Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued

by Kim Meeder, Laurie Sacher

An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue.
Two lives forever changed.

Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.
 
An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.
 
As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s grace even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.
 
“Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is.”    --Kim Meeder, Blind Hope

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Christian, Dogs, Memoir, Inspirational, Adult

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Kim Meeder is the cofounder and director of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, an organization that rescues abused and dying horses and pairs them with children in need.

Kim’s first book, Hope Rising, propelled the ranch to win the national Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and launched her extensive public/motivational speaking schedule at schools, churches, and governmental conferences across the United States. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for twenty-five years and live in Central Oregon. The size of their family fluctuates each year with the number of horses and kids that they rescue.

Reviews

[Tima · Rating 1 out of 5]

Laurie is a broken soul who rescues a broken dog. The book is a conversation between Laurie and Kim as they talk about how Mia, the dog, has rescued Laurie.

I read the brief description on the website before choosing to review this book. Like many other readers I was surprised to find this was a book about a woman's spiritual journey and very little about a dog. This wouldn't have been so bad if the writing style had been clearer. The format is conversations between the two authors and it was so stilted. I seriously hope they don't talk this way with each other in reality. It was very difficult to get into the story, because there just wasn't one. While the insights were helpful to the author, they seemed very overdone and contrived. I wouldn't recommend this book since there are so many others out there that have clearer spiritual insights.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspirational and challenging. Kim and Laurie tell a story that had me asking “How much do we really want to sacrifice to help others?” I loved Kim’s other 2 books—Hope Rising and A Bridge Called Hope—this one had a different feel to it, because it is about Laurie, one of the volunteers at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch who became a member of the staff. The other books were about the children and horses they rescue at the ranch. Laurie, rescues a very sick, neglected dog who then helps her through a season of healing and personal growth. The lessons she learns, as she takes on the responsibility of nurturing this dog, hold valuable lessons for each of us.

Emotionally touching, Blind Hope is a good story for animal lovers and also for anyone who has questioned God about the tough stuff in their life. It can be read by teens and older children, and would be a great tool to use when teaching about animal rescue.

I read this in Kindle.

[Diane D]

I haven't purchased many books lately, but I made an exception when I saw the cover on this one. I am a big sucker for animal stories. especially ones that can bring a tear to your eyes. So naturally when this book arrive last week I could not wait to read it. It is an easy book to read in one sitting, and that is pretty much what I did.

In case you are not familiar with this book, Kim Meeder tells the story of Laurie Sacher, a broken, troubled, woman who came to work at her ranch, Crystal Parks Youth Ranch in Oregon. Laurie suffered from a food obsession, equating thinness to happiness. She decides to adopt an Austrailian Shepherd mix dog, but when she went to see the dog, it was not the dog she imagined it might be. The dog was skinny and smelly, and had lots of issues. Despite this Laurie took the dog, renamed it Mia, and, little by little, the dog transformed her life. How did Mia, the blind dog do this? By teaching Laurie life lessons and bringing her closer to God.

MY THOUGHTS - The story is not what I expected! I was prepared for a tear jerker story about Mia, the blind dog, but that never happened. Instead of the tears, what hit me in the face was that this book was more about Laurie and her learning to listen to, and follow God. It was very preachy, and just not the kind of book I would ever enjoy. I was not expecting that. I would not have purchased this book had I realized this from the beginning. My cover attraction did me in this time. If you do not mind heavily faith based stories, this book might work for you; Mia was inspiring and the photos were great. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart. When I first saw it I wanted to read it because it was about an Aussie. I miss my Aussie who was taken by cancer so I thought this would be a really great book. I didn't even read what it was about other than the front, about an unwanted blind dog and the woman she rescued, and it sounded good enough to me.

This is about a woman rescuing a dog in a horrible situation. She probably didn't have that many more days left until she was rescued.

This is a story about a woman finding herself and God through the love of an unwanted/mistreated dog. I was touched at so many references in this book that reflects my own life. I certainly I can find my way, my life, my everything as Laurie did in this book. I found this to be very inspirational and many times I cried. I always cry, good or bad.

Thank you for sharing this story.

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of one woman's spiritual journey as she adopts and learns to care for and love a neglected,sickly dog.As she struggles to forge a loving nurturing relationship with the broken spirit of the dog, Mia, she draws parallels between what she is trying to accomplish with Mia, and her relationship with God.
Over all this is a very heart warming story with some good spiritual insights.Where the book fails is with the conversations she has with her good friend that operates a faith-based rescue ranch. The dialogue is superficial and forced. It comes off as a thinly veiled commercial for the ranch. It would have been better if Laurie, the girl that rescued the dog just told her story, and left the ranch operator to write her own book.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the message of this book. It's both uplifting and thought provoking, which is a difficult combination. To make you critically evaluate your behavior without feeling frustration at your failings is not easy to do, but I think the author captured it. The language and writing style are a little flowery, and for a jaded old cynic like myself, that can be off-putting. But overall, I enjoyed the story and found insights which I can apply, and that's ultimately the purpose in a book like this. So...good.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story about Laurie, and what she learns from her dog Mia after adopting her. Laurie's experience with Mia has incredibly strong ramifications upon her spiritual life and leads her back to the Lord, in a deeper way than she ever knew Him before. The writing style was uncomplicated, and seemed to be more of a conversation between friends (which, essentially, it was; this book was built upon and embodies many conversations between Laurie and author Kim Meeder). This book challenged me personally to reflect upon my relationship with the Lord and with others, and to what extent I am willing to love "the least of these" and nurture those in my life. It was a book I needed at just the right time; it was a quick read, but it reminded me about living in the moment, trusting my Heavenly Father, following the leading of His voice, being grateful, and forgiving myself and others.

[Cristal Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed by this book. It isn’t really about the dog. The dog is the hook to get you to read a preachy, syrupy “come to Jesus” book. I wouldn’t believe the dog and owner were real except there are photos of them in the book. The story is heavily contrived to wrap around a religious agenda.

I would have responded better to the religious messaging if it hadn’t been shoved in my face and force fed page after page. I expected a book about a dog, but the dog’s story is a short essay scattered across a verbally bloated sermon.

[Hannah Faltisko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually surprised me. I expected it to be all about rescuing a dog in need but instead it told a deep and emotional journey of finding Christ through a dog in need. This story shared so many great lessons and really challenges the reader to step back and look at their life and journey with Christ. Another reminder of how God is always with us in life and teaches us through so many experiences, people, and even animals.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point in my life I am not overly religious…and this book is VERY religious…yet I am glad I read it. In addition to being a sweet story of the bond that forms between a desperate dog and the struggling woman who rescues her…Blind Hope offers some solid advice to improve our lives as we strive to improve the lives of others. It’s an easy read, and it’s worth it.

[Katherine Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I did like about the book - how it talks about Biblical truths. It does this well.

What I didn't like about the book - I felt like I was attending someone's counselling session for almost the entire time - the narrative style was annoying me. I was glad it was a short book. The style of writing didn't work me.

[Ravin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely spiritually refreshing read!! I’m not as much of a reader as my husband but this book was so good that I started and finished it in the same day! Reading this story today blessed my soul…towards the end it even brought tears to my eyes. I was challenged, captivated, and deeply encouraged!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons learned from a stray dog that completely turn her life around.

Insights from a dog rescuer as an unwanted stray becomes a beloved friend and teaches her new master how to live, love and how to receive God's love

[Lyndsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up* I wanted this book to be more about the dog than her adopter. I felt like I was reading notes from every therapy session. What I did like is the fact it supports the idea that dogs can teach us a lot!

[lisa lumley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous story of hope. Kim Needed is excellent writer.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than you can hope for

It is a heartwarming tale and very much to the point describing all things as they are and how life is not perfect. Very inspirational.

[Dianne Karesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Full of surprises. This is a double journey. The rescue of a broken dog and a broken girl, but also the parallel rescue of a girl by her loving god .

[Allie E St John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

This book touched my heart. As I started reading it, I thought of others that I wished would read it. As I finished it, I realized it was me that needed to read it.

[VICKY A MOORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This was a great book. Couldn’t put it down. I could identify with so much she wrote about. I have dog that has touched my life in so many way. Love it!!
Thank you!!

[Natalie Klingler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blind Hope

I saw God even before Laurie did, but since I am a Jesus believer.
I still learned a lot so Thank you

[Nancy Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved it and also have a rescue who is blind now and is my life. Truly Great book. Very Inspirational

[Lynnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story of love and hope.
Kim tells the story of Laurie telling the story of her dog Mia. I think it would have been better just written as the story, not as a story of the story being told.

[Shonessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!! Read it in one sitting. Definitely worth acquiring and inspiring. Love the dog and God comparisons. An easy read.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I am still thinking about what I read 3 days later because that is how good it was.

[Cathy Bickerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Meeder writes excellent books. This one centers on Mia, a rescued dog, and Laurie, the woman she taught so for about life, trust, hope and peace.

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably about 95% evangelizing/proselytizing, 5% about the dog.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I absolutely must stop choosing books that I know from the beginning have a slim chance of being a finished product that I enjoy, but the premise is something that I want to like. In this case, the book is called Blind Hope, and it is subtitled, An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued. I like animals (sometimes in little doses at a time, and mostly when I have no responsibility for them, but still...I like them), and I especially like hearing about connections between humans and animals. This is non-fiction, and takes place in Oregon on a youth ranch that pairs rescued horses with disadvantaged children, resulting in a win-win. I think the work they do is great, and the two authors of this book, one the owner of the ranch, and the other an employee, are to be commended for their work. However, perhaps they should not be the ones writing about it. Actually, this book does not cover the actual work so much as the employee's personal experience over a period of time. Apparently, the owner has written two other books, which I assume focus more on the development of the ranch.




I was interested in the employee's (Laurie) experience with her dog. Because she worked at a rescue area, they frequently hear of all sorts of animals who have been poorly taken care of. On one occasion, Laurie felt compelled to be the one to take in a mistreated dog. She went over to the place to get her, and was repulsed by the dog...she was ugly, smelly, just overall disgusting. Yet, Laurie had already committed to her, so she followed through. I think this is a good start to the story, and had a lot of promise. But I don't think that the authors showed much trust in the readers. I felt almost bludgeoned with the morals and lessons learned from this period in Laurie's life. I found the recaptured conversations between Kim and Laurie to be extremely awkward. They were captured in quotes, so I found myself wondering if there had been some sort of recorder there for them to be able to remember the conversation verbatim. And Kim keeps coming across as some sort of spiritual guru, always asking prompting questions and somehow being able to see the answers that Laurie was seeking or should have been seeking. The book would have been much stronger if these conversations were left out entirely, and instead let the connection between Mia (the dog) and Laurie shine. Most of us would be able to pick out ourselves in the parallels of blind Mia being led by the voice of Laurie, and sometimes choosing to venture out on her own, which resulted in some painful lessons and Laurie going after her. No need to just spell out every life lesson.


If you are looking for a powerful animal and her person story, my suggestion would be to look elsewhere. This is an easy read, and I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. The writing and organization of the book do not do the story justice.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book to read for Blogging for Books as my first free book to review. Knowing it was a true story, I procrastinated for a long time because I just didn't want to read a tear jerker. After coming to the realization that I have always instilled in my children that they must meet all their commitments and live up to their promises, I picked up the book. To be given a book for free in exchange for a review is the same as a handshake agreement and I needed to live up to my commitment. That being said, I am so glad I finally pushed through my hesitations and really sat down and read the book.
Blind Hope was not what I expected, and I am so glad I read it. Did I cry? Yes I did, but not as much as I thought I would. I found my heart breaking right along with Laurie as she went through the many changes in her dog Mia after the dog was diagnosed with diabetes. I don't know if I would have had the patience or ability to care for an animal that was both blind and diabetic with the grace that Laurie showed. That being said and under the impression that Kim Meeder the author was probably trying to provide Laurie with some privacy while writing a book for the world to read I found myself wanting more details. I wanted to know the reason that Laurie felt so bad about herself. I wanted more details. Having never had the privilege of caring for a high needs animal I found that while I empathized with Laurie, I had no experience to make a connection. Not having that connection I wanted more of a connection with Laurie than I got. I also did not make a connection with the author as she was telling the story in a somewhat detached manner.
So having no emotional connection to either the author or Laurie at the beginning of the book, I had to make a connection with the words she wrote. It didn't take long. Once I figured out how she was telling the story, it was much easier to make a connection. The detailed descriptions of the ranch and the horse rides took me there, and made me want to go see her lovely ranch in person.
However, I am forgetting one of the main characters in the story, Mia. While she never said a word, her story is one that anyone can listen too it they listen hard enough. She teaches unending, unconditional love. She teaches that even with adversity one must live each day with over flowing joy. She teaches that no matter what the outside looks like, the inside where the heart and soul are, those are the places to look for the true nature of a person.
The question I am struggling with is: If I were given the chance to come face to face with a dog like Mia and care for her, would I? I think the answer would have to be a resounding Yes, it would be an honor.

