Buddy Unchained

by Daisy Bix, Joe Hyatt (Illustrator)

2007 Winner, Humane Society of the US KIND Award, Best Children's Picture Book of the Year

2007 Winner, ASPCA HENRY BERGH AWARD, best Children's Picture Book in the Companion Animal category

“Buddy Unchained is a deeply moving look at a dog abandoned and adopted. The story is simple yet of vast importance, and at the end we want nothing more than to make sure that all the Buddys of the world are loved and cared for like this patient, easy-to-please pup.”— Janet Leimeister, Events Manager, The Capitola Book Store

“Buddy Unchained is a valuable tool in teaching the message of compassion and empathy toward animals.” —Lisa Desjardins, Vice-President, Aroostook Animal Welfare Awareness Group

“I wanted to say how much my nephew and I have been enjoying Buddy Unchained. He asks me to read it twice in a row each time and the wonderful and moving images make such an impression on him. I can see it in his eyes, facial expressions and comments. I would like to commend firstly, the artist’s sensitive and expressive drawings which truly came from the heart. And I would like to commend Gryphon Press for their dedication to the voiceless. I am only now learning more about Gryphon Press and will certainly consider further purchases. More importantly, it has inspired me even more so to become involved in saving animals in need.”--Catherine Ciarrocchi, book buyer

"The Gryphon Press's inspiring books bring education about empathy and the human-animal bond to children in the form of beautiful fictional picture books. These books have become an integral part of our humane education library program, since they provoke thoughtful dialogue about responsible pet care among our young participants. " --Lauren Briskin, Interim Humane Education Coordinator, Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens, Animals

24 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mixed-breed dog named Buddy, now living in a loving home with a good family, tells the story of his life in this simple story, contrasting his many current blessings, from plentiful food and water to human companionship and care, with the neglect and abuse he suffered in his past "home." Chained up in the back yard by his former family, Buddy was frequently left to the elements, from rain to snow, with inadequate food and water, and no protection from local children, who threw things at him. Always hungry, and frequently in pain, he eventually gave up, lying down in his twisted chains to die. But then a most unexpected thing happened: a stranger arrived to unchain him, and bring him to a warm shelter, where he was nursed back to health, and a wonderful new family found him...

Like Maggie's Second Chance , which was also illustrated by Joe Hyatt, Buddy Unchained is part of the Sit! Stay! Read! series, put out by The Gryphon Press, and intended for use in the classroom, as part of a humane education program. I think it will work very well toward that end, as the simple text - no more than a few sentences per page - clearly raises the importance of proper and humane care for dogs, and the suffering, both mental and physical, caused by neglect and cruelty. Buddy's story is immensely poignant, and the accompanying artwork by Hyatt really captures the emotional pitch of each scene, from the heartbreaking depiction of Buddy, shivering in the rain, to the far more happy image of Buddy in his new home (seen on the cover). A brief afterword includes a list of resources, and suggestions about possible actions to take, if one sees a dog being mistreated. Recommended to young animals lovers (with the caveat that there are some disturbing moments in the book), and to anyone looking for children's stories to use in humane education.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this gentle and humane book, a rescued dog named Buddy speaks from his current loving home about the place he lived before his rescue; a home in which he lived out his days chained in the yard, with no shelter and sometimes no food.

The plight of the chained, neglected dog is handled in a sensitive manner; although Buddy's memories are sad, they should not be too overwhelming for a young audience. Both children and adults will no doubt become more sensitive to the issue of constantly chained dogs after sharing this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an owner of a rescued dog, this picture book resonates in a special way for me. Suitable for young children, we hear only a few details about how Buddy, a mutt, was mistreated. The focus is on his new and improved family situation. I like that this addresses the issue of abuse head-on; dogs in a shelter are not all just brought in willingly by their owners. Some are abandoned and some are really rescued.

Realistic drawings (colored pencil?) convey Buddy's expressions of hurt, hunger, and comfort.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband saw this book in the waiting room at our vet & bought me a copy. I cried the first time I read it. It's not just a sappy, adopt-a-cute-pet story. The author does a good job of explaining that dogs have emotional needs as well as physical, and she does so in a way that's appropriate for children.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great for kids who love animals or may want a pet. It will help them understand the needs of a pet and the responsibilities pet ownership entails. It is also a gentle introduction to some of the more common forms of animal abuse. I loved that it gives resources in the back of the book for readers to help animals that they see being mistreated.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.
I hope that it can be shared in many classrooms.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, I teared up reading this. I'm including it in a puppies storytime kit. My favorite thing from this book was the picture of the cat licking/nuzzling Buddy's head. So sweet.

[Tam Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 Family Dinner Book Club choice. Cute, quick picture book about a chained-up, neglected dog, who gets saved. Told in his voice.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy was a neglected dog, chained outside in all kinds of weather, often unfed and sometimes tormented by passing children. He is rescued and goes to live with a family who is loving and attentive. Buddy is so happy with his new life. The author a gives resources at the end of the book to find out how to help neglected and abused dogs.

[Candi]

Ages 5 to 9

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful. It's a story about a bog (Buddy) that was abused and how he found a wonderful forever home.

[Donna Ciriello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: read with a tissue handy.

[Mg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Se trata de un perrito llamado Rufo, este sufre de maltrato hasta que es adoptado por una nueva familia con la que es feliz.

[The Gryphon Press]

*Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award, Best Picture Book, Companion Animals
KIND Children's Book Award
*2007 Humane Society of the United States’ KIND Children’s Book Award: Winner, Best Children’s Picture Book of the Year

"We have reviewed the book Buddy Unchained and are very pleased and impressed by it. We feel that this book would be a wonderful addition to our project and a most effective way of reaching a broad audience. Buddy Unchained is a valuable tool in teaching the message of compassion and empathy toward animals."
– Janet Leimeister, Events Manager,The Capitola Book Store

What is life like, day after day, for a dog kept outdoors in all weather on a chain or a rope, alone all day—a dog whose owners, for the most part, forget that he’s alive? Buddy, a lovable mixed-breed dog, has had such an existence. Happy in a new home, Buddy tells the story of his former life of neglect, abuse, and finally, rescue, to live a good life with a family that cares about him. Information is included for parents and other adults about resources they can readily contact when they encounter a dog being abused. Also available in Spanish as Rufo liberado.

[Kristin Eoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an animal lover, I wanted to read this when I saw it at the library. The story is so sad that it made me cry, but at least Buddy has a happy ending. The text is written in simple language easy for a child to understand, and the drawings are lifelike and evocative. I appreciated all the tips, encouragement and resources listed at the back of the book for adults. I can see why this book earned the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, the KIND Children's Book Award, and recognition by the National Humane Education Society. The copy I read from my public library was donated by a local Animal Support Foundation. I would recommend reading this to any small child because it is so touching and tender and because it will help the child learn empathy for others.

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book I read for a school project regarding animal advocacy and education. I was immediately engaged by Buddy’s life, which was written of effectively and illustrated perfectly. The sad conditions Buddy lived in were not dwelled on, but they were realistic and detailed enough to get people to think about these important issues. I’m so happy Buddy was able to live a happy life in a loving home at the end; if only that were the case for all animals who live on chains.

[Cindy Ojczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short. Sweet. Too the point. A tale of what a dog must feel when chained in the cold without food, water, or companionship. A difficult subject brought to light with beautiful imagery and a path to hope.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful story to include as part of an animal welfare unit which I feel is timely given I do not remember a time before now when I hear so much on the news about both animal abuse and neglect. While books on topics such as these may given some people a sense of uneasiness, I feel they are long overdue needed. Many children own or around pets - particularily cats and dogs where I live, therefor it is so important that children know what is and isn't okay.

This story tells Buddy's life very sensitively that you can use it with younger children without giving them nightmares. I like how the journey of Buddy shows how each new turn led to another making this book also a good choice if you want students to focus on story-mapping or timeline creation.

[Kristen EJ Lauderdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

It will make you depressed, happy ending be damned.

[Janet]

Big Hearts!