My newest book is a little different. It’s a passion project, for sure, and it’s been five years in the making. It’s also a nonprofit venture.
So much about this book is new for me. It’s nonfiction, first of all. I’ve written several memoirs, and while this one does include my personal angle, it’s not a story about my life. It’s a story about dogs and how we can transform our shelter system to save not just dogs, but the people working so hard in this crisis.
Instead of going with a traditional publisher, like my other books, this time, working with the nonprofit I cofounded, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, we hired a phenomenal editor and a book designer and created the book ourselves.
We did this for four reasons:
- Going the traditional route would have meant 18 months before the book made it into the hands of readers, and there simply isn’t another moment to waste. The crisis in our nation’s shelters grows every day.
- We wanted to have control over the content to be sure the information and the message shared were authentic and actionable – not prettied up so as not to offend some readers.
- We want to give this book away FOR FREE to shelters and rescues.
- Any proceeds generated by this book will go toward furthering the mission of Who Will Let the Dogs Out and continuing to offer the book for free to shelters and rescues.
It’s been an exciting and exhausting endeavor, but I am SO EXCITED to share this book with you and with the people who need it most.
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a book about hands-on solutions for shelters and the reverberating impact of individuals.
Here is a short excerpt (with pictures!):
For many, it’s a primer on what is happening and an invitation to get involved. But for the shelters, it’s a blueprint for creating a shelter that provides shelter in the truest sense of the word, and serves as an important community resource.
It’s about saving the dogs, but also about saving the people who have struggled too long without the resources and support they need.
Over the course of over 150 visits to shelters and rescues in 13 states, I’ve learned a lot. This book draws from those experiences and conversations with hundreds of Animal Control Officers, Shelter and Rescue directors, advocates, veterinarians, and volunteers.
The book is full of stories of shelters that have found solid ways to save the dogs in their care. It shares ideas for leadership, veterinary access, and community engagement—the three things I believe are critical if we want to solve our current crisis.
Here are a few comments from early readers:
Finally, a book that explores the dire situation confronting animal shelters throughout the South and across the United States! Cara uses clear, accessible language to educate readers about the escalating crisis of pet overpopulation, drawing from hundreds of interviews and experiences from the trenches of animal rescue. As an animal advocate, I greatly appreciated Cara’s nonjudgmental approach as she sought to understand what is happening, and just as importantly, what can we do about it!
– Robin Lapre (Author, Shelter Advocate, and founder of Saving Cheatham Animals Mission Pawsible
WHO WILL LET THE DOGS OUT: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a powerful guide that empowers readers to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their communities. With practical solutions, inspiring success stories, and expert advice, this book is essential for anyone passionate about animal welfare. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, this book offers relevant insight to help shelters thrive and save lives.
– Carol Novello, Author of Mutual Rescue: How Adopting A Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too and former President of Humane Society Silicon Valley
I want to put copies of this book into the hands of the people on the front lines of the shelter and rescue crisis and give them the ideas and inspiration to change the story.
We are in the midst of an Indiegogo campaign to raise the money to do that.
My great hope is that we can use this book as a platform to start a new conversation about how we create sustainable shelters where dogs can heal and move on to better lives.
I believe there is a better future for our shelters – they can be places where pet owners can come to find support, resources, training, and a community focused on caring for the animals in their midst.
The book comes out January 28, but if you’d like to get a hardback copy before that date (hopefully before the new year), you can order one through our Indiegogo Campaign.
You can also support our effort to get copies into the hands of shelters and rescues by buying one or more for the shelters.
Please check out our Indiegogo campaign and consider supporting this effort. There are different levels of giving and different ‘perks’ available, from a copy of the book or our annual calendar to a stay at one of our dog-friendly rentals.
One last thing, our Indiegogo campaign runs until December 16. I’d be beyond grateful if you could share this post or the link to the campaign with the dog-hearted people you know.
Meanwhile, don’t forget about Leche, my gorgeous Husky foster who is still waiting for her forever home, and watch the Another Good Dog Facebook group for new fosters arriving later this week (you knew I couldn’t go without puppies for long…)
Until Each One Has a Home,
Cara
If you like what you read and want to support my writing, consider buying me a cup of coffee.
For information on my writing and books, visit CaraWrites.com.
If you’d like regular updates of all our foster dogs past and present, plus occasional dog care/training tips, and occasional foster cat updates (!) be sure to join the Facebook group, Another Good Dog.
And if you’d like to know where all these dogs come from and how you can help solve the crisis of too many unwanted dogs in our shelters, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org and subscribe to our blog where we share stories of our travels to shelters, rescues, and dog pounds.
If you can’t get enough foster dog stories, check out my book: Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs. Or its follow up that takes you to the shelters in the south One Hundred Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues.
pics
I love to hear from readers and dog-hearted people! Email me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.
If you’d like to support the work we do (and save the rescue and me some money), shop our Amazon wishlist. We are currently in need of chicken and chicken-byproduct-free, high-quality food and treats, and chew toys for Diamond. Oh, and large bed cover replacements (any size – we can cut the memory foam pieces I have to fit).
If you’d like to take a vacation with your whole pack, consider visiting one of our two dog-WELCOMING vacation rentals. Visits BringDogs.com to learn more.
Another Good Dog™ 