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The Dogs Who Found Me: What I've Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behindx$3.65
  (55 reviews)
Best Price: $3.65
A favorite author reveals his experiences rescuing abandoned dogs--and offers solid advice for readers who "find" dogs.
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Customer Reviews
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Rescuing dogs and being rescued by them
By A82OURDM3C77O on 2006-04-08
This story is every bit as absorbing and tender as its rave reviews claim. I ran out to buy it after hearing Ken Foster talk to Terri Gross on "Fresh Air," and was not disappointed. Foster's well-organized and totally readable account of his knack for spotting abandoned dogs, his rescues of them, and then life with the dogs he has found, plus his kindhearted descriptions of the people he meets, his good parents (on a road trip his big puppy eventually ends up sleeping between his parents - how usual is that??) and most of all his overarching sense of the wonder and pleasure at the world makes his story a real delight.
Of one of the book's many charming characters he writes, "I adopted Brando not because I was worried he might be put to sleep, but because after several days of visiting him I couldn't stand the idea of him living with someone other than me. " He concludes: " Within a few days I had developed a feverish dog-crush." I love this guy.
Foster had the odd luck of living with his dog(s) in downtown New York during 9/11, and then moving to New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina hit. His story combines road trips with dog-care accounts. You learn a lot.
Some of the things he covers are heartworms, separation anxiety, no-kill shelters, preparing for the unexpected, his own health problems, and Pit Bulls. He instructs would-be rescuers ("What to Do When You Find a Dog"). This would be a great book to give to animal-loving kids (as well as adults) who are interested in such things. He supplies a good list of organizations and other resources for dog rescue. Throughout, Foster is compassionate and honest. His opinions are refreshingly kind. He suffers heartbreaking loss sometimes. There are descriptions of cruelty and neglect, and yet there is no hectoring or bullying of anyone in this artful and sweet book.
Foster has a website which has photos of some of the dogs he describes. I was longing for a photo, since he doesn't supply the reader with any physical description (other than to say he was a huge puppy) of Brando, one of the stars of this story. Foster's a cunning reporter, really - so he must have his reasons for this omission. In all, a wonderful story.
Pitbulls ARE good pets, and here's why...
By A1SGUWLAW8J5HD on 2007-02-14
Look, people aren't reading this book because the author is the most gifted writer in the world, nor are they reading it because he possesses some incredible insight into the world of dog "training." They pick it up because it DOES contain heartwarming stories about a particular type of dog which has, as the title suggests, been left behind by society.
For the person who claims that pitbulls aren't good pets and seeks to back up their assertion with stories culled from the text about dogs fighting with one another, please: go to your local animal shelter (if you live in a city you'll find a pitbull there), volunteer a little, take a dog for a walk or two, and see if this much maligned breed hasn't produced some of the most loving, sensitive, friendly dogs on the planet. Yes, pitbulls may tend to exhibit dog-aggression in adulthood, but they were bred that way. You wouldn't hold a terrier's prey drive and aggression towards squirrels against him, would you? What about the dachsund and its hard-wired hatred for badgers? Contrary to popular belief, these dogs were NOT bred to be aggressive toward humans. Indeed, a fighting dog needed to tolerate human contact, even from strangers, in ways that other breeds never would or could, and the pitbull was originally bred to be incredibly tolerant and respectful of humans. A dog that bit a man in the ring was of no use to anyone.
Pitbulls are smart, loyal, and extremely friendly, and if you'd EVER met one, you'd know what I'm talking about. It's because of ignorant attitudes like this that many towns and cities are legislating against the breed. All this does is prevent responsible dog owners, owners who register their dogs, socialize them and love them, from owning pitbulls. The people who fight dogs and breed them recklessly - the people responsible for the pitbull's current reputation as aggressive - these people don't register or neuter their dogs anyway, and no amount of legislation without enforcement will keep them at bay.
The American Temperament Test Society keeps statistics on every breed of dog they're asked to test, and you might be surprised to know that, in terms of temperament, the pitbull ranks right up there with the labrador retriever - on par with the golden, and just a little friendlier than a yorkie. Take that to the insurance company.
A great book for the dog-lover in us all!
By A1HIJAQZ1OSR3B on 2006-03-22
I picked up Dogs Who Found Me because acquiring my dog a few years back was one of the best things I've done in recent years. I read a couple of the vignettes and I was hooked. If you like dogs at all, you'll love this wonderful book!
Bland and Superficial
By A2O26G4Z66ZSTM on 2006-05-03
The prior reviews and the email correspondence in the book description hurried me along to buy this book. I liked Foster's simple and direct, chatty writing style, but when I got the book, it got old and fast. I can only read email-style writing so long in book form before it becomes wearisome.
Sentences are short and choppy throughout. There is little variety, but if the information offered to the reader were interesting, I could overlook the bland and boring presentation.
An example: Foster develops characters very little. In fact, I have no idea who this guy is down to how old he might be; I don't even know what generation he's in. His parents seemed to show up when he needed to move. They'd show up in their white van to move him, take him places, so it felt like he might have been early 20s, just out of college...but then later on he has heart trouble requiring a pace maker, so then I think, hmmm, this must be out of the ordinary for someone young, but he never mentions how unusual it is, so then I'm left to consider he might be in his 50s, 60s? I still have absolutely no idea, although I doubt he's in his early 20s since he's teaches at a university...at least I know this much.
I have no idea what he looks like, nor do I know what the main dog character looks like (Brando) other than he's really, really big, maybe a Great Dane mix, but that's it. Foster writes mainly about events without development or examination of those events and what they might mean, what they led to... He simply states what happened at this moment, then moves on to the next event with little continuity. I developed no connection whatsoever with anyone in the book because information was presented so coldly, matter of fact, and even when Foster talks of emotional issues, they're offered in a few short lines and then we move on to other events. I never connected with him or his dogs, and I wanted to very much.
However, I did learn a good bit about how many friends he has strewn about the country. Foster, coming off as quite the diva, ensured that the reader would recognize his various good deeds as do his many friends.
The title states: What I've learned from pets who were left behind. I learned absolutely nothing about what he learned. If he was trying to convey something about dogs, I didn't catch it. His bias feels very subjective and he seems to offer only selective information on certain breeds, especially pit bulls, clearly his favorite.
I was particularly interested in Foster's experience with 9/11 and Katrina, but I found both lacking, found little information about the dogs in both instances. I was so disappointed in learning nothing about dogs and their plight in both disasters. I did learn about his many friends in New Orleans, however. This is where I really got the feel for Foster's diva nature, but I wanted to learn about the dogs.
If interested in this topic of dogs left behind, read the funny, endearing, serious work by Randy Grim, "Miracle Dog." Grim's book is worth every penny, but Foster's book, which I read quickly in a couple hours (177 pp) wasn't worth my time.
I gave the book 3 stars because it wasn't horrible. Others might like Foster's clipped writing style that moves quickly from one event to the other with little to no development of the event. However, Randy Grim's book is truly about dogs left behind and what he's learned over the years. Go look up Grim's book before you buy this one, and then make a better informed choice.
couldn't put it down
By A3KM9UA6MAVURN on 2007-01-30
This book starts with 911 and ends with Katrina, and in between the two disasters is rescue and hope. The author doesn't pretend to be an expert, just an average person, and that alone is a useful message. That each of us, one dog at a time, can make a difference, at least in the lives of the animals that might otherwise be euthanized, just by giving a little help along the way. It's a gentle journey, but it has it's occasionally profound moments. Recommended.
- Tail Waggingly Enjoyable
By A3VY3FJTT57439 on 2007-01-02
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Dogs Who Found Me: What I've Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind."
Like many other people who had heard Ken Foster speaking on "NPR", I was captivated by the stories he told about himself, his merry band of rescue dogs and their tribulations during Hurricane Katrina and set out in search of his book. I'm so happy I did...
Reading "The Dogs" was like sitting down for coffee with a friend who understand the nuances of rescuing dogs, the painful parts and the wonderful parts. Why a person would jump out of their car in traffic to help a dog no one else seems to see, the struggle to do the "right" thing for each dog you encounter, the disappointment that can come when you enter the world of apathetic animal shelters and the joy that comes from the time spent with your dogs.
It's a book that reminds you that you're not the only one who saves dogs and of all the reasons why you do it. Mr. Foster captured the spirit of dog rescue beautifully and I'll happily recommend his book to all my Dog People friends.
- Divided opinion
By AIG2NOX4M8GM3 on 2006-06-15
Foster's clearly a writer, and his style's impressive. And despite a few moments in the book where you can really feel him pulling away, he's very honest, which is a nice thing in a memoir after this year's debacles. I just find some of his decisions in this book troubling - or possibly, his lack of explanations.
In several cases, he or others find a dog alone and conclude that the dog's frightened, unhappy state indicates he/she has been cruelly abandoned. He and his friends then proceed to 'rehome' the dog. I'm sure there's a good reason they didn't take the dogs to local shelters, which would give their original owners an opportunity to locate them, just in case the rescuers' initial impression of abandonment was wrong. But Foster never mentions that he and his friends are skipping a rather big step in the process. It's important. If my dog ran away, she would doubtless be very upset and miserable. If a nice person found her, decided that her unhappiness meant her owner was a bad person, and then sent her to a new home three states away, I would never find her. That would be tragic for us, and for a real homeless dog who wouldn't get that home.
- Please...books like this make a trainers job hard.
By A21U4DR8M6I9QN on 2007-01-24
I am a dog trainer, and get a lot of books to review. This guy has a nice ideas, needs to make a living writing books and tries to impress us with his lack of knowledge. The dog he owns is showing aggrrresive behavior and its A.the fault of all the unnetured males, B. because he is packing his clothes to move.
The author needs to learn a a lot more about dogs before writing books.Hitting the internet for cute one pages slogans is not research. I threw this down at page 40, books like this make a trainers job so much harder, massive human needs inflicted on dogs.
- Great Reading
By A32A68CQJL7LYI on 2006-05-09
I read the book "The Dogs Who Found Me." What a great book. It touched me. It made me laugh and it tugged at my heart. I love the title because my newest rescue, a wonderful Pit Bull, found me. She is all love and kisses and now she's mine!
It pleases me to hear some one defend the Pit Bull breed.
Ken Foster's book is so real, so honest, and he tells it like it is.
I couldn't put it down. It's easy to read and very thorough. I'm hoping there will be an update. I'd like to know how the author is now and how Brando, Zypher, and Sula are doing. Especially Zypher.
I have ordered two more of the books to send to friends.
This is a book for anyone who truly loves dogs.
What a wonderful, kind hearted man this author is.
I'm grateful for all the information at the end.
It's very helpful and I have visited several of the sites.
Thank you for writing it! Peggie Morgan
- ehhh... Well, I finished it, but... 2.5 Stars
By A1Z8QXE9JCX7RO on 2006-12-01
the GOOD..
The book shows just how much effort is invloved in rescuing dogs, or other stray animals. People don't realize the variety of health problems & psychological problems strays are likely to have and the treatments involved with curing them, not to mention the expense. The book also highlights many animals rights and rescue groups, which obviously need more exposure. The majority (60%) of the book was about the dogs.
the BAD..
The premise is great, but the writing falls short. I understand that you can't tell a personal story about your dogs without talking about yourself a little bit, but please. The author comes across as a pampered snob who likes to whine a whole lot. Throughout the reading of this book I just couldn't block the author out. Every time the story was going well, he would just jump back in and start irritating me all over again. Think the yuppie couple in "Best of Show", but not as funny. The author went through a lot of tough situations throughout the book, and I'm not trying to make light of them, but it seems as though he is trying to squeeze too much sympathy out for himself, when what the book prepared me for was a "dog rescue" story. It just wasn't what I was expecting.
- Somewhat disappointing ...
By A9YX6JGW6NEB8 on 2006-10-29
As a volunteer at an animal shelter, this was the book to read for our book club. I was sorely disappointed. Although I know Mr. Foster's heart is in the right place, the start of the book begins with his observations of dogs that he didn't help - which was quite disturbing. Additionally, I found his writing skills poor. His lack of explanation as to why, for example, his dog was vomiting blood, left you hanging. The book just ends, no real ending to the story. As I said, I was very disppointed.
- Pitbulls are not good pets
By A2D93DKDUY6NPQ on 2007-01-26
I love animals and bought this book thinking it would share some heartwarming stories about rescued dogs and the situations that arise when they enter your life. What I got was a book about Pitbulls. The flap (very misleadingly) says the book contains stories about all kinds of dogs but in reality this book is only about Pitbulls. I'm not sure why anyone would want to own a Pitbull,even your homeowner's insurance may cost you more as a Pitbull (or Rottweiler) owner, and the breed is statistically proven to have an aggressive behavior. One section of the book describes a situation where 2 dogs get into a vicious fight and the author has to intervene. That is not a "pet" I would want my children or friends or neighbors around. I was very disappointed in this book and felt it was lobbying to entice people into owning a vicious animal and consider it a pet.
On the other hand, if you want a good book with heartwarming stories, read "What the Dog Did".
- Hear it on Fresh Air
By A33VXFGEF2V9BF on 2006-04-12
I heard Ken Foster on Fresh Air ([...]) and he was amazing. The stories of how these dogs seemed to, in essence, rescue him, were incredibly moving without being at all sappy. I would recommend this to anyone who has ever fallen for a dog.
