Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue

by Cindy Ojczyk

Watching her teens drift away, one mother wonders where she went wrong.

All Cindy Ojczyk and her husband, Joe, wanted was a happily ever after family. But as their daughters enter adolescence, a simmering disconnect starts to boil over—compounded by the death of their beloved dog.

Springing into action to curb the chaos, Cindy dreams up a foster for a pet rescue. Surely a parade of rescue dogs will temper their grief, reunite their family, and end sibling squabbles over which pup would best replace their long-time companion.

But the emotional tsunamis, slamming doors, and “I hate yous” continue with a ferocity that feels atypical. Finally, intensive evaluations conclude that both girls are struggling with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

For Cindy, managing her daughters’ mental health and restoring their confidence is only half the story. Discovering how to be the mother they need is the other. And as the kids spiral out of control, the healing power of dogs becomes the tether that keeps the family bond from unraveling.

Genres: Memoir

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Cindy Ojcyk is an award-winning writer, memorist, and lifelong pet foster whose work explores the emotional terrain of parenting, mental health, and the healing power of rescue animals. She uses storytelling to reveal the devotion we’ve shaped in pets as a mirror of the love and loyalty we long to give and receive.

Cindy lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota USA with her husband, a revolving cast of foster animals, and a few eccentric rescues who keep life interesting.

Her adult children, raised in a home full of fur, now tend to menageries of their own.

When Cindy is not writing or reading, she volunteers with animal and human welfare groups, tends to her little patch of native prairie, and walks in nature with whomever will accompany her.

Reviews

[Cara Achterberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits so close to home. This is so much more than a ‘dog book’. Ojczyk shares the struggles of parents – questioning your choices, your words, your actions. Even though they come from a place of love, it’s still easy to wonder, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ Using the stories of her effort to help helping foster dogs, she shares the beautiful lessons that helped her also be a good parent – not perfect, not always right, but always trying from the heart. Love this book and all it teaches us, not just about finding a home, but building one. Highly recommend this one - whether you love a kid or a dog, it will speak to your heart.

[Linda Hanstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut book, "Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue," Cindy Ojczyk ("O-check") does it all! She shares her passion for fostering dogs with the Second Chance organization she partners with in Minnesota. She writes a memoir of a family struggling through teenage mental health challenges, vulnerably sharing her own insecurities in parenting. And she uses her gift of language to pen an engaging and exquisite story of rescue, grief, love, and healing.

If you love dogs (or horses, or cats, or teenagers), you'll love Cindy's stories. From four-legged friends who take on human characteristics in the eyes of their loving caregivers, to family dynamics that threaten to undo mother-daughter relationships and sister bonds, each chapter is a vignette of humor, joy, frustration, fear, and finally, resolution. "Mom Loves the Dogs More" reminds readers that in rescuing others—whether dogs or daughters—we often find ourselves rescued too.

[KJ O'Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, easy to read memoir. If you love animals you will enjoy this book. I was often in tears from either laughter or something that touched my heart.

I admire Cindy and her family’s labor of love for these precious creatures that have been displaced. I have always felt that being able to care and love for an animal is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. May God bless those willing to open their hearts and homes to these sweet animals.

This books also illustrates the importance of advocating for your children; and if they are struggling how important it is to have a team to support your family through the challenges.

I LOVED how there was an adorable “headshot” of each of the animals in her home at the beginning of each chapter. It was fun to see these cuties and their personalities not only in the text, but in the photos.

[Robert J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that at first seems to be about one thing, but quickly reveals itself to be about something deeper. On the surface, it’s the story of a family learning to foster abandoned animals and, after a few successes, embracing full-fledged animal rescue. Each chapter introduces a new foster pet and follows the author’s family as they prepare it for adoption. The challenges are many—health problems, emotional scars, and puddles (lots and lots of puddles) on the floor. As if temporarily housing abandoned animals weren’t difficult enough, the family also faces upheaval when the two daughters reach their teenage years. More angst ensues. The author weaves these threads together with prose that is honest, hopeful, uplifting, and funny. The book moves along at a brisk pace.

But it’s more than the sum of its parts. At its heart, this is a story about learning to love unconditionally—about opening your home and your heart so others can live their best lives, and in doing so, discovering that you may be living your best life too.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I set out to find a story focused on rescue dogs, Cindy Ojczyk's "Mom Loves the Dogs More - A Memoir of Family Rescue" exceeded my expectations. This heartwarming memoir dedicates each chapter to a different rescue dog that the author's family fostered, creating an emotional rollercoaster that had me misty-eyed one moment and belly laughing the next in a matter of a few paragraphs.

Ojczyk's vivid descriptions of each dog's unique personality and her ability to capture their quirky characteristics tugged at my heartstrings. They left me giving my own two dogs extra hugs after every reading session. The author brings these rescue animals to life on the page, making each one feel like a beloved family member. I especially loved the photos of each dog at the beginning of each chapter.

What makes this memoir particularly compelling is how Ojczyk weaved family dynamics throughout each chapter. The portrayal of navigating marriage, raising teenagers, and welcoming new foster dogs felt authentic and relatable, and offered genuine insight into the beautiful chaos of a rescue-loving household. Plus, I learned what 'foster fail' means.

The family members were relatable, the dogs were adorable, and the entire book was completely unputdownable. One of my favourite lines from the book was "Annie was a pink tongue in a sea of toasted marshmallow softeners and a whole lot of happy."

Mom Loves the Dogs More is the perfect companion for a cozy reading session. Grab your favourite warm beverage, give your furry friend a treat, and prepare to fall in love with this delightful memoir. You'll be happy you did.

[Debbie Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cindy Ojczyk brings this heartwarming story of the human-canine connection to life as she describes how, through a series of foster dogs, she came to better understand her two teenage daughters and their unique challenges.

Each chapter describes a new foster dog entering with its own special appeal and accompanying baggage, which tests the limits of a family struggling to stay afloat. The adoptions, instead of being celebrated as happy events, evoke rage and grief from daughters Anna and Mia, who have formed deep attachments to their furry housemates. Through it all, the author’s positivity and perseverance help her celebrate all the successes with her family.

A must read for anyone who has loved dogs and complicated teens!

[J.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read. I was inspired on many levels. Yes, this is a book about the importance and value of fostering dogs, without a doubt. But as a former special education teacher this memoir delivered a story that will speak to the heart of any parent seeking to raise happy, successful children. Mom Loves the Dogs More seamlessly weaves a number of themes that will keep your fingers turning pages. From successful adoptions thanks to patience, persistence and love to understanding nuances that will help your child succeed in school and life. A truly satisfying read. The author should be proud of this heartfelt journey she so lovingly chronicled.

[Nancy Purdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Cindy Ojczyk writes with honesty and compassion about the complexities of raising teens with sudden onset mental issues, something that would tip over the best of us simply trying to navigate the teen years. These complexities are compounded by simultaneously fostering rescue dogs with serious issues and challenges of their own. Ojczyk shares a heartwarming family journey that blends both. Her writing style is direct but from the heart, weighted with true emotion, tempered by humor, with lessons of meeting adversity head on and a determination to find a healthy path through it all. This book leaves the reader with a renewed sense of love and hope.

[Mel Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

With heartwarming simplicity, the author touches on just about every challenge families face at one time or another. Ojczyk seamlessly connects the dots of loving parents, teen growth and changes, dedication to helping others - and in the process helps her family find their way to meaningful relationships. Beautifully written. Highly recommend.Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love rescue dogs? Hate your teenagers (sometimes)? Cindy Ojczyk can relate. This unusual memoir tells of the parental struggles most people have when their children become teens and want to rebel.
But the difficulties are mitigated, and it offers hope with its chapters on the dogs rescued by this family and how it brought people together. It would make a heart-warming book club book, and there's a reader's guide in the back.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!