Rescue Dogs: Where They Come From, Why They Act the Way They Do, and How to Love Them Well

I meet some of the most amazing people thanks to my animal welfare advocacy. Most are just normal people like you and me who are on a mission related to animals, using their superpowers for the good of us all. I’ve only met a handful of these folks in person, but thanks to the inter-connectivity of our world provided by video conferencing and email, I still feel as though I know them. And I am proud to say I do.I first learned about “Pete Paxton” last fall when I learned about this book (co-written with Gene Stone). Pete’s name is in quotes because he’s an undercover investigator who has done incredible work for the Companion Animal Protection Society. I encourage you to visit the CAPS website to help further your education). Pete has been to over 700 puppy mills, hundreds of pet stores, and has worked undercover at some of the biggest mills in the United States. Rescue Dogs aimed at exposing mills and explaining how the public can help fight them by adopting dogs. The book also explains finding a good shelter or foster group, dog training tips, how to rescue stray/abuse dogs, and busts myths about shelter dogs being “broken” in some way.I have long railed against the commercial dog breeding industry and have long supported rescue and advocacy groups which help dogs saved from mills and which educate the public toward bringing an end to the industry. I’ve worked on local laws which keep national pet supply chains from setting up shop in communities and importing sick dogs from puppy mills which can, in turn, make people sick. I’ve fought state legislation which would allow pet supply chains to grow roots in my state and further erode the humane treatment of dogs in a culture lost in time compared to the values regarding dogs in the rest of the country. When I heard about Pete’s book and his undercover work in the mills themselves, I just had to read it.The first part of Rescue Dogs was a hard read for me, but not in a bad way. As you would imagine, there is something quite criminal (and, I would argue, nefarious) about the way many people in our society treat dogs for their financial gain. It is heartbreaking, infuriating and mind-boggling. And I say that as a person who has never walked a path remotely close to the one walked by Pete. I cannot possibly imagine the mental and emotional toll taken on people who take on fake identities and put themselves in the bowels of hell in order to take down the very people whose behavior we find abhorrent. I am confident that we cannot possibly understand what Pete and others like him have endured for the sake of dogs and for the sake of all of us. Could you pretend to be someone you are not and work in a place where dogs are abused, neglected or killed on a regular basis all for the sake of money to collect evidence? I know I could not. Which is why I consider Pete one of my animal superheroes.The second part of the book was incredibly informative. I think that most people in the shelter and rescue world assume the public knows all about rescue dogs, where they come from, how wonderful they are and why adopting a rescue dog is such a compelling choice. Many people just do not know, even if we think they should. Thanks to Pete’s book, now they can. He goes into great depth about where many of these dogs come from, how they think and how to make them members of our families – as opposed to buying dogs from the million dollar industry which has no regard for their well-being, viewing them not as sentient creatures but as things.I encourage everyone who cares about dogs or who wants to learn where they come from to read this book. It is time well spent and may very well change your world view on some issues which may change some of your own behavior. We can make our society one that doesn’t just cheer for the underdog, but saves them.

It is OK, but not what I expected.

My friend recently started fostering dogs for a rescue group after being pet-less for decades. She’s also interested in social justice causes in general, so I thought this would be a great gift for her. She will learn more about dog rescue while also gaining some insight into the deceptive world of dog breeding and sales, particularly puppy mills. She seemed genuinely excited about the gift!

Every dog lover needs to read this book! I’ve been a vegan animal advocate for years, and yet this book taught me so much about the plight of dogs in the US and within the puppy mill/pet industry. Truly heartbreaking, but Pete shows the way forward. I loved the individual stories he tells and advice he gives for so many situations. His passion for helping dogs is amazing. Wonderful book that I recommend to all.

This book is wonderful! I think anyone who wants a dog or just loves animals should read this book. It’s eye opening without being upsetting. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

If you love dogs at all I recommend this book. Everyone needs to know the truth about unscrupulous breeders.The last section addresses basic needs for the beginner dog owner. Not sure I agree with all his tips though

This book is powerful, insightful, and fun to read. I flew right through it. It is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves dogs, is interested in buying a dog, or has an interest in the animal rights movement. Love it!

Well written and informative book. The stories are heartwarming, the information sound and even the training advice is good, positive reinforcement guidance. Gene and his team put together a great collection or stories and important information for all dog owners!

As an animal advocate I was interested to read someone else’s view and actions on the horrendous puppy farms.

Amazing book all should read!