Where the Lost Dogs Go

February 1, 2019

Author of the New York Times best seller Scent of the Missing, about working with her search-and-rescue dog, Charleson here describes her new mission: rescuing missing dogs and reuniting them with their humans, whether neighbors or strangers to her. With a 30,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2019
A bestselling author tells the very personal story of how and why she became involved in lost animal search and rescue missions.Charleson's (The Possibility Dogs: What a Handful of "Unadoptables" Taught Me About Service, Hope, and Healing, 2013, etc.) dog Puzzle had long worked by her side searching for lost people or those who had been victims of catastrophe. Then the author brought home a Maltipoo rescue named Ace whose "dignified, shabby gentility" and last-minute rescue from euthanasia became a talking point for her and the parents she kept at arm's length. Despite a harrowing existence as a lost canine, Ace showed the marks of a dog who had once been loved; he also revealed a knack for locating lost pets. Charleson familiarized herself with the tactics of lost animal search and began training Ace and Puzzle in on-the-ground location strategies. As she helped reunite pets with their owners, the author began recalling the life she had led with the parents who had "made me a rescuer." Though they were deeply troubled, both shared a common bond in their love for animals that was so strong that they often spent beyond their limited means to save strays. But the author's own life with the pet-loving parents who "had rarely been wonderful together" was difficult. The family moved often, and when Charleson was a teenager, her mother left to start a life on her own; after that, the three of them slowly drifted apart. In a touching twist of irony, the Maltipoo stray was the one who ultimately came to Charleson's rescue. Not only did he help heal the relationship with her parents; he also became a source of comfort when Puzzle and her parents eventually died. Moving and profound, Charleson's book affirms the special human-animal connection and fully celebrates the healing powers of forgiveness and love.A warm and heartfelt memoir perfect for fans of the author's first two dog-focused books.

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Starred review from April 29, 2019
A fitting sequel to 2011’s Scent of the Missing, about training dogs to search for humans, this moving memoir from Charleston (The Possibility of Dogs) focuses on another aspect of canine search and rescue: finding other dogs who run or wander off. It turns out that her golden retriever, Puzzle, was not only a gifted searcher for humans, but also possessed a unique canine charisma: lost dogs would emerge from hiding to greet her. That’s a highly useful skill, Charleston notes, considering that, according to the American Humane Society, roughly 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year. Charleston suffuses her tale with insight and well-earned sentiment, skillfully weaving in anecdotes of searches for lost dogs with those of her blossoming relationship with a new addition to her household, rescued Maltese-poodle mix Ace. She also offers sound advice to pet owners on how to increase the odds of their pet being found with some common sense tips, such as securing back yards and updating tags and microchips. This inspiring and informative work will resonate with pet lovers everywhere. Agent: Jim Hornfischer, Hornfischer Literary Management.

May 15, 2019
Charleson (The Possibility Dogs, 2013) grew up with parents who rescued stray dogs and made room for cats who showed up at their door but couldn't get along with one another. So perhaps it's not surprising that she became dedicated to helping animals and people and bringing them together. A trainer of service dogs, Charleson has strong bonds with her own canines, particularly Puzzle, a golden retriever whose gentle demeanor attracts lost dogs, and Ace, a found Maltese mix who becomes a talented searcher. Charleson and her canine crew seem to find lost dogs wherever they travel, and her stories of approaching pets, reuniting them with owners, and lessons learned are heart-warming. As Charleson searches with Puzzle and trains Ace, she makes peace with her memories of her troubled parents and family conflicts. Lost-Pet Checklists recap Charleson's tips on finding a lost pet or handling a stray. She urges owners to microchip and collar dogs because one in six go missing. Dog lovers especially will enjoy Charleson's insights into animal behavior and the fascinating details of her work.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)