THE DOG WHO RESCUES CATS: THE TR

The true story of Ginny, an abused dog with an affinity for rescuing cats in trouble, describes Ginny's part in the saving of such handicapped felines as the one-eyed Revlon, deaf Madam, and the paralyzed Topsy. 35,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo.

YA?When Philip Gonzalez, a young Vietnam vet, became disabled in an industrial accident, he didn't realize how drastically his life would change. Always fit and active, he found himself living on disability with little prospect of employment. Depressed and isolated, he finally followed a friend's advice and got a dog for companionship and to keep him from being so self-centered. Not being a dog lover, he was somewhat bewilderingly taken by a female mongrel named Ginny, who was in almost as bad shape as he. She soon became the center of his life?but the center of her life seemed to be stray cats. Soon Gonzalez was also taking in debilitated felines. While not great literature, this brief look at the author's relationship with Ginny and their raison d'etre is heartwarming and readers will soon become involved with them and their adopted cats, all of whom have distinct and winning personalities. Many YAs will think twice about cats, dogs, and handicaps after reading this book.?Susan H. Woodcock, King's Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Most dog memoirs recount fond childhood memories of canine companionship (Willie Morris's My Dog Skip, LJ 5/1/95) or the joys of dog ownership (George Pitcher's The Dogs Who Came To Stay, LJ 7/95). This true, heartwarming story is about a dog who gave her owner a new lease on life and taught him how to love again. Gonzalez, who had lost much interest in living after suffering a disabling accident, reluctantly agreed to adopt a badly abused dog, a mixture of Siberian husky and schnauzer. He recognized in Ginny the same vulnerability and hurt as in himself, yet he also saw hope and love. As the weeks passed, Ginny, with Gonzalez's help, made it her mission to rescue abandoned, mostly disabled cats. Ginny rescues Madam, who's totally deaf, and Revlon, who has only one eye. Betty Boop has no back legs, and Topsy has brain damage, but they too become part of the family. Although Gonzalez is the author of this story, it is Ginny who is the true heroine. It is her "radar of the heart" that makes this such a touching, sweet story. The photographs of Ginny, Gonzalez, and their family of cats are endearing and unforgettable. This moving tale will be welcomed by school and public libraries.
Eva Lautemann, DeKalb Coll. Lib., Clarkston, Ga.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.