National Network for Equitable Library Service

Kim Kavin takes an investigative approach to shed light on a little-known industry with the goal of advancing the conversation about how all dogs are treated. She shows how all dog lovers can come together, with one voice as consumers, on behalf of all our beloved companions.

These are tales about people who turned around the lives of their dogs, and dogs who turned around the lives of their people. A retired greyhound named Blaster learns about life beyond the racetrack. Jovi, a fearful border collie, discovers the joys of human and canine companionship. A service dog named Blue opens doors for her owner, a quadriplegic, that he thought were forever closed to him. Dog lovers of all ages will be inspired and moved by these true stories.

What do you do when there are goldfish in the horse's water tank, a baby magpie in the bedroom, a cow in the kitchen and a half-dozen small dogs rolling in the dirt to get rid of the smell of skunk? It's all in a day's work on Gayle Bunney's farm near Bonnyville, Alberta. Bunney's hilarious and heartwarming stories are filled with down-to-earth observations on country life and the animals she loves.

Dogs, horses and other animals have long shown courage, trust and loyalty to the people in their lives, but they also inspire selfless love in return. This touching collection of true stories shows how people and animals come together to overcome life's challenges and find hope for the future. National Service Dogs give autistic children the gift of love and security, and dedicated animal lovers devote their lives to rescuing and healing abused or abandoned big cats, donkeys and parrots. The relationships portrayed in these stories are truly heartwarming.

This inspiring collection of stories explores the loving relationship between cats and their people. A woman devotes herself to caring for feral cats on the cold, hostile streets of Saskatoon. A clever cat becomes a famous columnist, with just a little help from his writer owner. In Ottawa, an elderly man selflessly cares for the cats of Parliament Hill. From cats that heal and console the ailing to cats that survive only through the dedication of their caregivers, the stories of these memorable pets will warm the hearts of all animal lovers.

Every year, thousands of wild animals are injured or orphaned in Canada, while the habitat and very existence of others is threatened by human activity. Roxanne Willems Snopek tells the inspiring stories of some of these amazing creatures and the dedicated and compassionate people who care for them. Wildlife rescue centres help many of our urban animal neighbours, from the tiniest baby songbirds to skunks, raccoons, opossums and rabbits. Other concerned volunteers work on the edge of the wilderness.

Canadian history is full of touching stories of animal companionship, and some relationships between people and their cherished companions are legendary. From Grey Owl and the Beaver People to Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King's "little angel dogs" to Emily Carr's menagerie, these stories describe notable people and their relationships with their pets. Cheryl MacDonald also shares the story of the original Winnie the Pooh, describes the eventful life and the tragic end of Jumbo the elephant and looks at the "valiant but voiceless" dogs and horses employed in police work.

Considered wise and powerful by the Inuit and other Native cultures, and celebrated in legend and literature, polar bears have become a charismatic symbol of animals threatened by climate change in the Arctic ecosystem. Yet for centuries, polar bears were demonized and slaughtered by adventurers who sailed the icy seas seeking wealth and glory.

These stories of crime and rescue, by retired park warden and dog trainer Dale Portman, highlight the vital role dogs play in saving lives, upholding the law and recovering bodies. Portman describes the escapades of Canadian Rockies park warden Alfie Burstrom and his canine partner, Ginger—the first certified avalanche search team in North America—as well as his own adventures tracking down criminals and missing persons with his German shepherd, Sam.

The bond between cats and their people comes to the fore in these charming true stories. Cinders shows her young owner that she is more than her fears and insecurities. Mr. Morris's love of people makes him a winner as a therapy cat. A stray named Kitty finds a new owner and gives him a reason to live. Poignant and heartwarming, these stories will be cherished by cat lovers of all ages.