The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats [Paperback]

Philip Gonzalez (Author), Leonard Fleischer (Author), Joan Baron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 1997

Move over, Lassie--the dog who rescues cats has struck a chord in America that will not stop resonating. This canine crusader's uncanny ability to find and rescue stray cats has melted hearts from coast to coast, generating massive media attention, making her the top dog in the talk-show circuit and winning her a host of humanitarian awards.

The Blessing of the Animals lets fans catch up on Ginny's latest adventures. Her newfound fame hasn't diminished her selfless devotion to her feline friends, and since the publication of her first book, she's carried out some of her most incredible rescues yet. In one episode, she burrows frantically through a container filled with broken glass, badly cutting her paws, to expose a tiny injured kitten. Sure to warm the hearts of all who read it, this unforgettable reading experience makes the perfect stocking stuffer, Valentine's Day keepsake or all-around feel-good gift for animal lovers everywhere.

Many thousands of readers have shared in the joy and compassion of Philip Gonzalez and his miracle dog, Ginny. Ginny's amazing sixth-sense ability to find and rescue ailing stray cats and Philip's devotion to caring for these creatures have been the subject of television news and talk shows, magazine articles and an outpouring of support from animal lovers everywhere. Since their first book, The Dog Who Rescues Cats, Philip and Ginny have carried out their most incredible rescues and gained fame along the way. The Blessing of the Animals is the next volume of their remarkable, heartwarming adventures.

"Lassie, go home. Ginny is the new wonder dog for those who love heartwarming, heroic canines." -- Kirkus Reviews

"There is an angel living in Long Island....The beauty of Ginny's rescues is that each is directed toward an animal desperately in need -- disabled, neglected, abused or on the narrow edge of survival." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A true, heartwarming story about a dog who gave her owner a new lease on life and taught him how to love again...Endearing and unforgettable." -- Library Journal

Philip Gonzalez and Ginny live on Long Island, New York. Leonore Fleischer is the coauthor of The Dog Who Rescues Cats and lives with five cats of her own in upstate New York.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This sequel to The Dog Who Rescues Cats (LJ 9/15/95), which went through seven printings, details more exploits of Gonzalez's heroic dog, Ginny.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Philip Gonzalez, Ginny, and their cats live in New York.

Leonore Fleischer has written more than fifty novelizations of films, including Rain Man and A Star is Born. She and her five cats live in upsate New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (August 23, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060928670
• ISBN-13: 978-0060928674
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,130,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for Animal Lovers, April 19, 2000

By 

Annelise (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats (Hardcover)

I am 11 years old and my father bought me this book about 2 years ago. I have read it three times already and I will most likely read it again as it is the best book I have ever read about a dog. This is a story that is both sad and happy. I love how Ginny went out and saved all those poor cats with disabilities. I own 2 cats and one lovely dog and I think this story is just great!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable, lovable stories of special dog who loves cats, September 19, 2000

By 

Judith E. Pavluvcik (Dreaming of the beach in Hawaii, but living in the reality of the desert in Arizona!!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats (Paperback)

This book is my first introduction to Ginny, the canine cat rescuer! I will now have to read Ginny's first book, The Dog Who Rescues Cats. All I can say is amazing and remarkable! This book is a delight for anyone from 5 to 95! This book will leave you laughing and crying at the heartfelt stories told by Ginny's "dad", Philip Gonzalez. Gonzalez claims that Ginny is an angel sent by God and I could not agree more! Ginny's rescues are incredible and the bond she shares with ALL the cats that she rescues is just as incredible.

Ginny gave Gonzalez a new lease on life, as he did for her. He rescued her from a shelter and she taught him about love and living again. Along with their friend Sheliah, these three are tireless in their efforts to rescue, feed and provide medical attention to homeless cats in Long Island, NY.

Ginny is a "love mop" as described by the author and this story is an absolute delight! Ginny has also been described as "the Mother Teresa of the cat world."

The rescue stories are amazing and will sure to tug at your heartstrings! This book is a gem!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful, May 5, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats (Paperback)

I read this book in one afternoon and handed it off to my husband, who could not put it down. I relate to the author in one respect: after having animals all my life, I connected with one cat so profoundly that I have devoted my life and work to alleviating animal suffering and overcoming the devastating problem of pet overpopulation. It's bittersweet. I love animals with a depth that is so satisfying, and enjoy human and animal company more than I ever was able. But I am now so attuned to animal suffering (generally due to human neglect or abuse -- I'm not trying to fight the forces of nature) that it is difficult to focus on anything else. Just read this book. It feels so good!