Book Review: The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I)

Teresa Rhyne’s The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I) made me nod in agreement, laugh, cry, and laugh some more. In this sequel to the New York Times best seller The Dog Lived (And So Will I), Rhyne shares her story of fighting for her family’s health and embracing a more compassionate lifestyle. It made me laugh, cry, nod in agreement, and laugh some more. Look for The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I) on bookstore shelves on October 7.

I am a total sucker for dogs, especially shelter dogs. I tell myself that I’m just going to pet them and give treats, but three times now we’ve adopted because someone in the family fell in love. Our first baby, a fawn Boxer names Willow, had sad eyes and an equally sad story. I wasn’t sure about a dog her size while apartment living, but she zeroed in on hubby and daughter and nuzzled her way into their hearts. She completely won me over the night we brought her home. She climbed into hubby’s chair the second we walked in, then walked right into our bedroom that night and selected her spot on the bed. We were smitten. When mast cell cancer struck, there was no veterinary oncologist in town and her options were limited. Surgery and meds gave us 7 more months to spoil her rotten and we did. She knew without any doubt how much she was loved. I miss that girl every day.

Teresa Rhyne’s The Dog Lived (And So Will I) made me cry like a baby. The author and her dog Seamus both fought cancer and won. I wept for my lost girl while reading this best seller. When approached with the chance to read Rhyne’s second book, I was a bit worried. I knew it would make me cry, but I had to read more about Seamus, Chris, and Rhyne’s journey. I don’t regret it for a second, not even when I bawled like a baby.

I received an advance copy of The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I) a few weeks ago. In it, Rhyne shares more about the loves of her life, Chris, and their beagle Seamus. Both Rhyne and Seamus survived cancer and I was thrilled for them both. In the first few pages of The Dogs Were Rescued, I learned that cancer wasn’t done with Seamus. I put the book down and walked away. I didn’t pick it up again until I’d adequately prepared for the tears I knew would come. When I returned, what I found was more than I expected. Rhyne’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle for her family made me laugh out loud. Chris’ skepticism mirrored my husband’s and I remember having similar conversations about my grocery purchases and dinner menus. Meeting beagle babies Daphne and Percival made me teary, angry, and giggly at the same time. I remember what it was like to bring the new fur baby home to wary siblings. I remember how angry I was at those who abused my pups in their early lives and how heartbroken I was for my dogs. And many of Rhyne’s feelings about cruelty-free products mirror my own (yes, vegan nut cheeses are to live for). The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I) made me nod in agreement, laugh, cry, and laugh some more. Anyone with furry family members will love this. Anyone on a health journey will love this. Yes, I cried, and found my eyes misty while writing this.

Look for The Dogs Were Rescued (And So Was I) on bookshelves on October 7, 2014. A portion of the proceeds from the print copies will benefit Beagle Freedom Project. If you haven’t heard of this wonderful organization before, prepare to be moved.

Disclaimer: Sherrie has personally reviewed the product listed above. Sherrie has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Sherrie did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.  Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering our giveaways.  Thanks!