[Beverly Frisby · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued"

Book blurb:

An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue. — Sometimes the life you save may be your own. — Laurie had her own shattered dreams before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, the ranch of rescued dreams where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. Reaching out to save a dog in need, Laurie soon realized that the dog was rescuing her.
An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog and her own heart Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.
As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s selfless love even for imperfect and selfish people and she experienced a greater love than she has ever known.

My review:

As an animal lover and proudly “owned” by a Himalayan Persian, an English Setter, a Saint Bernard and a Blue and Gold Macaw, I was eager to read Kim and Laurie’s book. The cover alone captured my attention, encouraging me to curl up in a comfortable chair and read.

“Blind Hope” helps remind us that the bond between animal and human can bring out the best in other through friendship and hardship. Through this book, Kim showed us how God can use dogs to spread His love, to reach out to others in hope and joy.

Each chapter begins with a black and white picture of Laurie and Mia, which help to solidify the bond between the two. Scattered through-out the book are quotes taken from Kim and Laurie’s conversations: “When we choose joy, our problems don’t go away, but our sorrow, loneliness, and low self-esteem do” and “Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is.”
“Blind Hope” is uplifting, encouraging, and emotional. The reader will come away filled with marvel of God’s grace and all encompassing love. I highly recommend this book.

You can read more about Kim Meeder by visiting her website, www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org.

I received a complimentary copy of Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more from this book in that it was less about the dog and more about the woman and how the relationship with her dog paralleled her relationship with Christ. 'Blind Hope' is told from the perspective of Kim Meeder, who runs a ranch for rescued horses and rescued souls, and conversations she had with her friend Laurie, who rescues Mia the dog. Laurie was one of those lost souls when she began volunteering at the ranch, eventually working her way to paid employee status, but still felt she was missing something when a call came to the ranch about a neglect situation involving a few horses and other animals, including Mia. Laurie formed a mental image of a beautiful Australian Shepherd who would be her hiking companion and perfect in every way, so when she saw Mia for the first time, skinny, with matted fur, rotten teeth, and bad breath, she considered backing out of the deal but realized if she didn't try to save Mia, no one would. Her vet painted an even worse picture by determining that Mia had diabetes which would require daily injections, extensive dental disease which meant pulling many of her teeth and never quite being able to cure the bad breath, a left eye so damaged it would need to be removed, and a cataract on her right eye that would rob her of the rest of her vision. Again, Laurie accepted the news and decided to make what time she had with Mia the best it could be.
If this was the path the book continued on, I would have enjoyed it more. Instead, it ended up being a dialogue between Laurie and Kim over a few months on all the things she learned from Mia that she then realized were the same things she should have been observing and striving towards in her relationship with Christ. For example, in their early days, Mia wouldn't listen to Laurie's commands to keep her from danger, which led to plenty of bumps on the head and bloody noses as Mia ran into obstacles she couldn't see. Similarly, Laurie looked back at her life and saw how God was trying to guide her yet she would choose her own path that led to heartache and disappointment. When Mia began to trust in Laurie, and Laurie began to trust in God's directions, both of the relationships flourished.
I have read plenty of Christian-themed books that don't feel preachy, instead weaving the life lessons in amongst a good story. This wasn't one of them. It felt as if Mia was just a convenient way to bring the message of 'surrender yourself to Christ as the only way to find fulfillment in your life' to a new audience.