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DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them
We can all make a difference.
Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull's life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Trull was no stranger to rescuing abandoned animals. She and her husband Mark had made it their mission to find permanent homes for stray dogs and cats. Now her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. And in that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary--known as DAWGS--was born.
How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. In this eye-opening, deeply personal book, Trull describes the challenges they faced, from rescuing and caring for the animals to teaching children about compassion and responsibility, to facing local interests opposed to having a shelter in their town. She shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances--one animal, one child, and one day at a time.
Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull's life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Trull was no stranger to rescuing abandoned animals. She and her husband Mark had made it their mission to find permanent homes for stray dogs and cats. Now her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. And in that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary--known as DAWGS--was born.
How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. In this eye-opening, deeply personal book, Trull describes the challenges they faced, from rescuing and caring for the animals to teaching children about compassion and responsibility, to facing local interests opposed to having a shelter in their town. She shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances--one animal, one child, and one day at a time.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
9 people are currently reading
4455 people want to read
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June 9, 2024
My Goodreads friend Valleri recommended this book to me and glad she did. I am adding it to my shelf for favorite dog books. My overall goal is to find the ‘best’ dog books, and think this belongs in that short group, although I have not read many rescue dog organizations so don’t know how this one stacks up to similar books on the topic. People who are involved in dog rescue work are all heroes in my book.
This book and the organization ‘DAWGS’ (Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary), is different in that it was inspired by school children. Diane Trull is a 4th grade schoolteacher and her children after seeing an article on puppies that were found and taken by animal control asked what happens to them if they are not adopted. She explains to them that they get put to sleep. The next comments from the girls probably mirrors what most of us think:
‘Kali’s green eyes widened in disbelief, and she broke the silence. “So, you mean the dogs are killed just because they don’t have somebody to care for them?”
“How can that be right?” Cortney challenged. “People shouldn't be able to do that to them. It’s not the dogs’ fault that they don’t have homes.”
When you’re nine years old, it’s hard to understand that atrocities happen in the real world. It’s even harder to accept that they can happen in your own backyard. ‘
The story of the growth of the organization and the challenges they overcame are inspiring.
It includes real villains in the story.
The city council helps some but in other times wants to go back to the expedient method of just putting stray dogs down.
At one time Diane is confronted by a group of concerned citizens:
“We represent a larger group of local citizens who believe that you are misguided in what you’re trying to do,” another lady in the group said in a matter-of-fact tone. “It’s evil to save animals that people have cast aside. You shouldn’t be teaching innocent children that the lives of animals are valuable. Dogs don’t have souls. It’s a waste of precious time that could be used on something more meaningful and charitable.”
The numbers of dogs and cats that were euthanized in this town in Texas is staggering. And when they start taking dogs in they started to all go to her:
‘Because, like clockwork, the animal control officer showed up to my classroom every day, dropping off more and more dogs.‘
I liked the sentiment of one of her students:
“Well, no matter how many dogs there are, We just have to be careful that we don’t skip anybody because they’re all important,” Alix said. “They all have feelings too.”
Another inspirational aspect is what the children that volunteer gain from the experience:
“So, back to my original question. Jesse, what do you think volunteering has changed in your life?”
Jesse was wearing his thinking face and hesitated a few minutes before answering. “I guess I’m not as lazy as I used to be,” he finally shared. “I like playing video games and watching television as much as anybody else, but now that I know there are a bunch of dogs out here depending on me for food and water and going for walks, I don’t have time for that stuff anymore. The pens need to be cleaned and the dogs need to be played with. It’s up to us to come out here every day after school and get the work done.”
“Do you miss playing your video games?” I asked.
“Nah, not really. You know, it’s really hard for me not to be thinking about the dogs all the time now and how we can make their lives better. Being at the shelter is definitely the best part of my day!”
Another of the kids says:
“Well, it’s made me realize how important it is to keep a commitment once you make it,” she said. “We all said we wanted to help the animals, so we can’t just quit because we’re tired or something. No matter if it’s raining or snowing, the dogs need us. It’s like these dogs are our pets. | want to do my part to make sure that each one of our dogs gets to have a wonderful life. And it makes me feel so happy just being with them.”
