Mark J. Asher

Recommended Reading

I am in tears! For real, read this with Kleenex nearby. This is a beautifully told story of dogs waiting to be adopted. I fell in love with all the dogs in the story. While the story made me cry, (more than once), I absolutely loved it. This will be on my Christmas reading list as a story to read aloud to my grandchildren. Every dog deserves a loving home. I hope this story brings awareness of shelter dogs and how wonderful adopting one can be. Since I have been an adult all of my pets, (mostly dogs but, also, 2 cats), have been adopted. They have brought so much love and joy into my life! This book, which tells the dogs side of being in a shelter, brings back many wonderful memories. I think it also brings up the point that you really need to examine your reasons for wanting a dog and be honest about how you can care for one. I honestly believe there is a dog, (or cat), to match everyone. So think about it carefully. The book brings that out with scenarios where the dog and owner weren't matched and it led to the shelter. I think the book also shows that volunteers can make a difference in the life of shelter animals. If you love animals but aren't sure about caring for one full time, volunteer a few hours at your local shelter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone considering getting a dog. It is also a wonderful book to share with children as it teaches that animals have feelings and need love and care. I can't imagine anyone disliking this book. Well told, awesome dogs, fun times, some suspense. Love it!… (más)

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

A Night at the Animal Shelter offers a look at shelter life from the perspective of the animals themselves. I say it’s odd because it reads like a children’s story in a lot of ways (and I’m not referring to the animal characters, either) but the language and content is more mature at times, indicating it’s intended for adult readers.

I enjoyed the characters, both human and dog, because they were distinct and interesting. Ginny, the human, is a kind-hearted, well-meaning woman who found a new purpose in caring for those pets who lack a place to go home to. We know her only through what she says to the dogs and how they perceive her. The five dogs are a mix of breeds, sizes, ages, and personalities from an over-excited puppy all the way to an 11 year old that read true to their characters.

The ending seemed a bit rushed, and I’d have expected more consequences to the events, but even so, the story offers a good holiday tale. It reminds me of The Incredible Journey in a lot of ways as the dogs explore what led them to the shelter and discuss their dream family who will come and adopt them.

At the same time, it brings to light some of the conditions in animal shelters, not abuse but rather the issue of unadoptables and the circumstances that lead to dogs being surrendered. I’ve volunteered at a local shelter, though my focus is cats, and found this story very true to that experience, especially the issue of unadoptables because of age, breed, and other factors.

It’s not a perfect story, but it is a strong one. I hope it inspires folks to seek their next friend at a shelter and maybe look beyond their expectations to consider some pet who might not find it as easy to attract a new family. I can say from experience that when we went looking for a Siamese kitten and came home with a senior Maine Coon, it was one of the best decisions ever as Fawkes was a wonderful member of our family.… (más)