world and join her on an emotional journey that transcends a simple memoir. Broken is a testament to the power of love, a rallying cry for reform, and a tribute to the enduring connection between humans and their loyal, furry friends.
245 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 20, 2025
This book was a great read, absolutely heartbreaking and unbelievable what she went through with her dogs, and she's a great storyteller - I spent many late nights reading this book because I couldn't put it down. Not many books make me cry, but this one sure did.
✨Some mild-ish spoilers below on her discussion about dog breeding (but not the actual story of her dogs)✨
I also am reading this book both from the perspective of someone with a science background, working in molecular biology research as well as someone who is heavily involved in dog rescue, right here in Canada (Toronto). I appreciated Michelle digging into the background and genetics of the dog breed that brought her so much pain, despite not having this background academically. Unfortunately, as she uncovered, there are SO many issues in dog breeding, including inbreeding as discussed in the book. A lot of breeders are doing this for money, and don't have the background (or bluntly, care) to properly genetically test their dogs and/or only breed unrelated dogs (or as far unrelated as feasible). This is only the tip of the iceberg and I could go on a long rant about the state of dog rescue in Canada right now, a lot of which can be blamed on terrible breeders. A majority of "breeders" are backyard breeders/puppy mills (breeding "purebreds" (heavy on the quotes) or random mixes) and there is a whole other book Michelle could write about this, the state these animals live in are horrendous, right here in our backyards, which are messes we often have to clean up as rescues. Ironically some of the most HORRIBLE conditions I have seen dogs living in are CKC registered breeders. The system is so broken! It's heartbreaking. Shelters are over run from people heartlessly dumping dogs. Trust me, I will never buy from a breeder. If Michelle wants to do a follow up book...
On a lighter note, I also enjoyed the little history lesson on how dog breeds came to be! I knew some of it, but it was interesting to learn more. Surprised she didn’t discuss village dogs that still exist today! That’s another interesting history.
✨Some mild-ish spoilers below on her discussion about dog breeding (but not the actual story of her dogs)✨
I also am reading this book both from the perspective of someone with a science background, working in molecular biology research as well as someone who is heavily involved in dog rescue, right here in Canada (Toronto). I appreciated Michelle digging into the background and genetics of the dog breed that brought her so much pain, despite not having this background academically. Unfortunately, as she uncovered, there are SO many issues in dog breeding, including inbreeding as discussed in the book. A lot of breeders are doing this for money, and don't have the background (or bluntly, care) to properly genetically test their dogs and/or only breed unrelated dogs (or as far unrelated as feasible). This is only the tip of the iceberg and I could go on a long rant about the state of dog rescue in Canada right now, a lot of which can be blamed on terrible breeders. A majority of "breeders" are backyard breeders/puppy mills (breeding "purebreds" (heavy on the quotes) or random mixes) and there is a whole other book Michelle could write about this, the state these animals live in are horrendous, right here in our backyards, which are messes we often have to clean up as rescues. Ironically some of the most HORRIBLE conditions I have seen dogs living in are CKC registered breeders. The system is so broken! It's heartbreaking. Shelters are over run from people heartlessly dumping dogs. Trust me, I will never buy from a breeder. If Michelle wants to do a follow up book...
On a lighter note, I also enjoyed the little history lesson on how dog breeds came to be! I knew some of it, but it was interesting to learn more. Surprised she didn’t discuss village dogs that still exist today! That’s another interesting history.
December 13, 2024
I love this book. Powerful, touching, important and occasionally funny. Highly recommended!
October 3, 2025
4.5 stars. A compelling story told in the perfect way to tug at your heart strings. I had a good cry, and made sure to hold my Hazel extra tight!!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews