Devoted

Starred review from September 16, 2013
Dog-lover Ascher-Walsh , the founder of a not-for-profit that provides financial assistance to owners of rescue pit bulls, assembles a heartwarming and inspiring mosaic of stories to dramatically illustrate the many ways a dog can positively impact our lives. Included in the slim book are the expected but nevertheless endearing profiles of therapy dogs, dogs who can sniff out cancer, and dogs who literally saved their owners' livesâincluding Lilly, the pit bull from Massachusetts, who ran in front of a train to protect her owner. There are also stories like that of Jasmine, the gentle greyhound who mothered other dogs as well as a deer, a rabbit, and even an owl, and Chaser, the border collie who has learned more than 1,000 words. It's hard to forget Internet sensation Wang Cai, the Pomeranian in China whose claim to fame is merely sitting outside the bank where his owner works for 8 hours a day, every day of the week. Many of the featured animals are rescues, a theme that adds poignancy to the collection. Dog lovers and rescue volunteers will have a field day with this terrific ode to canine companionship, and those inspired to learn more about many of the featured profiles and charities can easily do so with the resources included in the book's appendix.