From Booklist
Cast either as necessary evils or benevolent havens, animal shelters are as frequently reviled as they are revered, largely because of a dearth of information and a wealth of innuendo about what actually transpires behind their doors. Inspired by her personal experiences with rescue dogs and background as a shelter volunteer, Harbolt records a scholarly yet sensitive study of animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue leagues, rendering an objective and informed insight into the animal welfare movement. To better understand this complex and sometimes controversial interspecies relationship, Harbolt conducted in-depth interviews with dedicated shelter volunteers and employees and adamant activists to reveal the setbacks and successes inherent in their mission--and even "talked" with abandoned animals themselves. An informed analysis of several national and local imperatives provides a sociological and cultural overview from both historical and contemporary viewpoints. Part memoir, part ethnography, Harbolt's investigation sheds valuable light on an emotional and often contentious subject by examining with compassion and equanimity the bond that exists between man and beast.
Carol HaggasCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
What happens behind the doors of the animal shelter? This book will introduce the reader to the work culture of animal shelter employees, volunteers, activists, educators, and pets. By weaving together her own personal memoirs with interviews with workers, the author describes the traditions, philosophies, history, and current social dynamics of a typical animal welfare community. She examines how the daily interactions, personal philosophies, disparate methods, technology, and life experiences of the humans and pets influence the care of homeless animals, often playing an intricate role in the life or death situation each pet eventually faces. The author, over the course of five years of research, also describes how her own experience with a "rescued" dog, touching upon the issues of victimization and redemption that she finds characterize the animal welfare field. The animals in the book are presented as active participants in this daily drama, able to communicate their needs to their caretakers and form lasting impressions. Throughout the book, workers, volunteers, and activists tell their own stories-stories that embody the hopes, frustrations, successes and failures in bridging the bond between homeless pets and new families.