One more nice one to share:
“We keep running into so many problems, Mrs. Trull. It reminds me of the children’s book The Little Engine That Could. We’ re just like the train in that story. We keep thinking we can save the animals, thinking we can do it, thinking we can do it. And then, finally, somehow, against all the obstacles, we do!”
The chapters as they get further in begin starting off with a success story. A dog with a sad start that has a happy ending. They are short and sweet. One of the longer stories involved a dog found in a trash dumpster that goes on to be starred in a movie. It is a great example to think of what one person thinks of as something disposable, is something that can also be seen as a treasure. Here is Diane’s thoughts:
‘Flying back home to Dalhart the next day, I couldn’t help but muse over the irony of Angela’s situation. A dog that was literally thrown away by society goes on to become a movie star. I don’t think Hollywood could have scripted a better ending than that.’
Some thoughts in the book maybe could be considered preachy, maybe because it should be obvious common knowledge the need to spay and neuter pets. But it has to be said, but rather than just bitch about things, they actually do something about it. And without the input of more unwanted litters, there is not the output that can lead to dogs being considered for euthanasia. Here is one bit that talks about the magnitude of how fast dogs and cats can reproduce:
‘The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time. Cats can reproduce at forty-five times the rate of humans, while dogs reproduce at fifteen times the human rate. In seven years, one cat and its kittens can create four hundred and twenty thousand cats. Similarly, in six years, one dog and its puppies can create seventy-five thousand dogs.’
Definitely a book I would recommend. The thread of the kids involved who start in 4th grade in the book and are graduating high school towards the end is wonderful. But while the kids may have been the catalyst, and help fuel the organization, what Diane and her husband Mark was able to accomplish is truly remarkable and worthy of all our support.
This book and the organization ‘DAWGS’ (Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary), is different in that it was inspired by school children. Diane Trull is a 4th grade schoolteacher and her children after seeing an article on puppies that were found and taken by animal control asked what happens to them if they are not adopted. She explains to them that they get put to sleep. The next comments from the girls probably mirrors what most of us think:
‘Kali’s green eyes widened in disbelief, and she broke the silence. “So, you mean the dogs are killed just because they don’t have somebody to care for them?”
“How can that be right?” Cortney challenged. “People shouldn't be able to do that to them. It’s not the dogs’ fault that they don’t have homes.”
When you’re nine years old, it’s hard to understand that atrocities happen in the real world. It’s even harder to accept that they can happen in your own backyard. ‘
The story of the growth of the organization and the challenges they overcame are inspiring.
It includes real villains in the story.
The city council helps some but in other times wants to go back to the expedient method of just putting stray dogs down.
At one time Diane is confronted by a group of concerned citizens:
“We represent a larger group of local citizens who believe that you are misguided in what you’re trying to do,” another lady in the group said in a matter-of-fact tone. “It’s evil to save animals that people have cast aside. You shouldn’t be teaching innocent children that the lives of animals are valuable. Dogs don’t have souls. It’s a waste of precious time that could be used on something more meaningful and charitable.”
The numbers of dogs and cats that were euthanized in this town in Texas is staggering. And when they start taking dogs in they started to all go to her:
‘Because, like clockwork, the animal control officer showed up to my classroom every day, dropping off more and more dogs.‘
I liked the sentiment of one of her students:
“Well, no matter how many dogs there are, We just have to be careful that we don’t skip anybody because they’re all important,” Alix said. “They all have feelings too.”
Another inspirational aspect is what the children that volunteer gain from the experience:
“So, back to my original question. Jesse, what do you think volunteering has changed in your life?”
Jesse was wearing his thinking face and hesitated a few minutes before answering. “I guess I’m not as lazy as I used to be,” he finally shared. “I like playing video games and watching television as much as anybody else, but now that I know there are a bunch of dogs out here depending on me for food and water and going for walks, I don’t have time for that stuff anymore. The pens need to be cleaned and the dogs need to be played with. It’s up to us to come out here every day after school and get the work done.”
