Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too

by Carol Novello, Ginny Graves (Primary Contributor)

A moving and scientific look at the curative powers--both physical and mental--of rescuing a shelter animal, by the president of Humane Society Silicon Valley.

MUTUAL RESCUE profiles the transformational impact that shelter pets have on humans, exploring the emotional, physical, and spiritual gifts that rescued animals provide. It explores through anecdote, observation, and scientific research, the complexity and depth of the role that pets play in our lives. Every story in the book brings an unrecognized benefit of adopting homeless animals to the forefront of the rescue conversation.
In a nation plagued by illnesses--16 million adults suffer from depression, 29 million have diabetes, 8 million in any given year have PTSD, and nearly 40% are obese--rescue pets can help: 60% of doctors said they prescribe pet adoption and a staggering 97% believe that pet ownership provides health benefits. For people in chronic emotional, physical, or spiritual pain, adopting an animal can transform, and even save, their lives.
Each story in the book takes a deep dive into one potent aspect of animal adoption, told through the lens of people's personal experiences with their rescued pets and the science that backs up the results. This book will resonate with readers hungering for stories of healing and redemption.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Nature, Cats, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2019

Reviews

[Eric O'Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent, uplifting, inspiring book! This book includes a wonderful collection of stories about how adopted animals can help humans achieve recovery, redemption and hope, and how rescuing a companion animal can also transform your life! After adopting my dog Peety from the author's shelter, my life was enriched forever in many incredible ways. You can read the story about me and Peety and so many more in this special book, which will hopefully also inspire you to meet and adopt your own new best friend!

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mutual Rescue is such a heartwarming and inspiring book! Each story in the book told of how different people and animals have profoundly impacted each other's lives. (I've always said that my dog rescued me as much as I rescued her but I didn't realize that could be true in so many ways.) It was fascinating reading the science and data explaining the "rescue effect", as well.

It doesn't matter if you're a science person, or someone who merely follows his or her heart, this is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just finish reading this book , and it is wonderful and heartwarming , really you want to run to the shelter and adopt a animal.i win this book , it coming out in April 2019.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hits particularly close to home because I am a firm believer that my dogs saved my life. They are members of my family and it wouldn't be the same without them. This book was filled with heartwarming stories about the healing and saving power of animals. At times these stories are heartwrenching tales of trauma, loss, depression, PTSD and other illnesses but they all have a positive outcome due to the rescue of an animal, which in turn leads to the rescue and salvation of someone going through a difficult time. This book was well written and well researched and an interesting read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure up-front: I have been a volunteer with Humane Society Silicon Valley for nearly 10 years. Carol Novello is the organization's president.

Novello has written a beautiful book about the human/animal bond and how it improves lives on both sides of the equation. Citing not only scientific evidence, but anecdotes of people who rescued their pets and found themselves being saved as well, she takes us into the history of domesticating animals and all the ways they improve our mental health and well-being.

The book tells the story of Parkland shootings survivors and how they were helped by a therapy dog, a woman whose own experience as an equestrian led her to establish an horse-assisted therapy program, an overweight man who adopted a chubby talk to walk ... and how both of them got their lives back int he process, and many, many more.

I found myself moved to tears on many occasions while reading, thinking about all of my own pets over the years. As a shy, bullied kid, sometimes the only friend I felt like I had was the family cat. Spooky was always there to listen, to absorb tears, and help me feel a little more connected to life.

This is a marvelous look into animal rescue as a whole, but the focus on how those of us who adopt the "waifs and strays" are helped is an important perspective.

If you are interested in seeing some of the stories, there are mini-films at the Mutual Rescue website.

[Dirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geschichten und Fakten über Hunde und Katzen

Vorweg es ist kein leichtes Buch. Die Begegnungen der Personen und der Tiere machen sehr oft traurig, aber sie zeigen auch immer einen Hoffnungsschimmer auf der uns dazu bringt weiterzumachen.

