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I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and their Humans
“I’m so thrilled to discover this beautiful collection of stories featuring these imperfectly perfect rescue pups. I Chose You has won my heart!”
— Janice Thompson, author of Paws for Reflection: 50 Devotions for Dog Moms
“Great read! Nothing in life is perfect except unconditional love. I Chose You captures that choice!”
— Adrian Palmer Board of Directors Medical Advisor Australian Shepherds Furever Rescue
“The best prescription I can write for trauma survivors, veterans with PTSD, and others with mental health issues, is the healing power of dogs. I Chose You is the perfect gift for yourself or a dog lover and a wonderful reminder of the unbreakable bond between canines and their people.”
—Angela Miller, Licensed Professional Therapist
I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfectly Rescue Dogs and Their Humans is a must-read collection of honest, humorous, and heartwarming stories about rescue dogs who found their forever homes. I Chose You reminds us to be grateful for second chances and that the right dog, at the right time, changes everything for the better.
— Janice Thompson, author of Paws for Reflection: 50 Devotions for Dog Moms
“Great read! Nothing in life is perfect except unconditional love. I Chose You captures that choice!”
— Adrian Palmer Board of Directors Medical Advisor Australian Shepherds Furever Rescue
“The best prescription I can write for trauma survivors, veterans with PTSD, and others with mental health issues, is the healing power of dogs. I Chose You is the perfect gift for yourself or a dog lover and a wonderful reminder of the unbreakable bond between canines and their people.”
—Angela Miller, Licensed Professional Therapist
I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfectly Rescue Dogs and Their Humans is a must-read collection of honest, humorous, and heartwarming stories about rescue dogs who found their forever homes. I Chose You reminds us to be grateful for second chances and that the right dog, at the right time, changes everything for the better.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 9, 2024
✨Blurb✨
I Chose You is a collection of short testimonials from dog owners along with narratives from the author. It gives tips and encouragement for anyone looking to adopt or those who already have.
✨Review✨
I absolutely love dogs, and this book made my heart so happy. It was full of stories that made me laugh, smile, and melt with joy. As all journeys go with dogs, some stories were too short and left my heart in pieces. I Chose You made me look at my pups through clearer lenses and will be a light the next time I look to adopt. The stories explaining how all dogs are different and the humans that worked so hard to make their dogs the best pups will stay with me for a while.
I'd recommend this book if you like dogs, are looking to adopt, need some encouragement with an adoption, or just want your heart strings pulled for a little while.
I Chose You is a collection of short testimonials from dog owners along with narratives from the author. It gives tips and encouragement for anyone looking to adopt or those who already have.
✨Review✨
I absolutely love dogs, and this book made my heart so happy. It was full of stories that made me laugh, smile, and melt with joy. As all journeys go with dogs, some stories were too short and left my heart in pieces. I Chose You made me look at my pups through clearer lenses and will be a light the next time I look to adopt. The stories explaining how all dogs are different and the humans that worked so hard to make their dogs the best pups will stay with me for a while.
I'd recommend this book if you like dogs, are looking to adopt, need some encouragement with an adoption, or just want your heart strings pulled for a little while.
May 13, 2023
I love reading books that are about dogs, have dogs in the story, or really anything that involves dogs.
I loved reading all of the different dog stories. They shared what they went through and how lives were transformed. It gave me an overall warm feeling.
We rescued two dogs, and they brought us so much joy. I think when you choose a dog, and they choose you back, a bond is formed that cannot be broken. Love is unconditional.
While I read this book quickly, I still took my time in savoring the different stories and what each owner and dog endured to get where they were in the end.
These stories will touch your heart, and I recommend rushing out and purchasing your own copy. You will be glad you did.
We give this book 5 paws up.
I loved reading all of the different dog stories. They shared what they went through and how lives were transformed. It gave me an overall warm feeling.
We rescued two dogs, and they brought us so much joy. I think when you choose a dog, and they choose you back, a bond is formed that cannot be broken. Love is unconditional.
While I read this book quickly, I still took my time in savoring the different stories and what each owner and dog endured to get where they were in the end.
These stories will touch your heart, and I recommend rushing out and purchasing your own copy. You will be glad you did.
We give this book 5 paws up.
April 21, 2023
A Tissues and Teddy Collection of Short Stories.
