MY OLD DOG: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts

WRITTEN BY LAURA T. COFFEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI FUSARO

“MY OLD DOG: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts” just might be the happiest book you’ll ever read. It shares success stories that show how blissful retirement can be for older dogs who get rescued, and how life-changing senior dog adoption can be for the humans who do the rescuing.

“No Dog Should Die Alone” was the attention-grabbing — and heart-stirring — headline of journalist Laura T. Coffey’s TODAY show story about photographer Lori Fusaro’s work with senior shelter pets. While generally calm, easy, and already house-trained, these animals often represent the highest-risk population at shelters. With gorgeous, joyful photographs and sweet, funny, true tales of “old dogs learning new tricks,” Coffey and Fusaro show that adopting a senior can be even more rewarding than choosing a younger dog. You’ll meet endearing elders like Marnie, the irresistible shih tzu who has posed for selfies with Tina Fey, James Franco, and Betty White; Remy, a soulful nine-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; George Clooney’s cocker spaniel, Einstein; Susie, the funny little senior dog who got adopted by “Humans of New York” creator Brandon Stanton; and Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from Ground Zero. They may be slower moving and a tad less exuberant than puppies, but these pooches prove that adopting a senior brings immeasurable joy, earnest devotion, and unconditional love.

This special book became a national bestseller and went into its second printing very quickly. It won the prestigious Best Book Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and a gold INDIES Book of the Year Award from Foreword Reviews. “MY OLD DOG” has been showcased in numerous media outlets, including the TODAY show, People, PARADE, Huffington Post, Upworthy, WGN-TV, multiple CTV Television Network shows in Canada, and many more.

“MY OLD DOG” features a foreword by singer/songwriter Neko Case, caregiving and training tips by Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker, and a comprehensive resource guide that outlines all sorts of ways to help older shelter dogs across North America and around the world. It’s available at book stores everywhere and at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

Positive reviews keep rolling in! Here are some excerpts:

“If you love dogs, or if you like dogs, or if you’ve ever heard of dogs, or if you’re from planet Earth, you will love this book.”
— David Rosenfelt, author of “Dogtripping” and “Lessons from Tara”

“Not only is ‘My Old Dog’ an idea whose time has come, it is a truly heartwarming celebration.”
— Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell”

“Pages and pages of … adorable dogs who found happiness in their golden years.”
— PEOPLE.com

“’My Old Dog’ is a truly wonderful book….Every story reminds me just how resilient dogs are and how strong the human-animal bond can be.”
— Victoria Stilwell, dog behavior expert and star of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog”

“Full of wonderful color photos, this beautiful work does a great job of advocating for adult and senior dogs.”
— Library Journal

“This book is a loving celebration of old dogs and of radiant souls that shine through aging eyes.”
— Francis Battista, cofounder of Best Friends Animal Society

“Demonstrates how meaningful it can be to give older animals . . . a second chance.”
— PARADE

“My new favorite book. . . . Absolutely beautiful. One time, while I was reading a particularly uplifting chapter on a crowded subway, I found myself actually kissing the book.”
— Barkpost.com

“This most amazing and inspiring book . . . will move you to tears of joy.”
— Psychology Today

“Journalist Coffey and photographer Fusaro make a strong case for rescuing elderly dogs.”
— Publishers Weekly

“This book is a wonderful tribute to our ‘sizzlin’ seniors’!”
— Jill Rappaport, animal advocate and NBC News correspondent

“If you love soulful seniors or you’re in need of a reminder of the wonderfulness of people (i.e. those adopting one of the many senior dogs in shelters), you’re going to love this book.”
— Modern Dog

“I fell in love with these dogs, and their stories serve to remind us that old dogs are like fine wine — they only get better with age. Four paws up!”
— Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane

“Who knew that old dogs could teach human beings some new tricks: compassion, companionship, healing, random snacking, and the power of second chances. Laura Coffey and Lori Fusaro have given the beasts of the world — human and canine — a map for graceful aging and a full and happy life.”
— Roy Peter Clark, author of “Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer” and Vice President and Senior Scholar at the Poynter Institute

“‘My Old Dog’ highlights the beautiful compassion of those who choose to love, support and respect our older animals instead of throwing them away. The book is a look at how we can become better people.”
— Michael Harney, actor on “Orange Is the New Black,” “Deadwood” and “NYPD Blue”

“I could not put this book down, and I don’t think anyone could read it and not be moved to go out and help an older dog.”
— Jennifer Kachnic, president of the Grey Muzzle Organization

“This exquisite, eye-opening book needs a place on every dog lover’s shelf.”
— Maria Goodavage, New York Times-bestselling author of “Soldier Dogs” and “Top Dog”

“Infused with vitality.”
— Mashable.com

“All of the dogs whose stories are told in My Old Dog will move you (off the couch, and over to your dog to give them a hug).”
— Huffington Post

“Outright heart-melting stories that’ll make you want to go adopt a senior dog. Like, right now.”
— Upworthy.com

“This is easily the best dog book I’ve read — ever.”
— Kings River Life Magazine

Thank you so much for stopping by! Please connect with us on our Facebook page and on Instagram and Twitter. And please send media inquiries to New World Library’s Publicity Director Monique Muhlenkamp: 415-884-2100, Ext. 15; monique@newworldlibrary.com.

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