To the Rescue

November 2, 2009
In their third collaboration, Animal adoption activist Lufkin (Not Bartlett's) and Time magazine photographer Walker profile the adoptive owners of working dogs, 53 in all, who serve the public and law enforcement officials as certified therapy animals, guides for the disabled, bomb detectors, drug sniffers, and other roles: Rusty is a Golden Retriever mix who visits second graders in an English-as-a-second-language class; Roxy helps her wheelchair-bound owner by opening containers and doors; Micah is a white German shepherd who aids emergency officials in search and rescue situations. Long-shot stories abound, such as the tale of Sophia, a Mexico City street dog who wound up in the U.S., bringing comfort to hospice patients; tissues required. Beginning with a foreword by actor and talk show host Bonnie Hunt, each warm, heart-felt story builds on the last, and includes fitting photos (though readers may wish they were bigger and more numerous). This feel-good book should please animal- and dog-lovers, especially those who live with a working dog.

Starred review from October 15, 2009
Those of us who have rescued dogs know that the dogs finally rescue us, something Lufkin has already detailed in two moving compilations, "Found Dogs" and "Second Chances". Her new book goes one step further, chronicling formerly abused or abandoned canines now doing serviceperforming search and rescues (SAR), helping the blind or wheelchair-bound, and bringing joy while visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. Each dog gets his or her own story, illustrated with an affecting black-and-white shot, and the stories are all remarkable. Bailey was nearly dead from starvation when rescued but is now certified for SAR, doing his first big job at the Pentagon after 9/11. Amputee Gracie helps soldiers at the Walter Reed Hospital, and Marvin, who was literally on the table to be euthanized, is now the Rhode Island SPCA's mascot and travels regularly to hospitals, day-care centers, and, yes, libraries. VERDICT Not just for dog lovers, this book should be read by anyone giving or needing careyou'll get hope and answers. Read it and be humbled.Barbara Hoffert, "Library Journal"

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.