Das Buch ist durchsetzt von Geschichten und Fakten über Hunde und Katzen die auf teilweise Wundersame weise zu einem neuen Besitzer finden oder helfen den Menschen die sie treffen über allerlei Hürden des Lebens hinweg zukommen.

Carol Novello und Ginny Graves haben Geschichten gesammelt wie wir als Menschen von unseren liebsten Haustieren geliebt und auf unseren Wegen begleitet werden. Das Original und die Filme die diese beiden gedreht haben müssen in Amerika sehr beliebt sein. Dieser Trend ist leider noch nicht nach Deutschland gekommen, aber ich hoffe das lässt nicht lange auf sich warten.

In einigen der Geschichten konnte ich meine Familie, unseren Hund und mich wiederfinden. Geschichten von Hunden die an den Betten von kranken Kindern wachen, Geschichten von Liebe und Neuanfängen.

Auch die Fakten, welche sehr amerikanisch geprägt sind, jedoch sicherlich auch im Europäischen Raum anwendung finden, sind interessant. Diese Inhalte hätte ich in so einem Buch nicht erwartet. Sie machen das lesen manchmal sehr zäh, aber sind auch sehr informativ. Somit weiss ich jetzt warum wir Hunde länger lieben als Katzen. Immerhin trennen die Domestizierung der beiden gute 20.000 Jahre.

Aber ganz abgesehen davon, haben beiden Rassen ihre eigene Art mit uns umzugehen.
Es war mir eine Freude dieses Buch zu lesen.
Danke Carol und danke Ginny

[Linda Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mutual Rescue caught my eyes on some social media platform. My pup is a rescue with an unknown and probably terrible past that while we have worked through a lot of the behaviors, there are still times where I’m sure he has PTSD from that time. From the beginning of the book, I immediately connected with the author. I also had a difficult relationship with my mom I love her there’s no doubt about that. With the generational trauma and abuse that we both went through, at times made me resent my childhood. Adopting our pup seemed to help heal that fracture.

The book has so many stories of how dogs (and cats) helped make people and families better. It’s like they know who needs some comfort and gravitate to that person.

As the author said “As we teach them to heel, they teach us to heal” there is no doubt about that in my life. I cannot imagine my life before him and I cannot imagine life without him. I flew through this book and I am going to purchase a copy for myself since I got it from the library. There is a website that you can use as well.

I currently live in the middle of the country where animals are “property” and some of the state wide Animal Rescues that I follow will post some of the most horrible, heart wrenching stories. Dogs being shot and left for dead. Dogs being starved, beaten, abandoned and yes, killed. It’s horrible what these sentient beings go through and who will still LOVE their human. I just cannot fathom hurting my dog in any way. If I have to raise my voice because he ignored a cue, I get upset at myself.
The author has statistics of how many dogs & cats enter a shelter and how many are PTS for different reasons. Putting dogs to sleep to make space for other dogs to come up (rinse & repeat) pisses me off. We have failed these animals. Some humans are disgusting garbage. Breeding should be done by qualified breeders. There should be a certification for breeding, licenses given to be able to breed. If the “owner” hasn’t obtained that license, there should be fines & penalties given. Preventative meds shouldn’t be as high of a cost as it is. There should be more accessible, low cost animal clinics. Maybe it’s wishful thinking but why can’t we do that? There is so much more that I would love to see implemented but it takes a village and we can start by adopting and remembering that animals are a very big commitment for a good 10-15 years of your life. As they get older, they will start losing mobility, the ability to hold themselves to go potty, their hearing, their eyesight. Just like people. If you cannot commit to adoption, then foster a dog.
I have always loved dogs but until 3 years ago, I never had one (I was 47 when he rescued me) I have learned so much compassion, bravery and advocating for him and other dogs. If he doesn’t want to interact with anyone, No is a complete sentence. He’s selective with dogs; seems to prefer the ladies and despises intact males and I work through that with him. He knows when I’m sick and will come lay next to me. He is my heart & soul dog and he’s the best dog ever.

Please adopt an animal instead of buying them from breeders or stores. Look at how many pittipotamuses are at shelters. It’s NOT the breed, it’s the owner. Look to see how many pure breed are at the shelters. Adopt a dog/breed that fits your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato, a Malinois or German Shepard may not be for you. Do your homework. Dogs are expensive (food, toys, preventatives, vaccines, Vet visits for sickness, accidents and illness) DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BRINGING A DOG HOME AND DECIDING IT’S NOT FOR YOU. Dogs are like 2 year old toddlers. If you are not ready for a kid, you are not ready for a dog. If you have a busy social life and are always out of the house, a dog may not be for you.
This book will give you so much insight into what animals can do for us. I really want to adopt or foster another dog but I know I can’t. Why? I don’t have a backyard for them (My pup weighs 90 lbs) but yes we are always out on the trails and parks. Loose leash walking is still being worked on because he’s a hound and wants to go go go. My dog is dog selective, gets jealous if any other dog comes near me and will slap them with his massive paws. Because I cannot adopt or foster another pup, I donate time & money to the local rescues that do so much good work for these animals. There is so much that can be done. Please be kind to these animals. They don’t deserve what many go through. They deserve a family that loves them and takes care of them. Once you love a dog, you will understand what loyalty and actual love is.

I wish I could give this book 100 stars. Please pick up a copy

Be kind

[Pat Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got a soft spot for animals, particularly dogs. I married a woman whose motto is “Love me, love my cat.” It’s always been a bargain in my favor, even when Tom, the orange-striped tabby cat she brought into our marriage, would try to sleep on my head. We have four rescues in our house currently, two dogs and two cats.

A few weeks ago, I was on Bonnie D. Graham’s show with three other people. Carol Novello was one of the other panelists. She’s a Harvard MBA. Prior to founding Mutual Rescue, she was the president of Intuit’s Master Builder Software, VP/General Manager of QuickBooks Online, along with a host of other senior executive positions. Carol left all of that to found Mutual Rescue.

From the book: Mutual Rescue is a national initiative focused on changing the conversation from “people or animals” to “people and animals” with the aim of elevating the cause of animal welfare.

As an animal lover, I know that having animals in your life is beneficial. Mutual Rescue proves it.

The book tells stories of pets – dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and more – and how they have saved the people that adopted them. The stories are heartwarming. The last half of each chapter is the science behind the benefit of life with animals. Good, documented, peer-reviewed science on how having a pet reduces anxiety, improves resilience, improves recovery from substance abuse, reduces recidivism, and helps you deal with grief, to name just a few.

Mutual Rescue has also made some short movies. Eric & Peety was the first and has been viewed over 100 million times. There’s a good chance you’ve seen it.

It’s a good book and a great cause. Please check out Mutual Rescue the organization.

[Finnegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grip your leashes tighter, pet lovers – the book we’ve all been waiting for is here. In Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too author Carol Novello serves up all of the inspiring animal stories with a healthy helping of the science behind the human/animal bond. Despite my deep love of dogs, I tend to avoid many pet books. I find them overly cloying and somewhat manipulative – they’re designed to make you cry. While your eyes might find themselves a bit damp from Mutual Rescue, it’s refreshingly NOT because the author has written another twist on Old Yeller (where the loveable, heroic dog inevitably dies at the end) but rather because all four sections reveal what an overwhelming gift pets are to us and all the ways they enrich our lives.

