No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs

Laidlaw urges readers to become “Dog Champions” by learning about the threats facing dogs and advocating for their welfare. While statistics about homeless and maltreated dogs are grim (Detroit’s homeless dog population is estimated at 50,000; U.S. puppy mills produce 500,000 dogs per year), Laidlaw offers heartening profiles of children and adults taking action around the world, such as campaigning against puppy mills and running spaying and neutering organizations. The book also explores “good” versus “bad” jobs for dogs (with a thoughtful discussion of sled dog racing), as well as such practices as chaining or “debarking” dogs, and Laidlaw includes tips for prospective dog owners looking to adopt. Full-color photographs appear throughout, with additional information about threats to and programs supporting dogs appear in sidebars. While the anecdotes of real-life animal abuse are sometimes painful to read, they should provide ample incentive for readers who are serious about improving the lives of dogs. Ages 8–12. (Mar.)