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Book Gifts For Volunteers

  • 1.  Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 16 days ago

    Hi there,

    I am thinking of gifting my volunteers a nice book they can read related to animals/animal welfare but I'm not sure what to get! It doesn't need to be a long read. Perhaps the shorter, the better. I want it to be something that is informative, cute, and/or feel-good. Have any ideas?


    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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    Braelyn Nores
    Volunteer and Foster Coordinator
    Rutherford County PAWS
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  • 2.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 15 days ago

    Braelyn,

    I would recommend: "What It Takes to Save A Life: A Veterinarian's Quest for Healing and Hope" by Kwane Stewart. I purchased  and read this book after the My Dog is My Home conference earlier this year.  The author also the recipient of CNN's Hero of the Year Award for 2023. I would tout it as informative but mostly inspirational.



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    Susan Murphy
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 15 days ago

    The first thing that came to mind are these three short books about dog love: "Devoted", "Loyal" and "Love Unleashed" published by National Geographic. Author Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is one of our Volunteers. The books are compilations of real-life stories of dogs demonstrating love, loyalty and devotion. Very heartwarming and touching. 



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    Fay Crisanto

    Animal Care Centers of NYC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 15 days ago

    I don't have a specific recommendation since those types of books aren't my thing, but as a mainly cat caregiver, I would advocate for something that isn't species specific if possible. While I'm sure they'd be grateful for any gift, I know I'd personally be a little disappointed if it was a dog-centric book. It can be a little deflating to have dedicated your time to animals other than dogs and yet receive dog gifts, kind of makes it feel like the work done with other species isn't as valued.



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    Sam Maurice
    Humane Society of Jefferson County
    Jefferson WI
    https://hsjc-wis.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 15 days ago

    Any of the James Herriott books, about his experiences as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales.  Heartwarming, they convey beautifully why we do what we do for animals.



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    Anne Bookout
    Brandywine Valley SPCA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 15 days ago

    Hi Braelyn,  

    What a thoughtful idea! 

    I found My Rescue Pet Rescued Me: Amazing True Stories of Adopted Animals by Sharon Ward Keeble to be an uplifting, positive, and easy read. It's a collection of true adoption and rescue stories featuring a variety of animals - ducks, guinea pigs, horses, dogs, cats, and even some more unexpected companions.

    What I especially love about this book is that it highlights something often overlooked in rescue work: yes, we're saving an animal's life - but equally important is how that rescued animal, in turn, helps to "rescue" the person they're matched with.

    There are stories of animals who bring comfort to veterans coping with PTSD, children struggling with bullying or anxiety, and individuals overcoming grief, depression, or loneliness. One story tells of a horse that helped its owner regain confidence and health; another features a duck who soothes his human's trauma; and there's even a tale of a tiny guinea pig who gave a young girl with autism the courage to smile again.

    Each story beautifully captures the transformative bond between people and their pets - reminding us that rescue truly goes both ways.



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    Marcy Anagnostou
    Director of Development & Training Coordinator
    Warrior Dog Rescue
    MN
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hi Braelyn:

    I recently picked up a couple copies of "Poet's Square," a true story of a couple that moved into a house, only to find that there were a lot of feral cats living in and around it that they grew to love and care for. Each chapter is devoted to a particular cat. I've given several copies away to folks who also seemed to enjoy it. 



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    Kirsten Cianci, VMD
    Palmetto Animal League
    Ridgeland, SC 29936
    =^..^=
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 12 days ago

    I have this book as well but haven't started it yet. I am happy to hear it will be enjoyable!



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    Michelle Messemer
    Foster Manager
    DAWS Animal Welfare Society
    CT
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 12 days ago
    [heart] Michelle Reardon reacted to your message:



    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hi, 

    That's a really nice idea! I loved One Hundred Dogs and Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and A Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues and also Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs. Both books are written by Cara Achterberg.

    Michelle



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    Michelle Reardon
    JEFFERSON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
    OH
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Book Gifts For Volunteers

    Posted 14 days ago

    This is a sweet one for dog volunteers!

    Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog by Dave Barry

    https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Lucy-Simple-Joys-Happy/dp/1501161156



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    Katy Herman
    President
    The Hansel Foundation
    IL
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    Original Message


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