“Do you miss playing your video games?” I asked.
“Nah, not really. You know, it’s really hard for me not to be thinking about the dogs all the time now and how we can make their lives better. Being at the shelter is definitely the best part of my day!”
Another of the kids says:
“Well, it’s made me realize how important it is to keep a commitment once you make it,” she said. “We all said we wanted to help the animals, so we can’t just quit because we’re tired or something. No matter if it’s raining or snowing, the dogs need us. It’s like these dogs are our pets. | want to do my part to make sure that each one of our dogs gets to have a wonderful life. And it makes me feel so happy just being with them.”
One more nice one to share:
“We keep running into so many problems, Mrs. Trull. It reminds me of the children’s book The Little Engine That Could. We’ re just like the train in that story. We keep thinking we can save the animals, thinking we can do it, thinking we can do it. And then, finally, somehow, against all the obstacles, we do!”
The chapters as they get further in begin starting off with a success story. A dog with a sad start that has a happy ending. They are short and sweet. One of the longer stories involved a dog found in a trash dumpster that goes on to be starred in a movie. It is a great example to think of what one person thinks of as something disposable, is something that can also be seen as a treasure. Here is Diane’s thoughts:
‘Flying back home to Dalhart the next day, I couldn’t help but muse over the irony of Angela’s situation. A dog that was literally thrown away by society goes on to become a movie star. I don’t think Hollywood could have scripted a better ending than that.’
Some thoughts in the book maybe could be considered preachy, maybe because it should be obvious common knowledge the need to spay and neuter pets. But it has to be said, but rather than just bitch about things, they actually do something about it. And without the input of more unwanted litters, there is not the output that can lead to dogs being considered for euthanasia. Here is one bit that talks about the magnitude of how fast dogs and cats can reproduce:
‘The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time. Cats can reproduce at forty-five times the rate of humans, while dogs reproduce at fifteen times the human rate. In seven years, one cat and its kittens can create four hundred and twenty thousand cats. Similarly, in six years, one dog and its puppies can create seventy-five thousand dogs.’
Definitely a book I would recommend. The thread of the kids involved who start in 4th grade in the book and are graduating high school towards the end is wonderful. But while the kids may have been the catalyst, and help fuel the organization, what Diane and her husband Mark was able to accomplish is truly remarkable and worthy of all our support.
October 25, 2023
"Making a difference, one animal at a time, one child at a time, one day at a time."
What an utterly inspiring book DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them is!! To think this all came about when elementary-school teacher Diane Trull's 4th grade class read a newspaper article about a box of puppies that had been found and asked their teacher what would happen to them. As gently as she could, she explained that if homes weren't found for all of them, some might have to be put to sleep. The kids asked why there wasn't a place to keep dogs for as long as it would take to find them homes. And just like that, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary (Also known as DAWGS) was born.
This book tells how Mrs. Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter where there would be no euthanasia. There, the children were taught about compassion and responsibility. Those 4th grade children happily fed the dogs in their care, walked them, cleaned up after them, and lavished them with love. In fact, they kept doing so until they were college-bound! And then some came back after college!
It's not all sweetness and light, however. Diane Trull shares the problems they faced such as fighting the council for necessary permits. Then there were the people who complained about the smell and noise, but were okay with a shooting range going in where the sanctuary had been. The book also highlights the importance of spaying and neutering a pet. The honesty in Dawgs is eye-opening.
Since its founding in 2003, 21,721 dogs have been rescued and 20,704 have been adopted! They've also held 5,491 spay and neuter clinics. INSPIRING!!
What an utterly inspiring book DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them is!! To think this all came about when elementary-school teacher Diane Trull's 4th grade class read a newspaper article about a box of puppies that had been found and asked their teacher what would happen to them. As gently as she could, she explained that if homes weren't found for all of them, some might have to be put to sleep. The kids asked why there wasn't a place to keep dogs for as long as it would take to find them homes. And just like that, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary (Also known as DAWGS) was born.
This book tells how Mrs. Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter where there would be no euthanasia. There, the children were taught about compassion and responsibility. Those 4th grade children happily fed the dogs in their care, walked them, cleaned up after them, and lavished them with love. In fact, they kept doing so until they were college-bound! And then some came back after college!
It's not all sweetness and light, however. Diane Trull shares the problems they faced such as fighting the council for necessary permits. Then there were the people who complained about the smell and noise, but were okay with a shooting range going in where the sanctuary had been. The book also highlights the importance of spaying and neutering a pet. The honesty in Dawgs is eye-opening.
Since its founding in 2003, 21,721 dogs have been rescued and 20,704 have been adopted! They've also held 5,491 spay and neuter clinics. INSPIRING!!
June 25, 2020
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and apparently ages. The story of the kids in Diane Trull’s fourth-grade reading class and how they changed the world (at least the world for Dalhart, TX and thousands of dogs) will restore your hope in this world. As a rescue advocate, I know the work that goes into rescue and what this group of kids (and the adults who joined them) accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. Despite obstacles that would have surely stopped most people early on, with the leadership of the Trull family, they persevered and established a no-kill community in a state that dearly needs them. Meredith Wargo brings to life the stories of wonderful dogs, determined children, and dedicated adults in a tale that will fill your heart.
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April 30, 2020This book tells the story of how a 4th grade teacher and her students defied the odds of opening a successful dog rescue operation in a small rural town in Northern Texas. Mostly a collection of anecdotal stories that illustrate the hardships of this kind of operation, and suprisingly, how the community it was benefiting was part of the obstacles that they had to overcome.
May 11, 2020
Though there are some difficult moments here, this is a well-written story of an admirable woman and the thousands of stray dogs she has saved.
Diane Trull encouraged her elementary school class to start a dog shelter in a town with a big problem with stray dogs. Despite the uncaring town fathers, who threw obstacles in her way, she, her family and her students kept going, and provide an inspiration to all who love dogs.
Diane Trull encouraged her elementary school class to start a dog shelter in a town with a big problem with stray dogs. Despite the uncaring town fathers, who threw obstacles in her way, she, her family and her students kept going, and provide an inspiration to all who love dogs.
December 30, 2025
i thought this was a book with cute stories about dogs and kids. it is not so cute. it was more a story about the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary - DAWGS.
a teacher started this no-kill animal rescue when her 4th grade kids got upset about an article in the paper that had a picture of a bunch of puppies that 'needed to be adopted by friday' or they'd be killed. with some volunteered land, the rescue starts taking in all the stray dogs from the city's animal shelter where they would have been killed. at first the city goes along with it, but then starts throwing up roadblocks at every opportunity. the sanctuary is forced to move off the volunteered land by a city ordinance. they're allowed to take over the old slaughterhouse, for a time. and they find out where the city has been dumping all the dead dogs (after using them for shooting practice!!!). then they're forced out of that second location by the city, who threatens to take back all the dogs and euthanize them. the city even solicits price quotes to have all the animals killed! people repeatedly break into the shelter and kill and cut up puppies on multiple occasions, and the police do nothing. a local lady starts breaking in and stealing donated dog food AND dogs, and they have to fight the law to even get the stolen dogs back from her. they discover exactly how many animals the city had been killing every year, (because they're having to deal with these staggering numbers of animals now). they start pushing for spaying and neutering to reduce that population and get more pushback from the city. they hold a fundraiser, and all city employees are threatened to lose their jobs if they go. articles are written about the city's adversarial behavior which pisses off the city officials even more. the kids help the dogs the whole way thru. they learn compassion and responsibility. they treat the animals with love and respect and help the animals overcome fear and adjust to being around humans. and they know the dogs so well they're great at helping people find the right dog. because of all the childrens' hard work (and the adult volunteers) they find homes for over 6,000 dogs in 8 years. and the stories of what happened to these dogs before they got rescued are often horrible. i don't know how these people kept on going with the rescue through all these trials.
its not a happy book. yeah the animals get saved and homes are found for them. but the cruelty of humans to animals is not something i want to read about. i already know it exists, and it breaks my heart. i wanted more about the dogs and less about the sanctuary and the cruelties. i wanted happy uplifting stories to cheer me up, not depress me. i have to take extra care with my mental health. the book was good, well written. it is just not for me. it was just depressing in the *exact* way i need to avoid.
"its hard to comprehend how poorly humanity behaves sometimes."
a teacher started this no-kill animal rescue when her 4th grade kids got upset about an article in the paper that had a picture of a bunch of puppies that 'needed to be adopted by friday' or they'd be killed. with some volunteered land, the rescue starts taking in all the stray dogs from the city's animal shelter where they would have been killed. at first the city goes along with it, but then starts throwing up roadblocks at every opportunity. the sanctuary is forced to move off the volunteered land by a city ordinance. they're allowed to take over the old slaughterhouse, for a time. and they find out where the city has been dumping all the dead dogs (after using them for shooting practice!!!). then they're forced out of that second location by the city, who threatens to take back all the dogs and euthanize them. the city even solicits price quotes to have all the animals killed! people repeatedly break into the shelter and kill and cut up puppies on multiple occasions, and the police do nothing. a local lady starts breaking in and stealing donated dog food AND dogs, and they have to fight the law to even get the stolen dogs back from her. they discover exactly how many animals the city had been killing every year, (because they're having to deal with these staggering numbers of animals now). they start pushing for spaying and neutering to reduce that population and get more pushback from the city. they hold a fundraiser, and all city employees are threatened to lose their jobs if they go. articles are written about the city's adversarial behavior which pisses off the city officials even more. the kids help the dogs the whole way thru. they learn compassion and responsibility. they treat the animals with love and respect and help the animals overcome fear and adjust to being around humans. and they know the dogs so well they're great at helping people find the right dog. because of all the childrens' hard work (and the adult volunteers) they find homes for over 6,000 dogs in 8 years. and the stories of what happened to these dogs before they got rescued are often horrible. i don't know how these people kept on going with the rescue through all these trials.
its not a happy book. yeah the animals get saved and homes are found for them. but the cruelty of humans to animals is not something i want to read about. i already know it exists, and it breaks my heart. i wanted more about the dogs and less about the sanctuary and the cruelties. i wanted happy uplifting stories to cheer me up, not depress me. i have to take extra care with my mental health. the book was good, well written. it is just not for me. it was just depressing in the *exact* way i need to avoid.
"its hard to comprehend how poorly humanity behaves sometimes."
November 16, 2021
When I first heard about a group of 4th grade elementary students and their reading teacher single-handedly started their own animal shelter I had two reactions: “That's crazy!” and “Give me that book!” Having worked for Petsmart Petshotel and salon for 10 years I already knew the labor of love it takes to be the type of person taking on such a task. What I didn’t count on was getting so much more than a puff piece story on how Mrs. Trull and her reading class saw a problem with the community and did something about it. DAWGS by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo is full of touching success stories, a personal photo of a dog or cat that has been adopted from the shelter starts each chapter and is followed by accounts and experiences Diane Trull has had in starting and running the shelter for nearly 20 years.
I really like how this book balances out the negative and positive experiences that the shelter has had over the years. From facing city council numerous times, being honored at a Hollywood gala, numerous break-ins resulting in theft and death, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, relocation by a city ordered deadline, and phone calls from actress Burnedette Peters, this book has every emotion combined.
More importantly, this book is informative and brings forth the urgent need to be aware in every community of the tax payers costs for their city to euthanize healthy adoptable domesticated animals and the benefits of having pets spay and neutered. This is an ongoing problem not just in Dalhart, Texas, but in every city in the United States.
