Customer Reviews

Canine Caper : Real Life Tales of a Female Pet Vigilante

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I stumbled across this book and almost didn't buy it because I knew it would make me bawl like a baby. I wasn't wrong.

Having worked organized rescue, I've seen some horrible situations. I'm not sure anyone can fully understand the horrors of a puppy mill without not having been to one and pulled dogs out.

Animals are abused and neglected every day. And sadly, in most states, such a thing is a misdemeanor at best. A misdemeanor that no one wants to bother enforcing. The fact that animals are often times after thoughts, disposable pieces of garbage that people can toss away without a glance back seems to be unimportant to many people. And to those it does matter to, they often find themselves frustrated and at a loss when having to deal with the red tape and rules when it comes to trying to help these animals.

But at least those people try to help.

Someone earlier stated that helping one or two dogs doesn't help the big picture. Maybe not. But tell that to the dogs who found new homes and new lives.

Some folks may call Rose Block a vigilante. Personally I say more power to her. Even if you're not an animal person, how anyone could sit by and watch one be as horribly abused as she describes is beyond me. While the writing in this book is obviously not at a "professional" level, the story that is told is both gut wrenching and inspiring.

That being said, the world needs more people like Rose. People who understand that if we can't even care for the animals, how can we possibly care for ourselves?

I'm an animal lover, and have been a rescuer, fosterer, and caretaker --not only of domestic pets, but abused wild animals as well. I love animal-rescue books, and have read (and own) hundreds. Even those written by amateurs are usually interesting, inspiring and heartening.

That said, I found this book (and its author) disappointing at best, and appalling at worst.

I do not impugn Ms. Block's motives, doubt her intentions, or insult the goodness of her heart. However, this is an absolutely TERRIBLE book.

Besides agreeing with every point already made by "A Customer" (who also gave this book one star, and whose insightful comments I gratefully need not repeat), this book seems to have been written by a simpleton. Ms. Block did not care to learn about improving official animal rescue and legislation; and her co-writer equalled this level of ignorance, in sheer lack of literary ability. To say that the characters were flat and events lifeless, is itself a flattering overstatement. What should have been harrowing middle-of-the-night rescues were rendered so inert, that they were frankly unbelievable. Even the dogs, in the throes of being rescued from dire straits, were boring! The people were so one-dimensional, they seemed little more than paper dolls; bare outlines on the page.

This book is going to the secondhand store, as quickly as I can get it out of the house.

If you want to read a GOOD animal-rescue book, read INSTEAD, "Best Friends: The True Story of the World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary" by Samantha Glen.

I've always had a soft spot for the underdog, the defenseless being that seems to suffer the most unwarranted abuse. Sharon Block's soft spot was for dogs. No matter where she found them, if they were suffering through no fault of their own, she was determined to change their lives.

What started as a horror she couldn't turn her back on, soon became an obsession and then a way of life. She gave up her job, her family time, even her home for these mistreated creatures. Her courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles are a testimony to just how much one person can accomplish to right a terrible wrong in a sometimes indifferent world.

The trials that the author, Delilah Ahrendt, suffered to bring this book to you would make a story in itself. She is to be commended for her persistance in the face of dubious representation and her dedication to bring you the true story of Rose Block. New Horizon Press is also to be commended for their earnest commitment to Ms Ahrendt and a story they believed in.

The lessons that Sharon Block learned are now being passed along to many. The unforgettable events of a September morning speak of bravery, selfless commitment and sacrifice. Read this book, share in the inspiring story and then ask yourself what you are willing to sacrifice so that others might know freedom from pain and despair.

I loved the subject matter of this book(rescuing neglected and abused dogs), a subject very dear to my heart. I just didn't like the way it was written in the 3rd person account. I really wish she had just written it in her own words which would of made it more like a memoir instead of seeming to be a fictional account. The book is quite short and I found myself wanting to read more about how she got other organizations to come aboard and help her in her mission to save these dogs. would make a nice sequel. all in all I enjoyed reading it.

The book describes a dog world that depicts the inhumane treatment that dogs are subject to in low income environments. One person forsakes a comfortable lifestyle in an attempt to remedy the situation in her area. There are many trials and tribulations along the way. It is a eye opener with a little humor thrown in.

This is a riveting, beautifully written story of one woman's struggle to do what she perceives is right. The protagonist is a fascinating woman who is compelled to act on behalf of helpless animals without regard to her personal safety or welfare.

I think that the reviewers from Austin seem to be a bit defensive. (And yes I HAVE volunteered in a shelter and yes I HAVE adopted old stray dogs and yes I CAN comprehend multisyllabic words and yes I DID LOVE this book!!) Whether you think Rose Blocks actions are heroic and admirable or you think she is insane, you can't deny that her story is fascinating. And Delilah Ahrendt tells it articulately, clearly and with a delightful style! Buy this book and enjoy!!

Excellent book...fast reading, I couldn't put it down..read it in one sitting....it is about a woman whose sole mission in life is to save dogs from suffering. Having lived in Detroit, Michigan most of my life, I am no stranger to those cold, mean streets in the inner city, because we owned a business down there many years ago. I have seen the packs of wild dogs running thru the burned out buildings when we were searching for our own lost dog one time. There were many times I DIDN'T stop to help a stray, to feed, to rescue a scared, homeless, cold and lonely dog, because I "had to get to work," "was too busy," "he would probably bite,". But now I am older and realize that we are put on this earth to help others--animals included... Today, if I were in that situation, I probably would stop to help a stray.....Rose Block saw her soul's path and has made a difference. This book is rough at times--my heart goes out to those of God's creatures who have no one to care about them...I also see the side of the argument of those who say to "work within the system." I don't have an answer. I just know that I would now take the time to help and contribute. Great reading....buy it! Good for adults and teens...

This is one of the best books that I have read! It is a very inspiring, true story about a woman devoted to rescuing abused dogs at any risks. It is very touching and hard to put down.It will make you think twice the next time you see a starving stray dog or one chained on a cold night.

While reading this book, I simply lost track of time getting lost in the story. It's a gripping story that pulls you into a world that was unknown to me. The story was unique and interesting. This book would make a great movie.

A highly recommended read!!!

This artlessly written book came highly recommended by a friend, and now I am afraid that I might have to actually tell them what I thought.

What I think is that this is the story of a woman who, though well intentioned, has not the slightest grasp on the world. She encounters bureaucracies which infuriate her but makes no attempts at changing the system from within. And it's not that she tries and fails. She doesn't ever try to change the system, she just complains about it.

She sets out on a "one animal at a time" misguided adventure that is bound to create more problems than it solves. She consistently ignores the sound advice of others and places herself and a ten year old boy in danger. For example, she disregards her husbands suggestion that volunteering at a shelter might be a useful way to help. It would provide more human resources to an agency that, by her own experience, is clearly in need of help. She dismisses that out of hand, without ever exploring it, because she feels it is not "hands on" or immediate enough.

Perhaps the most ludicrous thing to happen in the book occurs when the "vigilante" begins throwing dog food around a poor neighborhood in the hopes of "helping the animals." She is incredulous when some of the neighbors react adversely. The dogs are described as being in "packs." I don't want some stranger from a rich neighborhood encouraging essentially wild-dogs to hang out at my front door either. Not to mention that the food she was throwing would also encourage rats and raccoons in the neighborhood, both persistent city animals and frequent carriers of rabies.

The author(s) either failed to research or failed to comprehend the laws pertaining to animal ownership, animal desertion, animal cruelty, property rights, and probably a few others. They also failed to comprehend the meaning of the word vigilante: one who seeks to avenge a crime or injury or punish a criminal without legal authority or due process. If she had taken some measure of action against the owners, she would be a vigilante. All she did was steal/rescue dogs.

The writing is shoddy and the characters come out flat. They are chaotic and emotional, but lack any roundness or true development. I was left not really liking or identifying with any of them for more than a passing moment. The writer relied on the ignorance of the average reader, and never fully explained many details. This book is an example of writing for an eighth-grade reading-level, but deals with complex themes and encourages a disregard for authority that is inappropriate for that age-level. It's a complete waste of money and will find it's way into my garage sale box immediately and with my sympathy to the buyer.