Customer Reviews

Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform is a feast--for animal lovers or for anyone who believes in the healing power of love, whether between, among, or within species. In crisp, spare, but evocative prose, animal lover and healer Karin Winegar brings her no-nonsense reporter's eye, her clear, strong voice, her quiet courage, and her wide-open heart to the noble task of telling the stories of people rescued by the pets they rescue.

Judy Olausen's wonderful photos both complement the narrative and reveal their own truths, and the effect of the collaboration is stunning. The interwoven stories and images shine with a generosity of spirit that is not only healing but also fully reciprocal--both between the subjects of the stories (human and nonhuman), and between the book's creators and their readers.

The animals are the stars of the book, but the people are far more than bit players. They're us--mostly ordinary people whose lives have been touched and changed by the creatures that have limped, crawled, and fluttered into their lives and their hearts. All are richly realized characters whose stories make you want to retrace the steps of the cross-country journey that this remarkable creative collaboration has brought to eloquent life.

I challenge anyone to read this book without crying. But even with all of the happy endings, this is not your garden-variety sappy, feel-good holiday book. The stories are elegantly crafted gems--literary journalism at its finest. They're sometimes searing, sometimes funny. And they're always deeply moving. But they're never cutesy or mawkish. These animals are real--no bassetts wearing antlers, cats in ruffles, or horses in bowlers; no animals frolicking and dancing, talking, or singing. Winegar and Olausen have far too much respect for these creatures to approach them with anything but reverence, as equals with us (and more) in dignity and moral standing on this fragile and perilous earth.

If you love animals, or even if you don't, read this book, and buy it for your friends. If everyone who's ever bonded with an animal companion reads this book, and then pledges to adopt (and spay or neuter) at least one abandoned or abused animal, we'll give Karin Winegar and Judy Olausen material and publishing cred for sequel after sequel. And we just might make a sizable dent in the population of homeless animals.

Many books have been written about special relationships between humankind and their companion animals, but none as intelligent, yet heart-filled, as "Saved". It is a sensuous read. The author's talent for description allows the reader to live in each chapter through tasting, smelling, hearing, seeing, and feeling the unique story.

A genuine compilation of stories about people that matter. If "Saved" were on the required reading list of secondary schools, our animals would need far less rescuing. Karin's writing is a flawless dance between storyteller and author. The pictures, both animal and human, capture the essence of the personalities portrayed. All are simply beautiful portraits of inspiring people and the animals that have been fortunate to enter their lives. Honest, informative... make that required reading for all.


Cheryl O'Leary
Founder
Rescue Me Dog
cheryl@rescuemedog.org

One of the best animal photographers and best writers today came together to produce this heartfelt book with beautiful photographs and engaging stories. It makes me feel happy to be among humans like these during a time when the world seems disconnected. These animals have an undying love and dedication to live and love.

Karin,


After receiving your book, at work, and being given the opportunity to read the intro in between grooming appointments, I find myself in awe and tears. This book is huge.
Thank you.
Lisa
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Lisa J Rojas

Proprietor
Dreadlocks for Dingoes, LLC
5410 Penn Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612-920-3992

I'd like to add my kudos to this terrific book. Certainly the rescued and other animals are the focus, and their stories were fascinating even to a non-"animal-nut" like me. But I found myself particularly drawn to the human characters, especially the heroes (in my view) who have devoted so much of their lives to rescuing, caring for, and often sharing so many of the unfortunate/fortunate animals with others. They are very special people, and I am SO grateful for them and others like them. I also reveled in Ms. Winegar's ability to make the scenes and characters seem as real as they undoubtedly are, with the crispness and clarity we should expect from such a seasoned writer, but seldom experience. My only regret is that I'd have enjoyed seeing even more of Ms. Olausen's photography.

Thank you for witting this incredible, compassionate,loving book it has inspired me and if everyone would read it the world would be a better place. I have 3 dogs and a tortoise that I have rescued or as the book repeatedly shows they have rescued me.Thanks again I'm ready for volume 2 Ricardo

This amazing book truely moved me in a way that I have never felt before. It opened my eyes even further to what is going on in the world, and that there are people out there that share the same passion for animals and their well-being that you and I do. I hope that you pick up a copy to read for yourself, it is truly amazing and gratifying to read each individual story and explore the connections made between people and their beloved animals.

The bond between pet and owner is a unique one not found elsewhere. "Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform" is a compilation of stories about animals who have been rescued from the brink of death and adopted into loving homes. Focusing on the human, feline, canine, and such emotional impact on all of the parties involved in this story, it's a heart-warming tale that pet owners will absolutely adore, and will make pet owners out of previously unconverted readers. "Saved" is inspirational, highly recommended.

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this book! Of course, I had to be reassured that all the stories had happy endings before I could crack the cover. It was my early morning reading material, the quiet time I have to myself before my day kicks into gear. Each day I'd read a couple chapters, and start my day with a bigger appreciation for my animals (I have 2 dogs and 2 horses)and they are the joy of my life. I think it's so beautiful how Karin Winegar found a way to shine light on people (and animals) who certainly aren't doing what they do for the recognition. I was really moved by the magic of animal love, and touched by how selfless these people are who rescue and care for these victimized creatures. It's inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time, I mean for all the people trying to make a difference there is still so much ignorance (chain dogs) and evil (using dogs for bait) how do these animal guardians not feel overwhelmed?? I think it was very brave how the author and photographer traveled the country, putting themselves in some very dangerous situations, to give us insight into a world that most of us know nothing about. From the compassionate writing, to the wonderful photos, I almost feel like I've met these empathetic heroes I read about in Saved.