I recommend this book for any and every person that has ever loved an animal. With that being said, I would strongly encourage people that have never owned a pet, are scared of or have limited experience with animals, to take a long hard look at this book. The information in this book may make you sit up and pay attention to the animal control process in your own city. I know that there were many times when I was reading this book it really hit home because I am in Texas, too, and I am aware of the attitudes of certain individuals and groups when it comes to animal rights and animal control procedures.
I recommend reading this book with your favorite pet, whether it be dog, cat, hamster, or goldfish. I read this book with my reading companion, Uncle Roadie, a standard poodle that is so old he was begging for table scraps at The Last Supper. I dedicate this review to him, for without which I would not have my family.
I really like how this book balances out the negative and positive experiences that the shelter has had over the years. From facing city council numerous times, being honored at a Hollywood gala, numerous break-ins resulting in theft and death, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, relocation by a city ordered deadline, and phone calls from actress Burnedette Peters, this book has every emotion combined.
More importantly, this book is informative and brings forth the urgent need to be aware in every community of the tax payers costs for their city to euthanize healthy adoptable domesticated animals and the benefits of having pets spay and neutered. This is an ongoing problem not just in Dalhart, Texas, but in every city in the United States.
I recommend this book for any and every person that has ever loved an animal. With that being said, I would strongly encourage people that have never owned a pet, are scared of or have limited experience with animals, to take a long hard look at this book. The information in this book may make you sit up and pay attention to the animal control process in your own city. I know that there were many times when I was reading this book it really hit home because I am in Texas, too, and I am aware of the attitudes of certain individuals and groups when it comes to animal rights and animal control procedures.
I recommend reading this book with your favorite pet, whether it be dog, cat, hamster, or goldfish. I read this book with my reading companion, Uncle Roadie, a standard poodle that is so old he was begging for table scraps at The Last Supper. I dedicate this review to him, for without which I would not have my family.
August 29, 2024
When Mrs. Trull assigned a reading assignment for her fourth grade class she didn’t know she was going to change the lives of the children and the town . When a group of children ask her what happens to the unadopted dogs at the pound. She tells them the children then want to help they and Mrs. Trull decide to start an animal sanctuary to save as many dogs and cats as possible. This isn’t an easy task however they face numerous obstacles . But they never give up on their goal of saving these loving pets. Overcoming the town’s objections lack of funds unpredictable weather and many other factors they manage to make a difference in the lives of many animals and people. They also teach the children compassion and perseverance and that you are never too young or old to make a difference. Every chapter of this book starts with a story of an animal that was adopted. This book will make you tear up at times and make you uplifted at others .It does cover some very difficult subjects but with a gentle touch.
February 19, 2020
I thought this would be a sweet story of a fourth-grade classroom and its teacher that did a remarkable thing by founding a animal rescue organization that thrives today. And yes, that's the story in a nutshell. Without giving it all away, there were so many ups and downs in the journey. At times, I was heartbroken and others I was angry. Teacher Diane Trull and her family, inspired by her students, gave so much of themselves - their commitment and dedication are incomparable. The objective was to rescue animals, but along the way many others are rescued as well. I think of all the school kids who go home to an empty house or to hours of screen time. These children found such purpose in life by serving animals that would probably not be around but for them. Well written and heart-warming!!
March 19, 2020
An innocent question from her fourth grade students about what would happen to some stray dogs if they weren't adopted, led Diane Trull and her students to open their own no-kill dog shelter. This is their story. Reading this book is like an emotional journey. One minute you are filled with happiness and joy at the actions of these kids and the people who helped them save so many innocent animals. In the next, you are angry and sad because of the City Officials who fought against them at every turn even when they were claiming to help. These people were perfectly okay with solving the homeless pet problem by killing unclaimed animals, but Diane and her kids weren't go to let that happen. Ultimately, the book is very inspirational. It shows that anyone even children can make a positive difference in the world. If you care about animals, you will love this book.
August 1, 2024
This book was a surprising read for me. I was expecting to read a true story of a classroom of young students rescuing a few dogs. Well DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them indeed provided that story AND so much more. The power of one teacher and classroom of children with big hearts didn’t just save a few dogs-they are still rescuing many! I loved this book!
