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Homecoming Tales: 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
These real-life stories of senior dogs who found forever homes through Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary will delight any young animal lover. The Homecoming Tales of sweet, sassy, and sometimes hilarious old friends offer kids a unique reminder that no one is too old to give or receive love. Meet Mack, Dog Bowl contestant and social media star; Marco, a scary tough dog—until someone gave him a second chance; Shaq, a gentle giant who is learning to leave his fears behind; Prince, a laid back dude who doesn’t let being blind steal his sunshine; and JuneBug, a spunky sweetheart who just wants to cuddle and keep you safe from the vacuum cleaner. Each chapter in Homecoming Tales focuses on one canine companion from the Tennessee-based dog rescue, with fun facts about his or her breed, stories of silly antics, and the meaningful tale of how this canine companion found a forever family. This delightful middle grade book entertains, teaches, and inspires and will be a new favorite for fans of A Dog’s Purpose and the Puppy Tales series. In this lighthearted, easy-to-read nonfiction chapter book, you’ll find Homecoming Tales is a great gift for any eight to twelve-year-old who loves animals, enjoys volunteer work, or simply appreciates heartwarming stories. With information about care for older dogs, this educational book is also a helpful read for families who are interested in adopting a senior dog.
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2020
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 3, 2020
Happy publication day! I used to follow Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary on Facebook before I deactivated it but now I stalk their page every once in awhile because how can you not? Homecoming Tales is about 15 different stories of real senior dogs who find a second chance at finding their permanent home. We learn about the senior center in Nashville, Tennessee and I would totally love to visit it one day. Maybe one day I will adopt an older dog! Very heart warming and cute. Each dog has their own distinct personality and I absolutely loved that. These stories are so wholesome and sweet, overall a great collection of stories with a lot of information on senior dogs.
Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
February 19, 2022
If you’ve never heard of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, then I highly encourage you to run to your nearest social media and check it out. Your life will improve. They are great. This book is great. Get this book and then consider fostering or adopting a senior dog. You are welcome.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
January 10, 2021
I got this ARC from netgalley in exhange for a honest review
It was cute and i adore that the dogs were drawn and information were there, but it felt alot like a pet rescue borchure than a story that others have pointed out. But adorable nontheless.
It was cute and i adore that the dogs were drawn and information were there, but it felt alot like a pet rescue borchure than a story that others have pointed out. But adorable nontheless.
December 28, 2020
Homecoming Tales // by Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
When I saw this book, I knew I had to have it. I follow the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary on Facebook and I have always wanted to be a hospice/forever foster for senior dogs. Sadly, we are too far away to be involved with this sanctuary specifically but I loved learning more about them through this book anyways. This book is marketed towards children and teens and you can feel that in the writing style sometimes, but it is still a really fun and sweet book to read even as an adult so don't let that scare you away. I loved adding it to my dog book shelf and will be recommending it to several friends.
The book starts out by giving us a small overview of how the sanctuary came to be and works on a daily basis. As someone who has worked at a doggie daycare and with rescues, it's all very familiar but it has all the interesting basics to show to someone that isn't familiar with this type of facility and group themselves yet. After that introduction, the rest of the book is full of stories of a select few of the sanctuaries past and present residents. While we hardly get to learn about the pups' pasts, we do get to read plenty about their lives after they were rescued. You can read about their favorite people, their preferred nap spots, and the hobbies they enjoy doing. All throughout the different stories, you also get to learn about their breeds, interesting facts about rescue work in general, and some definitions of terms like blep and sploot. The end of the book is rounded out with some fun recipes you can try with your own pups.
This book is awesome. It is so wholesome and will warm your heart the entire time through. It solidified my dream of wanting to be a forever foster for senior dogs and I really hope I'll be able to find an organization near hear that will allow me to do so. This would make a great gift for any dog lover young or old, especially those that have shown interest in wanting to become a foster in general. And I almost forgot! This book has the most adorable illustrations of the pups at the beginning of each chapter!
Thank you to the sanctuary, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this book, I knew I had to have it. I follow the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary on Facebook and I have always wanted to be a hospice/forever foster for senior dogs. Sadly, we are too far away to be involved with this sanctuary specifically but I loved learning more about them through this book anyways. This book is marketed towards children and teens and you can feel that in the writing style sometimes, but it is still a really fun and sweet book to read even as an adult so don't let that scare you away. I loved adding it to my dog book shelf and will be recommending it to several friends.
The book starts out by giving us a small overview of how the sanctuary came to be and works on a daily basis. As someone who has worked at a doggie daycare and with rescues, it's all very familiar but it has all the interesting basics to show to someone that isn't familiar with this type of facility and group themselves yet. After that introduction, the rest of the book is full of stories of a select few of the sanctuaries past and present residents. While we hardly get to learn about the pups' pasts, we do get to read plenty about their lives after they were rescued. You can read about their favorite people, their preferred nap spots, and the hobbies they enjoy doing. All throughout the different stories, you also get to learn about their breeds, interesting facts about rescue work in general, and some definitions of terms like blep and sploot. The end of the book is rounded out with some fun recipes you can try with your own pups.
This book is awesome. It is so wholesome and will warm your heart the entire time through. It solidified my dream of wanting to be a forever foster for senior dogs and I really hope I'll be able to find an organization near hear that will allow me to do so. This would make a great gift for any dog lover young or old, especially those that have shown interest in wanting to become a foster in general. And I almost forgot! This book has the most adorable illustrations of the pups at the beginning of each chapter!
Thank you to the sanctuary, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: One of the sad facts about shelters is that old animals, be they dogs, cats or whatever, tend to be left behind. Many humans want young animals who are playful and healthy. They do not want the added burden of waning health and shortened time together. Thankfully, there are some who actively seek out the senior citizens and are not dissuaded by the extra effort required. And for some lucky dogs who have yet to find that special human, there are places like Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
This is a well written book telling the stories of 15 of their residents. It provides insights into some of the special characteristics of different breeds as well as heartwarming stories of their rescues. It is geared to the young reader but not too young. And it also tells the story of the sanctuary and how it got started.
I especially liked the fact that none of the dogs who enter are ever adopted. That does not mean they do not go and live full lives with their special people. It is a long term foster so that if anything untoward happens, the dog comes back to them for the care and love it deserves. I like that they go to shelters to find dogs to rescue as well as take the occasional one from the street. These are good people doing good work.
The book also provides some common sense advice to anyone who would like to help but cannot take a dog. Getting young people involved in animal welfare does a great service and every little bit helps.
Kudos to the sanctuary and kudos to the book.
Five purrs and two paws up.
This is a well written book telling the stories of 15 of their residents. It provides insights into some of the special characteristics of different breeds as well as heartwarming stories of their rescues. It is geared to the young reader but not too young. And it also tells the story of the sanctuary and how it got started.
I especially liked the fact that none of the dogs who enter are ever adopted. That does not mean they do not go and live full lives with their special people. It is a long term foster so that if anything untoward happens, the dog comes back to them for the care and love it deserves. I like that they go to shelters to find dogs to rescue as well as take the occasional one from the street. These are good people doing good work.
The book also provides some common sense advice to anyone who would like to help but cannot take a dog. Getting young people involved in animal welfare does a great service and every little bit helps.
Kudos to the sanctuary and kudos to the book.
Five purrs and two paws up.
January 21, 2021
This would be a wonderful classroom read aloud!!! Or if you have a child who loves dogs, this book is for them! Each chapter talks about different dogs and how they came to the shelter. Well, its a living sanctuary for dogs who more than likely wont be adopted, but still have a lot of life to live. The book talks about what happens to the dogs throughout the day and how you can help other dogs to feel loved. Again, I would recommend this to anyone who is a dog lover and or needs a really good read aloud book!!!
July 18, 2022
No matter the "reading level" of the book, the commitment, dedication, and devotion to our senior citizen canines are evident throughout. As a retired English teacher, I LOVED these inspiring stories! Continued success to the Sanctuary!
February 27, 2022
I love it. My dog is in it;)
Keep in mind it is upper elementary reading level.
Happy, true, short dog tails.
Visit the Sr. Dog Sanctuary on FB , Instagram or ofsds.org.
OFSDS in Mt. Juliet, TN
Keep in mind it is upper elementary reading level.
Happy, true, short dog tails.
Visit the Sr. Dog Sanctuary on FB , Instagram or ofsds.org.
OFSDS in Mt. Juliet, TN
February 20, 2021
Beautiful tails! But most of all I want to say that I now understand why they only adopt out to adopters within the state of Tennessee, where the sanctuary was founded and still thrives. When I first lost my dog here in the state of CT, 6 months ago, I inquired about adopting one of their dogs. They told me that I needed to be a nearby resident for this to happen.... After reading this book I really understand their commitment and thus, I am enlightened! That's because they don't let any dog off into the unknown..... They want to be well aware of the kind of care "their canines" are receiving close at hand! AND that way... nothing will ever come to harm these special love ones ever again. This is the true LIFETIME MISSION of this Sanctuary. IT's ABOUT the dogs and their well being for the rest of each dog's life!
SO THANK YOU, now I understand why my residence was a little too far away for your
exceptional love for the animals.
SO THANK YOU, now I understand why my residence was a little too far away for your
exceptional love for the animals.
February 7, 2021
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Children's for a digital advanced reader's copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions stated and expressed are entirely my own. I really enjoyed this book and all the stories it told about the dogs at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. I also think it explained more heavy topics attached to the book such as euthanization, dog abuse, and death in a really great way that was kid-friendly. It explained it to kids in a way that was very mild but clear. I think that it explains a lot of other things related to dog and animal rescue in a great way to kids and it seemed like a very educational read for younger readers. I also loved the way it explained to readers how you can make a difference and help animals in lots of ways. All in all, I enjoyed this book and think it will be a fun and informative read for lots of kids.
October 1, 2023
It’s cute enough, but it feels like reading adoption profiles on petfinder or Facebook posts about your friend’s mom’s foster dogs. I get it’s for kids, but the style was cloying sometimes. I think it would’ve been more fun to hear more about the life at the shelter- maybe they have another book about that. Some of the dog behavior stuff isn’t written the best—some inaccuracies or downplaying serious behavior concerns and making them sound easily fixable with the power of love—not the best message for kids. Still, the dogs are cute, some basic stuff about breeds and dog rescues etc.
Seeing that the author writes primarily Christian books for kids, I’m not surprised.
Seeing that the author writes primarily Christian books for kids, I’m not surprised.
April 9, 2021
Heartwarming tales about tails! Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a wonderful organization, and the love from these older souls is even better. This a a perfect read for young children, and since the book is organized by each dog and his or her tale, it would make for a great read aloud in a classroom. The photos of the sanctuary and all the dogs mentioned was a lovely bonus! The recipes shared are also great additions. I already made my two pups the Frosty Treats which they devoured. I highly recommend this book for any dog lover, regardless of age.
November 25, 2020
While the background stories about each dog were cute I found this read more like a brochure than a story. I also am having a difficult time gauging the target audience. As an adult I found it read a little juvenile but I don’t find it was written engaging enough to hold a child’s interest. This was like reading a pet rescue web site. Not something you can sink your teeth into and get caught up in. But I love dogs and work in rescue myself so the info on each pup was heartwarming
December 28, 2020
Who doesn’t love success stories about placing senior dogs in forever homes?! I have followed this organization on Facebook for a long time and love to see all their photos and see the forever homes. I bought this book to support the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Tennessee. It was a quick read, with pictures of each dog, and it’s just HUGGABLE!!
October 28, 2020
Every dog should have a forever home. This wonderful organization provides the support to make this happen, focused on senior dogs. This book will make you feel warm all over. Then you'll get your checkbook and donate.
November 5, 2020
This is a wonderful little book about a very special place for Old Friends.
November 25, 2020
This was so cute and good
November 30, 2020
A heartwarming and sweet book about senior dogs and their life. I loved each story and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 16, 2021
I get where everyone talks about how the book reads like a brochure or for kids. Regardless, as an old dog rescue person, I appreciate the sentiment and love the stories.
April 25, 2021
Great to read aloud to children. Heartwarming and lovely.
Read
July 24, 2021I loved this book, all the stories were adorable and made me smile! I suggest all you dog lovers out there read this book!
April 4, 2022
Super cute book. This book is for an animal lover, older child, or to read with your child. Inspiring yet informative. Like the recipes too.
January 12, 2023
These 15 dog tales about senior dogs living down South on a senior dog sanctuary has got me thinking of possibly foster an older dog or volunteering at a dog shelter.
May 24, 2024
Such cute stories. Wonderful narrator.
February 13, 2025
3.5
Cute short read about adoption of older dogs.
Cute short read about adoption of older dogs.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews