
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
-37% $9.99$9.99
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Impact Sales Force
Save with Used - Very Good
$6.65$6.65
FREE delivery June 5 - 11
Ships from: ThriftBooks-Phoenix Sold by: ThriftBooks-Phoenix

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
OK
DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them Paperback – March 31, 2020
Purchase options and add-ons
— Gold Winner in the 2022 Global Book Awards for Pets and Animal Care
— Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest
We can all make a difference.
Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull's life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. In that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born.
How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Trull shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time.
"Get ready to feel a lot. This book is inspiring all along the way."
—Bernadette Peters, award-winning actress
"I'm blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers."
—Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog
"I loved DAWGS! It will inspire you and warm your heart."
—Kristin von Kreisler, bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCitadel
- Publication dateMarch 31, 2020
- Dimensions5.51 x 0.71 x 8.24 inches
- ISBN-100806540346
- ISBN-13978-0806540344
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Editorial Reviews
Review
Trull begins the story as a fourth-grade teacher in Dalhart, Texas. One of her young students asks about an article in a local paper showing photos of adorable dogs at a shelter who were up for adoption, wondering what happened to those who weren't adopted.
Instead of dodging the question, and with great trepidation, she answered it with the truth: those who weren't adopted would be put to sleep. Her tiny students were understandably shocked. Then one of them said, "I don't want any of those dogs to die. Isn't there something we can do to save them?"
That simple question, asked by a child in a classroom in 2003, started a profound adventure in the lives of Diane and her husband, Mark, and her students.
Together, they started a private dog shelter, working with a reluctant animal control officer and an even more reluctant city council to take in as many pets as possible, feed them, groom them, and bring many back to health until, hopefully, someone would adopt them.
The development of the shelter is in itself a remarkable story. But even more profound is its effect on the children who volunteered for months, or even years.
The shelter had a strict code of ethics regarding those young volunteers including full permission of their parents, and a required balance between school and their work at DAWGS. Its motto, then and now is, "Making a difference, one animal at a time, one child at a time, one day at a time."
Students who participated learned life lessons of responsibility, compassion, and dedication that helped shape them as people. Some of these fourth graders are still involved with the shelter after nearly 20 years.
Many dogs have their stories told in this book. Tales of abandoned, damaged pets who were nursed back to health at the shelter and subsequently adopted. Also told are the stories of the many companies and individuals whose key donations and hands-on work have made this shelter work.
A heartwarming story? Yes. But equally important is the hard work and grit that ensured the success of this shelter. Highly recommended."
~ Chanticleer Book Reviews
"A few tears, lots of love, some incredible children, and a bevy of wonderful pups enliven this inspirational true account." — Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Meredith Wargo is an award-winning author and advocate for animals. The recipient of three Maxwell Medallions from the Dog Writers Association of America, she has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Although a native Texan, Meredith currently lives in southern Utah with her husband and a menagerie of rescued pets. Visit her at her website www.MeredithWargo.com or on Twitter @MeredithWargo.
DAWGS is the only animal sanctuary in America founded and run by elementary school children. Since its founding in 2003, DAWGS has touched the lives of more than twenty thousand animals, giving them a second chance in life. DAWGS is the first recipient of the Distinguished Youth Guardian Award from In Defense of Animals, an international animal rights and rescue group based in California. The authors hope their readers will be inspired to make a difference in saving the lives of animals by adopting, fostering, donating, and volunteering. Visit DAWGS at www.dawgsntexas.com.
Product details
- Publisher : Citadel
- Publication date : March 31, 2020
- Language : English
- Print length : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0806540346
- ISBN-13 : 978-0806540344
- Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.51 x 0.71 x 8.24 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,015,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #427 in Animal & Pet Care Essays
- #2,945 in Dog Care
- #21,933 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Like many authors, my love for reading and writing began at an early age. When I wasn’t running around the neighborhood being a tomboy, you could usually find me curled up somewhere with my nose buried in a book. Anne of Green Gables, A Wrinkle in Time and the Nancy Drew mystery series were influential in igniting my dream of wanting to be a writer one day.
I think my affinity for animals began the moment I was born. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals of all kinds. From growing up with the family dogs to taking horseback riding lessons as a teenager, many of my happiest memories are those that include a four-legged creature.
The famous cliché is to write about what you know and love, so I started writing about animals. I’ve had more than 60 articles published in a variety of animal-related magazines. Several of my articles have won Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America, which is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs.
When I’m not sitting behind a computer penning my latest work, I love to play tennis, travel the world, eat chocolate, and of course, help the underdog (or cat) through animal rescue.
Customer reviews
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star94%5%1%0%0%94%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star94%5%1%0%0%5%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star94%5%1%0%0%1%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star94%5%1%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star94%5%1%0%0%0%
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book heartwarming, describing it as a true story of hope and resilience. They appreciate its readability, with one customer noting it's a great distraction during the pandemic. The book receives positive feedback for its age appeal, with one review highlighting how it teaches children about love and responsibility. Customers also praise the writing quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
Customers find this book heartwarming, describing it as an inspirational read with personal stories that exemplify hope and resilience.
"...Through anecdotal stories, we get a glimpse into not only the adversity faced by such a task, but also the reward from the combined effort of..." Read more
"...It’s really about the power of perseverance, caring, community, and how much can be accomplished when thoughtful individuals work together toward a..." Read more
"...The kids are tenacious and dedicated ... the adults quite frankly are heroic! You truly cannot imagine all their challenges...." Read more
"...This is much of a romantic story of kids and pets as it is a rebellion against status quo...." Read more
Customers find the book readable and engaging, with one mentioning it kept their interest throughout and another noting it's great for animal lovers.