A wonderful collection of stories focuses on the relationships between man and his four-legged best friend
Each story spotlights the give and takes that occur between the rescuer and rescued - Sometimes I couldn't tell who rescued who
From the elderly (both canine and human) to the incarcerated - each tale was heartfelt and at times very emotional
The stories were well-balanced
Hopelessness when there was no hope left -
Light when there was only darkness -
Acceptance when rejection was all they had known -
Each tale was heartfelt
Highly recommend
A wonderful collection of stories focuses on the relationships between man and his four-legged best friend
Each story spotlights the give and takes that occur between the rescuer and rescued - Sometimes I couldn't tell who rescued who
From the elderly (both canine and human) to the incarcerated - each tale was heartfelt and at times very emotional
The stories were well-balanced
Hopelessness when there was no hope left -
Light when there was only darkness -
Acceptance when rejection was all they had known -
Each tale was heartfelt
Highly recommend
June 6, 2024
Loved reading stories about dog adoption
May 8, 2023
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)
My Review:
Even if you have never had a dog, you will quickly be drawn to the amazing dogs that are highlighted in I Chose You. Dog owners though, will recognize the truth in so many of the quotes which begin each story and the testimonies of all the writers/owners.
Leal has interspersed her own stories about her rescue Coconut, with other short stories about rescue dogs and their owners.
Each section has several stories about different aspects of dog ownership – from puppies to senior dogs- and how the
animals became part of their families.
We are also given advice about how to adopt a rescue, how to take care of these dogs and why rescues make such perfect pets.
Some of my favourite statements throughout the book point to the value of adopting a rescue dog and the lessons learned about love (and loss):
“He arrived at a time in our lives when we needed him more than he needed us.” Karen McCalpin
“I believe God gave us dogs to show us unconditional love.” Eva Popek
“He taught me to live life in the now, to worry less about the “what ifs”. Michelle Redman
“Dogs have a way of working their furry selves in our souls.” Barbara Marshak
I so enjoyed all the stories and was touched by so many. I highly recommend this book of rescue stories.
My Review:
Even if you have never had a dog, you will quickly be drawn to the amazing dogs that are highlighted in I Chose You. Dog owners though, will recognize the truth in so many of the quotes which begin each story and the testimonies of all the writers/owners.
Leal has interspersed her own stories about her rescue Coconut, with other short stories about rescue dogs and their owners.
Each section has several stories about different aspects of dog ownership – from puppies to senior dogs- and how the
animals became part of their families.
We are also given advice about how to adopt a rescue, how to take care of these dogs and why rescues make such perfect pets.
Some of my favourite statements throughout the book point to the value of adopting a rescue dog and the lessons learned about love (and loss):
“He arrived at a time in our lives when we needed him more than he needed us.” Karen McCalpin
“I believe God gave us dogs to show us unconditional love.” Eva Popek
“He taught me to live life in the now, to worry less about the “what ifs”. Michelle Redman
“Dogs have a way of working their furry selves in our souls.” Barbara Marshak
I so enjoyed all the stories and was touched by so many. I highly recommend this book of rescue stories.
May 14, 2023
This is a great collection of stories about dogs. There is the support dog, assisting in healing from trauma after an accident. There are stories about rescue dogs, about renaming dogs, loving a dog when it has been mistreated, dogs with bad behavior, and many more. Most of the stories are very touching but there are a few with humor too. And then there are the heart wrenching ones of letting go. A variety of authors are included so this collection has a wide variety of stories emphasizing rescue dogs.
If you like inspiring stories featuring canine friends, you will like this collection. Unconditional love, companionship, emotional healing, these stories show how rescue dogs can be be the greatest of companions. As Leal says, “You can't buy love, but you can find it in shelters around the country.” (235)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through WOW! Women on Writing. My comments are an independent and honest review.
If you like inspiring stories featuring canine friends, you will like this collection. Unconditional love, companionship, emotional healing, these stories show how rescue dogs can be be the greatest of companions. As Leal says, “You can't buy love, but you can find it in shelters around the country.” (235)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through WOW! Women on Writing. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 6, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via the BOOKLounge Facebook group for Authors and Readers and this is my honest and voluntary review.
In I Chose You, we see a collection of journeys through the eyes of dog owners. With over 80 stories about rescue dogs, we see a multitude of reasons why we should adopt and not shop.
I absolutely LOVED this book! The writing style was amazing and captivated me from the very beginning. Each story has different underlying themes which I thoroughly enjoyed and the different personalities of each dog shine through. Carmen’s work with New PAWSibilities is admirable and after overcoming so much trauma, I’m glad Coconut can bring so much peace to Carmen! After losing my two fur-baby’s last year, I found quite a few stories made me tear up - especially as one was a rescue. Each story brought fond memories up which I absolutely loved.