The book does have heartbreaking moments where I cried like a baby but the heart of the book of full of joy. If you are an animal lover (or any person really) you will enjoy the heck out of this book.
I received this book in a gracious giveaway on Goodreads by Meredith. My review is based upon my opinion alone.
The book does have heartbreaking moments where I cried like a baby but the heart of the book of full of joy. If you are an animal lover (or any person really) you will enjoy the heck out of this book.
I received this book in a gracious giveaway on Goodreads by Meredith. My review is based upon my opinion alone.
April 12, 2020
What a sweet and inspiring story. It is amazing what can be accomplished when a group of 4th grade students put their collective hearts and souls into a very worthwhile project. Led by their equally committed and passionate teacher and her husband, this group established a highly successful and humane animal shelter against long odds and innumerable obstacles. This is a testament to hard work and vision, and it gives me hope for our next generation.
The story itself is beautifully constructed and written. If you don’t love dogs before reading this, you will afterwards. I highly recommend this book!
The story itself is beautifully constructed and written. If you don’t love dogs before reading this, you will afterwards. I highly recommend this book!
June 27, 2020
Amazing!!!! Yes I'm a big dog lover but this book is truly awesome. It's a great, heartwarming story and if you didn't know it was true - you would think it was totally made up! My measure of a book ... is did it make you feel? This made me laugh, cry, get mad and rejoice!
The spirit of the children and the adults is truly awe inspiring! The book is beautifully written and one you just can't put down!
If you do not have a dog ... caution ... this book.will make you want to go get one!!!! If you have a dog - it will make you look at them with a bit more wonder!
Waiting on the sequel!!!
The spirit of the children and the adults is truly awe inspiring! The book is beautifully written and one you just can't put down!
If you do not have a dog ... caution ... this book.will make you want to go get one!!!! If you have a dog - it will make you look at them with a bit more wonder!
Waiting on the sequel!!!
October 4, 2020
Heartwarming
As an animal lover and “mom” to 8 rescue animals (both dogs and cats), I understand the desire to want to save animals who need a loving home. It takes a very special person/people to go to the lengths of care like Diane, Mark and all of their helpers. Their determination is inspiring. I can't believe how truly uncaring and completely cruel the city of Dalhart was to this wonderful group of people. It's mindboggling. I'm so glad good won over evil. I also want to give a shout-out to Meredith. Thank you for bringing the DAWGS story to life and sharing it with us!!
As an animal lover and “mom” to 8 rescue animals (both dogs and cats), I understand the desire to want to save animals who need a loving home. It takes a very special person/people to go to the lengths of care like Diane, Mark and all of their helpers. Their determination is inspiring. I can't believe how truly uncaring and completely cruel the city of Dalhart was to this wonderful group of people. It's mindboggling. I'm so glad good won over evil. I also want to give a shout-out to Meredith. Thank you for bringing the DAWGS story to life and sharing it with us!!
April 1, 2020
DIane Trull's fourth grade reading class saw a picture of a cardboard box that was overflowing with homeless puppies. Instead of the typical response of feeling bad for the puppies and then moving on with their day, these children felt a deep desire to help. They faced challenges and heartache along the way, but they were able to open a shelter for homeless animals. This story of strength, empathy and determination inspired me. I am so happy that the author wrote this book to let everyone know of this wonderful story.
November 21, 2020
This true story of a 4th grade students whose concern for homeless animals inspired their teacher to start a no-kill animal sanctuary (against many challenges) in small-town Texas is so inspiring. I cried many times.
"I don't want any of these dogs to die." She spoke softly, almost in a whisper. "Isn't there something we can do to save them?" The question hung in the air like chalk dust floating across a ray of sunshine."
"I don't want any of these dogs to die." She spoke softly, almost in a whisper. "Isn't there something we can do to save them?" The question hung in the air like chalk dust floating across a ray of sunshine."
July 16, 2020
Loved this book- very inspirational and a perfect read for dog lovers!!Although there are a few “tough” parts to read, the overall message of the book is humans (even children) CAN make a difference in the lives of dogs. This true story is a go-to book to help kids/young people see that even when a mountain seems too big- passion, grit, and perseverance can pay off.
July 29, 2020
First off thank you Goodreads for this book. I enjoyed this heartfelt story of kids, their teacher Diane and her husband that took on a project that became a lifelong commitment of saving animals. Who doesnt love a story of rescuing animals that are started by fourth graders! I highly recommend this book to any animal lover! This is definitely a keeper.
August 5, 2020
Inspiring story
DAWGS is a wonderful read. The story of Diane Trill and her fourth grade students will inspire you. Meredith Wargo brought this tale of injustice to life. As an educator, I am never surprised by what children can accomplish. Thanks to their teacher, Diane Trull they learned what it means to care for others, in this case dogs. Inspiring!
DAWGS is a wonderful read. The story of Diane Trill and her fourth grade students will inspire you. Meredith Wargo brought this tale of injustice to life. As an educator, I am never surprised by what children can accomplish. Thanks to their teacher, Diane Trull they learned what it means to care for others, in this case dogs. Inspiring!
August 6, 2020
I received this book from a giveaway.
Sweet story about a unique animal shelter overcoming trials and going on to save over 20,000 animals. I found myself incredibly frustrated with the city of Dalhart, Texas, and can't imagine how anyone could come away with a positive view of that city council after reading this book!
Sweet story about a unique animal shelter overcoming trials and going on to save over 20,000 animals. I found myself incredibly frustrated with the city of Dalhart, Texas, and can't imagine how anyone could come away with a positive view of that city council after reading this book!
August 14, 2020
I won this book on Goodreads but it took a while to get because of the pandemic. I put it aside and took it on vacation with me to read at the beach. It was wonderful! I am so amazed by the loving students and teachers that created this animal shelter to keep dogs from being euthenized.
All kinds of obstacles kept coming at them and they didn't let it stop them.
All kinds of obstacles kept coming at them and they didn't let it stop them.
March 25, 2023
This was a simple, wholesome book about wonderful adults and kids who wanted to help dogs and cats. There wasn't much to the book outside of cute stories and the shelter overcoming local opposition to their cause. This was a quick read but I deeply respect the commitment and determination of the kids and the founders.
June 8, 2024
Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very sweet book about an animal rescue facility and the people and animals in it. It was interesting to hear their origin story and all the trials and tribulations, and luckily many success stories, that go into running such a facility.
This is a very sweet book about an animal rescue facility and the people and animals in it. It was interesting to hear their origin story and all the trials and tribulations, and luckily many success stories, that go into running such a facility.
March 24, 2020
I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the book. It's perfect for whoever loves story with dogs, kids and a heartwarming atmosphere.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 3, 2024
a book for teachers and animal lovers
Each chapter tells a story of children changing their community and some of the special dogs that have benefited from their live, dedication and resilience .
Each chapter tells a story of children changing their community and some of the special dogs that have benefited from their live, dedication and resilience .
September 10, 2025
Such an inspiring book
I'm A sucker for books about animals, but this is one with a difference. This is the true story of how a teacher and her students decided to rescue dogs... and how they set up a no kill shelter in the Texas panhandle.
I'm A sucker for books about animals, but this is one with a difference. This is the true story of how a teacher and her students decided to rescue dogs... and how they set up a no kill shelter in the Texas panhandle.
March 25, 2020
Wonderful book. Amazing what these 4th grade kids and their teacher started despite all the obstacles they faced. They never gave up!
Read
April 16, 2020Wonderful story. Very inspiring. Uplifting. The trulls were very compassionate people and the way the fouth grade students were so inspiring. Everyone should read this book
August 15, 2020
This was a wonderful story of the love people have for dogs. It show the compassion and caring it takes to make a difference.
September 15, 2020
Heartwarming book
Great for animal lovers (esp dogs)
Very good true story for young and old
Great for animal lovers (esp dogs)
Very good true story for young and old
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