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The Dog Lived #2
The Dogs Were Rescued and So Was I
A new memoir from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dog Lived (And So Will I)
Teresa Rhyne and Seamus the beagle had both survived cancer once, so when Seamus develops yet another cancer, Teresa is devastated. She embarks on a massive lifestyle shift-embracing a more animal-friendly approach and trying to find her place somewhere between a hippie in a hemp skirt and a hypocrite in leather high heels. And then she realizes that Seamus wasn't the only beagle who needed rescuing...
The Dogs Were Rescued (and So Was I) is the poignant yet hilarious exploration of how you move forward when you've done everything you can and it's still not enough.
Teresa Rhyne and Seamus the beagle had both survived cancer once, so when Seamus develops yet another cancer, Teresa is devastated. She embarks on a massive lifestyle shift-embracing a more animal-friendly approach and trying to find her place somewhere between a hippie in a hemp skirt and a hypocrite in leather high heels. And then she realizes that Seamus wasn't the only beagle who needed rescuing...
The Dogs Were Rescued (and So Was I) is the poignant yet hilarious exploration of how you move forward when you've done everything you can and it's still not enough.
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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529 people want to read
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August 1, 2024
Nonfiction books about dogs are common. Books in which the author is willing to expand their circle of concern to include dogs other than their own, less so. But books like THE DOGS WERE RESCUED (AND SO WAS I), in which the author’s compassion ends up extending to all mistreated animals, and not just companion species—is a rare and precious read indeed.
After rescuing Daphne, a female beagle who, despite a history of abuse and neglect, was endlessly happy and forgiving, Rhyne began delving into the realities that the majority of society is willing to hide and ignore: the treatment of factory-farmed animals, the use of animals in product testing, and other industries where the worst possible scenarios thrive because the majority of people aren’t willing to look, much less call them out and agitate for change.
We follow in real time as Rhyne learns more about animal protection and advocacy, and she follows the trajectory that so many of us in this cause do: shock, anger, and grief over what is happening in numbers no human can really fathom, and a desire to tell everyone we know what is going on, in the belief that they will be as outraged and committed to change as we are. (Spoiler alert: well, you know…)
[This is where some critics of the book begin dropping disparagements like “preachy” and “extreme.” However, it’s time to refocus a bit and consider if what is done to animals is much more extreme than talking about it in books and other media. Isn’t keeping a mother pig in a cage barely larger than her own body for her entire life pretty extreme? I know even the most committed ham eater wouldn’t do that themselves. Yet when you consistently side with the meat industry over animal advocates, this is the sort of thing you are defending. And finally—meat eaters, yes, you can do something huge for animals even if you never want to give up all meat. By taking One Step for Animals and removing chickens from your diet, you can spare nearly as many animals from factory farm suffering as does a vegetarian.]
I am so proud of Teresa Rhyne that she didn’t give up her compassion, or newfound cruelty-free ways of eating and shopping, when the going got tough. Sadly, many newly-minted animal protectors give up in despair when they get pushback from others in their social circle or become numb from so much overwhelming information—they may even go back to eating animals. I loved her message of “find your tribe”—not every way of advocating for animals is right for everyone. When Rhyne interacts with a bunch of young firebrands who are into waving signs and picketing, she realizes that this kind of activism is not for her. She finds other ways of getting out the word—like writing books!—suits her style much better. Exactly. It takes different styles of advocacy and different people and talents to make change happen.
Rhyne finds her tribe in the volunteers for the Beagle Freedom Project, an organization that finds homes for former laboratory dogs who are no longer wanted for experiments. (Beagles are nearly-universally used in the U.S. and elsewhere because their size and temperament make them easy to handle.) She and her husband adopt Percival, a former research beagle who touchingly blossoms under attentive care. Percival becomes an ambassador to everyone he meets regarding a little-known industry.
By the end of the book, Rhyne, her husband, and Daphne and Percival seem to have found a sense of balance and peace. Despite having a rocky start, the two dogs begin to bond. Rhyne, meanwhile, has found the place that we all must find as individuals who care about animals—all animals—in a world that profoundly excludes them. We do what we can, with what abilities and resources we have, and remember that it matters. And yes, life goes on, and compassion for animals simply becomes another strand in our experience of it.
I honed in on the animal advocacy aspect, but this isn’t what this book is all about. It’s a story about dogs—and all of the humor, frustration, love, and heartbreak that goes with sharing your life with them. It’s also about the bravery of a cancer survivor, life in the California wine country, and friendships with a vast cast of characters, human and canine. This book is recommended for dog (especially beagle) lovers, humane advocates, and animal fans who perhaps could benefit in the way of a nudge toward extending their circle of compassion.
After rescuing Daphne, a female beagle who, despite a history of abuse and neglect, was endlessly happy and forgiving, Rhyne began delving into the realities that the majority of society is willing to hide and ignore: the treatment of factory-farmed animals, the use of animals in product testing, and other industries where the worst possible scenarios thrive because the majority of people aren’t willing to look, much less call them out and agitate for change.
We follow in real time as Rhyne learns more about animal protection and advocacy, and she follows the trajectory that so many of us in this cause do: shock, anger, and grief over what is happening in numbers no human can really fathom, and a desire to tell everyone we know what is going on, in the belief that they will be as outraged and committed to change as we are. (Spoiler alert: well, you know…)
[This is where some critics of the book begin dropping disparagements like “preachy” and “extreme.” However, it’s time to refocus a bit and consider if what is done to animals is much more extreme than talking about it in books and other media. Isn’t keeping a mother pig in a cage barely larger than her own body for her entire life pretty extreme? I know even the most committed ham eater wouldn’t do that themselves. Yet when you consistently side with the meat industry over animal advocates, this is the sort of thing you are defending. And finally—meat eaters, yes, you can do something huge for animals even if you never want to give up all meat. By taking One Step for Animals and removing chickens from your diet, you can spare nearly as many animals from factory farm suffering as does a vegetarian.]
I am so proud of Teresa Rhyne that she didn’t give up her compassion, or newfound cruelty-free ways of eating and shopping, when the going got tough. Sadly, many newly-minted animal protectors give up in despair when they get pushback from others in their social circle or become numb from so much overwhelming information—they may even go back to eating animals. I loved her message of “find your tribe”—not every way of advocating for animals is right for everyone. When Rhyne interacts with a bunch of young firebrands who are into waving signs and picketing, she realizes that this kind of activism is not for her. She finds other ways of getting out the word—like writing books!—suits her style much better. Exactly. It takes different styles of advocacy and different people and talents to make change happen.
Rhyne finds her tribe in the volunteers for the Beagle Freedom Project, an organization that finds homes for former laboratory dogs who are no longer wanted for experiments. (Beagles are nearly-universally used in the U.S. and elsewhere because their size and temperament make them easy to handle.) She and her husband adopt Percival, a former research beagle who touchingly blossoms under attentive care. Percival becomes an ambassador to everyone he meets regarding a little-known industry.
By the end of the book, Rhyne, her husband, and Daphne and Percival seem to have found a sense of balance and peace. Despite having a rocky start, the two dogs begin to bond. Rhyne, meanwhile, has found the place that we all must find as individuals who care about animals—all animals—in a world that profoundly excludes them. We do what we can, with what abilities and resources we have, and remember that it matters. And yes, life goes on, and compassion for animals simply becomes another strand in our experience of it.
I honed in on the animal advocacy aspect, but this isn’t what this book is all about. It’s a story about dogs—and all of the humor, frustration, love, and heartbreak that goes with sharing your life with them. It’s also about the bravery of a cancer survivor, life in the California wine country, and friendships with a vast cast of characters, human and canine. This book is recommended for dog (especially beagle) lovers, humane advocates, and animal fans who perhaps could benefit in the way of a nudge toward extending their circle of compassion.
February 24, 2016
Let me start by saying that I had never heard of this book (or author) until one of my librarian friends got it at a book signing, thought of me, and got an autographed copy and sent it down to me. This friend knew about my passion for rescuing dogs
(all of mine have been rescues) and how I personally feel about our inhumane treatment of these (and many other) defenseless animals.
Right away I identified with the author, except with (knock on wood) her bout with breast cancer. But I felt her pain, confusion and doubts about how to live a more meaningful life. Her illness made her question more about all life and even where her pets (and food) came from. Her vegan transformation is similar to my attempt at going vegan, so much so, that my own rescue dog, Mila, is now vegan too and much healthier for it! Though I admire the vegan lifestyle, I realize I can only be a vegetarian overall, due to my love of cheese, clams, sardines and mussels, though am now aware where they come from and picky about how they are produced, fished and sold. So I am not quite worthy, or brave enough, to be part of this vegan tribe.
The author did make me be more aware, however, of what she calls "cognitive dissonance", which I was first exposed to by reading Melanie Joy's fantastic book
"Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows". It made me realize how most of us justify our "dissonant" eating habits so as not to have to think about our food choices and explains why "good" people do "bad" things. I basically now understand that there are others out there with my philosophy, who have reached similar conclusions about our treatment of animals. Teresa Rhyne shows how similar we are to dogs (and all other sentient beings), craving love, kindness, respect and dignity. In the author's case, she rescues beagles from laboratories, where they have been exposed to the most inhumane and cruel testing, but still have not lost their trust and love of "human" beings.
She explains how she rescues these beautiful dogs, without going mad thinking about their prior suffering (and those who are still suffering). However, she doesnt just stop there. By rescuing these little dogs, she eloquently depicts all different forms of animal abuse and how we have the power to stop it. She also portrays the individual character of each dog she rescued, many of them blindly trusting (and others more weary) of us. Her journey of hard work and devotion to restore that trust is amazing and shows how adopting not only saves the dogs, but ourselves.
I dont know if being an animal lover is a choice, but for me, and the author, it is definitely a "calling". She makes me feel I am not alone. A great read for all dog lovers and an eye opener for those who never thought about their suffering.
(all of mine have been rescues) and how I personally feel about our inhumane treatment of these (and many other) defenseless animals.
Right away I identified with the author, except with (knock on wood) her bout with breast cancer. But I felt her pain, confusion and doubts about how to live a more meaningful life. Her illness made her question more about all life and even where her pets (and food) came from. Her vegan transformation is similar to my attempt at going vegan, so much so, that my own rescue dog, Mila, is now vegan too and much healthier for it! Though I admire the vegan lifestyle, I realize I can only be a vegetarian overall, due to my love of cheese, clams, sardines and mussels, though am now aware where they come from and picky about how they are produced, fished and sold. So I am not quite worthy, or brave enough, to be part of this vegan tribe.
The author did make me be more aware, however, of what she calls "cognitive dissonance", which I was first exposed to by reading Melanie Joy's fantastic book
"Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows". It made me realize how most of us justify our "dissonant" eating habits so as not to have to think about our food choices and explains why "good" people do "bad" things. I basically now understand that there are others out there with my philosophy, who have reached similar conclusions about our treatment of animals. Teresa Rhyne shows how similar we are to dogs (and all other sentient beings), craving love, kindness, respect and dignity. In the author's case, she rescues beagles from laboratories, where they have been exposed to the most inhumane and cruel testing, but still have not lost their trust and love of "human" beings.
She explains how she rescues these beautiful dogs, without going mad thinking about their prior suffering (and those who are still suffering). However, she doesnt just stop there. By rescuing these little dogs, she eloquently depicts all different forms of animal abuse and how we have the power to stop it. She also portrays the individual character of each dog she rescued, many of them blindly trusting (and others more weary) of us. Her journey of hard work and devotion to restore that trust is amazing and shows how adopting not only saves the dogs, but ourselves.
I dont know if being an animal lover is a choice, but for me, and the author, it is definitely a "calling". She makes me feel I am not alone. A great read for all dog lovers and an eye opener for those who never thought about their suffering.
September 5, 2021
I love Teresa Rhyne's writing. Just like her other two books, this one read like an authentic, funny, thoughtful conversation with the author. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to put veganism in perspective and Rhyne's honest and open quest to sort out how she could become a vegan without losing her self or her perspective. As always, the dog descriptions and her love for those crazy beagles were fun to read.
July 9, 2014
Wonderful follow up to The Dog Lived, an exploration of compassion and coming to terms with a less-than-perfect world.
June 25, 2015
it is about rescuing dogs AND animal rights / going vegan. She pushes herself too hard but i admire her spirit and energy. FUNNY in parts. Terrifying in parts too.
January 20, 2024
This is a sequel to The Dog Lived. I enjoyed reading about her beagles and her commitment to lifestyle changes. Her writing style is humorous and entertaining. Living in the Finger Lakes wine region, it was interesting to read about the west coast wine area and the similarities/differences.
August 14, 2016
This book picks up after The Dog Lived (and So Will I), which I enjoyed, with Teresa, her boyfriend, Chris, and their beagle, Seamus. In that book, Teresa had chronicled her and Seamus' battles and triumphs over cancer.
In order to assure that their cancers didn't return, Teresa turns to a healthier lifestyle. She becomes more aware of and knowledgeable about the cruelty and abuse of animals. This leads her to eventually become vegan and stop using products that test on animals (cleaning products, make-up, etc.) or that an animal died to produce (leather, etc.). Alas, Seamus passes away and Teresa and Chris adopt two rescue beagles, Daphne and Percival, and all doesn't go as peacefully or happily as planned.
As a dog lover, I liked this book. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic at times yet honest. I liked learning more about the beagle rescue and the support system they have. In the author's journey to figure out her place in the world as a vegan, she even visited some animal sanctuaries such as the Gentle Barn (I'd read the Gentle Barn's owner, Ellie Laks' memoir in March ... it's an excellent book!).
For the most part, I liked this book. While I applaud the author for becoming a vegan (I love animals but could never become a non-meat eater), I found that she got too extreme in her zealous about it. She's reading a lot of books and watching a lot of documentaries to become better informed ... that's all I needed to know. I know the horrors that happen and didn't need her to give me the graphic and gory details of what she was reading and watching, which is what she did. It's not what I was expecting when reading a book about rescue dogs and I skipped those parts.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/10...
In order to assure that their cancers didn't return, Teresa turns to a healthier lifestyle. She becomes more aware of and knowledgeable about the cruelty and abuse of animals. This leads her to eventually become vegan and stop using products that test on animals (cleaning products, make-up, etc.) or that an animal died to produce (leather, etc.). Alas, Seamus passes away and Teresa and Chris adopt two rescue beagles, Daphne and Percival, and all doesn't go as peacefully or happily as planned.
As a dog lover, I liked this book. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic at times yet honest. I liked learning more about the beagle rescue and the support system they have. In the author's journey to figure out her place in the world as a vegan, she even visited some animal sanctuaries such as the Gentle Barn (I'd read the Gentle Barn's owner, Ellie Laks' memoir in March ... it's an excellent book!).
For the most part, I liked this book. While I applaud the author for becoming a vegan (I love animals but could never become a non-meat eater), I found that she got too extreme in her zealous about it. She's reading a lot of books and watching a lot of documentaries to become better informed ... that's all I needed to know. I know the horrors that happen and didn't need her to give me the graphic and gory details of what she was reading and watching, which is what she did. It's not what I was expecting when reading a book about rescue dogs and I skipped those parts.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/10...
December 19, 2014
Wonderful sequel to The Dog Lived & So Will I. Teresa really knows how to draw you in with laughter, tears & of course beagles!!! The book makes you take a look at your own life and the simple choices that you make everyday. One of my favorite chapters in the book is when Teresa is trying to find Daphne her most recent rescue after the loss of beloved Seamus, a boyfriend & has her meet her suitors to see who she would fall in love with first. Percival the winning bachelor was saved from the Beagle Freedom Project, which rescues animals mainly beagles from horrific laboratory testing & on the journey becomes aware of the suffering that her new rescue along with hundreds of thousands other animals have had to endure for eyeliner, cleaning products & even lighters which is completely unnecessary. It truly is an eye opener & love story for her & her precious beagles. I can't wait for the next book & adventures to see what the future holds for them. I had my beagle right next to me the whole time I read the book, he was there to wipe my tears & lend a paw when I needed him. I couldn't put this book down & neither will you.
May 28, 2015
I loved Teresa Rhyne's first book, The Dog Lived...and So Will I, even though I do not normally read memoirs and am a cat person instead of a dog person(Okay, so maybe I'm an animal person). In this follow-on memoir, Teresa adopts two more beagles and becomes concerned about animal cruelty in testing and agriculture, and I was concerned she might be too strident, but I chanced it based on the quality of her other book. I am very glad I did.
The book is an absolutely delightful portrayal of a passionate,zealous woman and the dogs (and man) she adores. It is full of little personal touches that many people (especially a tough-minded lawyer!) would probably find too personal to reveal, such as the "theme songs" Chris makes up for the dogs (I didn't know OTHER people did that!). Teresa is not afraid either to show her weaknesses, such as her reactions to stress and her difficulty getting along with her companions on a volunteer mission she undertakes to India.
It is probably best to read The Dog Lived first, to avoid some minor "spoilers" and to get the backstory details for this book, but it is not necessary. No matter what order you choose, though, do read them both!
The book is an absolutely delightful portrayal of a passionate,zealous woman and the dogs (and man) she adores. It is full of little personal touches that many people (especially a tough-minded lawyer!) would probably find too personal to reveal, such as the "theme songs" Chris makes up for the dogs (I didn't know OTHER people did that!). Teresa is not afraid either to show her weaknesses, such as her reactions to stress and her difficulty getting along with her companions on a volunteer mission she undertakes to India.
It is probably best to read The Dog Lived first, to avoid some minor "spoilers" and to get the backstory details for this book, but it is not necessary. No matter what order you choose, though, do read them both!
August 20, 2015
Very torn about this book. Maybe my fault because I don't recall reading anything about the book.
I liked the part about the beagles but you can keep the part about veganism. This book got very preachy to me.
The problem here was too much cancer. First, she was recovering from breast cancer. Then a dog got a second bout of cancer. And she wanted to find herself a better diet that wouldn't let cancer in the door. Either for her or the dog. Thus, she found her way to a plant diet. I think she just went bonkers. Dogs are not meant for a vegan lifestyle.
And I don't really think people are either. But, to each their own, I guess. I only ever knew of one person who went vegetarian - not sure if she ever went to the extreme vegan like this woman - but her skin turned orange at one point.
I liked the part about the beagles but you can keep the part about veganism. This book got very preachy to me.
The problem here was too much cancer. First, she was recovering from breast cancer. Then a dog got a second bout of cancer. And she wanted to find herself a better diet that wouldn't let cancer in the door. Either for her or the dog. Thus, she found her way to a plant diet. I think she just went bonkers. Dogs are not meant for a vegan lifestyle.
And I don't really think people are either. But, to each their own, I guess. I only ever knew of one person who went vegetarian - not sure if she ever went to the extreme vegan like this woman - but her skin turned orange at one point.
December 30, 2014
Inspired by love for her dogs, a desire for continued wellness, and compassion for all animals, Rhyne shows great inner strength as she makes a series of choices that lead her to explore a plant-based diet and transition to a vegan lifestyle. Losing the much-beloved Seamus to cancer, adopting two special beagles, and encountering Beagle Freedom Project are some of the catalysts for change. She shares her journey with honesty, giving us a glimpse into the atrocities of animal testing and factory farms and the benefits of going cruelty-free. I enjoyed reading about her interesting life and adorable beagles. Her writing pulled me in and made me look at some of my own choices.
October 9, 2014
Loved this book. Teresa has a great voice. I posted this on my phone last night. I had read Teresa's prior book after finding out about it on my Beagle Group. I never knew (like Teresa) that they experimented on beagles until I got my own little boy.
I cried with Teresa when Seamus had to go over the Rainbow Bridge. I laughed when she (and Chris) became a foster failure to Daphne (Doodlebutt). I liked seeing my favorite BFP puppy make an appearance (Bogart!). All in all, it was a great re-telling of her becoming a vegan. And trying to do the best for all animals!
I cried with Teresa when Seamus had to go over the Rainbow Bridge. I laughed when she (and Chris) became a foster failure to Daphne (Doodlebutt). I liked seeing my favorite BFP puppy make an appearance (Bogart!). All in all, it was a great re-telling of her becoming a vegan. And trying to do the best for all animals!
December 31, 2014
This book was very different than the first one. No spoilers. It takes you down the path of becoming vegan. I was worried at times that Teresa was going to become all preachy and I would not finish the book but that did not happen. Instead it made me think that I would like to become more cruelty free and I looked up the Beagle Freedom Project today. Happy to see their family is happy and healthy and I agree, we cannot save all of them but we can make changes to save many.
October 7, 2016
I love books which involve dog rescue. The author talks about her struggles trying to fit in with the world around her, plus how she rescued a dog and it helped to change her world. It opened up a whole new side to her, as it does all of us. She is so forthcoming throughout the book and I recommend this book highly.
I was given this book by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS in exchange for my honest review.
I was given this book by NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2014
This is another amazing book by Teresa Rhyne. I laughed and cried my way through the whole book. As a crazy beagle lover myself, I was so happy that Daphne and Percival were rescued by two amazing people. A wonderful story, from beginning to end. I can only hope there will be another book sometime in the future.
August 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from Book Expo.
I am still mulling over my review, but I will be back to talk about what I liked and loved about this second round of beagles.
I am still mulling over my review, but I will be back to talk about what I liked and loved about this second round of beagles.
October 27, 2014
Very good book!
January 30, 2015
Loved this follow-up to The Dog Lived. Honest insight into the paradigm shift and empowerment culled from the devastation and loss caused by cancer. Hooray for Seamus, Percival, and Daphne!
March 20, 2018
This author is a very intense person.
February 19, 2018
Help!!! Someone has switched my sweet, loving dog story for a sanctimonious vegan treatise!
Don't be deceived by the Goodreads blurb-this is not the inspiring story of a woman's recovery from cancer with the help of some dogs she rescued. Oh, there's some parts about the dogs, and some of her writing is cute and funny (though more often it aims for cute and funny and lands on self satisfied and off putting). And as the parent of two now completely spoiled rescue dogs myself (though not from experiences as horrible as her beagles), I do applaud her efforts to help laboratory animals find a better life.
What I don't appreciate is her using that story as an excuse for her to lecture the reader about veganism and what a horrible (oh, excuse me, cognitively dissonant, as she puts it, thanks) person you are if you don't ascribe to that lifestyle. The author also gives zero consideration to her incredible privilege. Last I checked, veganism can get very expensive, as well as time consuming.
The author doesn't take into account that not everyone has enough money to afford a swanky home in CALIFORNIA with a hot tub, and self-employed jobs that allow you to work when you feel like it, take your dogs to work with you, etc. Or that some people NEED to eat meat for health reasons. Basically, take every stereotype of an insufferable elitist liberal and that's who this person seems to be-a FOX News viewer would eat this up.
