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Rescue Matters
AMAZON BESTSELLER-ANIMAL RIGHTS
"I highly recommend this book." -Deb Parker, Best Friends Animal Society
Four Years.
Four Thousand Dogs.
An incredible true story of rescue and redemption.
When Keith Benning accepted the job as a deputy in a small North Dakota county, he had no idea he was about to face the biggest challenge of his life. Four years and four thousand dogs later, he lost his marriage, a fellow officer and nearly his own life.
By rescuing seventy starving and unwanted animals out of his garage each month, Keith and a small team of volunteers have changed the world for thousands of dogs, and tens of thousands more to come.
Woven with riveting and inspiring real-life rescue stories, Rescue Matters tells a larger tale of tragedy-meets-redemption. A gripping account of how a garage rescue grew into a mighty force that inspired a nation.
C.J. English shares her personal experience inside the emotional and bittersweet world of dog rescue, delivering a heart-wrenching and deeply moving story that has much to teach us about responsibility and compassion.
Rescue Matters is alive with meaning and purpose, proving that that it doesn’t take a law or government to change the world, all it takes is a few people trying to make a difference to start a revolution.
Not just for dog lovers, but for anyone inspired by the compassion of humans and the resilience of the animals who forgive them. 50% of the profits from the sale of this book will go directly back to Keith Benning and his team at Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
"I highly recommend this book." -Deb Parker, Best Friends Animal Society
Four Years.
Four Thousand Dogs.
An incredible true story of rescue and redemption.
When Keith Benning accepted the job as a deputy in a small North Dakota county, he had no idea he was about to face the biggest challenge of his life. Four years and four thousand dogs later, he lost his marriage, a fellow officer and nearly his own life.
By rescuing seventy starving and unwanted animals out of his garage each month, Keith and a small team of volunteers have changed the world for thousands of dogs, and tens of thousands more to come.
Woven with riveting and inspiring real-life rescue stories, Rescue Matters tells a larger tale of tragedy-meets-redemption. A gripping account of how a garage rescue grew into a mighty force that inspired a nation.
C.J. English shares her personal experience inside the emotional and bittersweet world of dog rescue, delivering a heart-wrenching and deeply moving story that has much to teach us about responsibility and compassion.
Rescue Matters is alive with meaning and purpose, proving that that it doesn’t take a law or government to change the world, all it takes is a few people trying to make a difference to start a revolution.
Not just for dog lovers, but for anyone inspired by the compassion of humans and the resilience of the animals who forgive them. 50% of the profits from the sale of this book will go directly back to Keith Benning and his team at Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
- GenresNonfiction
280 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2018
216 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
C.J. English
12 books220 followersReaders Favorite Award-Winning author. Plant eater. Wine drinker. Pit bull momma. Hell-bent on saving animals.
Pick up WTF am I supposed to eat? A dieters manifesto if you want to lose weight and stop eating animals. Or check out Rescue Matters, if you love animals and want to be inspired to make a difference--suitable for anyone with a beating heart.
Affairytale and Forever After are no longer available as originally published. Affairytale is being adapted into a work of fiction and will be released on my fiction author platform under C.J. Love-Jones. Thanks for your support and for stopping by!
https://linktr.ee/CJEnglish
Pick up WTF am I supposed to eat? A dieters manifesto if you want to lose weight and stop eating animals. Or check out Rescue Matters, if you love animals and want to be inspired to make a difference--suitable for anyone with a beating heart.
Affairytale and Forever After are no longer available as originally published. Affairytale is being adapted into a work of fiction and will be released on my fiction author platform under C.J. Love-Jones. Thanks for your support and for stopping by!
https://linktr.ee/CJEnglish
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 15, 2018
Rescue Matters - not just a book title but two words that have a deep and emotional meaning. Once you read this book I hope you will agree with me.
C.J. English is a true inspiration. All that know me, know that I love her previous work, but her passion and dedication to this cause has made me love and admire her even more (if that’s possible)
She has opened my eyes to a crisis I was completely oblivious to. And if you think that this crisis is isolated to just North Dakota,( like I was initially), you would be very wrong. Whilst on holidays earlier this year I witnessed a similar situation in a place that is circa 14,000km’s from North Dakota and I truly believe that I would not have seen the situation for what it was if i hadn’t been aware of TMAR from my conversations with Ms English.
This is not fiction but a true life story of how TMAR came into existence. It’s not sugar coated but a real depiction of the hard road these wonderful volunteers, rescuers, and man best friend have endured for the last 4 years.
I can’t say it any better than Ms English herself ‘Rescue Matters is the story of how a garage rescue grew from nothing to inspiring a nation and sparking a rescue revolution. 4 years. 4 thousand dogs. 1 unlikely hero.’
