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Rescue Me: Tales of Rescuing the Dogs Who Became Our Teachers, Healers, and Always Faithful Friends
What happens when thrown away dogs in need of loving homes and humans yearning for unconditional love and canine companionship come together?
Rescue Me shares twelve original inspirational accounts, complete with photos, of ten dog lovers who rescued the dogs who ultimately rescued them. Read (and listen to) true tales of extraordinary commitment, physical and emotional healing, overcoming challenges, faith, twists of fate, new lives, and the magical joy that comes from the bond of unconditional love and acceptance between humans and their dogs.
Meet:
• Julia, a woman on a mission to rescue as many dogs as she can, and how she found herself in the process.
• Biscuit, the injured, fear aggressive death row dog now working as a fully trained service dog.
• Duke, the stray flea-bitten puppy who taught his people about compassion toward the undeserving.
• Senior Sammy saved from a slow and certain death by his human angel, Letha, and how he put the smile back on her face..
• Yoda, the little French bulldog who filled Faith’s empty nest with his big personality and lots of love.
• Lolli, the beagle who lost her jawbone, but found a loving home and a joyful life.
• And more…
The dog adoption stories in Rescue Me are written for the love of dogs in rescue and shelters, and the people who devote their lives to saving them in little and big ways. It is written to raise awareness of their plight and their need, as well as to celebrate all they have to offer when given a chance - the lessons, healing, victories, and sometimes even the sorrows that loving and being loved by dogs bring.
As a way of giving back to these dogs and the people that care for them, shelters and rescue organizations will receive donations from the proceeds of this book to help with expenses and to fund projects designed to make life better for the animals in their care.
On the accompanying webpage you will find a list of sponsored organizations, home videos, photographs, bonus audio interviews with three of our authors, and more.
Rescue Me shares twelve original inspirational accounts, complete with photos, of ten dog lovers who rescued the dogs who ultimately rescued them. Read (and listen to) true tales of extraordinary commitment, physical and emotional healing, overcoming challenges, faith, twists of fate, new lives, and the magical joy that comes from the bond of unconditional love and acceptance between humans and their dogs.
Meet:
• Julia, a woman on a mission to rescue as many dogs as she can, and how she found herself in the process.
• Biscuit, the injured, fear aggressive death row dog now working as a fully trained service dog.
• Duke, the stray flea-bitten puppy who taught his people about compassion toward the undeserving.
• Senior Sammy saved from a slow and certain death by his human angel, Letha, and how he put the smile back on her face..
• Yoda, the little French bulldog who filled Faith’s empty nest with his big personality and lots of love.
• Lolli, the beagle who lost her jawbone, but found a loving home and a joyful life.
• And more…
The dog adoption stories in Rescue Me are written for the love of dogs in rescue and shelters, and the people who devote their lives to saving them in little and big ways. It is written to raise awareness of their plight and their need, as well as to celebrate all they have to offer when given a chance - the lessons, healing, victories, and sometimes even the sorrows that loving and being loved by dogs bring.
As a way of giving back to these dogs and the people that care for them, shelters and rescue organizations will receive donations from the proceeds of this book to help with expenses and to fund projects designed to make life better for the animals in their care.
On the accompanying webpage you will find a list of sponsored organizations, home videos, photographs, bonus audio interviews with three of our authors, and more.
132 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2013
4 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Val Silver
9 books19 followersAward-winning author Val Silver is a lifelong animal lover with a heart for animals and humans in need of healing love. She wrote Rescue Me, her first book, to raise financial support for homeless dogs, to raise awareness of their plight and needs, and to show what wonderful companions these dogs are when given a chance. Val is a teacher, healer, and holistic wellness educator and coach. She believes that it takes education, positive action and compassion to create healing and better lives for all creatures-animal and human.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2014
Rescue Me is a collection of tales about a subject I am personally very passionate about -- animal rescue. The stories are told by multiple people, and as a result some of them are more poignant than uplifting...the authors may not speak with "one" voice, but these stories told from the heart will almost certainly touch yours.
The book is worth buying just for the story of Biscuit the "do-over" dog, that went from death row in the animal shelter to become a therapy dog. Another story that resonated with me personally were the delightful "Lollipop Can't Hold Her Licker" that opens with an unforgettable hook line: "Oh. My. Gawd. Your dog looks just like Gene Simmons."
With their unified message, the authors said all the right things that another person familiar with the needs and difficulties and a passion for animal rescue wants to hear: spay and neuter. Adopt, don't shop. Senior dogs need homes, too. Animal rescue is a labor of love, and that love shines through in the stories in this collection.
Amazon helped decide the number of stars this book deserved -- five stars meant that I loved reading it, and four meant that I only liked the book. While I found it objectionable that one author described the wonderful, baying voice of a Basset Hound as a "God-awful sound", I must admit that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, just as not every aficionado of music appreciates Gene Simmons of KISS.
The book is worth buying just for the story of Biscuit the "do-over" dog, that went from death row in the animal shelter to become a therapy dog. Another story that resonated with me personally were the delightful "Lollipop Can't Hold Her Licker" that opens with an unforgettable hook line: "Oh. My. Gawd. Your dog looks just like Gene Simmons."
With their unified message, the authors said all the right things that another person familiar with the needs and difficulties and a passion for animal rescue wants to hear: spay and neuter. Adopt, don't shop. Senior dogs need homes, too. Animal rescue is a labor of love, and that love shines through in the stories in this collection.
Amazon helped decide the number of stars this book deserved -- five stars meant that I loved reading it, and four meant that I only liked the book. While I found it objectionable that one author described the wonderful, baying voice of a Basset Hound as a "God-awful sound", I must admit that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, just as not every aficionado of music appreciates Gene Simmons of KISS.
May 11, 2014
If you are thinking about adding a furry friend to your household and haven't considered the value of what a rescue could mean, please read this book! It's filled with true, heartwarming, inspirational stories that focus on the relationship between a dog and his/her owner.
My favorite words from the book, for those who have never experienced the love of a dog: "...as if something deep within our souls resonates with their energy; their unwavering unconditional love and unbridled joy to be in our presence, their undivided loyalty, and complete trust in us." (SO TRUE!!-- If you've never had a dog, you're missing out. :-)
There are so many wonderful dogs out there, just waiting for someone special to come along. So please! If you're on the fence about rescuing your next loved one, read the experiences people have shared in "Rescue Me."
This book was given in exchange for an honest review. And now, I'm off to see what our local shelter looks like. I already have a dog...I already have a dog...I already have a dog.
My favorite words from the book, for those who have never experienced the love of a dog: "...as if something deep within our souls resonates with their energy; their unwavering unconditional love and unbridled joy to be in our presence, their undivided loyalty, and complete trust in us." (SO TRUE!!-- If you've never had a dog, you're missing out. :-)
There are so many wonderful dogs out there, just waiting for someone special to come along. So please! If you're on the fence about rescuing your next loved one, read the experiences people have shared in "Rescue Me."
This book was given in exchange for an honest review. And now, I'm off to see what our local shelter looks like. I already have a dog...I already have a dog...I already have a dog.
May 31, 2014
This is a collection of stories written by those who rescue abandoned dogs. As a dog-lover myself, I took pleasure in hearing the tales (no pun intended...maybe...) of how these dogs were not only saved but improved the lives of those who saved them.
As a literary critic, though, it should be noted that these stories are not written by self-proclaimed writers and, as such, the writing varies in quality. That should not stop you from getting a copy, though, as the truth of the stories is more important than the writing itself, especially as proceeds go towards helping more stray dogs.
A book that will be enjoyed by dog lovers and I hope it goes on to be very successful, for the sake of all the dogs that need help.
There are also lots of photos and even links to videos of the dogs featured in the stories so it is more than just a book!
