Rescued: What Second-Chance Dogs Teach Us About Living with Purpose, Loving with Abandon, and Finding Joy in the Little Things

In Rescued, Peter Zheutlin provides a thorough investigation into the lives of dogs whose futures were drastically improved thanks to organizations and individuals who believed that they were worth rescuing. The book is both poignant and informative, thanks to the interviews Zheutlin has conducted with individuals and families who adopted dogs rescued from horrendous conditions.

As pet owners know from experience, it is a responsibility as well as a joy, and the book makes this abundantly clear by explaining some of the added costs and labor required by the more physically challenged rescued dogs. However, the interviewees unanimously agree that for every sacrifice they made, the unconditional love received from their dogs made it worthwhile. For those who are considering adopting a rescue dog, it is noteworthy that the book provides statistics showing that rescued dogs are generally more resilient and healthy than dogs from breeders.

The book presents the pros and cons of owning a rescue dog but does not push readers in one direction or another. It is balanced, well-written, and encouraging.