At 264 pages long, this took me just under four hours to read. I highly recommend it to any dog lover out there, even those just toying with the idea of adopting a companion.
10/10
In I Chose You, we see a collection of journeys through the eyes of dog owners. With over 80 stories about rescue dogs, we see a multitude of reasons why we should adopt and not shop.
I absolutely LOVED this book! The writing style was amazing and captivated me from the very beginning. Each story has different underlying themes which I thoroughly enjoyed and the different personalities of each dog shine through. Carmen’s work with New PAWSibilities is admirable and after overcoming so much trauma, I’m glad Coconut can bring so much peace to Carmen! After losing my two fur-baby’s last year, I found quite a few stories made me tear up - especially as one was a rescue. Each story brought fond memories up which I absolutely loved.
At 264 pages long, this took me just under four hours to read. I highly recommend it to any dog lover out there, even those just toying with the idea of adopting a companion.
10/10
December 7, 2022
If you're looking for something a dog-loving friend will enjoy, look no further. With short, easy-to-read chapters, this book is a testament to the power of dogs in our lives. It's written primarily by Carmen Leal, who volunteered with a rescue organization in WI, with many chapters contributed by others whose lives have been impacted by rescued pooches. The focus is on rescue and shelter dogs, not pricey, pedigreed dogs. These stories will make you go hug your own pooch out of appreciation and love. And if that's not enough, all proceeds benefit dog rescue organizations.
August 24, 2024
Loved reading this book
This collection of stories is imperfectly perfect. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. It made me reflect on the dogs that I've had in my life and their importance to me at that time.
None of the stories were too long and many I wished were longer. I definitely wish the book could continue on, it was my sit down, take a break, and feel better afterwards book I'm.
S definite MUST READ!
This collection of stories is imperfectly perfect. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. It made me reflect on the dogs that I've had in my life and their importance to me at that time.
None of the stories were too long and many I wished were longer. I definitely wish the book could continue on, it was my sit down, take a break, and feel better afterwards book I'm.
S definite MUST READ!
October 9, 2022
I love this book. The stories are absolutely thoughtful and heartwarming and they WILL stick with you! Wonderful book to tuck away with on a cozy evening with a cup of tea or to give as a thoughtful gift.
March 9, 2023
Looking for a book that celebrates the beautiful and sometimes difficult relationships between dogs and humans? Look no further than "I Chose You." This collection of rescued dog tales is filled with heartwarming and honest accounts of the bonds that form between dogs and their rescuers. The short stories are perfect for reading in spare moments, and while some are tearjerkers, they ultimately showcase the many wonderful reasons why you should rescue a dog. Particularly moving are the stories about senior pups, who are often overlooked but have so much love to give. The author takes you on a journey of tragedy and triumph, and shows how dogs can actually rescue their humans. You'll be inspired by the selfless people who help these dogs live out their best lives, and may even find yourself considering rescuing another dog after reading this book.
January 11, 2023
Heartwarming and Beautiful
Although I knew much of Carmen's and Coconut's stories, there are tidbits within this book that explain much more. Once I figured out the format (sometimes their story/sometime other's stories), the book flowed along in an easy-to-understand fashion. I did find that many of the other's stories included the death of the author's pet :-( (Perhaps these ones were just harder for me this week with lifechanging happenings and my own doggy getting old-made me sad) But the stories also included moments that gave life, vitality and special moments. I was so thrilled when Coconut came along for Carmen and made such an impact and was even happier to meet Coconut in person a few years ago. I told Carmen when I met her initially and also when I met Coconut that I wished she would write again and have prayed for her to be able to rediscover her joy of writing again. And now we have the result - a beautiful testimonial of a life saved, as well as a life that continues to give to others in ways she never thought even possible.
Although I knew much of Carmen's and Coconut's stories, there are tidbits within this book that explain much more. Once I figured out the format (sometimes their story/sometime other's stories), the book flowed along in an easy-to-understand fashion. I did find that many of the other's stories included the death of the author's pet :-( (Perhaps these ones were just harder for me this week with lifechanging happenings and my own doggy getting old-made me sad) But the stories also included moments that gave life, vitality and special moments. I was so thrilled when Coconut came along for Carmen and made such an impact and was even happier to meet Coconut in person a few years ago. I told Carmen when I met her initially and also when I met Coconut that I wished she would write again and have prayed for her to be able to rediscover her joy of writing again. And now we have the result - a beautiful testimonial of a life saved, as well as a life that continues to give to others in ways she never thought even possible.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews