Another new book to check out!

Well, it may be a bad year for lots of things -- including the publishing industry at large -- but it's certainly been a good one for books about special critters! Here's the latest in the bumper crop:

TO THE RESCUE: Found Dogs with a Mission will be available from Skyhorse Publishing on November 1. This beautifully designed hardcover has a Foreword by daytime talk show host Bonnie Hunt.

It's the latest book from animal adoption activist Elise Lufkin, author of Found Dogs: Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet (1997) and Second Chances: More Tales of Found Dogs (2003). In these touching stories, illustrated with poignant photographs by Diana Walker, people give their rescued dogs much more than just a good home: They train them to be certified service animals, whose missions include visiting hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes, guiding the blind and deaf, and detecting narcotics, bombs and even bed bugs.

In a world where cruelty and neglect impact the lives of children, adults, and animals alike, it’s truly inspiring to read about these dogs who bring comfort, assistance and happiness to others in need. Check out some great examples of such stories in this piece by TIME magazine. I like the second one, about Fred.

Fred was discovered, thin and mangy, in a park.
Now he visits elementary schools as a service dog.

It's an incredible book, and another great idea for holiday gifts...especially since ALL proceeds are donated to animal shelters and welfare organizations! Can't beat that: Kewl book AND good karma, all in one package!

In fact, as far as I can tell, there's only ONE thing wrong with this book: That I didn't think of the idea first! LOL. Put it on your wishlist, folks, and know you're doing a Good Thing. Which reminds me...we should make sure Martha knows about this...