Review
"Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet (1-59228-140-0, $19.95) by Elise Lufkin with photos by Diana Walker is a collection of short pieces about people's experiences rescuing dogs from miserable existences. While the stories end happily, the depth of feeling from the people narrating their tales brings tears to the eyes." --Publishers Weekly
"Second Chances: More Found Dogs is one of those transcendent books that clearly shows the big division of the human race--those who understand animals and those who can't or won't. Each story in these pages is a mini morality tale, through which we meet some very interesting people from all walks of life who look with empathy beyond their own kind, give generously asking nothing in return, and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Published in time for Christmas, this book represents the true spirit of Christmas. All pet owners should read it. Animal lovers will love it."-- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
From the Back Cover
Millions of dogs and puppies are abandoned each year, resulting in a world filled with stray dogs of all breeds and sizes. Many of these strays come to a bad end, but every now and then a stray dog is found by a compassionate person – whether picked up on the street or picked out from an animal shelter – and given a second chance. Some of these dogs are lame, blind, ill or simply unwanted. These dogs are special. And so are the people who have chosen to give them a second chance. Found dogs seem to be especially grateful, loyal, and loving. They, who have sometimes been rescued from death's door, become beloved members of families, giving affection, companionship, and solace. They become productive members of society as service dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs themselves. Observers might say that these dogs are lucky, but more often the people who have adopted them think that they are the lucky ones.
Second Chances is full of wonderful photos and words by people who have given dogs a second chance. Celebrities from Mikhail Baryshnikov to Oscar de la Renta and everyday heroes who have found dogs of all sorts – from sleek greyhounds to scruffy mutts – share their tales of discovery and canine-human friendship.
Second Chances is a tribute to these extraordinary dogs and their people. It is a testimony to the gift of love and salvation. And, in each case, it is difficult to say just who has saved whom.
