Who Rescued Who? - Children’s Books about Pet Adoption
In my last blog, I discussed how we used books to help our children get through the heartache of losing our dog. Since then (and after a lot of persistence from our sons!) we decided to welcome a new pet into our lives. It was very important to me that my kids grow up with an animal to take care of. I always had a pet as a part of my family and really wanted my children to have the same bond, as well as understand the responsibility needed to care for a pet.
This time around, it was also important to our family that we adopt a dog in need of a home. There are so many wonderful rescue organizations in our area that do remarkable work trying to help homeless animals find a loving home. We rescued our puppy through the Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue. They are a great organization that takes dogs from high-kill shelters in Texas and brings them to New Jersey to stay with foster families and eventually finds them their forever home.
I arrived at the pet store where the rescue organization was showing the available dogs and immediately saw a pile of puppies asleep on each other. One little black puppy lifted his head and looked around. His fluffy ears were adorable so I asked if I could hold him. I was immediately in love. He was incredibly calm and sweet, which I knew would be perfect for my sons. After filling out an application, I was able to adopt “Remy” (named by me after the rat in the movie Ratatouille) immediately and bring him home.Seeing my boys meet Remy for the first time was so special. They were super excited! But it was also a transition for both us and for Remy! My kids have never really been around a puppy (and my husband and I haven’t had a young puppy in 17 years). There were a lot of things that we didn’t remember how to do (especially potty training), but we were so excited to get to know this new little puppy in our house. Remy, on the other hand, was very scared. The first few days he rarely left his crate, but slowly he got more comfortable with us. Now, after having him for almost two months, I can’t imagine our lives without him. He has definitely become an important part of our family and his personality really shines through.
If you are thinking about getting a new pet for your family, the Mercer County Library System is a great resource for children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction, to help your family learn more about your new furry family member.
Non-fiction books about pets are generally shelved in call number 636. Some of my favorites include…
Puppy Care
Like the titles suggest, these books tell your child everything they need to know about owning a dog! From the first few days home to beginning training, these books give all the basic information kids need to know when adding a puppy to their family (and are also helpful to adults as well).
The Everything Book of Dogs and Puppies
I am your Puppy
All About Dogs
Puppies: Keeping and Caring for your Pet
Pet Adoption
If you are looking into getting your new pet from either a rescue or a shelter, these books talk specifically about the process of adoption and how rescues and shelters work.
Adopting Pets: How to Choose your New Best Friend
Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs
A Home for Dixie: The True Story of a Rescued Puppy
Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy gets a Second Chance
Dog Tricks
Mastered the basics of dog training and looking for more? These books are fun for kids looking to teach their dog new tricks beyond the usual sit and stay.
Dog Tricks: Teaching your Doggie to Shake Hands and Other Tricks
101 Dog Tricks: Kids Edition
Fiction: Picture Books
If you are looking for stories for the toddler and preschool crowd, these picture books are great introductions for children and families who are looking into rescuing a pet.
Can I Be Your Dog? – A sweet story about a homeless dog trying to find a new home, who writes a letter to everyone on the street. After receiving rejection after rejection, Arfy finally finds a new owner in a surprising helper.
Found Dogs – A simple counting book that features dogs going from the shelter to their new homes.
Who Wants Broccoli? – Poor Broccoli has lived at the shelter almost his whole life, despite his attempts to impress prospective families. After causing trouble (and a mess), he finally meets his perfect match.
Before You Were Mine – A young boy wonders what happened in his adopted dog’s past life before he became part of their family.
Our Very Own Dog – Follow the journey from shelter to home! This book also includes practical advice spread throughout the story.
Fiction: Chapter Book Series
For older readers of chapter books, especially those who are animal lovers and interested in stories about pet rescue, check out these book series…
Pet Rescue Adventures by Holly Webb
Animal Rescue Center by Tina Nolan
Pet Rescue Club by ASPCA Kids
Shelter Pet Squad by Cynthia Lord
--- Miss Lauren, Lawrence Branch
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