Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance

This polished photo-essay by frequent collaborators Patent and Mu%C3%B1oz (The Right Dog for the Job) will tug at the heartstrings of readers%E2%80%94especially those sympathetic to the plight of the often-maligned pit bull. In cogent, conversational prose, the author chronicles the rehabilitation journey of one of the dogs rescued in 2007 from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting operation. Named Audie by his eventual owners, the dog first spent months caged in a shelter until animal rights groups successfully petitioned the courts to allow the rescued pit bulls to be tested to determine if they were safe to handle. Placed in a permanent home, Audie gradually learned to trust people and get along with other dogs. After undergoing knee surgery, he began training for agility competition and, in a satisfying cap to his success story, now acts as a "canine coach," helping shy and fearful dogs. Mu%C3%B1oz's crisp, candid photos include many endearing shots of Audie%E2%80%94both solo and interacting with humans and other rescued dogs. Bright backgrounds and captionlike commentary keep this uplifting and informational book lively. Ages 6%E2%80%939. (May)