"...DAWGS is such a pleasure to read because it’s anchored in solid storytelling...." Read more
"...That's it? Done? What a sweet, amazing, and heartwarming story!..." Read more
"Loved this book! The characters and setting were so well developed and the book kept my interest all the way through...." Read more
"...The story is heartwarming, emotional, and inspirational. A good read for anyone who loves teachers, kids, or pets." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's age range, with one mentioning it appeals to animal lovers of any age, while another notes it teaches about love and responsibility.
"This is the story of how a teacher, prompted by concerns from her students, helped establish a successful dog rescue operation in a small town in..." Read more
"...What a sweet, amazing, and heartwarming story! The kids are tenacious and dedicated ... the adults quite frankly are heroic!..." Read more
"...The courage and strength of these children in overcoming their own fears, much less the fears and bias of the city leadership and their own parents..." Read more
"...A nice mixture of women’s can do attitude and unwavering determination of adolescents whose innocence precludes them from believing that adults..." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book.
"Wonderful writing as I could visualize being there with the teacher, her husband, the students and the dog’s thorough out this book...." Read more
"Such an inspiring story in every way. Very well written - did not want to stop reading once I started...." Read more
"This is an amazing book. Very well written , didn’t want to put it down. The author did an amazing job. Thank you for sharing this with all of us." Read more
"What a beautifully written book! So inspiring and passionate!..." Read more
Reviews with images

Much more than a puff piece, an inside fist account on running a dog shelter
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2020This is the story of how a teacher, prompted by concerns from her students, helped establish a successful dog rescue operation in a small town in Northern Texas. Through anecdotal stories, we get a glimpse into not only the adversity faced by such a task, but also the reward from the combined effort of saving these poor dogs. Being a big believer in synchronicity, you will see that at play in the stories in the book. When the need arises, the right person shows up to help fulfill the need. Keep a tissue handy, there are a few places that will tug at your heart. But mostly it is a book which continues to affirm the value of people AND animals that show up in our lives. Each one has a story and each has a lesson to teach us. Hopefully, we all remain open to receive that blessing.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2020Compelling and compassionate, DAWGS tells the real-life story of a teacher in Texas who teams up with her students to start a dog shelter in their small rural town—but the story goes much deeper than that. It’s really about the power of perseverance, caring, community, and how much can be accomplished when thoughtful individuals work together toward a common goal. There’s plenty to be inspired by here: children overcoming personal struggles to care for animals in need, a selfless teacher giving her all to uplift her students, and a unifying mission to save, shelter, and find forever-homes for innocent animals.
DAWGS is such a pleasure to read because it’s anchored in solid storytelling. It never lapses into dry journalism or manipulates the reader with heavy-handed melodrama. It’s a true story that feels true.
Another nice touch is that every chapter starts with a short success story about an animal from the shelter. Punctuated with these heartwarming vignettes and built on a foundation of genuine altruism, DAWGS delivers plenty of smiles and hope—and those are things we could all use these days.
Highly recommended!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2020I'll be honest and tell you the problem with this book ... it's over! That's it? Done?
What a sweet, amazing, and heartwarming story! The kids are tenacious and dedicated ... the adults quite frankly are heroic! You truly cannot imagine all their challenges.
The writer does a masterful job of engaging all of your emotions ... you'll go from sadness to joy ... to disbelief and wonder. You'll meet so many great souls (both human and canine!). And you will genuinely feel the frustration and determination in these animal champions.
I will patiently wait a sequel but I think this would be an amazing movie! I have to go hug my Duffy and Ben now and let them know they are cherished!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2020Marvelous discovery. We haven’t’ read such a heart filled story in years. The courage and strength of these children in overcoming their own fears, much less the fears and bias of the city leadership and their own parents should be in every child if only given the chance to develop.
We love the fact that the teacher had nothing to do with instigating the fever in the kids and tries to steer the kids away from the problem before a few dug their heels into the sand and decided to do something about a horrible situation in their own community.
This is much of a romantic story of kids and pets as it is a rebellion against status quo. The children see the world as much black and white, good and bad, without the worldly experience that we older kids use to soften our spines and who can no longer determine right from wrong.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024Each chapter tells a story of children changing their community and some of the special dogs that have benefited from their live, dedication and resilience .
- Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2020Loved this book! The characters and setting were so well developed and the book kept my interest all the way through. In fact once I began, I binge read until I reached the end of the book. A nice mixture of women’s can do attitude and unwavering determination of adolescents whose innocence precludes them from believing that adults would make decisions with ulterior motives. Issues of animal abandonment, neglect and abuse addressed in Dawgs is prevalent throughout many communities in the USA. This true story is an inspirational account of love and compassion.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2020This is the true story of a teacher and her students who were determined to make a difference in their town. It is a story of perseverance, of courage, and of building character. It is about overcoming obstacles, bias, politics and prejudice to do the right thing. It's also about dogs and cats, and the kids who would not turn their backs on animals in need. The story is heartwarming, emotional, and inspirational. A good read for anyone who loves teachers, kids, or pets.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2020As an animal lover and “mom” to 8 rescue animals (both dogs and cats), I understand the desire to want to save animals who need a loving home. It takes a very special person/people to go to the lengths of care like Diane, Mark and all of their helpers. Their determination is inspiring. I can't believe how truly uncaring and completely cruel the city of Dalhart was to this wonderful group of people; it's mindboggling. I'm so glad good won over evil. I also want to give a shout-out to Meredith. Thank you for bringing the DAWGS story to life and for sharing it with us!!