I was kind of done with the author when she decided to throw out apparently a couple hundred dollars worth of cleaning products because the companies were not cruelty free. Hello? Those products were already purchased-meaning those animals died for you to just WASTE what they suffered for to make yourself feel better-oh, as well as dump a lot of extra plastic bottles and their contents into the environment for no reason. Unfortunately the book went on for about 200 more pages of sanctimony after that.
Oh and as long as we are on the topic of ethics-why did you deceive your readers by marketing a story that's 90% about becoming vegan and lecturing those who aren't as an inspiring story about rescue dogs? Oh yeah, because no one would buy it if you marketed it as what it actually is.
Don't be deceived by the Goodreads blurb-this is not the inspiring story of a woman's recovery from cancer with the help of some dogs she rescued. Oh, there's some parts about the dogs, and some of her writing is cute and funny (though more often it aims for cute and funny and lands on self satisfied and off putting). And as the parent of two now completely spoiled rescue dogs myself (though not from experiences as horrible as her beagles), I do applaud her efforts to help laboratory animals find a better life.
What I don't appreciate is her using that story as an excuse for her to lecture the reader about veganism and what a horrible (oh, excuse me, cognitively dissonant, as she puts it, thanks) person you are if you don't ascribe to that lifestyle. The author also gives zero consideration to her incredible privilege. Last I checked, veganism can get very expensive, as well as time consuming.
The author doesn't take into account that not everyone has enough money to afford a swanky home in CALIFORNIA with a hot tub, and self-employed jobs that allow you to work when you feel like it, take your dogs to work with you, etc. Or that some people NEED to eat meat for health reasons. Basically, take every stereotype of an insufferable elitist liberal and that's who this person seems to be-a FOX News viewer would eat this up.
I was kind of done with the author when she decided to throw out apparently a couple hundred dollars worth of cleaning products because the companies were not cruelty free. Hello? Those products were already purchased-meaning those animals died for you to just WASTE what they suffered for to make yourself feel better-oh, as well as dump a lot of extra plastic bottles and their contents into the environment for no reason. Unfortunately the book went on for about 200 more pages of sanctimony after that.
Oh and as long as we are on the topic of ethics-why did you deceive your readers by marketing a story that's 90% about becoming vegan and lecturing those who aren't as an inspiring story about rescue dogs? Oh yeah, because no one would buy it if you marketed it as what it actually is.
June 17, 2023
Fair warning: this has a lot of horrifying info about factory farms & slaughter & lab testing on animals. She wants to make more people aware, so gives the details of what she learns as she struggles to go entirely vegan. It is a memoir, so that’s fair. But as I read about her having nightmares yet continuing to read & watch documentaries, I wanted to tell her: “Ok, you have the info, you don’t need to keep beating yourself over the head with it!” It was like she was punishing herself for not having learned it sooner. That’s what I had to do after I learned a certain amount. Looking at accounts like The Gentle Barn (which now also has locations in TN & MO, btw, which must’ve opened after this book came out) is more helpful to getting me to keep trying to do what I can, than the horrifying images of, e.g., Mercy for Animals. The latter just make me want to look away; the former make me see the animals as individuals.
There is a helpful Resources section in the back that will be the reason I’m keeping the book rather than passing it on. It lists products, web sites, sanctuaries, books/magazines, documentaries (watch out for those).
The parts about the dogs provided some relief to the parts about her self-torture. Altho fair warning: one of the dogs can’t be saved. I kinda feel like the purpose of the book was to get out info about Beagle Freedom Project & lab testing, & about factory farming & slaughter & farm animal sanctuaries, & the parts about the dogs on the cover was the relief to make it all more readable. (Not comic relief, but lighter than the other stuff. The cover may be a tad deceptive in that the book’s not all a romp with a couple of adorable beagles.)
There is a helpful Resources section in the back that will be the reason I’m keeping the book rather than passing it on. It lists products, web sites, sanctuaries, books/magazines, documentaries (watch out for those).
The parts about the dogs provided some relief to the parts about her self-torture. Altho fair warning: one of the dogs can’t be saved. I kinda feel like the purpose of the book was to get out info about Beagle Freedom Project & lab testing, & about factory farming & slaughter & farm animal sanctuaries, & the parts about the dogs on the cover was the relief to make it all more readable. (Not comic relief, but lighter than the other stuff. The cover may be a tad deceptive in that the book’s not all a romp with a couple of adorable beagles.)
August 23, 2023
Ok, so I just started this book and I'm sorry, I just had to laugh when the new vet said, "do you live next to a nucular plant"? I to live in Riverside, California and we, my household of three has had many "issues" that started when we moved up closer to the "better" part of Riverside. We blame the water. Our plants are doing great but after more than a year of chasing infections and my dad developing an adrenal gland problem, along with low iron and potassium. We drink only bottled water now and I give my dog bottled every chance I get.
Seamus is diagnosed with a third cancer and Teresa takes a two week trip to India. She has a hard time the first week but the second week seems to go much better.
Teresa has a lot to say about the torture food animals endure before being butchered and she gives her readers an ear full along with giving us the info for ourselves if we want to do our own research; needless to say; Teresa is a vegan.
I think I get Teresa’s sense of humor and her new found passion for veganism and I do hope the next book will be released on Audible soon because, I hate listening on my Echo.
Seamus is diagnosed with a third cancer and Teresa takes a two week trip to India. She has a hard time the first week but the second week seems to go much better.
Teresa has a lot to say about the torture food animals endure before being butchered and she gives her readers an ear full along with giving us the info for ourselves if we want to do our own research; needless to say; Teresa is a vegan.
I think I get Teresa’s sense of humor and her new found passion for veganism and I do hope the next book will be released on Audible soon because, I hate listening on my Echo.
March 12, 2017
For animal lovers who struggle with eating meat/dairy products and wanting to become a vegan, this book is just what you need to read. I thought my eating only dairy and little meat was a good solution, but after reading her book and learning that dairy cows are treated even worst, I might have to rethink my milk and cheese consumption. Like my plastic free crusade, finding a way to co-exist in a world where so many don't share your concern and avoiding it completely is next to impossible, this book may help.
October 3, 2017
This is a tough read for most people - especially those who love animals but still eat them, but I think she writes in such a non-accusatory way, and it is DEFINITELY a discussion I think we need to have. I think we need to be aware of the way that animals are used & abused, on a daily basis for our benefit. I personally loved this book. I have been a vegetarian for almost 13 years, and am non working on being a vegan largely due to this book. She brings to light aspects I had not thought of previously, and I do think that if you know better, you do better.
August 30, 2018
the book went a completely different direction that I thought it would, but what kept me going was the humor and way the author wrote the book. Most of the topics were things that I think about, and just like the author have had to come to jesus about how I use things and self care in what is acceptable to me. But I have to say, I didn't expect the dairy cow section to punch me in the gut like it did. I'm going to really have to think about that one for a while. Nut yogurt here I come. :(
December 2, 2025
The memoir of a survivor of breast cancer and of the cancer journey of her beagle, the style is personally revealing, humble, unafraid to reveal vulnerabilities, occasionally leavened with a lacing of gentle humor as the author pokes a little fun at herself. Her dedication and devotion is heartwarming, and strengthening.
July 31, 2017
This book is amazing. Theresa's story is great but the story of the rescues is also amazing.
If you want to learn about how testing on animals has lasting impacts, read this.
If you want to learn about how testing on animals has lasting impacts, read this.
December 1, 2022
A great writer, but didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first one.. loved that one!
December 2, 2014
I really enjoyed reading Teresa Rhyne's The Dogs Were Rescued (and So Was I). This book was sent to me by the author, to review as part of a series of book reviews I provide for a friend's website/blog and personal business.
The author, a cancer survivor, herself, quickly draws the reader into her experiences and misadventures, both with her own battles with cancer, and that of her dog, Seamus (and others to come). Seamus' tale, began in her previous book The Dog Lived (and so Did I), (which I was not aware of, previously, and am dying to read!) is continued here, and the author also embarks on a new journey, with a new pair of beagles, and discusses her adventures into the vegan lifestyle.
This book begins with Rhyne's decision to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, chronicles her visit to India, and continues with acquiring her current four-legged family members. We get glimpses into her book tours and other travels, as well as her adventures (misadventures?) living a vegan lifestyle, and what it entails. The dietary portion of being a vegan seems so easy and readily accepted, but it is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as the author quips.
The author does a great job of honestly (and even humorously!) recounting her own experiences and personal concerns with going vegan, going overboard, becoming more and more overwhelmed, and finally finding a way to make peace with what she, herself, can do to make a difference. It's interesting to note how much of a difference each one of us can make, while also feeling like we are just one person and not doing "enough".
If you're interested in the vegan lifestyle, sustainable food, animal advocacy, or any one of so many other related issues, even if you aren't interested in ALL of them, I encourage you to pick up the book. It isn't just a life story or a "love of dogs" story. It's so much more. Teresa Rhyne manages to weave all aspects of her life (lawyer, dog lover, cancer survivor, vegan, animal advocate) into one tale.
The dogs, Daphne and Percival (though I am sad Percival didn't get to keep the name "Comet") provide their own comic relief and background for the story(and their share of stress as they learn to get along with one another and share a household and family!), as well as inserting their own brand of education upon their unwitting humans family members. I enjoyed the comical "Bachelorette" spin on Daphne's search for a playmate, and found it easily relatable, even though I haven't watched the show in years.
While I felt I was kept in suspense a bit too long as to the status of Daphne's lump (and that was one of the driving forces in the story for me), this part of the story parallels the author postponing her own annual checkup, keeping the reader in suspense on two planes. Funny how our dogs' lives mirror our own...
I appreciate being offered this book to read and review. It was a fun read and an entertaining insight into someone's life- with books, and dogs, and wine, and cheese... and vegans, and animal testing, and going cruelty-free, and spreading the word... and finding the balance within it all.
This book also contains a great section of resources if you'd like to learn more about the cruelty-free products available to you, or if you'd like to read/watch more about what goes on with regard to animal testing and how your food, cosmetics and medications are created. All of the information is presented in good spirit, without criticism or chastising. The quote from Mother Teresa said it best,
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Focusing on the bigger picture can be intimidating and discouraging. Each one of us can only do so much, within our means and abilities, and depending on what works best for us and our individual lives and needs, but we still make a difference, and each of us together makes that difference even greater. You do what you can, and know that that is ok and is "enough".
The author, a cancer survivor, herself, quickly draws the reader into her experiences and misadventures, both with her own battles with cancer, and that of her dog, Seamus (and others to come). Seamus' tale, began in her previous book The Dog Lived (and so Did I), (which I was not aware of, previously, and am dying to read!) is continued here, and the author also embarks on a new journey, with a new pair of beagles, and discusses her adventures into the vegan lifestyle.
This book begins with Rhyne's decision to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, chronicles her visit to India, and continues with acquiring her current four-legged family members. We get glimpses into her book tours and other travels, as well as her adventures (misadventures?) living a vegan lifestyle, and what it entails. The dietary portion of being a vegan seems so easy and readily accepted, but it is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as the author quips.
The author does a great job of honestly (and even humorously!) recounting her own experiences and personal concerns with going vegan, going overboard, becoming more and more overwhelmed, and finally finding a way to make peace with what she, herself, can do to make a difference. It's interesting to note how much of a difference each one of us can make, while also feeling like we are just one person and not doing "enough".
If you're interested in the vegan lifestyle, sustainable food, animal advocacy, or any one of so many other related issues, even if you aren't interested in ALL of them, I encourage you to pick up the book. It isn't just a life story or a "love of dogs" story. It's so much more. Teresa Rhyne manages to weave all aspects of her life (lawyer, dog lover, cancer survivor, vegan, animal advocate) into one tale.
The dogs, Daphne and Percival (though I am sad Percival didn't get to keep the name "Comet") provide their own comic relief and background for the story(and their share of stress as they learn to get along with one another and share a household and family!), as well as inserting their own brand of education upon their unwitting humans family members. I enjoyed the comical "Bachelorette" spin on Daphne's search for a playmate, and found it easily relatable, even though I haven't watched the show in years.
While I felt I was kept in suspense a bit too long as to the status of Daphne's lump (and that was one of the driving forces in the story for me), this part of the story parallels the author postponing her own annual checkup, keeping the reader in suspense on two planes. Funny how our dogs' lives mirror our own...
I appreciate being offered this book to read and review. It was a fun read and an entertaining insight into someone's life- with books, and dogs, and wine, and cheese... and vegans, and animal testing, and going cruelty-free, and spreading the word... and finding the balance within it all.
This book also contains a great section of resources if you'd like to learn more about the cruelty-free products available to you, or if you'd like to read/watch more about what goes on with regard to animal testing and how your food, cosmetics and medications are created. All of the information is presented in good spirit, without criticism or chastising. The quote from Mother Teresa said it best,
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Focusing on the bigger picture can be intimidating and discouraging. Each one of us can only do so much, within our means and abilities, and depending on what works best for us and our individual lives and needs, but we still make a difference, and each of us together makes that difference even greater. You do what you can, and know that that is ok and is "enough".
October 13, 2015
I really enjoyed Rhyne's 1st book: The Dog Was Saved and So Was I, since it involves her adoption of a frolicsome beagle. Both Seamus and the author develop cancer and it chronicles the development and fight for both of them. This book continues the story, of Seamus who is fighting a relapse. The book is interesting, but I feel the true intention of this book is to both educate and further her fight against testing on animals. Following the Beagle Freedom Project and educating herself against this cruel practice. While she does tell the story of Seamus, and her adoption of another dog saved through the BFP I felt sort of duped into reading what the book really was about. Not that I wasn't touched. I now follow the BFP on Facebook and look into animal testing on products before I buy items. Useful read and very eye-opening!
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