As I was read these stories I was moved to tears and messaged Ms English to express how in awe I was of the brave, strong and selfless people in this book - and that I wanted to donate every last cent I had in my bank account to support them and the fantastic work they do.
So yes this book will rip your heart out but there are beautiful heart warming and good outcomes as well. The stories of the dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and a few other unexpected animals in this book made me cry both happy and sad tears and will never be forgotten.
Please do yourself a favour - buy this book, support the cause, like their Facebook page and spread the word!!
https://www.turtlemountainanimalrescu...
50% of the profits from the sale of this book go directly back to Keith and the team at TMAR.
Help C.J. English reach her goal of printing 10k copies! Think stocking stuffers 📚
Amazon Paperback:http://bit.ly/RescueMattersCJEnglish
Kindle: http://bit.ly/RescueMattersAmazonKindle
Ibooks: http://bit.ly/RescueMattersOnIBooks
Barnes & Noble Nook:http://bit.ly/RescueMattersAtBarnesnN...
C.J. English is a true inspiration. All that know me, know that I love her previous work, but her passion and dedication to this cause has made me love and admire her even more (if that’s possible)
She has opened my eyes to a crisis I was completely oblivious to. And if you think that this crisis is isolated to just North Dakota,( like I was initially), you would be very wrong. Whilst on holidays earlier this year I witnessed a similar situation in a place that is circa 14,000km’s from North Dakota and I truly believe that I would not have seen the situation for what it was if i hadn’t been aware of TMAR from my conversations with Ms English.
This is not fiction but a true life story of how TMAR came into existence. It’s not sugar coated but a real depiction of the hard road these wonderful volunteers, rescuers, and man best friend have endured for the last 4 years.
I can’t say it any better than Ms English herself ‘Rescue Matters is the story of how a garage rescue grew from nothing to inspiring a nation and sparking a rescue revolution. 4 years. 4 thousand dogs. 1 unlikely hero.’
As I was read these stories I was moved to tears and messaged Ms English to express how in awe I was of the brave, strong and selfless people in this book - and that I wanted to donate every last cent I had in my bank account to support them and the fantastic work they do.
So yes this book will rip your heart out but there are beautiful heart warming and good outcomes as well. The stories of the dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and a few other unexpected animals in this book made me cry both happy and sad tears and will never be forgotten.
Please do yourself a favour - buy this book, support the cause, like their Facebook page and spread the word!!
https://www.turtlemountainanimalrescu...
50% of the profits from the sale of this book go directly back to Keith and the team at TMAR.
Help C.J. English reach her goal of printing 10k copies! Think stocking stuffers 📚
Amazon Paperback:http://bit.ly/RescueMattersCJEnglish
Kindle: http://bit.ly/RescueMattersAmazonKindle
Ibooks: http://bit.ly/RescueMattersOnIBooks
Barnes & Noble Nook:http://bit.ly/RescueMattersAtBarnesnN...
January 9, 2019
People that don't know about animal rescue and those that are already involved in animal rescue can learn so much from this story.
I, like the author, CJ English, grew up in Fargo, ND and only knew about our family buying dogs from a breeder. Thankfully when I moved to California 17.5 years ago and adopted our rescue cats I started learning about animal rescue and have been volunteering for a local organization for 6 years. I wish I would have know about animal rescue sooner but it's never too late.
Despite being an animal shelter volunteer for 6 years and now cat/kitten foster, Rescue Matters, revealed to me so many other layers that grass roots rescue groups like Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue have to overcome and the strength and courage to stay true to the passion for being the voice for animals and compassion for the people and communities involved.
I hope this story, rescue and rescuers inspire you to take that next step in whatever you are passionate about and take it to the next level. I know it has inspired me to push the envelope in being an advocate for all the "invisible" and homeless animals.
Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue makes me proud to be from North Dakota and I will be cheering and supporting them along their journey as they continue to save animals and lobby for improved animal cruelty laws in the state.
I, like the author, CJ English, grew up in Fargo, ND and only knew about our family buying dogs from a breeder. Thankfully when I moved to California 17.5 years ago and adopted our rescue cats I started learning about animal rescue and have been volunteering for a local organization for 6 years. I wish I would have know about animal rescue sooner but it's never too late.
Despite being an animal shelter volunteer for 6 years and now cat/kitten foster, Rescue Matters, revealed to me so many other layers that grass roots rescue groups like Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue have to overcome and the strength and courage to stay true to the passion for being the voice for animals and compassion for the people and communities involved.