- What a wonderful book!!
By A2OAVVB12G6BY1 on 2006-07-06
Mr. Foster "gets" dogs! What a heart this man has! His trials and tribulations in life (9/11 and Katrina) and his life with dogs that have come into his life, make for a heartwarming read. No, he's not perfect in rescuing all the time. As a rescuer, I can relate. It's not a "aren't I perfect? Look what I do!" kind of read. What it IS, is a story of a man that loves animals - warts and all! It's a nice, easy read. I read it in one night, losing sleep to finish it. I felt I was with a friend, talking about dogs until the wee hours. It was well worth it. Thank you Ken Foster, for caring!
- Sneakily Excellent
By A2L5YSH3KOTLF8 on 2006-08-11
At first I agreed a bit with the disgruntled reviewer below who complains about the email style and lack of character development for people throughout the book, however I think now that might have been the point. I couldn't track most of the friends mentioned in the book and was curious to know more about the author, but the characters that were so fully developed that they've stayed with me are Rocco, Valentino, Katrina, Sula -- the dogs. And I think the simple writing style actually works for the story of a guy trying to live his busy life but unable to ignore the dogs in need that cross his path.
Reading like a collection of emails from a friend, the stories show how dogs can complicate a person's life, but how rewarding that can be, and then also how little it sometimes takes to profoundly change a dog's life. The sheer magnitude of dogs in need paralyze a lot of otherwise compassionate people, but this is a reminder of the huge power in doing something, anything for just one dog, wherever and however a person can. Given such a casual tone, it's a surprisingly deep and sneakily moving book.
- ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ
By A3SPSRSTM7CW6B on 2006-11-28
Ken Foster is a master at capturing all of the emotions of owning rescue dogs. I. myself, have two rescue dogs and they have changed my life. He emphasizes the miraculous change that these dogs have on one's life. The joyand sorrow coupled with an uncanny enlightenment about what truly matters in one's life is encapsulated in this book. I simply could not put it down. It is a fast read with an everlasting gift.
- Ken Foster has said what I've been trying to say my whole life.
By A2TFHD8YI0OA2J on 2006-12-12
I work at an animal shelter in Chicago, and everyday I go into work I ask myself how I stand to do it any longer, it is so heartbreaking.
Mr. Foster says it the best.
"Rescuing something takes time, and there is a risk of revealing something about yourself-your vunerability-that isn't fashionable at all. That's what people don't understand. You do it because it is difficult. You do it because you aren't sure of things. You do it without knowing how any of it will turn out, or how much it will cost you, or if the story will be happy or tragic in the end."
- Dog shelter volunteer
By A1TKIE7H67TNJY on 2006-05-09
This is such a touching book. If you like this book, and want a feel-good type gift, you'll also love "The Wisdom of Zeus", too. Zeus is a Great Pyrenees and was a shelter dog. His book is full of entertaining photos and sayings. I've given it as gifts to other dog lovers and non-dog lovers--yes, there are such people--and everyone just raves about it to me.
- Great Read! (Thomas Worthington is way off base)
By ABI6W5PSVXJ39 on 2006-07-25
As most other reviewers have stated, this is a fantastic book that accurately describes how one's life changes by becoming an "animal rescuer" (intentionally or otherwise).
I'm also a New Orleanian, and I can say that I never saw this marketed around here as a book about Katrina. The major events in Ken Foster's life serve only as a backdrop to the real story: how one man's life was changed by the dogs who found him (and vice versa).
Anyone who works in animal rescue or has him/herself been found by a dog knows how these wonderful creatures start to change the way you view the world around you. It can be as minor as walking by a park and thinking "Spot would love this place" or as major as deciding to evacuate a city early because, although you might think you can ride this hurricane out, you really need to make arrangements for the dog (Thank you TJ). And while you might notice some small changes along the way, one day it suddenly hits you that the pitiful creature you decided to take in (against your better judgement) has drastically changed the direction of your whole life - and you couldn't be more thankful.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who has ever felt like people don't understand their devotion to the 'pets who were left behind' - as well as for anyone who has ever described a friend or family member as a "crazy animal rescuer". I think it can be appreciated and loved by people all across the spectrum.
- A book for dog rescuers & dog lovers!
By A3Q9KDKQ4C5XGQ on 2006-07-31
As a fellow dog rescuer, I of course loved the book -- it's great to read about someone else who has the same love for animals because sometimes you do feel alone and like no one (except the dogs) understands you! Bravo to Ken and to all the people who help him do what he does.
- Excellent book!
By A2BER8A3D0TEGN on 2006-08-08
Ken Foster writes in a positive style. The focus of the book is on finding loving caretakers for dogs, who are left behind by their owners. Every dog owner and dog rescuer should read this book.
Also, I enjoyed reading about Ken Foster and his dogs living through 9/11, Ken's pacemaker surgery and Hurricane Katrina. I was especially glad to read that so many had left New Orleans, with their pets, before the Hurricane hit.
I've already purchased 2 more copies of the book to give to friends. I think it is a "must read".
- heartwarming!
By A6ZJK95W0EC4T on 2006-08-12
i couldn't put this book down. i especially love the little lists and mini chapter of health info. regarding dogs inbetween chapters.
it was a nice little break. some are humours and some are informative.
the author was so open and frank about his life, at certain points i felt a bit hesitant to continue reading, it almost felt like i was being really nosy and intrusive.
i wonder if i ever met brando while walking down st. marks in nyc.
- Dogs
By A1QJ4B7SK9YT6P on 2007-01-15
This was an awesome book. It was touching & a must have for dog lovers. Anyone who has ever picked up a stray animal, or adopted one from a shelter, will be able to relate to the emotional turmoil this kind man goes through, in knowing that you can't save them all, but you can make a difference.
- Wonderful book...Kudos to Ken Foster
By ACAEQSM9SIKFB on 2006-04-24
I also heard Ken Foster on Fresh Air and immediately ordered his book.I hope it continues to get publicity because it is well-deserving of a large readership. I have always wondered why, as a society, we disregard the importance of any living creature's life.To them, their life is just as worthwhile and sacred as our own lives are to us. What I loved about Ken's perspective is that he recognized that while he couldn't commit to fostering multiple dogs like his friend Pam, he still could make a difference.It is not an all or nothing proposition. Whatever you can manage to do for any dog makes a difference. Wonderful book, important read.
- enjoyable
By A2Y8BZ06JLWYBC on 2006-08-14
An easy and enjoyable book to read. Very heartwarming and a must read for anyone who rescues dogs.
- must read for all
By A1UVBE7D3NQK9K on 2006-08-16
Don't hesitate to buy this book. Ken has done such a great job and I look forward to more books on his adventures with his fur friends he has rescued. We live in such a throw away society and now even pets are being discarded for such stupid reasons. Thanks Ken for all you do to help get the message out about some of the best companions out there. Don't shop adopt!!!!
- I'm so glad this book found me!
By A1SF2I6EX9R2Y8 on 2006-09-04
This is one of those books that I'm reading as slowly as possible because I don't want it to end...Thank you Mr Foster, you're an inspiration.
- The truth about pitbulls and their reputation
By A1S22FJOML9B7T on 2006-09-21
What a wonderful book, This book had me laughing and crying and every emotion in between.This book represents everything every dog lover wants to do. But in reality don't for whatever reason. It shows me the good side to people when in this world today you really don't see to often.(If ever)This book will touch the heart strings of you,friends,and anyone you know that thinks of a dog (any dog) as a family member,friend, lifelong companion.
- Easy Read
By A13J4HKVISXEFO on 2007-08-10
I found the author to be a hypocrite on a few issue surrounding pet onwership and rescue. He voiced his opinion strongly about people who are unable to meet the expenses of pet ownership, yet he had a sponsor pay all vet bills for heartworm and various other health issues, as well as covering other expenses for an injured sick dog he couldn't bear to live without. He would have found himself in the exact same position as some of the 'unfit' petowners he described if he didn't have the animal contacts.
The author didn't talk much about how his obession with rescuing dogs fit into his social life. While social situations were in fact discussed,I never felt I had a good understanding of how this man managed a full time job, numerous animals (some with health and emotional issues)and a social life outside of his few friends who also spent their time picking up strays.
The book is not one which has remained in my home. After I finished it I took it to my vets office while picking up one of my dogs who had just been neutered at my own expense~no sponsorship here!
- Heart warming story but writing a bit too much like a column
By A3G5SKPP4UHEVM on 2006-08-20
It's hard NOT to enjoy a book about dogs, especially a book about people who love and rescue dogs. I enjoyed the book, the stories and descriptions of the dogs. Two things though, I did feel like I was reading a series of short columns and not necessary a book stringing together pieces of canine history and especially from the author's perspective. The second thing, no pictures really. However, if you go to the author's website, you see pictures of some of his wonderful companions.
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