Sharon Ward Keeble - My Rescue Dog Rescued Me: Amazing True Stories of Adopted Canine Heroes

PRAISE FOR MY RESCUE DOG RESCUED ME

We commend this book for sharing some wonderful stories of how rescuing a dog from a shelter can not only transform the life of that dog but also the lives of those who adopt them. We rescue some of the worst cases of animal abuse, and seeing how these dogs learn to forgive and trust humans again is an example we can learn from. You cant buy love but you can rescue it. Soi Dog Foundation

A gorgeous book showing the incredible power of the relationship between human and dog and how it can change lives for those with four legs and two. An absolute must-read for anyone whos known the incomparable love of a rescue dog. Waggy tails all round for Sharon Ward Keebles charming, heartwarming book. YOURS magazine

Keeble has, in this great collection of stories, managed to capture the unconditional devotion dogs continue to give us all despite an often harsh beginning in life. Whether it be a local rescue or one from a war-torn country, the undaunted loyalty and love remains the same. War Paws charity

A fantastic celebration of rescue dogs and the capacity they have to change lives. it drives home the message that you really should Adopt Not Shop. If you are not convinced, just read some of the heartwarming stories, and try not to cry. Spanish Stray Dogs charity

This book has character and heart. It illustrates the power of human and animal relationships. Its touching and informative, and helps us understand our canine companions even more. It is a must-read for dog lovers, but also for anyone whose life has been touched by an animal, and knows the comfort and joy they can bring. Take a Break magazine

My Rescue Dog Rescued Me is full of heartwarming tales of rags-to-riches Rovers who have become heroes to their humans. Real People magazine

Copyright 2017 by Sharon Ward Keeble

First published by Summersdale Publishers Ltd., 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Skyhorse Publishing books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or .

Skyhorse and Skyhorse Publishing are registered trademarks of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Visit our website at www.skyhorsepublishing.com.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-1737-4

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-1738-1

Printed in the United States of America

To my own rescue dogs, Beau and Alfie

Thank you both for all the love and happiness you give to me and our family

You have both shown us what unconditional love really means, and by doing so you have been my inspiration to write this book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sharon Ward Keeble is a journalist with more than 20 years experience of national reporting for major womens magazines and newspapers in the UK and USA, including Closer , Bella and the Sunday Mirror . She is the author of China: Passport to Adventure and co-author of The Horse Girl . She is based in Florida.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

There have been only a few times in my life when I havent had a four-legged friend to keep me company, but Ive grown up with a very particular and very special kind of dog: rescue dogs. My parents rescued animals from shelters rather than buy from breeders and I learned from an early age that dogs from these backgrounds, despite their previous experiences, can prove themselves to be the most loyal of pets.

However, it wasnt until my daughter Molly was bullied at school and we adopted a dog, a sandy-coloured terrier she called Alfie, that I really appreciated what these special animals can teach us. By witnessing the unique bond that Molly and Alfie formed, I realised that although we rescued this pup from a shelter, it was Alfie who truly rescued my daughter from the trauma of bullying.

While researching this book, I came across countless inspiring stories which demonstrate the extent to which adopted dogs give back to their new families. These incredible canines provide much-needed physical and emotional support a stroke of the head or a long-lasting hug can make all the difference to an owner suffering from illness or distress deep within their souls and some of these dogs have even become lifesavers. Turn the pages to meet Brin, the flea-bitten dog rescued from war-torn Afghanistan to live with Sally, a lupus sufferer, in England. And then there is the cheeky little terrier who transformed the sad life of his widowed owner; a fearless St Bernard dog named Hercules; and the memorable tale of a dog who performed the Heimlich manoeuvre

Too many people wont even consider adopting dogs from shelters because they dismiss them as damaged. This book is a celebration of the rescue dogs who turn the tables around and save their human owners. My hope is that it will encourage people to adopt a dog (rather than shop for one) because the rescued breed is quite simply the most loyal and charming you will find.

although we rescued this pup from a shelter, it was Alfie who truly rescued my daughter

CHAPTER 1

BEVERLI AND PIPERS STORY

Beverli felt as though her life was charmed and considered herself an incredibly lucky person. The consultancy firm she worked for had just helped London win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. Part of a team of highly skilled professionals, Beverlis job was to oversee and devise practical solutions for matters relating to the potential terrorism that such a prestigious event would attract.

Her area of expertise was security, and in particular the security of the hard and soft rings, the competitive arenas within the Olympic city, and the tagging of athletes to ensure the safety of the worlds top sportspeople. As she boarded the Tube train at Kings Cross Station in London, it was time to get down to business after the celebratory party the night before. Beverli, full of excitement and anticipation, couldnt wait to get to work on starting a new chapter in her career. As she hopped onto the train at 8.42 a.m., she was already planning the safety measures that she was going to recommend to her bosses that morning.

It was a tight squeeze in the train but somehow Beverli managed to get a seat. Just before the train was due to stop at Russell Square, where she had to get off, she stood up and held on to the metal rail until the train came to a halt. Suddenly, there was an excruciating sound of metal grating against metal as the train screeched to a stop. Beverli was flung forward and hit the pole face-first with such force that it knocked her out.

The next thing she knew, she was lying on the floor. From looking at her watch, she worked out that she had been like that for about twelve and a half minutes. She couldnt hear anything apart from a high-pitched ringing in her ears.