This book "has all the feels." The reader becomes invested in the dogs from the rescue. Steven and Joy rescue the old, infirm and disabled dogs, and adopt out those whom they are able to. This, in Chimayo, NM, in the sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, probably the most spiritual place in the United States. How do I know this? I lived there (New Mexico) growing up and have returned at least once a year from 1993 till now (2018). You just have this sense, that the land KNOWS you and what you are.

This couple do for dogs what Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, in Stockton CA, does for farm animals. The difference is that at HHAS, the caretakers are vegan, for obvious reasons. I kept expecting Steven to say that they had taken the next step, and gone vegan. Several times, he seemed about to announce it. Dogs are carnivores, so it's bad enough having to kill animals for your dog.

I saw on their Facebook page that they are moving the rescue to Arizona. I wonder why that is? It's true that New Mexico has bad hombres, mostly because of high rates of meth and other bad drug addictions. Also, the large Latino population's culture isn't exactly about putting animals, even dogs, first.

Kotler is good at his work, both writing and caring for dogs. I give what little money I have to donate to the San Jose Animal Care Center, and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, and very occasionally to Guardians of Rescue, and if I had more money, I'd certainly donate to this very worthwhile rescue. Thanks, Steven and Joy.
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A little flaky at the beginning, and not always gracefully written, but turns out to be a thought-provoking meditation on how dogs help us reach more understanding of the meaning and value of living each day. Have bought this for others. ( )

Much more than his story of dog rescue; a complete exploration of dog psychology and behavior. Great adventure. ( )

Steven Kotler was forty years old, single, and facing an existential crisis when he met Lila, a woman devoted to animal rescue. "Love me, love my dogs" was her rule, and Steven took it to heart. Spurred to move by a housing crisis in Los Angeles, Steven, Lila, and their eight dogs—then ten, then...

I liked it more for the story than the philosophy. At times it seemed a little to over thought. Still I enjoyed the narrative and the various personalities of the dogs in the pack. I have rescued three dogs and agree there is something that makes the experience special, although I'm not sure I've gotten close to the meaning of life as a result, yet. ( )