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Reviews Wonderful Animal Companions

The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of America’s Wild Street Dogs and Their Unlikely Savior By Melinda Roth Thomas Dunne Books 2002, 232 pages ISBN: 0312283970 Since my wife Lynn and I have adopted many stray animals, I thought that I had a good idea of what The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of America’s Wild Street Dogs and Their Unlikely Savior would be about. I was in for a surprise! The Man Who Talks to Dogs is a compelling story by Melinda Roth about Randy Grim and his impressive and compassionate rescues of stray dogs in and around St. Louis. And these strays are definitely in need of help. Many have injuries, mange, heartworm, infections and various other serious conditions. Most are timid of humans and very malnourished. Many exist in packs in incredibly poor areas. Their lives are short, filled with danger and include only a fraction of the joy and comfort that they deserve. As Randy Grim says, “To be a stray is a death sentence, because there are few well-funded organizations that address the problem, so there is little hope for dogs stuck in the cycle of chaotic torture.” Roth describes Grim’s rescues, many of which are carried out over weeks or months. The reader hopes for the best as Grim attempts to rescue whole packs without upsetting the pack hierarchy. The information pertaining to dog packs and Grim’s rescue methods is valuable for anyone associated with stray dogs. Roth’s writing style is entertaining and readers will find themselves unable to put the book down until they find out if certain dogs are rescued or have to continue “living” horrible lives in their dangerous environments. The suffering endured by these dogs and the sheer numbers of these victims is staggering and unimaginable. “At Pennsylvania and Fourth Streets, a Pit Bull and a large Shepherd mix scrounged through the remains of a grade school Dumpster. Two blocks south, several other dogs trotted up the train tracks and followed them north. At the next corner, a large black Chow stood guard on a hill, while an unclassifiable victim of advanced mange hobbled on three balding legs down the middle of the street. “These were among the city’s wild dogs, those the pounds can’t catch and the humane shelters won’t deal with.” (page 10) The Man Who Talks to Dogs is an book about a tragic, and preventable, crisis and how one man, and his network of dedicated caregivers is making a positive difference. Randy Grim’s organization, Stray Rescue of Saint Louis, is responsible for performing life-saving rescues and reducing animal suffering  on a daily basis.  Roth’s book provides an important glimpse at the sad lives of stray dogs and some of the things that need to be done for their welfare and for the benefit of society in general.  This is an important book for anyone to read. For those who are looking to adopt a canine companion and for those who are associated in any way with stray dogs, it is a must read. Stray dogs, when provided with love, patience and understanding make great companions. Our family has adopted many dogs in need and they all were wonderful animals who were much cherished members of our family. As Grim points out, “To be a stray dog in most major cities is to be a dead dog walking.” The good news is that if given the chance, the vast majority of these will make wonderful companions.

Greyfriars Bobby By Eleanor Atkinson Hardcover edition - Buccaneer Books, ISBN: 0899668194 Paperback edition - Puffin Books, ISBN: 014036742X In 1858 an old shepherd died in Edinburgh, Scotland. The man’s name was John Gray, although he was known as Auld Jock. A young Skye Terrier by the name of Bobby was Gray’s companion. When the old man died he was buried in Greyfriars churchyard where dogs were not allowed. Even though dogs were not permitted in the churchyard, Bobby was never far from John Gray’s grave and he could often be found sleeping on it. While Bobby spent much of his time in the churchyard, he also visited the nearby "Ye Olde Greyfriars Dining-Rooms" where John Trail, the owner, provided him with a meal and some company. The caretaker of the churchyard, James Brown, and his wife, Jean, also helped to look after Bobby. But the small dog spent most of his time near, or on, the grave of John Gray until his own death in 1872 at the age of 14. During his remarkable life, Greyfriars Bobby, as the little dog came to be known, touched and brought together people of all ages and classes; from the poor who lived in the nearby tenements, to the Lord Provost who provided for Bobby’s licence. A statue of Greyfriars Bobby was built and erected to commemorate the famous little dog. Greyfriars Bobby is an inspiring, true story of a dog’s love and devotion for his human. Originally published in 1912, this classic story deserves to be read more than once!

Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed
Karen Derrico
ISBN: 0939165341

If you are looking for a heartwarming dog book that is full of interesting stories then your search is over. Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed consists of numerous tales about wonderful dogs whose creation was at the paws of dogs of different breeding.

This book is a celebration of the mutt. Unfortunately, while the animals written about in this book lived good lives, the majority of dogs don’t get that chance. However, this tragic and unacceptable situation can improve with more books like Unforgettable Mutts.

Unforgettable Mutts is a good book for anyone who likes dogs. It is a must read for anyone who is considering welcoming a canine companion into the family. And, if you know someone who is looking to provide a good home to a dog, this book would make an excellent gift.

The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny
Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer
ISBN: 0060172738

Depressed and out of work after an industrial accident permanently damaged his arm, Philip Gonzalez was persuaded by a friend to adopt a dog. This adoption dramatically changed the lives of Philip Gonzalez, Ginny, the dog he adopted, Sheilah Harris, Philip’s friend who encouraged him to adopt a dog and who took him to the shelter, as well as hundreds of stray cats.

Ginny, who is part Siberian Husky and part Schnauzer, had been abandoned, along with her three puppies. Soon after taking up residence with her new human guardian, Ginny began rescuing cats - especially felines who were sick, physically challenged or who were in trouble. According to Philip Gonzalez, Ginny has a special gift for rescuing cats in need - "a radar of the heart" as he calls it.

Ginny includes Philip and Sheilah, their neighbour, in her important work and together they have provided a good home for numerous cats, rescued and found homes for many others and feed the large population of stray cats in their area twice daily. Many of the cats are caught, vaccinated, neutered (spayed - female, castrated - male) and put up for adoption. Those who are not adopted are returned to the streets where they are fed and visited by Ginny, Philip and Sheilah.

Two of Ginny’s many incredible rescues include Betty Boop and Topsy. Ginny discovered Betty Boop at her veterinary hospital. The gray-and-white cat had been found in the street by some children who brought the cat to the veterinarian. When Ginny noticed the cat she began making the noises she makes when she wants Philip to adopt a particular cat - most of whom are physically challenged, sick or hurt. This cat had no back feet and only half a tail. Philip adopted the cat whom he named Betty Boop.

Topsy was dramatically rescued by Ginny at a construction site where she rescued the young kitten from an air-conditioning duct. There were several mother cats with their litters at this location, but Ginny carried the only kitten who was not healthy to Philip and Sheilah. The six-week-old kitten has hypoplasia cerebella, a brain disorder, and will never be able to walk or stand. Philip and Ginny welcomed Topsy into their home. Topsy gets around  by rolling and even rolls herself into the litter box!

Ginny’s ability to locate and rescue cats in need is incredible.  The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny not only tells of the heartwarming and productive lives of Ginny, Philip, Sheilah and their extended feline family, but of some of the finest animal rescue work ever achieved!

The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats
Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer
ISBN: 0060186860

The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats describes more of the wonderful animal rescue work done by Ginny, Philip and Sheilah. In one particularly heroic act Ginny rescues the Chairman, a 10-day-old kitten, from a carton full of broken glass at a glass factory. Ginny pawed her way through the shards of glass, cutting her paws in the process, and gently retrieved the cut and scratched little kitten for Philip and Sheilah to care for.

The Blessing of the Animals complements The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny providing more heartwarming stories of Ginny and her human accomplices.
 

The Cat Who Came for Christmas By Cleveland Amory ISBN: 0140252738 Cleveland Amory, who founded The Fund for Animals and was the president of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, describes with humour, wit and compassion the first year of his relationship with Polar Bear, his close feline friend. Amory rescued Polar Bear as an injured, hungry stray cat in New York City on Christmas Eve. Besides describing their relationship and experiences, Amory discusses some of the activities that he and The Fund for Animals were involved in. If there is a message contained within the covers of this delightful book, it is that pets in need make the best animal companions of all.

