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I recently read an amazing book. The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant is not my usual read--not fiction, not a middle-grade novel, and not a young adult novel. However, The Lost Dogs is an important book that I found very hard to put down once I started reading it. Anyone not familiar with Michael Vick, the National Football League quarter back currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles--a man who abused and murdered animals in the most horrific of ways--should read The Lost Dogs. Yes, some of the facts and details are brutal. In particular, some of Vick’s actions and the descriptions of what goes on when dogs are forced to fight. However, the author handles these parts well and only as necessary to tell the story of the dogs. The heart and soul of this book is about the dogs—the victims. The Lost Dogs chronicles the journeys of many of these dogs. The reader gets to know them by their names and their personalities, which are endearing and often hilarious. The horrors that Michael Vick inflicted upon these animals are outweighed by their abilities to love and trust again. The rehabilitation of them is amazing and heart-warming and inspiring.
Also heart-warming is the tenderness, the nurturing, and the patience that many wonderful people devoted to the rescue and redemption of these dogs. Very special people guided the transformation of the pups from terrified, abused animals into loving pets, therapy dogs, and companions. Of course, some of the dogs still have fear-based issues, but the love and patience and nurturing continues. This is what makes The Lost Dogs a fulfilling read—the hope and the love. There is evil in the world and it takes many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it, apparently, wears an NFL jersey, but The Lost Dogs is a story of triumph. What could be better?
For more information about the Michael Vick dogs, where they are and how well they are faring, check out these links to the organizations that helped are still helping lost and found dogs:
Best Friends: http://www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs/
I have dogs in my current WIP and have been on a 'dog-love-fest'....there is just something about the love of a dog that is so special. I'm afraid this book would make me too sad but maybe not? maybe the hopeful side wins out?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a touching book! I may have to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteI've heard this is a great book, Cynthia, and I'll look for it. I'm a dog lover, but truthfully one of those people who is a bit afraid of pit bulls. But I believe in the redemptive power of love, and have great admiration for the people who adopted these dogs, not to mention the courage of the dogs to love after all they've been through. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely pass this book recommendation to my best friend. She is a huge animal advocate and would love this book! (She is currently writing a book about the puppy mill dog she rescued)
ReplyDeleteI've certainly heard lots about this book! I had it in my hand and the bookstore. I was too afraid the story would be hard on my poor heart. But think I'll go back and get it.
ReplyDeleteTess, I do think this book will make you sad at certain points. It's hard not to be sad and mad when you read about how awful some people can be. But the heart of the book, all about the dogs, is worth the ouch of getting through the rough information. At least I thought so.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy it, Christy.
LInda, you are not alone in your hesitation about pit bulls.THE LOST DOGS does a great job explaining why these dogs have often been misunderstood.
Kelly, I think your friend sounds like someone who would love this book. And a book about her puppy mill rescue sounds so interesting.
Terry, I'll be anxious to hear what you think about THE LOST DOGS. You will cringe and grind your teeth at points, but in the end, I think you'll be glad you got to know these lovable doggies.
I've heard of this book and the remarkable recovery of some of the dogs! Dogs...so forgiving and forgetful. We humans could learn a lot from them.
ReplyDeleteWe sure could, Bish! : )
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful book. I love dogs and cats. They have the ability to heal us in very loving ways and teach us as well. Thanks for sharing this. Hope that all is well with you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteV
You are so right, V! Where would we be without out furry friends? All the best to you!!
ReplyDeletewow outstanding blog. you have done a great jobs. i must say do use Find My Pet Android Version for relocating your lost one.
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