Rescued: What Second-Chance Dogs Teach Us About Living with Purpose, Loving with Abandon,and Finding Joy in the Little Things

by Peter Zheutlin

The follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Rescue Road offers a heartwarming and humorous look at what rescue dogs can teach us about life, love, and ourselves.
In RESCUED, NYT bestselling author Peter Zheutlin interweaves stories and lessons from families who have welcomed rescue dogs into their homes with his own zany experiences adopting one for the first time in midlife to reveal what we can learn from these animals who were once lost and are now found. Blending keen insights and advice on navigating the complexities of caring for a rescue dog with humorous (and occasionally heart-wrenching) anecdotes, each chapter reveals important life lessons we can learn from second-chance dogs, such as:
- The truth about living with a rescued pet: it is not one continuous Hallmark
moment
- How rescue dogs can heal us just like we heal them
- Surprising new ways they can teach us to rediscover and celebrate our joyous inner child, accept change gracefully, and forgive others and, most importantly, ourselves
For anyone who loves, lives with, or has ever wanted a dog, this irresistibly charming book will warm your heart and show how the dogs whose lives we've saved can change ours for the better too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Memoir, Philosophy, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2017

About the author

Peter Zheutlin is an avid cyclist and a freelance journalist whose work appears regularly in the Boston Globe and the Christian Science Monitor. He has also written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, AARP Magazine, Bicycling, the New England Quarterly, and other publications. He lives in Needham, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a humane society foster parent for years. I've seen many cases of abuse, neglect, and abandonment turn into happy endings. As a foster, the worst case I remember involved a litter of kittens dumped at the local landfill in winter. Some wonderful example of humanity had stuffed an entire litter of newborn kittens into a box filled with garbage, then put several trash bags on top of the box. The kittens were left outside in the cold to die, covered in rotting garbage. Landfill employees miraculously found the kittens, taking them across the street to the animal shelter. Shelter staff called the humane society. My family and I were having breakfast at Waffle House when I got the emergency call. We had our food boxed up and went to get the kittens. I was pissed -- whoever the ass was who abandoned them drove right past the county animal shelter that would have taken them in to sneak into the landfill and dump them to freeze instead. I thought the entire litter would die. They were ice cold and barely moving. Newborn kittens do not react well to being cold and hungry. Usually their organs shut down and they die. But I had to try. I brought them home and started warming them up. They were starving, but I knew not to feed a cold kitten. Using a heating pad, and having my family hold cold kittens next to their skin while petting and rubbing their limbs and talking to them, we warmed them up and I got formula ready. I warned my son not to get attached because there was a good chance that most or all of the litter would die within 24 hours. If they made it through the first day, their chances would improve. Surprisingly, not only did they make it through the first day, but every cat from that litter survived to be adopted out to homes from here in North Carolina clear north to Vermont. And the Karma bus is coming for the person that thought it was ok to leave a litter of kittens outside to freeze to death. They knew they were doing wrong, or they wouldn't have tried to hide what they had done. Not to mention the fact that they went right past the damn animal shelter to do it. How callous can a person be? There is a soul cost to doing something that wicked. They will pay the price, eventually.

All of my pets are rescues. Our lab dog, Ted. E. Bear, was found as a puppy under a burned out house after a fire. Roxie, a pit mix, was one of my first fosters. She was adopted by a family in West Virginia, only to be returned 4 months later, overweight and hyper. We declared her a foster fail at that point. Ted was ecstatic. He had missed Roxie badly, and was happy to have his pal back. Then we have Princess the Pomchi and Belle the chihuahua. Belle was hit by a car, and after weeks of taking care of her while she recovered from a broken pelvis and other injuries, I just couldn't part with her. And little 4 lb grandma is the last -- she's 16, no teeth and very little eyesight. She was abandoned at the animal shelter to be euthanized after her owner passed away. I was asked if I would give her a home until she passes....of course I will. She was someone's beloved pet for years. I will honor that bond and give the old gal a good home until it's her time to go. She is hilarious and just full of beans most of the time, running around with her tongue hanging out because she's toothless.

I love all my dogs. And they all have stories that should have made them dislike humanity. But they don't. Dogs have an endless capacity to love. They want to belong. They want a home. Rescue dogs more so than any others. That's what drew me to read this book....

Peter Zheutlin shares the stories of his personal pets and those adopted by others. Some rescue animals are easy to love -- others are destructive, untrained and take a lot of work. But, in the end, it's all worth it. When an animal who started out with behavior or fear issues settles down and feels at home....it's just a beautiful thing to see.

This book is a great read for anyone involved in pet rescue, either running a rescue, fostering animals or anyone who has adopted, or is thinking about adopting, a rescue animal. I've had many fur faces come through my life in the past few years....spent many nights rocking and feeding kittens with a bottle, setting alarms to check on sick puppies and kittens, and training my foster babies to be good pets. I am overjoyed every time I receive a photo of one of my fosters in their new furever homes looking contented and loved. This book contains all of that joy. Every story was wonderful, and I found myself reminiscing about my experiences as I read.

At times, the writing style and the amount of time the author spent talking about himself was not really my cup of tea, but overall I enjoyed this book. I think everyone involved in pet rescue should take the time to read it. From saving animals in dangerous situations to putting them on transport to their new homes, animal rescue is an emotional and rewarding experience.

After I finished reading this book, I went and hugged my dogs....and my 4 cats (all rescues as well).

For more information on the author and his other books, check out his website: http://peterzheutlin.com/

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a book like this for me is preaching to the choir. I am already onto my 2nd and 3rd Rescue dogs, and understand how very special that kind of pet adoption can be. A lot of what the author wrote just reinforced what I already knew, yet I appreciated hearing his personal story of Rescue dog adoption as well as those of others. I've always been "all in" about owning a dog, but the interesting thing about this author is that he resisted getting one for twenty years. A self-professed clean freak and married father of two, he finally took the plunge after his firstborn entered college. Approaching the empty nest years, the time seemed right to embrace a dog into the family.

A kind of cute topic was discussed, that of whether humans should refer to themselves as a dog's Mom or Dad. I was mildly amused by this as I firmly believe that you ARE a dog's parent when you adopt them. There was no question in MY mind, but the author seemed to resist this notion when all his emotions towards his dogs proved otherwise (at least to me).

Another very important point that was driven home repeatedly is the fact that when you are adopting a Rescue dog, it is a much more meaningful act than buying a pup from a store. The majority of these rescue dogs come from "kill shelters" where they are existing in concrete cells for a specific time. When that time is up, they are euthanized. Many of these dogs have never known a normal loving home where they have a warm bed, ample food and most of all...a loving family. Yet, however horrible their experiences with humans have been, many of these dogs have the capacity to forgive and trust humans again. Some have suffered horrible neglect and abuse, so to save a dog from this fate is a noble thing. There is a special satisfaction that is often called to mind when you think of where your rescue dog came from, and the beautiful life you are giving them now. In some cases these rescue dogs are elderly and people still open up their hearts and homes to them, if only to give a dog the life they deserve for a few years or even months. My first rescue dog was a gorgeous hound mix that we adopted from a shelter when my son was 5. Our purebred cocker spaniel had recently been put to sleep, and we simply could not imagine being without a dog. Following the example of a friend, we visited a nearby shelter. It reminded me of walking through a prison walkway, with its cement cells and some fierce and scary looking dogs all barking at me. Murray, however, simply lay quietly in his cell, looking sideways at me with his beautiful, gentle brown eyes. When we adopted him that day, I will never forget the reaction from some of the volunteer workers. They asked (in wonder), "You're adopting him? You're taking him?!" Each one of these volunteers knelt down next to Murray and actually cried. Petting Murray, they told him, "We're so happy for you!" "He's such a good dog!" My eyes fill with tears now remembering their reactions. I also remember how Murray climbed into the back of our minivan, happily riding along in the back seat right between my son and my brother-in-law. There were a couple of minor challenges in the beginning, but Murray was just about the perfect dog. He lived for ten wonderful years with us, and when he died we felt bereft and empty. We wound up adopting two dogs (I wanted a small one and my son wanted one like Murray...so the hubby said we could have both!) from two different rescue organizations. We often tell each other that God sent these two angels to us (Peanut, a toy maltese and Milly, a lab/hound mix).

Along with the fact that adopting a rescue dog is so meaningful for both the dog and the adoptee, the fact is driven home of how much dogs are therapeutic both mentally and physically. They can sense your feelings and provide a balm for the unsettled soul. Also, many serve as service dogs to health challenged humans. I couldn't help but gulp back a tear reading about one dog who knew how to open a refrigerator door using a rope and to bring his female owner a bottle of water when needed. He also helped her get her coat on!