I hope this story, rescue and rescuers inspire you to take that next step in whatever you are passionate about and take it to the next level. I know it has inspired me to push the envelope in being an advocate for all the "invisible" and homeless animals.
Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue makes me proud to be from North Dakota and I will be cheering and supporting them along their journey as they continue to save animals and lobby for improved animal cruelty laws in the state.
January 6, 2019
Heartbreaking, but a must read.
Thank you for writing the book. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for bringing awareness. Thank you for teaching others not to assume a dog's story or to judge those who have to give up their dogs. Thank you for giving your all. Sincerely, thank you.
Thank you for writing the book. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for bringing awareness. Thank you for teaching others not to assume a dog's story or to judge those who have to give up their dogs. Thank you for giving your all. Sincerely, thank you.
March 24, 2020
If you've ever wondered, what if we decided to actually did something about [fill in your cause] and then you DID it. That's exactly what CJ English and the other volunteers at Turtle Mountain Rescue did - they changed the world for the animals of the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota. This inspiring story - told in heartfelt prose with frank honesty and lots of pictures-- will inspire you to maybe get off your own couch and make a difference in this world. And wouldn't that be something?
November 13, 2021
The story of Keith Benning, who moves to an impoverished North Dakota county to serve as a deputy. What he and his wife discover is a stray dog epidemic that has been out of control for decades. They start rescuing dogs out of their garage and it all snowballs from there. Along the way Keith's marriage ends and he suffers compassion fatigue, but he keeps going (now with the help of some dedicated volunteers) because if he stops, dogs die.
Chapters alternate between Keith's story and the growth of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue (TMAR) and brief dog rescue stories, usually including updates on how they are doing now. It's a book that had me in tears more than once, but the overall theme is one of hope and resilience.
50% of the proceeds of the book go to TMAR. And if you would like more information, to see the rescue at work (including lots of videos), or to donate, visit the Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
Chapters alternate between Keith's story and the growth of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue (TMAR) and brief dog rescue stories, usually including updates on how they are doing now. It's a book that had me in tears more than once, but the overall theme is one of hope and resilience.
50% of the proceeds of the book go to TMAR. And if you would like more information, to see the rescue at work (including lots of videos), or to donate, visit the Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
February 8, 2025
Have tissues while reading this amazing book! 🐾🐾
April 7, 2022
WOW. Just... wow. This book should be required reading for every animal lover. Scratch that; for every human. I'm still processing everything in this beautifully written tale, but I know that walking away from this book, I feel somewhat heartbroken still, yet also filled with hope, compassion and inspiration. Truly incredible work by Keith and the folks up in North Dakota, and major kudos to C.J. for documenting the journey of a scrappy but strong group of people who put animals first. Wow.
August 19, 2023
This book broke my heart but gave me so much hope at the same time. Someone was cutting onions the entire time I read this. We really need more people like Keith and the TMAR team.
January 1, 2019
This book is so eye opening to what TMAR does. These people are amazing. This book is heart breaking and heart warming at the same time.
January 2, 2019
This book rocked me to my core and needs to be shared in every way.
December 17, 2018
The title says it all. Two words - Rescue Matters. This book brings to light the heart wrenching problem of abuse and neglect of our four legged friends. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster. What Keith and the volunteers of TMAR do to save our furry friends and give them the life they deserve is absolutely astounding. This books is uplifting and also gut wrenching. What Keith started to save the abused and neglected animals in his area and the unselfishness and unwillingness to give up of him and the volunteers of TMAR is amazing. Reading this book makes you want to run out and do what you can to help our furry friends. I highly recommend this book. It is eye opening, gut wrenching, uplifting, and for a great cause. What I read on the pages of this book will stay with me for a long time.
December 17, 2018
The moment CJ started 'Rescue Matters', I followed and read every posts about the dogs getting rescued and taken care of. This book is not meant only for dog lovers. It's a book that we all should read and share. CJ has poured her soul into this amazing book and we need more books like this. Hats off to CJ for taking the initiative to write this true story!
September 6, 2022
My youngest rescue - Echo - came from Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue (TMAR), so learning the back story of how this fantastic rescue came to be gave me more insight into Echo and where she came from. With her being a rescue very little was known about her, nothing other than her and her siblings were found abandoned - this book helped me better understand the unknown of her past. I knew very little about TMAR other than it was a rescue, and that the pup who I love so dearly was adopted out of it. I had no idea of the years of struggles and effort put into the organization by Keith and the team. It really gives you a new found appreciation for the rescue and their tireless efforts.
The writing style in my opinion is somewhat lacking, but the fantastic true story totally makes up for it. Being local(ish) to where the story takes place really makes it easier to relate and picture whats being said in your mind.
