SOLVED. SyFy - Mixed alien race comes to Earth looking for new recruits in an intergalactic war [s]

[Chris]

The aliens are made up of biped dogs and some little rodent type things (i think) among others. When they get to Earth they are shocked about how violent our race is and try to learn more about us. They make contact with one man who they pay in gold which they can manufacture from coral (or something like that?). Ge agrees to help their cause by finding people they can take away and study. Hi bribes a mixed bunch of rejects (elderly, homeless and alike)with the manufactured gold thinking that the aliens will take a poor view on the human race and not return.

This was the first book in a series and I would be keen to read the rest.

Many thanks in advance for any help on naming this book.

[Chris]

Scrap that, I've just found it.

A Call to Arms by Alan Dean Foster.

:)