Critical Praise

“Is there such a thing as a Rescue Book? Well, there is now. This is a miracle of a book. It’s even a spiritual handbook. And it is for readers young and old and all of the in-between. If Cooney needs someone to convince her to write a sequel, I volunteer.”

—Gail Godwin, New York Times bestselling author of EVENSONG and UNFINISHED DESIRES

“Dogs were bred by us to serve us in practical ways, but then dogs took it on themselves to serve us most profoundly by healing our broken hearts. Ellen Cooney understands this and is the kind of keenly observational writer who can detail the path to healing only dogs can provide. A delightful read for all of us who can’t imagine life without dogs.”

—W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of A DOG’S PURPOSE and A DOG’S JOURNEY

“The real genius of this story is in all the things it doesn’t tell you, all the things it assumes you already know --- and turns out, you do! --- which leaves much more space to be taken up by what really matters: the marvelous canines. Any dog lover --- any person lover --- will be moved (nearly to the point of slobbering) by this warm, funny, heart-expanding book.”

—Pam Houston, bestselling author of SIGHT HOUND and CONTENTS MAY HAVE SHIFTED

“A young woman who knows she’s lost, and an older woman who doesn’t think she is, meet a slew of castaway dogs at a snowy mountaintop sanctuary and discover what they didn’t even know they were looking for. A charming novel about overcoming the past and finding meaning and purpose in the present.”

—Susan Richards, New York Times bestselling author of CHOSEN BY A HORSE

“Dog by dog by dog by Evie, the star-crossed protagonist (practically a stray herself), we come to understand that we’re all a little bit unadoptable, a little bit misused, and ready for sure for some loving kindness, the kind that surpasseth understanding, and that only dog can give. A timeless primer to healing, surviving, transcending and to a rarified communication that runs both ways and back again.”

—Bill Roorbach, author of WRITING LIFE STORIES

“Both a joyful romp and a wise, engaging meditation on dogs, love and recovery from pain. Come. Sit. Read!”

—Lily King, author of THE PLEASING HOUR and EUPHORIA

“This is a jubilant, wise celebration of love, reciprocal between human and canine, in ways profound, moving and soul saving. A funny, joyous and heart-rending book that insists intelligence and kindness must win out over ignorance and cruelty, it is surely a book to be read and reread.”

—Connie May Fowler, author of REMEMBERING BLUE

“Cooney captures so brilliantly the psychological and emotional similarities between dogs and people --- the way both respond to trauma and pain, and the way love and kindness can heal even the deepest wounds. This book will grab your heart and not let go.” 

—John Grogan, author of MARLEY & ME

“Must-read…A brilliantly crafted, uplifting book.”

—The Bark