Customer Reviews

Dog Who Rescues Cats

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Philip Gonzalez, assisted by Leonore Fleischer, relates how an industrial accident left him unemployable and embittered - until his caring neighbor forced him into adopting a dog as a companion. Gonzalez, whose history of pet ownership was spotty and liberally sprinkled with tragedy, wanted a "big and macho" dog. Instead he found himself taking home a small Schnauzer/Siberian husky mix that he named Ginny. As Gonzalez's heart is softened by Ginny's affectionate nature, he discovers that his dog has a special gift - finding and caring for disabled and abused cats. Man and dog quickly become a team, rescuing and caring for the discarded and forgotten animals littering the neighborhood in which they live. I fell in love with Ginny myself while reading this inspiring book and highly recommend it to any animal loving reader.

The perfect book for anyone who loves both dogs and cats. As other readers have noted, the real story belongs to Philip Gonzalez, as we learn how one small dog can transform a human life.

Gonzalez, a war veteran, injured in an industrial accident, finds himself broke, isolated and bitter. He doesn't want to leave his apartment until a caring neighbor provides the best mental health remedy: "Get a dog. Now!"

Philip adopts Ginny and, sure enough, they heal each other. Never a cat person, Philip gets drawn to the feline species, literally, as Ginny sniffs out disabled cats and begs Philip to take them home. He now has a purpose in life and I am delighted to see the success of his books: he feeds dozens of cats and pays their vet bills, day after day.

Gonzalez shares his story in a matter-of-fact style, yet he's sensitive and caring. The street cats and dogs deserve a home, he says, just like Ginny. Meanwhile, he keeps them alive as best he can and shares the love by finding adopters whenever possible.

Ginny is an oxymoron: she's a dog who not only DOESN'T hate cats, but one who rescues and protects them.

Philip Gonzalez was injured in an industrial accident. His best friend, Sheilah, encouraged him to adopt a dog to pull him out of his depression. While Ginny wasn't love "at first sight," it was love within an hour.

Ginny not only forced Philip to care about life again, but she also opened his eyes to the plight of stray cats in his Long Island neighborhood. Ginny has a sixth sense when it comes to cats with a handicap or illness. Fighting her natural instinct to attack, she "talked" (barked?) Philip adopting many unfortunate cats.

There is almost no conflict, no climax, in this book; rather, it's a collection of anecdotes. It's a little sappy but, for a non-author, Philip tells a great story. I do hope its sales supplement his income. It is of note that Philip, Ginny, and Sheilah have caught many strays, gotten shots for the strays and had them neutered, and then re-released them -- out of pocket, even though this is a great service to their community.

I'd like to know what comes next (after the sequel "The Blessing of the Animals") -- is Ginny still alive, have either Sheilah or Philip found love interests (ahem!!!), and if, perhaps, Ginny has been able to train other dogs to do her work?

This is an enjoyable story, and contains the all-important lessons of life after accidents -- not only for Philip, but for many of the cats that he and Ginny have saved.

I met Philip and Ginny Gonzales this past weekend at a booksigning. This wonderful, gracious, soft-spoken individual and his incredible dog are even more of an inspiration in person. This is a story of the power of love and dedication, how they can change a bitter individual into one who gives so much of himself towards others. It doesn't have to have dramatic tension. It doesn't have to include plot devices such as "love interests" or other literary extraneisms like the first reviewer complains about below. It simply has to BE. Ginny's devotion to her cause is enough of a story to rivet anyone who doesn't have a cynical heart of stone. I have four animals in my household, all of whom were rescued, and none of whom I would ever give up. The knowledge that Mr. Gonzalez is doing so much for the strays of Long Beach (being familiar with that city, I know how prevalent the stray population is and how apathetic the human citizens are to any plight that surrounds them) gives me hope not only for felines, but for all humanity. I highly recommend this book to not only animal lovers, but to anyone who wants to make a difference anywhere.

I am a lover of cats, dogs, and people who care for them. Philip Gonzalez and Ginny are two truly special beings who rescued each other, and continue rescuing special needs cats. Even if you don't like animals, I think you will find Philip's story an inspiration. No one can read this book and not feel that something wonderful is happening between this man and his special little dog. I am ordering Philip's second book right now!

This books was truely inspiring to me. Because of this book I have started helping my sister and brother-in-law to feed strays in their area. My husband and I have built a kitty condo for them. I tell everyone that likes animals to read Philips books. I am also starting a web page in the hopes of helping more cats. This book helped me to focus on what I love, CATS. And has given new meaning to my life. Thank you Ginny, Philip and Sheila, St. Francis would be most proud of you. Best wishes from Chicago!

I read "The Dog Who Rescues Cats" a few years ago. Will I get hate e-mail if I admit I am not a dog lover AT ALL but adore cats? Well, Ginny is definately not your typical dog. She is absolutely incredible. I saw this book in a bookstore one day but didn't buy it. The title (and Ginny's unusual face) haunted me until I went back and purchased it. It was one of the best investments of my life. I adore Ginny and she's given me hope for other canines. I also enjoyed "The Blessing of the Animals." Philip, Sheila, and Ginny, what are you three up to now? How are the cats doing? Your loyal following needs an update!

My son and I both read this book and loved it. It is very unique and incredible. Anyone who loves cats, dogs, or any animals will be glad they bought this book. When I picked my son up from 4th grade last week, instead of playing with friends in the playground, where he usually is, I found him sitting in the sandbox reading this book - which has never happened before! Now he wants his teacher to read it to the whole class, and is begging me to buy the sequel. He didn't have to beg much, as I also am anxious to hear more about Ginny's adventures. This is a beautiful miraculous tale that will warm your heart and fill your soul with gladness.

I am a teacher in Junior High School in Japan. I read"The Dog w ho rescuses cats" two years ago. Ginny is a verywonderful dog, isn't she? Mr. Gonzalez and Ginny were introduced in Japanese TV program. So I showed this video to my pupils and I introduced this book. They were very moved by this story. And some of them read the book. I and two girls wrote letters to Mr. Gonzalez and Ginny... I want to introduce the outlines of two letters from female students.

I was very impressed to see the video. But it was too miraculous to believe. I read this book. So I understand the story was true. The most impressive thing was the scene when Mr. Gonzalez and Ginny met Topsy. Topsy moved bumping into the wall. It was very impressive. Ginny tells us that we have to give a helping hand to people who need our help. Ginny, I will be a fun and support you forever. I want to do the same thing if I can. Nobue Sasage

I was very impressed to read the book. So I wrote this letter. I didn't believe at first. But our homeroom teacher, Mr. Miyashige, showed the picture. So I could believe the story. Ginny makes people happy. Please live with Ginny and cats, helping stray cats. Take care of yourself. Keiko Yashima.

Now I am reading the next book "The Blessing of the Animals: The Stories of Ginny" with great pleasure. The publishing company in Japan "SOUSI-SHA" gave this book to me. I rate these two books five stars plus one. One is for the cats.

I had heard about this book, but I didn't read it until my daughter met Philip Gonzalez at a pet expo on Long Island. He gave her a "paw-tographed" copy, and the two of us devoured it. Ginnie has got to be one of the most amazing creatures on the face of this earth. She is instinctively drawn to those in need. For those who are interested, Ginnie and Philip are training another dog to assist in Ginnie's work. I have a date to meet them all this coming weekend, and we plan on making a large donation toward all the wonderful work that they do!