My Rescued Golden, edited by Marjorie McHann
02002, Writers Club Press, iUniverse, Inc.
ISBN 0-595-24989-2 - 170 Pgs. - List Price $15.95 (Canada $25.95) 

Adopters contributed stories and photographs of forty-eight rescued Goldens for Marjorie McHann to create this living portrait of Golden Retriever rescue.  

"48 Reasons to Adopt a Rescued Golden" might have been just as apt a title.  Because, if there's a common theme, it has to be that for being "discarded," these Goldens sure had a lot yet to give in their new lives.

You'll read about five-week-old Lucy, abandoned to die in a trash dumpster when it was discovered she was severely handicapped.  Several years later, still a paraplegic, she now inspires and encourages human healing through her work as a certified therapy dog.  A pair of seniors, Moses and Madison, do therapy also, sprinkling their Golden magic from the nursing home to a state prison.  Then there's Sproul, explosives detection canine by day and beloved family pet in the evening.  Rescue found the right outlet for her high level of energy, which her caretaker/handler described, "If I were to compare a regular dog's energy level to Sproul's, it would be like comparing the candle on a birthday cake to fireworks on the Fourth of July."

But the "main job" to which each and every of these Goldens has adapted very well, is as that of beloved family companion.  Several even made converts out of non-believers -- you know, people who shrink away with "I'm not a dog person."  Several helped owners through times of adversity, such as Merry Heart who visited at the convalescent center as her adopter recovered from surgery for a cerebral aneurysm.  Others just moved in to become "couch potatoes," such as senior Sydney, who wheedled his way into the heart of this writer more quickly than any Golden before or since.

The anthology illustrates the many ways Goldens come to be in rescue, describes many of the challenges in readying them for adoption, and introduces us to the diversity of people offering those perfect and "forever" homes.   From this perspective, "Chicken Soup for the Rescue Volunteer's Soul" might also have been an appropriate title, with one successful case history after another.  When the task seems impossible, a thumb-through will remind you: "Yes, there will be a home for this dog -- if we just look long and hard enough."  You'll remember there are those golden souls to be found who will care for the neediest of dogs -- such as Frosty, rescued with a gunshot wound to her head, and Kodiak, adopted despite his terminal cancer.

If you work in rescue, if you've adopted a Golden, if you're thinking of adopting a Golden or know someone who is, or if you just plain love heartwarming Golden Retriever stories -- buy this book.  If that isn't reason enough, here's the clincher: ALL of the profits from sale of this book will be shared among the organizations that rescued these dogs.  Why would editor Marjorie McHann do that?  She's a Golden rescuer herself.

Order from the publisher - iUniverse Customer Service at 1-877-823-9235, or via the Internet at www.iuniverse.com, or from Amazon.com.  Rescue groups can purchase books (from the publisher only) at a 20% discount and not pay sales tax (if your organization has 501[c]3 status).  Use them in your training regimen, as sales brochures for adoption and fund raising, and as prizes or awards.  Whatever your reason, a good investment.