In summation, this book is a valuable resource for people deciding on getting a dog and going the adoption route. For someone like me, I was already sold on the idea a thousand times over, but it was pleasant to read just the same.

I was graciously provided this advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for dogs of all sorts, but I have a particular soft spot for rescues. I currently have three rescue dogs (and a rescue cat) filling our home with love. I've had rescue dogs and cats all my adult life, and so I'm not new to the challenges they can present, with both health and behavior issues. This book, in my opinion, is aimed more toward people who are new to life with rescue dogs.

The author provides information on kill shelters and a little detail on how rescue organizations work. He gives us a look at what we might expect when rescuing a dog.

This book is told in a series of vignettes from the author's own experiences and an assortment of dog owners he interviewed. I prefer a more straightforward story. I found I couldn't settle in and feel the emotions here. We didn't linger long enough in any one spot for me to form a picture and attachment.

I do think this book is a great starter for anyone considering rescuing a dog or who is new to the experience. And I commend the effort here. I hope this book helps sway people toward adoption over purchasing from pet stores and/or breeders.

*The publisher provided me with an ebook copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*

[Oreoandlucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews are available on my blog:
https://reviewsofbooksonmynightstand....

Rescued was a feel good book. It has several stories of people who have adopted dogs that would have, otherwise, been euthanized due to their being in high-kill shelters. Zheutlin explains some of the reasons why people should "rescue" animals. Adopting animals, as opposed to buying them from puppy mills, is a much more humane way to invite a pet into your home. Rescuing animals also helps us. Our physical and mental health are improved exponentially by having animals in our home.

I picked this up knowing that it would be a light read and make me feel good. While I have not personally rescued any dogs (though family members have), I have rescued two cats that have opened my heart up to so much happiness. The first cat was Oreo. I got her from a PetSmart adoption event when I was about 18. She slept on my bed every night until she fell ill with a kidney problem that took her from us in 2014. I then adopted Lucy, also from a PetSmart adoption event, a week after I lost Oreo. While I will never forget Oreo, Lucy helped me heal from the loss of my best friend by becoming my new best friend. Zheutlin's book will help reader's remember how great it feels to bring a furry friend into their home and love, and be loved, unconditionally.

I received an advanced copy of this book in order to write an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book is very repetitive and in some spots extremely boring. I loved it when there were other stories besides the author, at least then the same words weren't used over and over and over. The book was about second chance dogs and how much love they can give but the author really didn't expand on it. It was very jumpy and not put together well. I didn't really even see where the title came into the book.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book about three days after my sister and I made the decision, with the help of a wonderful vet, to put down the 12-year-old spaniel mix we were fostering for a local rescue, Placing Paws. Taking on Hoppy happened suddenly in late May and Hoppy’s story was far from happy. She was abandoned in a high kill shelter in Missouri after her owner died and came to Placing Paws with many issues—including a congenital deformity in her front leg that caused her to “hop” when she walked. When we took her on a year later, she was suffering mainly from old age—lots of osteoarthritis, very few teeth, and what I can only describe as a sort of doggy dementia. She would often get halfway through her food dish, wander off for a minute or two, and then toddle back into the room and keep eating. She couldn’t climb up or down stairs so had to be carried outside to do her business. To help her mobility, we covered our first-floor hardwood with cheap runner rugs from Home Depot. In her last month, we ended up putting down a ton of pee pads under the runners, to deal with her many accidents. Not exactly the stuff of Home and Garden.

She was a hard dog to read—only the faintest of tail wags the whole six months we had her and the complete opposite of our love hound, Polly, who I adopted from Placing Paws in 2009 and who tries to squeeze all 70 lab-mix-pounds of herself into your lap the moment you sit on the couch. We weren’t sure if this was because of past abuse, old age, or some combination. Still, Hoppy had her moments. I would be eating something unhealthily crunchy and suddenly look down to find her standing next to the couch and peering up at me, trying to influence me by the power of her mind—“Drop that potato chip.” It worked every time. Also, unlike Polly, who only barks at Segways and teens on skateboards, Hoppy would bark anytime someone new came in the door or even when someone familiar came down the stairs (see doggy dementia above). We were a mix of astonished, embarrassed, and impressed when she charged (well hobbled very quickly) at our plumber, Marco, and tried to take a chunk out of his calf. Luckily for us, Marco is a dog person and Hoppy only gummed him.

My sister and I took on Hoppy partly because we felt so grateful to Placing Paws for Polly (who truly is the best dog ever) and partly because, thanks to an addiction to Susie’s Senior Dogs on Facebook, we felt like someone should make her last few months or years (we had no idea) good ones. It was a lot harder, both emotionally and logistically, than I could have imagined yet I don’t regret saying yes. As my sister and I often said, “Hoppy is a pain in the ass, but she is our pain in the ass.” Needless to say, the decision to put her down was not an easy one but the “village” that helped us take care of her also helped us at this stage too. I’m not a big fan of the whole “rainbow bridge” idea but I do hope that somewhere Hoppy is enjoying unlimited crunchy snacks, wall-to-wall carpeting, and ear rubs.

So, why did I just spend a lot of time talking about Hoppy and not this book? Well, partly because I found Rescued a bit of a mess. I can see what Peter Zheutlin was trying to do, use the story of his own experiences with two rescue dogs, Albie and Salina, as an organizational spring board for telling lots of other people’s stories and making an argument for adopting dogs from shelters and rescue organizations. Each of the stories that Zheutlin tells is interesting and compelling but the decision to spread them out over numerous chapters makes everything feel repetitive but, at the same time, like I needed a score card to keep track of all the rescuers and dogs. The lessons that Zheutlin suggests rescue dogs teach us are all ones that I agree with, including the chapter, “Lives Well Lived” that focused on end-of-life issues, which of course made me sob. Still, I kept wishing this book was better than it was.

I wanted to end this review by making some snappy comparison between reading this book and taking care of Hoppy, but the only thing I could come up with is that both experiences, though far from perfect, have made me more interested in fostering, more open to the lessons that dogs have to teach, and more adamant about #adoptdontshop.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book about adopting and/or fostering abandoned and abused dogs. Mixed breeds are your best dogs, and although some of these stories are about dogs that have been misused or abused, the tone is kept light and the details for the most part not dwelled upon.

Although the author doesn't like the phrase "the dog saved me rather than I saved him," he does show how much truth there is in that idea. He shows how dogs give hope to the hopeless, company to the lonely, and strength to the weak. He also shows how some behaviors are not "bad dog" traits, but a result of the dogs' past experiences and losses. Patience, love, and time will often create a wonderful companion.

A good book for dog lovers.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

heart-warming account of authors' journey as a rescue dog 'parent', somewhat reluctantly at first, but quickly developing to love, without shying away from some of the challenges

plenty of anecdotal tales from other rescue owners, along with harrowing references to the conditions some dogs are found in

[Cara Achterberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what's so special about rescue dogs, this book will answer the question. Because I'm so enmeshed in rescue work, I assumed everyone knew how a rescue dog can split your heart wide open, how knowing they have overcome crazy odds and many times known neglect and suffering makes bringing loving them such a rich reward. Reading Rescued, I realized that there are probably lots and lots of people who have experienced the grateful affection of a dog who has never had a 'person.'

The last chapter still resonates with me, where Zhuetlin says he won't apologize for supporting the Adopt Don't Shop mentality. As he rightly points out, a dog from a breeder is already safe; he doesn't need rescued. Too many good, deserving dogs are dying every year. I hope this book can be another voice embracing and underlining not only the reasons to choose to rescue, but the rich reward it brings not just the dogs, but us.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Stories are told, of Zheutlin's own family and other families' experiences, inspiring and humorous, with rescued dogs. At times, a lot of training must go into particular dogs since there is no way of knowing what the dog's previous life was like. Without realizing it, these dogs create joy and change when least expected, affecting his owner maybe more so than the other way around. Highly recommended for anyone considering adopting a dog, rescued or not.-- Anna Q.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an animal lover and strong advocate for rescue animals. “Rescued” is written for anyone like me. Instead of focusing solely on the dogs it focuses on rescuers and how the dogs have impacted their lives. Recommended for all lovers of second-hand dogs.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I was crying before I was 40 pages in.
By 200 pages in, I was sobbing.
I actually had to stop reading to get a grip on myself.

Okay, so let me start with a little background.
Featured in the picture above is my senior rescue dog, Sophie.
She came to me from a man that was only feeding her a few times a week.
He had shaved her, but only half of her in attempt to get rid of her fleas.
She had hardly any teeth.
She shakes, she doesn't like loud noises, hates thunderstorms, and has incredibly sensitive paws (I mean hardly walks on grass and ice in the winter is COMPLETELY out of the question).
But she is by far the best thing in my life and I am so glad she came to me when she did.
We've been together almost 2 years now and she's nearly 10 years old.
She's the sweetest pup in the entire world and I love her to pieces.

Okay, so for the book.
Rescued is about second-chance dogs who are given a new life.
Most of these dogs have never felt love.
Most of these dogs have never had a home to call their own.
Most of these dogs were abused, left in shelters, or even worse, left in the streets to die alone.
I honestly cannot wrap my head around people so heartless to abuse dogs.
This book was about second chances and giving those dogs a home that cherished them.
It's about showing these dogs love and compassion.
It's about giving them a life they never expected.
It's about coaxing them out from underneath the coffee table and giving them a warm, comfortable play to lay their heads.
It's about exploring new territory and learning how to live with a rescue.
It's about becoming a dog mom (or dog dad) who experiences a new kind of love, a love like no other
The satisfaction you get from rescuing a dog from their previous life and showing them what it means to have a family is something I never expected to experience. It has changed my life.

My Sophie girl, has shown me so much love and has taught me how to take care of another living being. She has always been my number one priority and will be for many years to come.
We have grown up together these last couple of years and I have cherished every second of it.

I would love to hear all of your adoption stories and see pics of your precious pups.
I am HIGHLY recommending this book to anyone and everyone.

Biggest thanks to Penguins First Reads Program for hooking me up with an advanced copy.

Mark your calendars, Rescued hits shelves October 3rd!

This review and pics of Sophie can be found on A Reader's Diary!

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Peter and Judy's children were getting older and about to go away to university, he was looking forward to being an empty nester. For many years, Peter had resisted getting a dog. Then they dogsat for a friend and that softened him up to get a dog of his own. They ended up adopted Albie, a rescue dog from a high-kill shelter in Louisiana. Eventually they added Salina (he fell in love with her when he was with Greg Mahle, who runs Rescue Road Trips) and Jamba to their family.

This book is about Peter and his rescue dogs, with a focus on Albie and Salina. It's also about different people who had adopted rescue dogs ... why they have done so, where the dogs come from and their past (if known) and the status of the dog today.

Peter discusses that when you are adopting a rescue dog, it is much more than buying a puppy from a pet store (that is probably coming from a puppy mill). Adopting a rescue dog is giving them a chance for life ... otherwise they probably would be euthanized. Many dogs have been dropped off by the side of the road, tied up outside 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or worse. They are grateful to have a loving family, food in their belly and a warm bed, whether it be for 10 years or just a year. Their last thought is that someone loved them.

Unfortunately we will outlive our pets. But that opens up another spot in our homes and hearts to rescue another.

"The best way to honor a dog's memory is to get another. For many devoted to rescue, the best way to honor a dog's memory is to SAVE another." Peter Zheutlin

I love reading books about animals and enjoyed this one. We no longer have dogs but do have two rescue kitties.

http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/09...

[Nicole Sterling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a look at how lives can be changed when a rescue dog is adopted and brought into a home. The author tells many anecdotes of his own rescue dogs, and also shares many stories about rescue dogs (and their humans) from around the country. Many of these dogs come from places in the south, like Louisiana and Texas, and end up in the northeast, after being trucked up by volunteers. The stories are very sweet and sometimes funny, with sad bits here and there, and for any dog lover and owner, you will definitely find yourself thinking about your own furry family members as you read. I enjoyed this book, but I did find that there were quite a few times that just felt like a restatement of things I had already read before, sometimes two or three times already. I feel like the book could have kept the stories, maybe added a few more, and cut down on a lot of the fluff in between. By the last 40% of the book, I was often skimming the parts that weren't specific stories about some of the dogs. Overall, though, it was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with with an advanced copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own. I would like to say that the formatting for the advanced copy was extremely difficult to read, and while that didn't affect my rating of the book, it did affect my ease of reading it. I also was unable to see all but one of the pictures, and would have loved to have been able to put faces with the names of the sweet puppies.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Rescued: What Second-Chance Dogs Teach Us about living with Purpose, Loving with Abandon, and Finding Joy in the Little Things from Penguin Read it First in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Rescued is the second book Zheutlin has written about rescue dogs, the first one being Rescue Road (a title you probably recognize, since it made its way onto the NYT’s list). The point of the novel is to show us how lives change when recues are made (both for the animals and for their new people). Zheutlin tries to put a new spin on this change, rather than focusing on the “who rescued who” theme that’s becoming more prevalent.
This book is both heartwarming and heart wrenching. Peter Zheutlin uses anecdotes and personal stories to show us the lives of rescue dogs and the people that take them in. Some of the stories start off sad, but get better; others end with the owner outliving their pet (an unfortunate reality more animal lovers must face).
I have to confess that while I am an avid supporter of animal’s rescues (I’m a volunteer at my local shelter, and have only rescue animals at the moment), this book was hard on me. I have a lot of trouble reading about the bad parts of an animal’s life, even knowing that it’ll get better for them. Knowing the trauma is in the past doesn’t always help. And don’t get me started on a cute rescue story that ends with the dog passing away (even of old age, at home with his owners). It’s more than my heart can take sometimes.
The reason I’m telling you all of that? I got really excited and hopeful about this book when Zheutlin promised his story wouldn’t end with Albie (his current rescue) passing away. I took it for granted and assumed that meant the rest of the stories wouldn’t end that way either. I was wrong. It led me to being emotionally unprepared for some of the stories that followed. Don’t get me wrong, they were beautiful stories, but they can and will make you cry. So just, be ready for them, alright?
I love the intent behind Zheutlin’s book and in my opinion if he gets even one person to adopt, when they would not have before, then this book is a success. I appreciate everyone that took the time and put their hearts out on the line by telling their pet’s stories to Zheutlin, so he could then share them with us.


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book reminds us that adoption is a difficult but rewarding experience whether the adoptee is human or canine. Countless tales of the frustrations and joys of bringing home a grown individual we know little about puts the spotlight on the mistaken ideas we may have as well as well as the love we may share. There are too many abused or abandoned dogs who can enrich our lives even as we make a positive difference in theirs. Some of the examples here are hard to read because of the trials of illness that can come to either dog or human. I think that this book is well worth your time and money whether you have had rescue dogs or are considering doing so.
We have had rescue dogs and highly recommend it,
I requested a copy through Netgalley and am very glad to have read it.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://jolenewilsonblog.wordpress.co... A great book for dog lovers and to educate everyone about the rewards, triumphs, and sometimes heartbreak of adopting a rescue dog. The author did an excellent job of keeping my attention by sharing lots of short stories and anecdotes of family, friends and strangers that have rescued, fostered and/or adopted a rescue dog. The challenges that some of these adopters had to go through are truly awe-inspiring. Many of the dogs from shelters or that are found abandoned have medical needs and emotional needs. This can cost thousands of dollars to fix but the adopters know that it is worth the sacrifice. “My dogs don’t care what people look like, or the religion they practice, or their sexual orientation…we are bombarded all the time with anger, rage, and hate in the world. No matter what happens, dogs just love you. When you think of what they give back to you, love and unfettered devotion, it’s a chance to understand what it means to be patient and compassionate. “ Isn’t that a great standard to try and live up to? One of the many other messages told throughout this book is that if humans acted like and loved like dogs, the world would definitely be a better place. “Dogs are happy with what they’ve got. They are in the present. They don’t worry about the future. You miss the good things happening right now if you are always worried about what’s going to happen after.”

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very nice. The only thing it needed was some pictures.

[Angie Barrile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! It's a must-read for anyone, like me, who has adopted a rescue dog. It's as if he can get inside their minds. It's a great book for anyone to read who wants to get a dog but isn't sure about a rescue. Highly recommend!

[Elizabeth Artemis Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, calming ode to rescue dogs. Didn’t teach me anything new, but I still loved reading a few pages every night before bed.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Peter Zheutlin shares his rescue dog stories, as well as the stories of many, many other rescued dogs. At times, I found the book totally engaging and at other times not so much. It definitely made me think about what I love about my own (non-rescued) dog!

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Sharon Bodnar]

Great stories that add awareness to the joys of adopting rescue dogs.

[Misty Melsheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn't reveal any profound truths. It's not really educational or particularly enlightening. And yet I found it absolutely delightful. The author articulates so many sentiments that I've had about my own rescue dogs, from taking joy in the mundane, feeling an extra special connection due to their troubled past, to marveling at their resiliency. A very charming read for anyone who has fallen head over heels for their rescue pup.

[Nada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rescued by Peter Zheutlin is a book by a "dog person" for others who are "dog people." The book is about a love affair with dogs, but not just any dogs. These are rescue dogs, those that have been abandoned, lost, and many times abused. They are in need of loving homes. The stories in the book are as heartwarming as those eyes on the cover as it spreads its important message of care.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017...

Reviewed for Penguin First to Read

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love hearing about saving dogs. I have a rescue pit/boxer mix and he's the sweetest dog I've ever owned. I think my sister would dognap him if she could :) Anyone who loves dogs is A-Okay.

[Holly Claxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may contain mild spoilers for the book. Please read with caution.

I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a dog owner, I find myself drawn to books about dogs all the time. Whether it’s how to train them, how they affect our lives, and how they’re just generally awesome, dogs books are some of my favorites. So when I noticed Rescued by Peter Zheutlin, I had to give it a try. My dog is a rescue dog, and while I’m already familiar with how her presence has changed my life, I thought this book would be a good way to learn more about rescue dogs.

There was a prominent theme throughout this book that I know to be true; dogs are individuals and can be very different from each other. Reading about Peter’s dogs Albie and Salina (and later Jambalya) made me feel like I was getting to know them personally. Peter did a good job talking about his dogs and their unique characteristics, along with the other dogs he talked about throughout the book. Each section and story helped me as a reader get to know these various dogs and wish I could meet them in person.

The book also helped reaffirm an idea that runs pretty close to home for me; taking care of a dog is not always a walk in the park. Being a dog parent can be just as difficult as being a human parent. Dogs are also not just “objects” that can be purchased for commodity and abandoned when it’s not “convenient” anymore. The dogs in this book have all kinds of origin stories, from puppy mills to abandonment in shelters, even to neglect at the side of the road. But they all have one important element in common: they all know love because of their owners. And these owners have done everything possible to show these dogs a good life, even through the ups and downs. Peter’s writing helps showcase these owners, who are good role models for those looking to adopt. Peter also does a fantastic job explaining the process of adopting rescue dogs.

The ebook did come with some formatting issues though. None of the pictures loaded in the edition I was given, gray bordered boxes taking their places. Some of the text formatting was irregular throughout the entire book as well. There were sections where text would be out of place, paragraphs were out of order, and the font choice would be changed at random. The formatting issues did not hurt the writing in any way, though I do recommend trying to read a print edition of this book, as these errors can be rather distracting.

In the end, I wanted to run out to my nearest animal shelter and start volunteering right away. I read this book mostly with my dog at my side and took frequent breaks to give her attention, mostly because the book had me really appreciating her. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking to adopt dogs, or have some concerns about rescue versus purebred.

[Wolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book read like a rather long essay on why people should adopt rescue dogs. I suppose that was the intent, so there’s no shame in that, but that definitely wasn’t what I was hoping to get out of it. There were some good stories in each chapter and a whole lot of love, but if you already have a dog you already know all of his points. Your dog has already taught you everything you can read in this book, and reading about other people's dogs doing normal dog things is nothing in comparison to being actively engaged with your own dog and interacting with their own personalities and quirks. I felt by the end that this book was written mostly for those who are afraid of getting rescue dogs or for those who have never had a dog before. They are the only people that I'd recommend read this book.

Overall, it was an okay read with lots of valid points. What I found annoying was the overuse of commas, the inconsistent tense use (switching between past and present when referring to the same incident within a single paragraph- once even within a single sentence), and the repetition of certain stories or points in multiple chapters. It's not a bad book, but it felt a little too much like a poorly edited essay that introduced the same characters over and over and used the same examples multiple times.

There was one last thing that irked me. Zheutlin mentioned repeatedly how sorry he feels for his rescue dogs and how lucky rescued dogs are to get homes. Yes, all dogs who are rescued are extremely lucky to be saved. But I don't see the need to constantly look at your rescue dog and remind yourself of their (possibly) tortured past. Rescue owners have done something marvelous by saving a life and it's something to feel good about. But there's no need to pity your dog. Maybe I simply misinterpreted how Zheutlin phrased his love for his dog, but I found it a bit arrogant. Maybe that's just me.

Not a bad read!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of years ago, Peter Zheutlin wrote a book called Rescue Road, about a man who drives hundreds of thousands of miles to deliver abandoned dogs from kill shelters in the South to forever homes up north. Zheutlin went along for the ride and discovered how these trips bring love and joy to the rescued dogs and to the humans who often considered themselves rescued as well. 

Now he's back with Rescued, the stories of these dogs and their newly adopted families and how their lives have been changed. Broken hearts have healed, souls have been restored, and lives have been saved. And one of those lives? Albie, the dog adopted finally adopted by Zheutlin and his family after his wife and kids spent years wearing him down. And while life with a dog isn't all Facebook photos and long afternoon snuggle naps and adorable games of catch, taking on a rescue dog does change your life for the better. 

This is not always a easy book to read. There are many abandoned pets with sad stores who do not escape the shelters. I know that my copy of the book kept getting pretty misty, the words blurring in front of me (or is it just dusty in here? like, really dusty?). But it's as heart-warming a book as I've read in a long time, as well as beautiful reminder of what's most important in life. 

Rescued takes you on a journey that will make you hug your dog (or dogs, or cats) extra hard, and might even cause you to increase your household four paws at a time. As someone who lives with a rescued cat (I am so lucky he adopted me!), I know the power of the paws, and I recommend reading this book and adopting furrever friends to everyone. 



Galleys for Rescued were provided by Penguin Group TarcherPerigree through NetGalley.com, with many thanks. 

[Maria Logan-Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I began Rescued, by Peter Zheutlin, thinking it would be a heartwarming story of a rescued dog, the unconditional love of a dog, and the joyful, entertaining antics that only a dog can provide. In reality, it is a compilation of interviews with dog rescuers and owners of rescued dogs, plus the author's own experience with his rescue dog, Albie, and an appeal for more people to rescue abandoned and mistreated dogs.
 
The book provides information about animal rescue organizations in the United States, and about kill shelters. Zheutlin states that most kill-shelters in the U.S. are in the southern states. I was upset to read this, so I researched it, and found it to be true. Unfortunately, it seems to be most common in states with smaller budgets, more poor counties, and higher rates of low-income populations, as those folks pay less or no taxes, and are unable to donate to their local Humane Societies.
 
Zheutlin states that, in high-kill shelters, "...nine out of every ten dogs that enter never leave". He also states that "...the end of hunting season in Louisiana coincides with a significant spike in stray dogs" due to hunters abandoning their dogs when the season ends, especially older dogs. This is devastating information. I hope it is not true, but I fear it is.
 
The book discusses the ill feelings between supporters of rescue dogs versus supporters of breeders of purebred dogs. He does not, however, take a stand on the part of either, but quotes veterinarians saying they see more sickness with bred dogs than with rescue dogs, and that mixed breeds are generally healthier and of a more even temperament. Throughout the book, Zheutlin shares stories of the love of rescued animals and their appreciation for the humans who take them out of miserable, often abusive situations. Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.

[Michele Benchouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a heart-felt review of what it means to adopt a rescue dog -- both the joys of seeing the dog happily enjoying life and the challenges of bringing a previously independent dog into your home (with all of its attendant fears and habits and behaviors). We have fostered a dog named Freckles, and adopted a seven year old husky rescue named Eva, a kitten from the SPCA named Anna, a street cat on the verge of death named Angus (who always acted more like a dog than a cat), a rescued Dalmation from the SPCA named Holly, a puppy named Soot who was found in an industrial rock pile, and our current puppy escaping flooding in the south named Lily. We've enjoyed a variety of animals and animal personalities, so we know the joy rescued pets can bring. Reading Mr. Zheutlin's accounts often reminded me of moments with our pets and how they changed who we are on the inside. How we have watched our children grow with them. How we have cared for them in their last days. How they truly do understand and comfort us during our times of loss and pain. The author's insights are real, honest, and accurate. The only critique I would have is that sometimes it felt like the book was overplaying the selflessness of rescuing an animal that would otherwise have been destroyed. While that may be true depending on the specific circumstances, I don't feel like I need a pat on the back for adopting rescues. They gave me more than I could ever give them. (Although if it encourages more people to step forward an fill this need, I'm all for it.) Heart-warming read.