To The Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission


By Tanya Turgeon

by Elise Lufkin
Photographs by Diana Walker
Skyhorse Publishing: 2009
$19.95
150 pages

The holiday season is upon us again and nothing will get you in the spirit of giving like the new book by Elise Lufkin, "To The Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission."

Lufkin, teamed with "TIME" photojournalist Diana Walker, already has a reputation from their first two collaborative collections ("Found Dogs" and "Second Chances") as an animal adoption advocate.  "To The Rescue" simply elaborates on one more reason why.  Through the experiences of some fifty-three rescued dogs and their people, Lufkin sheds light on the truly amazing gifts that each of these dogs - when given a second chance - is willing to bestow upon the community.

The stories are short, sweet, and as varied as the dogs and their rescuers.  The writing sometimes lacks the gentle flow of professional technique, but when you consider the spectrum of contributors, which includes a professional ski patroller, a pharmaceutical rep, a student, a scientist, an interior designer, an attorney or two, and many others, it's obvious it's not about the writing.  These dogs have been abused, abandoned, neglected or forgotten, yet somehow forgive the past and bring joy to the future, each in their special way.

A standout example is a husky who was left on the road with his back legs cut off.  After being taken in by Moe Moeller, retired executive director of the American Red Cross, Triumph now brings smiles to sick children.  From literacy centers to rescue patrols, assisting the disabled to rehabilitating prisoners, nursing homes to hospitals, these dogs provide priceless moments of joy, comfort, and hope in ways no one else can.  Perhaps it's because they understand how hard life can be.  Jo-Ann Wagner, a clinical social work with a rescued Bichon Frise, calls therapy dogs "angels in fur".  That sounds about right to me.

Lufkin smartly anticipates the inspiration these stories will incite by providing resources in the back including a Q&A about dog adoption and how to get involved with therapy dogs.  So if you want to give back this holiday season, consider these options and take it from "To The Rescue", it'll be more rewarding than any present you could receive.

 

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