5/5.
The writing style in my opinion is somewhat lacking, but the fantastic true story totally makes up for it. Being local(ish) to where the story takes place really makes it easier to relate and picture whats being said in your mind.
5/5.
January 18, 2020
I could not put this book down. Rescue Matters will have you feeling all sorts of feels, but mostly inspired. The author’s wit is perfectly placed, and the amount of heartbreaking experiences you’ll read about is balanced with just as many hopeful, heart warming, and uplifting ones. This book pulls you deeper into what the mission of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue is, and how Keith literally built this rescue group from the ground up. If you love following TMAR on Facebook, this is a must read (and if you don’t follow them, DO it! It’s still a must read). Oh, and just a warning- he’ll probably become your newest celebrity crush.
June 29, 2020
By chance I found ”Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue”(TMAR)on Facebook. I liked the people working there and their attittude towards rescuing so I started following their page.
After listening to the author reading from the book I felt I had to buy it.
It’s a fantastic read and gave me a deeper understanding of their hard work.
Some parts are heartbreaking to read.
This is the true story of a group of people with big hearts that in spite of a lot of troubles save dogs and cats out of a garage in North Dakota, close to the Canadian border.
They are amazing!
Thank you for never giving up and thank you C.J. for telling your story.
After listening to the author reading from the book I felt I had to buy it.
It’s a fantastic read and gave me a deeper understanding of their hard work.
Some parts are heartbreaking to read.
This is the true story of a group of people with big hearts that in spite of a lot of troubles save dogs and cats out of a garage in North Dakota, close to the Canadian border.
They are amazing!
Thank you for never giving up and thank you C.J. for telling your story.
July 14, 2020
Working behind the scene with a small rescue, I absolutely appreciated the candid nature of this book. I freely admit to crying through several of the chapters and having a very visceral reaction to the more graphic stories.
The TMAR team is incredible and CJ has captured not only the struggle, but also the magic of the day-to-day rescue operation. Her journey is related in an honest and sometimes heartbreaking narrative.
CJ presents Keith in such a realistic light. While he floats the idea that it may just be too much, he perseveres. This man is an absolute superhero. He pours out his heart and the animals sense his love for him.
I highly recommend this book.
The TMAR team is incredible and CJ has captured not only the struggle, but also the magic of the day-to-day rescue operation. Her journey is related in an honest and sometimes heartbreaking narrative.
CJ presents Keith in such a realistic light. While he floats the idea that it may just be too much, he perseveres. This man is an absolute superhero. He pours out his heart and the animals sense his love for him.
I highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot. I mean I didn't want to in the sense of the staggering sad numbers and statistics for rescue. But on the other hand to get an in depth look into the coming of an organization and to read some of the first hand testimonies or specific animal stories was amazing and humbling at the same time. I am in awe of these dedicated individuals and indebted to them. I only wish I made more money so that I could help more. I pray ND passes new updated legislation to help as well.
May 10, 2020
This book is extremely important for any one that loves animals. It gives heartfelt stories along with factual evidence on why Adopting animals is the only way to go. I am so glad I watched a short dodo on IG about TMAR and decided to get this book. My daughter is next to read it, then I will be passing along. Thank you CJ English for your dedication and wring this book.
Personal: I have adopted 2 pit bull type dogs from the shelter and 100% glad I did knowing the statistics for them. Both have great personalities and I can’t imagine my life without them.
Personal: I have adopted 2 pit bull type dogs from the shelter and 100% glad I did knowing the statistics for them. Both have great personalities and I can’t imagine my life without them.
June 5, 2020
Lucky Dogs
Congratulations, you are about to read the most touching book I have read in a long, long time. If I were a dog in need I can only hope I would be lucky enough to be taken in my Keith and his crew. This is a marvelous story of his animal rescue he started in North Dakota and his p!an for building a larger building, freeing up his garage. Yes, his garage. You will learn of the good and the bad, you might even cry along the way but your heart will definitely be touched. Please, enjoy this wonderful story about animal rescue.
Congratulations, you are about to read the most touching book I have read in a long, long time. If I were a dog in need I can only hope I would be lucky enough to be taken in my Keith and his crew. This is a marvelous story of his animal rescue he started in North Dakota and his p!an for building a larger building, freeing up his garage. Yes, his garage. You will learn of the good and the bad, you might even cry along the way but your heart will definitely be touched. Please, enjoy this wonderful story about animal rescue.
July 4, 2023
This is a book all animal lovers and non-animal lovers should read. It's gut-wrenching but necessary in order to understand what is involved in rescuing animals and the toll it takes on the rescuers/volunteers. Anyone who criticizes rescue centres because they had to close to new rescues because they were full, or for not handling a situation the way they preferred, needs to read this. I liked the way it is formatted. I had to put it down a few times because my tears blurred my vision, but I kept reading. Well done C.J.
July 30, 2020
Very insightful!
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I was happy the dogs were getting rescued, sad so many were not able to be saved, angry that it's such a problem that seems to be overlooked in my state ND. I've been following TMAR for awhile so I know they are close to getting their shelter, just wish it could be sooner. They soo need it! Absolutely loved and recommend this book!
This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I was happy the dogs were getting rescued, sad so many were not able to be saved, angry that it's such a problem that seems to be overlooked in my state ND. I've been following TMAR for awhile so I know they are close to getting their shelter, just wish it could be sooner. They soo need it! Absolutely loved and recommend this book!
February 21, 2022
Rescue Matters is disturbing enough in all the right ways to light a fire under anyone with a foot pointing towards resecue. It's not for the faint of heart, though. If you can't stand a book where the dog dies, don't crack the spine. If you want to read a story of dogged determination and hope, this is the one. Cudos to Keith Benning and the harem of angels who didn't give up when the going got tough and to C.J. English for having the talent and wherewithall to tell the story
February 28, 2022
Anyone that has a heart that beats should read this book! Very riveting, sometimes gut wrenching stories that are all true . The author C.J. pulls you in all the way into the world, the good, the bad and sometimes downright ugly world of rescue. This book is written so well it can bring the strongest person to tears. Yet there is more she includes footnotes of videos you can look up on a lot of the rescues. Please read this book . Amy Peterman P.S. It’s Phenomenal!
November 16, 2019
Easy to read, very eye opening
This was a quick read that really gets to the point and opens your mind to looking at animal rescue with a new set of eyes. Reminds us not to judge others but instead look at our own actions, or lack of actions, when it comes to caring for our furry friends. And the importance of having compassion for all living things.
This was a quick read that really gets to the point and opens your mind to looking at animal rescue with a new set of eyes. Reminds us not to judge others but instead look at our own actions, or lack of actions, when it comes to caring for our furry friends. And the importance of having compassion for all living things.
August 4, 2020
Emotional rollercoaster
I laughed and cried reading this book practically in one sitting couldn't put it down . Been following TMAR for a few months now but it was eye opening to see the grit and determination and the struggle Keith and his helpers have been through to save these beautiful defenceless creatures.
I laughed and cried reading this book practically in one sitting couldn't put it down . Been following TMAR for a few months now but it was eye opening to see the grit and determination and the struggle Keith and his helpers have been through to save these beautiful defenceless creatures.
December 6, 2020
This is a emotional five stars. Sometimes tough to read but so in lightning. What an amazing group of people, especially Keith. There is a place for him in heaven, for sure. This story will stay with me for the rest of my life and if I were younger I would have found some way to join the forces to make a change. Now, the very least I could do was buy the book.....check!
"Keep on, keepin on!"
"Keep on, keepin on!"
January 17, 2021
This is very well written, but emotionally, it is a VERY hard read. Keep plenty of kleenex handy...
I realize that it probably wasn't possible, but it would have been nice to see more "after" photos of the dogs that made it. I could never work in animal rescue because I think any person who abuses an animal should be executed.
I realize that it probably wasn't possible, but it would have been nice to see more "after" photos of the dogs that made it. I could never work in animal rescue because I think any person who abuses an animal should be executed.
March 25, 2022
Love this book. The story of this rescue will lift your heart and shake your head in wonder. There are still good humans left in the U.S! CJ English writes with such emotion and strength that make you want to save every animal possible. Everyone in the World should read this book and take it to heart to adopt not shop. ❤️😢
April 14, 2020
Amazing story,
This book is heart breaking, gut wrenching and inspiring all at the same time. My heart aches for Keith and all the volunteers of TMAR, and the thousands of other rescue volunteers. This book shows us why Rescue does indeed matter.
This book is heart breaking, gut wrenching and inspiring all at the same time. My heart aches for Keith and all the volunteers of TMAR, and the thousands of other rescue volunteers. This book shows us why Rescue does indeed matter.
May 10, 2020
TMAR Rocks
I wanted to know more about TMAR and this booked helped me to understand a little about how life is very different in N Dakota to life here in my part of the world. It’s inspirational,thought provoking, sad in parts and it’s honest. It’s a must read for animal lovers.
I wanted to know more about TMAR and this booked helped me to understand a little about how life is very different in N Dakota to life here in my part of the world. It’s inspirational,thought provoking, sad in parts and it’s honest. It’s a must read for animal lovers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews