Story should come with "Animal Abuse Warning" sticker - if you can't handle descriptions of animal abuse, do NOT read this. Although it doesn't go in depth with the abuse it gives a clear enough picture to sicken sensitive readers (...ahem... me). The book is essentially a description of the Rescue Ink members, their backgrounds, childhood experiences, how they joined the group, and some of the rescues they've accomplished. I liked the book, I highly recommend it (with the caveat of the abuse descriptions as mentioned above) to anyone who likes a bit of the unusual with their reading experience. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a volunteer at a local shelter so I applaud this work anyway, but the fact that most of Rescue Ink is made up of guys who could have chosen to do more harm than good is inspirational. The work they do is good, but I think it is most important that they influence children and others that may cause harm in the future, to think twice before they make a bad decision. If they can serve as good role models in the lives of children who grow up thinking that an animal is disposable than they are performing an indispensable service to various communities they touch with their words. The book is full of stories of experiences that had an affect on the tough, apparently hardened men of the group. It makes clear to the reader that the men are softees at heart but that only makes them all the more determined to prevent abuse to the pets that they have saved, adopted into their own families or found foster homes for. The book is inspirational. I think most readers will want to make a contribution or get involved in the work themselves. The men are very approachable and the stories are filled with personal comments made by the guys. We learn a bit about their lives and how they became involved in animal rescue. I found myself very thankful knowing these guys were on the job and wondering too, if they would let me come and work with them. I think their presence in the field of animal rescue will encourage more men to become involved and less losers to abuse their animals, knowing who may show up at their door if they do. ( )

Its a typical read of this sort - a few bios, a few heartwarming stories, a photo gallery. Not the best or engaging writing, but it did hold my attention.

One thing - I do like the fact that this group works with people to keep dogs and cats, rather than assuming a person is bad because... And, I was a bit annoyed to find these same stories covered in the Animal Planet Series. ( )

Rescue Ink breaks some of the stereotypes about those involved in animal rescue and about tough, tattooed bikers. I think that this contradiction of expected behavior is the best thing about the book.

The perception is that women are the tenderhearted ones who rescue animals – everyone knows that. And for the most part, that is true. Apparently, someone forgot to mention it to this group of mostly big, heavily inked bikers. And they are not above using the intimidation factor to get what they want when it comes to rescuing an abused or neglected animal.

I applaud the mission and dedication of these guys. The stories are interesting, sad, sometimes with joyful endings. It hurts to even read some of them. Still, they are not stories much different that other rescuers and people who read about them have seen or read too many times. The strength in this book, and in this group of unlikely rescuers, is the message it sends. Big, strong guys can be compassionate. Abusing and neglecting animals makes a person weaker, takes away from his humanity rather than adding to it, and owning a big, tough dog does not make anyone a tough person. Rescue Ink, both the book and the group, is getting that message out to anyone who will listen. As all of us readers have learned, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, whether literally or when seeing a biker holding a newborn kitten.

Animal rescue in any form is a hard job, and these guys are as good at it as the proverbial little old lady in sneakers, sometimes better. One quote about rescuers that hit home for me:

"More than the anger and frustration at seeing animals discarded like fast-food wrappers, more than the sadness at seeing dogs that are starved or ripped up in dogfighting 'practice,' the most dangerous side effect is weariness."

The book is not great literature and doesn't pretend to be, but is a worthwhile and touching read for anyone who loves animals. The pictures make it all the more real. There is apparently a series about the group on National Geographic Channel, but I haven't seen it. ( )

What do you get when a group of 10 muscled and tattooed bikers set their mind to rescuing abused animals? Results! This is the story of Rescue Ink, a group of tough guys who decided that rescuing animals is cool. Their rough backgrounds and street creed give them a unique approach to rescue. Rescue Ink is unafraid to take on the biggest bullies and they jump at the chance to confront the worst abusers. What surprised and impressed me is that they are careful to stay within the bounds of the law and work well with local law enforcement and animal control groups. They often try to help negligent owners by building better doghouses, transporting animals to veterinary care, or helping with food costs. In the world of animal rescue, the negligent owner is automatically assumed to be evil, these guys work hard to educate and help the people as well as the animals. There are the expected heartstring tugging stories – the badly abused pit bull that became the clubhouse dog, the poodle stolen when its owner was sent overseas in the armed forces recovered, and the standard cat stuck in a tree.
Listening to this audio was a pleasant way to pass a few hours. Rescue Ink will renew your faith in humans a little. ( )