I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy of Jacki Skole’s Dogland: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Dog Problem some time back through Ashley Creek Press. I meant to read the book promptly after receiving it, but as my readers may understand often times life gets in the way of our plans! Anyway, I’ve been working through the text slowly, enjoying the clarity and emotion of Skole’s writing.

Even as someone who considered herself to be fairly informed of the various issues concerning shelters and pet overpopulation, I’m learning a lot as I read. But the way the book presents the information isn’t boring in the slightest. Skole began researching animal rescue because she wanted to trace the origins of her new adopted dog. Therefore, Dogland is an interesting blend of investigative journalism and memoir.

Because I’m a proud mother of two kitties (and I miss my dearly departed Doberman-mix, Banksy), I can relate to the curiosity of wanting to know your pet’s background and story. I wish I could trace my own pets’ history — I’d give anything to know what their lives were like and where they came from before they found their way to me.

The prologue of Dogland sets up this search quite nicely, with Skole arriving at a mysterious location and preparing herself for what she may find.

In the upcoming posts, I will touch upon the shelter and animal welfare issues of the book with my thoughts on the text. I hope my posts will encourage my readers to check out the book and enjoy it along with me!

Dogland: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Dog Problem can be purchased directly through Ashland Creek Press. Book excerpt available here.