As a literary critic, though, it should be noted that these stories are not written by self-proclaimed writers and, as such, the writing varies in quality. That should not stop you from getting a copy, though, as the truth of the stories is more important than the writing itself, especially as proceeds go towards helping more stray dogs.
A book that will be enjoyed by dog lovers and I hope it goes on to be very successful, for the sake of all the dogs that need help.
There are also lots of photos and even links to videos of the dogs featured in the stories so it is more than just a book!
August 4, 2016
This book is full of individual stories of rescued dogs and the owners who saved them. Each story has a unique flavor as told by the owner of each rescued dogs. As I was reading this book, I kept thinking I need to adopt a dog now! Except I can’t where I live, so instead I’ll just encourage someone else to! So many Awwwww moments in this book that left me teary-eyed!! Very sweet! Help rescue these animals and support them!
February 20, 2014
The good news is that more people than ever are aware of the high rates of euthanasia in our country's shelters and kind souls are banding together to do something about it. More and more communities recognize the value of rehoming dogs that others have abandoned or forgotten. Personal stories are spreading about the wonderful matches that can happen when a person takes a chance on a second-hand dog.
Rescue Me: Tales of Rescuing the Dogs Who Became Our Teachers, Healers, and Always Faithful Friends by Val Silver and Team Rescue is a little book full of heartfelt stories by people who found strength and solace in their do-over dog companions in troubled times. This easy-reading book was published to raise awareness and funds for an ever-growing network of volunteers who rescue, foster, and rehome dogs. The recurrent theme of the stories is that hard-to-place, physically or emotionally scarred critters often end up rescuing the humans who take them home! Val Silver writes, "Dogs are masters of creating emotionally safe spaces just by being themselves." The stories compiled in this book show just how important each dog became in the life of the adopter.
The photographs, though much like a family photo album of black and white snapshots, add a depth to the stories by giving a face to dog and human. What you end up with are voices speaking for foster dogs who became family, and the lost who became found.
If you want to learn more about what rescue groups do, or if you just want to read some short stories that inspire faith in humanity, this book is worth a look. The author has compiled some of the best quotes about dogs to introduce the stories. This particular one strikes a chord with me: "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." --Anatole France
Reading this book made me appreciate the dedication that volunteers have for opening their hearts to give a cast-away dog a new life.
by Martha Meacham
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Rescue Me: Tales of Rescuing the Dogs Who Became Our Teachers, Healers, and Always Faithful Friends by Val Silver and Team Rescue is a little book full of heartfelt stories by people who found strength and solace in their do-over dog companions in troubled times. This easy-reading book was published to raise awareness and funds for an ever-growing network of volunteers who rescue, foster, and rehome dogs. The recurrent theme of the stories is that hard-to-place, physically or emotionally scarred critters often end up rescuing the humans who take them home! Val Silver writes, "Dogs are masters of creating emotionally safe spaces just by being themselves." The stories compiled in this book show just how important each dog became in the life of the adopter.
The photographs, though much like a family photo album of black and white snapshots, add a depth to the stories by giving a face to dog and human. What you end up with are voices speaking for foster dogs who became family, and the lost who became found.
If you want to learn more about what rescue groups do, or if you just want to read some short stories that inspire faith in humanity, this book is worth a look. The author has compiled some of the best quotes about dogs to introduce the stories. This particular one strikes a chord with me: "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." --Anatole France
Reading this book made me appreciate the dedication that volunteers have for opening their hearts to give a cast-away dog a new life.
by Martha Meacham
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
October 3, 2014
This is a book for the heart. It is a collection of stories about animals, animal abuse and animal rescue. But more than that each story is a love story—love between pet and rescuer.
I read it straight through, pausing only to follow the live links and study the pictures that are included (I read the Kindle edition). I laughed at some of the dog antics and I cried over some of the stories of the cruelty some of these dogs experienced before they were rescued. As an animal lover who was rescued by an amazing little dog named Smarty, I was deeply touched by each story.
The purpose of the book is threefold. The first is to make people aware of how badly some animals are abused and how they respond to kind and loving people who bring them into their homes. The second is to let people know how these rescued dogs add so much richness to the lives of those who give them a second chance. And the third is to serve as a vehicle to raise money for shelters that do so much to stop the abuse and help the abused animals heal and find a loving home.
Everyone who loves animals should read this book and those who think you have to have an AKC registered/pedigreed dog should read it twice. If you’ve ever said, “Oh, well, it’s just a dog” you need to read each story here. And if you just need to have your heart tugged, you will get that in these pages.
I read it straight through, pausing only to follow the live links and study the pictures that are included (I read the Kindle edition). I laughed at some of the dog antics and I cried over some of the stories of the cruelty some of these dogs experienced before they were rescued. As an animal lover who was rescued by an amazing little dog named Smarty, I was deeply touched by each story.
The purpose of the book is threefold. The first is to make people aware of how badly some animals are abused and how they respond to kind and loving people who bring them into their homes. The second is to let people know how these rescued dogs add so much richness to the lives of those who give them a second chance. And the third is to serve as a vehicle to raise money for shelters that do so much to stop the abuse and help the abused animals heal and find a loving home.
Everyone who loves animals should read this book and those who think you have to have an AKC registered/pedigreed dog should read it twice. If you’ve ever said, “Oh, well, it’s just a dog” you need to read each story here. And if you just need to have your heart tugged, you will get that in these pages.
July 19, 2015
This is a very special book. It is a compilation of stories, told from the heart, about dogs and the people who rescue them. Some of these stories are not easy to read for they are about dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or thrown carelessly away like so much meaningless trash - dogs who deserved much more, but who still can find the capacity to trust and give love to their rescuers.
I have always felt that people who give of their hearts, minds, souls, and pocketbooks to rescue efforts are very special angels, indeed. This book takes us into the lives of just some of them.
As you may surmise, I am a dog lover. I have worked and volunteered at shelters and Humane Societies and have three senior rescue dogs of my own. They are on the backside of their lives right now but I would no more abandon them than I would cease to breathe. They are my kids.
Val Silver has done a marvelous job putting these stories together, along with heartfelt photos of the dogs and their people. This is not a book you sit down and read cover to cover - no, it is too powerful, too heart wrenching. Read it a story at a time - think about each one and be thankful that people like this exist in the world.
Of note, a portion of the proceeds from this book is donated to rescue efforts.
Thank you, Ms. Silver for an excellent and important read. Highly recommended
I have always felt that people who give of their hearts, minds, souls, and pocketbooks to rescue efforts are very special angels, indeed. This book takes us into the lives of just some of them.
As you may surmise, I am a dog lover. I have worked and volunteered at shelters and Humane Societies and have three senior rescue dogs of my own. They are on the backside of their lives right now but I would no more abandon them than I would cease to breathe. They are my kids.
Val Silver has done a marvelous job putting these stories together, along with heartfelt photos of the dogs and their people. This is not a book you sit down and read cover to cover - no, it is too powerful, too heart wrenching. Read it a story at a time - think about each one and be thankful that people like this exist in the world.
Of note, a portion of the proceeds from this book is donated to rescue efforts.
Thank you, Ms. Silver for an excellent and important read. Highly recommended
March 27, 2014
A heartwarming and heart wrenching tale of abused or abandoned dogs and the “angels” who rescued them.
Though my husband and I have enjoyed sharing our lives with dozens of dogs for over fifty years, only one of them came to us as a rescue dog. She had problems and we worked them out as best we could, but we didn’t know what we were doing. That was many years ago before there were organizations like Petfinder and others that are listed in the back matter of this informative book.
Until I read these essays, I was unaware of how much love, care and diagnosis is given to rescued animals to ensure they don’t end up being dumped again. Val Silver and the other rescuers who shared their personal stories of life with a once unloved dog, have done a favor by opening the window on the world of dog rescue. I wish every person who is contemplating taking a rescue dog home would read this book first.
It would be a blessing if all animal shelters could make it required reading before they surrendered the dogs they have nurtured back to the point that they trust new owners take them home. _Hope Irvin Marston…owner of a beautiful, companionable, well-loved Bernese mountain dog.
Though my husband and I have enjoyed sharing our lives with dozens of dogs for over fifty years, only one of them came to us as a rescue dog. She had problems and we worked them out as best we could, but we didn’t know what we were doing. That was many years ago before there were organizations like Petfinder and others that are listed in the back matter of this informative book.
Until I read these essays, I was unaware of how much love, care and diagnosis is given to rescued animals to ensure they don’t end up being dumped again. Val Silver and the other rescuers who shared their personal stories of life with a once unloved dog, have done a favor by opening the window on the world of dog rescue. I wish every person who is contemplating taking a rescue dog home would read this book first.
It would be a blessing if all animal shelters could make it required reading before they surrendered the dogs they have nurtured back to the point that they trust new owners take them home. _Hope Irvin Marston…owner of a beautiful, companionable, well-loved Bernese mountain dog.
May 15, 2014
I hesitated about reviewing Rescue Me. Not because I didn’t think that this collection of short stories wouldn't be good but because I knew some of them would be heartbreaking – and I was right, some of them were, but all of them were endearing.
My dog is sleeping warm and cozy on his bed in my office – safe, loved and cared for. That’s not what every dog experiences. Rescue Me reminds us of how cruel and negligent mankind can be. Each of these dogs has a hard-luck story, what brought them to this, alone and at their lowest point. But then Rescue Me takes that story and spins it, giving us hope and a happy ever-after for each dog. The people in these stories are the good of mankind, people who work valiantly to save abused and abandoned animals. But the beauty of Rescue Me is that we discover that often it’s not just the dogs who benefit or necessarily who are broken. It’s a circle of caring that benefits both dog and human. Rescue me gives us faith that there is still enough goodness in the world to save us all, human and dog alike, and it also reminds us that there are rescue agencies across the continent doing good and they need help – whether by volunteering, fostering, adopting or even if it’s just giving them a week’s coffee money.
My dog is sleeping warm and cozy on his bed in my office – safe, loved and cared for. That’s not what every dog experiences. Rescue Me reminds us of how cruel and negligent mankind can be. Each of these dogs has a hard-luck story, what brought them to this, alone and at their lowest point. But then Rescue Me takes that story and spins it, giving us hope and a happy ever-after for each dog. The people in these stories are the good of mankind, people who work valiantly to save abused and abandoned animals. But the beauty of Rescue Me is that we discover that often it’s not just the dogs who benefit or necessarily who are broken. It’s a circle of caring that benefits both dog and human. Rescue me gives us faith that there is still enough goodness in the world to save us all, human and dog alike, and it also reminds us that there are rescue agencies across the continent doing good and they need help – whether by volunteering, fostering, adopting or even if it’s just giving them a week’s coffee money.
July 21, 2014
The stories in Rescue Me are very moving, entertaining, inspiring and told by the dogs rescuers themselves. Read about Suzie the former puppy mill dog; injured Lollipop and why her tongue hangs out, and all the other incredible rescued dogs that came from bad situations to become beloved and cherished family members. The dogs all have wonderful stories to tell, through their caregivers, stories worth reading and sharing.
If you love dogs, this book is a must for you! If you are thinking about adopting a dog, this book is a must for you. If you have rescued a dog, this book is a must for you. I didn't stop reading the book until I reached the end. I just wanted to read more - and hope there will be a sequel. We know there are many more rescue stories out there, and many in the making. Through education and awareness I hope those numbers increase exponentially.
I hope that you will purchase Rescue Me for yourself, for friends, colleagues, family members, anyone that could use a good read. I also ask that you share the mission of Rescue Me so as many as possible will know of the efforts of Val and her team.
If you love dogs, this book is a must for you! If you are thinking about adopting a dog, this book is a must for you. If you have rescued a dog, this book is a must for you. I didn't stop reading the book until I reached the end. I just wanted to read more - and hope there will be a sequel. We know there are many more rescue stories out there, and many in the making. Through education and awareness I hope those numbers increase exponentially.
I hope that you will purchase Rescue Me for yourself, for friends, colleagues, family members, anyone that could use a good read. I also ask that you share the mission of Rescue Me so as many as possible will know of the efforts of Val and her team.
July 30, 2016
Are you thinking of adopting a pup? If so, you'll want to read this first. Millions of friendless dogs wind up in shelters each year--way more than the shelters can handle. As a result, many dogs are euthanized. Given half a chance, these same animals might have comforted a sick woman, brought laughter to a grief-stricken man, or loved a difficult child. This does not mean that all rescue dogs come problem-free. They don't. Many have suffered neglect. Some are sick or disabled. Others have behavioral issues. But few are irredeemable. When taken in by dedicated people, like the men and women featured in these pages, even fearful and aggressive dogs can be rehabilitated. It does take patience, compassion, and humor to do it. Sometimes, it also costs money. But the rewards are great, as these stories attest. Silver includes an inspirational quote at the beginning of each tale and photos of the pooches and their rescuers at the end. An appendix suggests ways you can help and gives brief bios of the contributors. There's also a handy list of online resources.
February 23, 2015
This is a must-read for rescue advocates! I know it's received several awards, including from the Dog Writers Association of America.
Rescue Me is a collection of stories written by people who have rescued dogs that then rescued them right back. It's very moving to read of the love the humans had in giving shelter dogs, often sick or abused, a second chance - and then moving to read the ways the dogs return their love.
I cried reading about the woman mourning the death of her mother - her dog Frances kept jumping on and off the bed, and she later lifted her head and saw Frances had surrounded her with all of her favorite dogs toys in an attempt to comfort her.
While it's sad to read about the deaths of some of the dogs and the pain endured by their owners, it just reinforces the depth of the bond. I especially liked that there is a section on rescuing senior dogs. There's a real heart to this story collection, and the proceeds go to animal shelters. Truly a win/win!
Rescue Me is a collection of stories written by people who have rescued dogs that then rescued them right back. It's very moving to read of the love the humans had in giving shelter dogs, often sick or abused, a second chance - and then moving to read the ways the dogs return their love.
I cried reading about the woman mourning the death of her mother - her dog Frances kept jumping on and off the bed, and she later lifted her head and saw Frances had surrounded her with all of her favorite dogs toys in an attempt to comfort her.
While it's sad to read about the deaths of some of the dogs and the pain endured by their owners, it just reinforces the depth of the bond. I especially liked that there is a section on rescuing senior dogs. There's a real heart to this story collection, and the proceeds go to animal shelters. Truly a win/win!
September 13, 2015
Review by Diane Mae Robinson
This is such an awesome book. The stories are heartwarming, inspiring, and well written. As a rescuer of four dogs myself, the stories had significant meaning to me about the importance of rescuing animals from shelters and what great companions these dogs are. Profits from this book go to helping more animals. Kudos to Val Silver. You are a hero to all animals.
This is such an awesome book. The stories are heartwarming, inspiring, and well written. As a rescuer of four dogs myself, the stories had significant meaning to me about the importance of rescuing animals from shelters and what great companions these dogs are. Profits from this book go to helping more animals. Kudos to Val Silver. You are a hero to all animals.
September 5, 2014
Great rescue tails! Warms the heart!
September 13, 2015
Loved it! Beautiful and varied stories! This is one to reread.
August 4, 2014
Rescue Me stories tells a realistic view of dogs and the people who adopted them. The old question, "Who rescued Who?" is and willnever be answered. Does it really matter? Dogs rescued, rescue people. One can feel this from the heart and soul of the stories written by Val Silver and Team Rescue. By Gloria Yarina, foster volunteer and co-author of Captured...The Look of the Dog.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews