The world of homeless, free ranging, mistreated and exploited dogs; the challenges they face, and the individuals who dedicate their lives to helping dogs. Enhanced with photos, informational sidebars, and inspiring news stories.
January 23, 2012
Laidlaw urges readers to become “Dog Champions” by learning about the threats facing dogs and advocating for their welfare. While statistics about homeless and maltreated dogs are grim (Detroit’s homeless dog population is estimated at 50,000; U.S. puppy mills produce 500,000 dogs per year), Laidlaw offers heartening profiles of children and adults taking action around the world, such as campaigning against puppy mills and running spaying and neutering organizations. The book also explores “good” versus “bad” jobs for dogs (with a thoughtful discussion of sled dog racing), as
well as such practices as chaining or “debarking” dogs, and Laidlaw includes tips for prospective dog owners looking to adopt. Full-color photographs appear throughout, with additional information about threats to and programs supporting dogs appear in sidebars. While the anecdotes of real-life animal abuse are sometimes painful to read, they should provide ample incentive for readers who are serious about improving the lives of dogs. Ages 8–12.
February 15, 2012
An informative and visually varied introduction to problems affecting dogs worldwide. In a short, colorful volume with sidebars and photographs on nearly every page, professional dog advocate Laidlaw (Wild Animals in Captivity, 2008) presents facts about how dogs live, provides an overview of the cruelty dogs face at the hands of humans and offers profiles of young activists who are working to better dogs' lives. Readers who know dogs best as pets will find new information here: The author gives as much time to discussions of street dogs in Detroit and India and the working conditions of sled dogs as he does to the more familiar topics of dog adoption and caring for a canine pet. Dogs' mistreatment in research facilities and at the hands of some pet owners is addressed frankly but gently, and photographs of cramped puppy mills or dogs neglectfully chained outdoors inspire pathos but do not depend on shock value. A few questions raised by the text go unanswered--the author insists that "dogs ... are our friends--not food" but neither extends this claim toward other animals nor explains why dogs, in his view, are different. At just 64 pages, the book does not delve deeply into any individual topic, but a list of animal welfare websites points interested readers toward further information. A worthy overview that may well inspire readers to become "Dog Champions." (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)
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April 1, 2012
Gr 3-8-Canine lovers will discover a broad array of topics useful for caring for dogs and becoming an advocate for their humane treatment. Chapters are brief but chock-full of information. Readers learn about breeders and what to look for, homeless dogs and types of shelters, and cruel activities such as dogfighting and dog racing. Animal advocates from adults to children are championed for initiating spay-and-neutering clinics and getting legislation passed making it illegal to chain dogs. Tips on how to care for pets, how to keep a dog chain free, along with information on why canines bark, and protecting oneself against bites are provided in easy-to-read sidebars. International stories about dog advocacy are also cited. Numerous attractive full-color photographs appear throughout. Children will come away from this book educated and inspired to become "Dog Champions" by volunteering in animal-related agencies. Clubs and young people's organizations looking for service projects should discover many ways to make a difference in the lives of these animals. Purchase this for pet sections and promote it to readers wanting to learn more than just the basics of dog care.-Nancy Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 15, 2012
Grades 3-6 Animal advocate Laidlaw has a bone to pick with the way some of the world's 500 million dogs are treated. After identifying what all dogs need, the author takes a hard look at puppy mills, free-ranging dogs, dogs that are constantly chained, and dogs submitted to devocalizing and appearance-altering surgeries. While some dogs have healthy careers as dog sniffers, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs, the engaging text explains the perils for greyhound and sled-dog racers, as well as dogs used for scientific research. But not all dogs have it bad. Numerous profiles reveal how Dog Champions have initiated grassroots efforts to provide better services and protection to canines. For readers looking for their next best friend, Laidlaw explains how and why to adopt a dog and the various kinds of shelters available. Abundantly stocked with color photographs and supplemented with online resources and a glossary, this book invites children to pause and consider our friends who have paws.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)