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One Hundred Dogs and Counting
One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and A Journey into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues
Published by Pegasus Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A challenging foster dog inspires an experienced foster mama to explore where the endless stream of unwanted dogs is coming from—and how things could change.
After nearly a year struggling to find a home for a particular foster dog, Cara begins to wonder how the story ends—when will all the dogs be saved? Even after the one-hundredth foster dog passes through Cara’s home, the stream of homeless dogs appears endless. Seized by the need to act, Cara grabs her best friend, fills a van with donations, and heads south to discover what is really happening in the rural shelters where her foster dogs originate.
What she discovers will break her heart and compel her to share the story of heroes and villains and plenty of good dogs, in the hope of changing this world.
From North Carolina where pit bulls fill the shelters and heart-worm rages to Tennessee where dogs are left forgotten in pounds and on to Alabama where unlikely heroes fight in a state that has largely forsaken its responsibilities to its animals, Cara meets the people working on the front lines in this national crisis of unwanted animals. The dogs, the people and their inspiring stories draw her south again and again in search of answers and maybe a dog of her own.
One Hundred Dogs and Counting will introduce the reader to many wonderful dogs—from sweet Oreo to quirky Flannery—but also to inspirational people sacrificing personal lives and fortunes to save deserving animals.
Join Cara on the rescue road as she follows her heart into the places where too many dogs are forgotten and discovers glimmers of hope that the day is coming when every dog will have a home.
After nearly a year struggling to find a home for a particular foster dog, Cara begins to wonder how the story ends—when will all the dogs be saved? Even after the one-hundredth foster dog passes through Cara’s home, the stream of homeless dogs appears endless. Seized by the need to act, Cara grabs her best friend, fills a van with donations, and heads south to discover what is really happening in the rural shelters where her foster dogs originate.
What she discovers will break her heart and compel her to share the story of heroes and villains and plenty of good dogs, in the hope of changing this world.
From North Carolina where pit bulls fill the shelters and heart-worm rages to Tennessee where dogs are left forgotten in pounds and on to Alabama where unlikely heroes fight in a state that has largely forsaken its responsibilities to its animals, Cara meets the people working on the front lines in this national crisis of unwanted animals. The dogs, the people and their inspiring stories draw her south again and again in search of answers and maybe a dog of her own.
One Hundred Dogs and Counting will introduce the reader to many wonderful dogs—from sweet Oreo to quirky Flannery—but also to inspirational people sacrificing personal lives and fortunes to save deserving animals.
Join Cara on the rescue road as she follows her heart into the places where too many dogs are forgotten and discovers glimmers of hope that the day is coming when every dog will have a home.
Product Details
- Publisher: Pegasus Books (November 4, 2021)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781643138527
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Raves and Reviews
"Full of passion and compassion, this is an urgent and eloquent call to arms for anyone who cares about the countless dogs in the nation’s shelters every year.”
– Peter Zheutlin, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of RESCUE ROAD and THE DOG WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
"It takes not just a special writer, but a special human being to go into the darkest corners of dog rescue and tell the story with so many glimmers of hope and light. Cara Sue Achtenberg’s One Hundred Dogs and Counting documents a journey of compassion, curiosity and faith—that knowing and sharing the truth is worth the effort, for it’s what ultimately will save so many more dogs."
– Kim Kavin, award-winning journalist, author of THE DOG MERCHANTS
"An inspiring, call-to-action story about one woman’s dedication to the solution. Through her candid and heart-warming adventures, Achterberg proves that even small acts of kindness can save lives. Her message is a beacon that shines light directly on the path to end suffering; her journey proves that together we can end the needless suffering of millions of shelter animals across the nation."
– C. J. English, author of RESCUE MATTERS
"Saddened by her emptying nest, Cara Sue Achterberg started fostering dogs—dozens of them. Here she shares the journey (and some super cute photos)."
– People (Praise for ANOTHER GOOD DOG)
"Heartwarming and humorous. Achterberg fills her readers with the warmth of hope and light of inspiration, which will likely galvanize a new wave of fosters."
– Shelf Awareness (Praise for ANOTHER GOOD DOG)
"That’s where people like Cara Sue Achterberg come into the picture. Another Good Dog has to be the ‘feel good’ book of the year. The perfect gift."
– Best Friends (Praise for ANOTHER GOOD DOG)
"Achterberg has in fact written another good book about dogs, but even more so she has produced a manifesto on how to change the world: through single acts of caring and compassion stacked one on top of another without end."
– Jim Gorant, New York Times bestselling author of THE LOST DOGS
“...She also throws a blinding light on the horrors of abuse and neglect occurring in some rural southern shelters, and shows how often healthy and adoptable dogs are euthanized due to lack of food, medication, and funds...This combination personal story and heartbreaking manifesto will both shock and move readers as it outlines just what we humans must do to make a difference in vulnerable animals' lives.”
– Cassandra Smith, Booklist
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High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): One Hundred Dogs and Counting Trade Paperback 9781643138527
