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

Description

A fascinating look at rescue dogs--where they come from, why every dog lover should consider adopting one, and how to make them part of your family. America's leading undercover animal investigator, Pete Paxton, has, among other exploits, infiltrated more than seven hundred puppy mills, worked undercover to close one of the largest and most infamous puppy mills in the United States, and shuttered the most notorious trafficker of dogs for experimentation in history. In this book, he shares stories of the amazing dogs he has rescued and brought to loving families, and also offers invaluable guidance and wisdom for anyone living with rescue dogs. Far too many people think rescue dogs have irredeemable anxieties, behavior issues, or other problems. In truth, rescue dogs can--and do--become wonderful companions. This groundbreaking book will help readers understand these dogs' unique ways of thinking, learning, and loving, and leaves no questions unanswered about the plight of dogs commercially bred in the United States--and what every dog lover can do about it.

Pete Paxton (a pseudonym to protect his identity) is nationally recognized as the leading undercover investigator and rescuer of dogs in peril. His work has been featured by HBO, National Geographic, NPR, Time, and more. He works with major advocacy organizations such as the Companion Animal Protection Society, Mercy for Animals, the Human Society of the United States, and many others.

"What is a rescue dog? And who does the rescuing? Pete Paxton and Gene Stone's book explains it all through moving stories of dogs and their people, the work done by animal organizations both large and small, and how each of us can play a part. Rescue Dogs is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the work of rehoming pets and the joy brought by dogs who help us define what it means to have a home." -Ken Foster, bestselling author of The Dogs Who Found Me "Thanks to undercover investigators like Pete, many more people now understand that despite the deceptive advertising in stores and on websites, puppies sold in pet stores and online usually come from puppy mills, where dogs are raised in miserable conditions solely to churn out puppies for an unsuspecting public. Pete's tips on how to adopt a rescue dog and his advice for budding advocates will help inspire dog lovers to become part of the change until no more puppies are sold in pet stores and no more homeless dogs go without a family." -Kathleen Summers, director of outreach and research for the Humane Society of the United States' puppy mill campaign "I don't know the last time I've read a book as important as this one-you will leave this wonderfully well-written, totally engaging book with a powerful understanding about the way dogs are treated in this country-and what you can do it about it. Highly recommended!" -Kathy Freston, New York Times-bestselling author and wellness activist "What an extraordinary and important book this is-it's gripping and heartwarming, informative and entertaining. And, I suspect it's impossible to read without wanting to go out and rescue a dog-or two!" -Gene Baur, president and cofounder of Farm Sanctuary "Before you get a dog, buy this fascinating, beautifully written book that's both an adventure story and a how-to. Once you've read it, you will probably want to go right out and rescue a dog-and two lives will be forever changed." -David Coman-Hidy, president, The Humane League "Pete Paxton is an American hero: He has done more good work for dogs than anyone could possibly imagine. Inside this book are the extraordinary tales of his gripping adventures in the underbelly of the canine world, and then sound advice on what to do once you decide that you need to bring a rescue dog home. If you love dogs, you will absolutely love this book." -Rip Esselstyn, founder of Engine 2 and host of the Plant-Strong podcast "Rescue Dogs is a must-read for any dog lover. Stories of truth, heartbreak, and triumph are detailed in a way that reflects the puppy mill and breeding industry, educating people who may not know the realities of these places otherwise. Rescue Dogs gives the average dog lover true insight into the realities that some dogs face and animal welfare workers learn. -Katera Berent, Communications and Events Manager, Austin Pets Alive "Rescue Dogs gives voice to the thousands of animals waiting in shelters across the country for adoption, and the thousands more who suffer and die to supply pet stores. Yet for all he has witnessed, Pete Paxton never loses empathy for the people who have failed these animals. This may be the biggest contributor to his success as an investigator and an advocate." -Scott Howe, Executive Director and CEO, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons "This is the book that all readers should buy, study, and give away so that everyone in the world finally understands why they should adopt, not purchase, a dog." -Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder and president of PETA