Hospice Hounds: Animals and Healing at the Borders of Death
By Michelle A. Rivera
ISBN: 1930051360

Companion animals provide humans with many wonderful things including love and companionship. In her book Hospice Hounds: Animals and Healing at the Borders of Death, Michelle Rivera provides many cases of how animal companions enhanced the final days of numerous people bringing joy, comfort and companionship to terminally ill patients and their families at a Florida hospice facility.

The companion animals responsible for these wonderful deeds are Woody and Katie – two “Delta Dogs” certified by the Delta Society as pet therapists. Rivera takes Woody and Katie to the hospice facility on a regular basis. She met the dogs at the veterinary clinic where she works. Woody and Katie’s human guardians are Lisa Degan and Mike Berkenblit – two veterinarians who own the veterinary hospital in which Rivera works.

Rivera’s interesting, inspirational book not only illustrates the wonderful therapy that companion animals can provide, but also the incredible good that one person and two dogs can  bring into the world.
 

Through Otis’ Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy
Patricia Burlin Kennedy
ISBN: 0876054734

In her book Through Otis’ Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy Patricia Burlin Kennedy shares some of the lessons that she learned while raising a Black Labrador Retriever puppy during the animal’s first year. Otis spent his first year with the Kennedy family where he was prepared for the next stage of his life - being trained as a guide dog for the blind.

My grandfather was the first man in Canada to have a guide dog and I read Through Otis’ Eyes with considerable interest. While the book is not a children’s book per se, it is ideal for children since it is written in a simple manner, contains numerous, beautiful illustrations and, more importantly, contains some of the very important lessons that dogs teach us - if we’re wise enough to be paying attention.
 

Old Dogs Remembered
Edited by Bud Johns
ISBN: 0912184124

There are few things better than sharing your life with dogs. Anyone fortunate to have had a canine companion knows this. Unfortunately, these wonderful animals don’t live as long as people do.

Old Dogs Remembered is a nice compilation of more than 40 essays, poems and short pieces about special dogs by their human guardians. Edited by Bud Johns, this book contains the writings of well known authors, such as James Thurber, E.B. White, Albert Payson Terhune and T.S. Eliot, as well as lesser known writers.

Some of the short “gems” of the book include: “Where to Bury a Dog” by Ben Hur Lampman, “Lucy Never Had a Bone to Pick – She Loved Unconditionally” by Ruth Pollack Coughlin, “A Very Good Dog is What She Was” by Steve Rubenstein, “The Soul of a Dog” by Daniel Pinkwater and “Dandy” by W.H. Hudson.

Chances are you won’t like all of the selections in this book, but even picky readers will find several of the pieces very enjoyable.

Old Dogs Remembered would make a nice gift for someone who has loved, and lost, a dog.
 

Dogs in Their Gardens Text and Photographs by Page Dickey ISBN: 158479125X Dogs in Their Gardens is an entertaining book that can be read in an hour or two – although you will likely spend considerably more time perusing the numerous, beautiful colour photographs. Page Dickey has provided the informative text and quality photographs for this book which looks at some very impressive and fascinating gardens as well as the dogs who share these special places with their humans. Dogs in Their Gardens will be of interest to gardeners and those who share their lives with canine companions. And, needless to say, for those who both like to garden and the company of dogs, this book will be particularly enjoyable. The numerous gardening ideas, combined with the beautiful photographs of dogs will have you returning to this book often.

Living With Dogs: Tales of Love, Commitment & Enduring Friendship
Henry and Mary Ellen Korman
ISBN: 1551921235

By looking at numerous relationships between people and their dogs, Henry and Mary Ellen Korman provide some insightful information on human/canine relationships and how dogs not only provide us with love and companionship, but make us better human beings.