A Home of Their Own: The Heart-Warming 150-Year History of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

by Garry Jenkins

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one of the best-known animal sanctuaries in the world. Since it first opened its doors in 1860, millions of lost, abused and abandoned pets have benefited from its founder's promise that no dog or cat 'in any condition be, on any pretence whatever, refused admittance'. Around the world Battersea is a byword for compassion and hope.

It hasn't always been this way. When the Home was first established, Victorian London had little time for the canine strays that routinely wandered its grimy streets; homeless dogs found on the pavements were routinely destroyed. During its early years the Home was threatened by financial crises, threats of eviction and legal action by neighbours upset by the constant barking. Then came rabies epidemics and the Blitz. Yet the Home not only survived, it thrived.

Here is the story of this remarkable institution. It tells how the treatment of dogs and cats has evolved from Victorian times up to the present day. At its heart is the story of the remarkable characters who made Battersea what it is today, from the mysterious Mary Tealby, the remarkable founder of the Home, to Airedale Jack, the Battersea dog who became a hero in the trenches of the Great War. It is a book that will warm the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2010

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book and illustrated the struggle to get the dogs home started, especially in Victorian times when people didnt especially care about animals. The characters who worked at the home and have a place in its history were interesting.The author did a great job in researching the history and the photos of dogs throught the decades. There was a lot of facts that i did not know about Battersea dogs home, even in hard times they have never let any dogs go for research, plus the dogs that joined the war effort.I hope the book generates a lot of support for the home

[Steff S (The Bookish Owl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dryly written, especially the earlier chapters about the beginning of the home. I think those time periods suffered from having no-one living to talk to. Later years had more life, presumably from getting information from people currently or recently involved
It also could have done with more stories on individual animals.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book telling the inspirational story of people like Mary Tealby and those who have continued her work in the century since Battersea was founded. Than you for telling the story and teaching me so much.

[Mohamed Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring and heart touching.......

[Sarah Haram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book, full of facts, but also very easy to read. Lots of photos and stories of past dogs and cats. A lovely book.

[Mrs Reddy Katzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice read, very interesting id reccommend this book to anyone who's interested in history ofd any kind