If you think you know every story of pet-saves-human, you’re wrong. And if you think animal rescue is all about the animals, you definitely need to read this. Stock a stack of copies and the next time someone says ‘well, they’re just animals’ or ‘why don’t you help people instead?’, hand them one. Lord knows that’s what I’m planning to do.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I don't give out 5 stars to just any book I read. I found this book to be heartwarming but also fascinating. The connections people make w/ their pets is astounding. This book shows you how by describing the stories of those who have gone through so much before & after their pets. Not everyone will go through the same experience, but the difference that pet made in people's lives was something special. To read about all the different stories really spoke out about how much of an impact animals have & how helpful they are. Some animals are simply remarkable in what they are able to achieve both physically & emotionally. The things certain animals had to overcome themselves in order to trust humans who have tormented them is no small thing. The trust they end up having w/ their humans is life altering for both pet & person. With some nurturing, love, caring & trust all humans & animals can find solace in one another. I may not be able to save every animal out there but am grateful for the pets I have had in my life. They have made a world of difference to me & cherish all the moments I can. This book will touch your heart & soul, just like an animal will.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading books about animals. I volunteer with a cat rescue and this book caught my eye.

There are four sections in this book ... heart, body, mind and connection. In each section there are stories of people rescuing animals (including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, etc.) but also how the animal "rescued" them. Some were mourning the death of a loved one, while others were recovering from PTSD, being bullied, being abused, addictions, injuries, traumatic childhoods, etc., and others were dealing with loneliness, autism, reading skills, etc.

The chapters in the sections start with true stories of people who needed an animal in their lives and rescued one and how it affected their lives and those in their families (ie how they were rescued). What followed after that were the findings of studies relating to the stories.

I liked this book. It was interesting to read the stories but also get the facts in the studies. Many of the stories were made into short films and they and pictures can be found on the Mutual Rescue website (https://mutualrescue.org).

[The DO]

On my first day of medical school, I wore a T-shirt with a cat on it (yes, I’m *that* girl). I did it partly because I like to lead with my weirdness in new situations; I did it partly because my rescue cat was on my mind. He had come to live with me less than a year prior after being rescued by Felines for Adoption Cat Rescue in northern New Jersey, and I was wondering how my rigorous school schedule and the long hours apart would impact him.

Looking back now, I realize I also was subconsciously wanting to bring something very important into this space where we were about to begin learning about healing: that animals are some of the most powerful healers out there.

Read our entire review and see more book club selections on The DO!

[DeEtte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message of this uplifting book needs to be heard. Rescuing an animal is a reciprocal arrangement. Not only is the animal rescued, but its human is, too. The bumper magnet is so true, "Who Rescued Whom?"
This is a compendium of stories about actual animal adoptions. The tales (tails?) reach into one's heart. The conclusion of each adoption story gave me uplifting and positive feelings.
Many of these stories have been made into short films that have been viewed by millions.
But the stories are not the only takeaways from this book. Each tale is followed by the factually-based "why?" of the human-animal bond.
The writing style is easy to follow. It never gets 'bogged down' at any point. I strongly urge everyone who has ever loved an animal to read it.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that made me cry at least once per chapter. If you don't believe that animals can be good for you, allow this book to prove you wrong. I wasn't enamored of the writing style (in every section that talked about an animal in the past tense, I expected them to tragically die before the end of the chapter. And sometimes they did!). And all the research, while super interesting, was not as engaging as the personal stories about animals. Still, what a great, important book. If it had existed when I was a kid, I would have used it to convince my parents to let me get a dog.

[JLS10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the proud mom of three rescue dogs, two of which are laying right near me as I type. Each night I sat down to read this book, I would stop and just take time to pet and love on whomever was near by and appreciate them. Between that and hopping on petfinder.org to look at adoptable dogs (of which I keep telling myself I don’t need a 4th dog), I took my leisurely time with this book. If you are on the fence about whether on not to adopt, it will be hard to stay on the fence after reading Mutual Rescue.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister gave me this book for potential background information for my writing, but it's a lot more meaningful than just background information. The points the authors make (Carol Novello co-wrote the book with Ginny Graves) touch on many aspects of human-animal relationships, the stories are heartwarming (and occasionally tear-inducing), and always they are inspiring.

If you're feeling depressed or lonely when you pick up the book, before you put it down your heart will be full. Highly recommended.

[The Doctor's Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about time there's a book club book that's not a downer. I love the relatable and uplifting vignettes. The stories melted my heart and put it back together each time. This book, full of love, hope, and relationship, will leave you with a renewed sense of hope at a time when we can all use a little ”pick me up.” Loved it!

BTW, it was awesome to read on the short little bits of time my schedule only seems to allow!

[J.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like inspirational stories of love, healing, and overcoming obstacles this book is for you. Pets are a touchstone and our best connection to the outside world as they patiently as they live day-by-day, or sometimes, minute by minute at our side, without judgement. Life has random tough edges, and reading this book not just about animal rescue, it is like taking your better person out for a walk into the sunlight. I enjoyed all the stories immensely.

[Jennifer S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming book about the power of adopted pets to transform owners' lives. Mutual Rescue describes how time and time again, adopted pets actually rescue their owners - from grief, suicidal thoughts, physical pain, depression, developmental disabilities, etc. There are dozens of stories of individuals and their pets, supported by research studies that explain the bond and the benefits. A little repetitive but an easy read - and I'm ready to go adopt a pet!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling personal stories + roundup of cognitive, biological and emotional benefits of pet ownership = engrossing read. Many of the players in the mindfulness arena are quoted here as are countless studies on the science of our relationships with animals. At times the studies reported seemed repetitive, but overall Novello has a way of personalizing sweeping societal afflictions and zeroing in on the heart of it.

[Sandra A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written & inspirational!

Carol brings to light what we all knew to be true as pet parents, that there is scientific proof that saving an animal has as powerful as effect on us as on our rescues. The personal stories highlighted are poignant and moving, recounted in such a compassionate and inspirational approach. The best book you can give as a gift this year.

[E. Charnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

People and animals and the profound impact they have on each other’s lives, this book is a collection of moving stories. Radiating compassion and hope, it’s filled with interesting research that shines a light on what’s happening in our hearts and brains when we share our lives with furry friends. Carol’s own stories throughout the book add wisdom and insight to this inspiring read.

[Neil McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, filled with numerous examples of the miraculous love, emotional sense and compassion of pets.

Many are traveling life from one acquisition to the next seeking substance form the inevitable void, pets are selfless love that fills that void and promotes healthfulness.

Yes I am bias, I have a 6 year old Cocker spaniel 🐶💗

[Kimfu]

Excellent book! NOW I have a good answer when people tell me -- as they always do, "We should all be spending most of our time and resources on people, and not waste our time and resources on animals, because people are more important than animals!"

Of course, I always HAD an answer, but the response Carol Novello spells out throughout her book is much less combative!

二零二一年： 第二十八本书

[Jessica Brickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get thru this book, suggested by a dog book club I'm a part of, as there were many names, human and animals, and many scientific studies mentioned in its stories. Each chapter was broken down to a minutiae of subtopics; it's one of the most thorough books on the human-animal bond and emotional and mental lives if animals I've read to date.

[Stormy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animals can play a significant part in helping humans get through major trauma events. My daughter’s story is featured in this book as one example of how the love of a rescued dog helped her overcome tragedy. “Who rescued whom?” was definitely part of her equation for recovery.

[John Hellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend suggested I read this book a few months back. This past week I started reading this book. I was fascinated the connection people have with adopted pets. I was intrigued how pets can help so many people with difficult periods in life. Worth the read.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about how people save animals and animals save them! Stories about pigs, horses, cats, dogs, turtles even snakes! I personally can attest to how my dog has helped to save my mom and my life!

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some heart-warming stories, but that's it... The author had very precise points she set out to prove by hand-picking and manipulating scientific research, but the result is a repetitive book with weak arguments

[Emily Chason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful outlook on how animals help us and how we help them. I could not put this book down. I was moved by so many stories in this book. Please take the time to read it. You will not forget it.