We can all make a difference. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Trull was no stranger to rescuing abandoned animals. She and her husband Mark had made it their mission to find permanent homes for stray dogs and cats. Now her young students were determined to … homes for stray dogs and cats. Now her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. And in that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born.
How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. In this eye-opening, deeply personal book, Trull describes the challenges they faced, from rescuing and caring for the animals to teaching children about compassion and responsibility, to facing local interests opposed to having a shelter in their town. She shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time.
more
When I first heard about a group of 4th grade elementary students and their reading teacher single-handedly started their own animal shelter I had two reactions: “That’s crazy!” and “Give me that book!” Having worked for Petsmart Petshotel and salon for 10 years I already knew the labor of love it takes to be the type of person taking on such a task. What I didn’t count on was getting so much more than a puff piece story on how Mrs. Trull and her reading class saw a problem with the community and did something about it. DAWGS by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo is full of touching success stories, a personal photo of a dog or cat that has been adopted from the shelter starts each chapter and is followed by accounts and experiences Diane Trull has had in starting and running the shelter for nearly 20 years.
I really like how this book balances out the negative and positive experiences that the shelter has had over the years. From facing city council numerous times, being honored at a Hollywood gala, numerous break-ins resulting in theft and death, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, relocation by a city ordered deadline, and phone calls from actress Burnedette Peters, this book has every emotion combined.
More importantly, this book is informative and brings forth the urgent need to be aware in every community of the tax payers costs for their city to euthanize healthy adoptable domesticated animals and the benefits of having pets spay and neutered. This is an ongoing problem not just in Dalhart, Texas, but in every city in the United States.
I recommend this book for any and every person that has ever loved an animal. With that being said, I would strongly encourage people that have never owned a pet, are scared of or have limited experience with animals, to take a long hard look at this book. The information in this book may make you sit up and pay attention to the animal control process in your own city. I know that there were many times when I was reading this book it really hit home because I am in Texas, too, and I am aware of the attitudes of certain individuals and groups when it comes to animal rights and animal control procedures.
I recommend reading this book with your favorite pet, whether it be dog, cat, hamster, or goldfish. I read this book with my reading companion, Uncle Roadie, a standard poodle that is so old he was begging for table scraps at The Last Supper. I dedicate this review to him, for without which I would not have my family.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and apparently ages. The story of the kids in Diane Trull’s fourth-grade reading class and how they changed the world (at least the world for Dalhart, TX, and thousands of dogs) will restore your hope in this world.
As a rescue advocate, I know the work that goes into rescue and what this group of kids (and the adults who joined them) accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. Despite obstacles that would have surely stopped most people early on, with the leadership of the Trull family, they persevered and established a no-kill community in a state that dearly needs them. Meredith Wargo brings to life the stories of wonderful dogs, determined children, and dedicated adults in a tale that will fill your heart.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and apparently ages. The story of the kids in Diane Trull’s fourth-grade reading class and how they changed the world (at least the world for Dalhart, TX and thousands of dogs) will restore your hope in this world. As a rescue advocate, I know the work that goes into rescue and what this group of kids (and the adults who joined them) accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. Despite obstacles that would have surely stopped most people early on, with the leadership of the Trull family, they persevered and established a no-kill community in a state that dearly needs them. Meredith Wargo brings to life the stories of wonderful dogs, determined children, and dedicated adults in a tale that will fill your heart.
I loved DAWGS! It will inspire you and warm your heart.
I’m blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers.