Thank goodness for self-publishing. So many unique and wonderful books now are available from people passionate in their devotion to the welfare of animals. Here are just a few that you will want to consider to add to your own book collection and to purchase as gifts for friends who share your love of animals. In all cases, your purchase will be a double gift as a portion of the sale of these books goes to animal welfare organizations.

BrightHaven

Just out the “BrightHaven” photo book by Barbara Bettke. This book introduces the reader to the wonderful animals who reside at BrightHaven, a unique nonprofit healing arts center and hospice located north of San Francisco. There senior and special needs animals find a safe and peaceful environment to live out their lives. By applying a philosophy of care based on natural feeding, holistic treatment and modern medicine, founders Gail and Richard Pope have achieved some amazing results with their animal family. It’s not uncommon for BrightHaven animals to live to an age far beyond what we generally expect. One of the BrightHaven cats lived to the ripe old age of 34 and another was 28 when he passed on.

Bettke has captured the loving spirit and the strong bonds that exist among the BrightHaven residents. Whether you ever visit BrightHaven or not, you will be inspired and touched by the photos of this very unique place.

View the first 15 pages of  “BrightHaven,” which is available in both soft and hard cover and can be ordered online.
 

They Had Me At Meow

Award winning author, Rosie Sorenson shares her story about the cats in Buster Hollow and their profound effect on her life in “They Had Me At Meow.” Sorenson who has written for the LA Times and San Francisco Chronicle, came upon the Buster Hollow cats some 13 years ago while she was out on a walk in her neighborhood in Northern California. What resulted was her personal commitment to helping this colony of homeless cats, who in turn helped her as she went through a succession of medical problems.

“They Had Me At Meow” recounts Sorenson’s relationship with each and every one of the Buster Hollow cats. It also educates the reader about how you can help homeless cats through trap, neuter and return (TNR), daily feeding and attending to their illnesses. In addition to this heartfelt story, you’ll love Sorenson’s photos, which capture her cats in all their loving, charming and downright funny ways.

Watch the trailer of the book. You can learn more about the book and place your order at "They Had Me at Meow" website.
 

 

Every Rescued Dog Has A Tale

I expect many cat lovers are dog lovers as well, so you’ll want to get a copy of “Every Dog Has a Tale.” It’s a truly moving book by Debbie Eades, who recounts her personal experience as a volunteer for what is known as the 'Dog Rescue Railroad.' This ‘railroad’ is the national network of caring individuals who donate their free time – not to mention gas mileage – to transport dogs from shelters, mostly in the South, to new homes across the country and even Canada.

In her book, Eades tells the story of 17 of the rescues she helped drive to safety. They include Oreo, a pit bull puppy who was being used as bait in a dog fighting ring in New Jersey, and Sasha, a beautiful black Great Dane who was abandoned and tied to a doghouse in the dead of winter, with no food until her owner called Great Dane Rescue and told them to "come and get her."

“Every Rescued Dog Has A Tale” is a dedication to all these animals and many others who, as Eades describes, have been beaten down emotionally and often physically yet who still have enough trust to willing go one from car to the next on their way to hopefully a new and better life.  Her book helps educate people about abused and neglected dogs and most importantly how they can help.

You can read more about the book and how to order at "Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale."