Can a pet lead you down the path to self-discovery? Julie Klam shares three poignant stories rescued dogs and their effects on her life in Love at First Bark: How Saving a Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself.
Klam opens her home – and heart – to unwanted canines. First, she describes how finding a stray pit bull tied to a sign post led Klam and her husband to discover what’s been missing in their relationship. She also shares a tale about Clementine, a fecally-incontinent adult dog, who she rescues while sending two of her permanent pups to doggie bootcamp. In the final story, Klam visits New Orleans and examines rescue efforts following Hurricane Katrina wiped out parts of the city.
Each example builds a strong case of awareness about rescue organizations and empathy for foster homes that take in a pup until a permanent home can be located. I live in rural Nebraska, and we acquired our chocolate lab, Copper, after someone dropped her off at the end of our lane. I’ve worked with a rescue operation once. I hauled a dog from Illinois to New York City during a long road trip.
I admire Klam’s efforts, and Love at First Bark supplies honest dialogue about pet populations, pet health, and society’s sometimes lack of social responsibility. This is what stands out while I read. Rescue organizations for any type of animal do not get the credit or funding they so desperately need.
Am I captivated by Klam’s storytelling? Not really. At times, it feels like the book wants to focus on her relationships with her family and the rescue dogs are part of the dog-and-pony show. For me, an emotional connection isn’t established. Sure, she’s building a correlation, an analogy of sorts, but parts of the book feel disjointed, especially the first part of the “Clementine” chapter. Is the focus the non-existent Christmas chocolates or saving the life of this medically disabled dog?
While the stories should touch your heart, I’m lukewarm about them and how they mended her relationships. I mean, c’mon. You complain because you’re broke and the money issue is causing major arguments with the hubs. Yet, you house and feed three dogs in your NYC apartment? Plus there’s the whole issue about dog pee and poop in the house. At least Klam admits that she doesn’t enjoy dodging puddles and piles. But still…
I’ll be honest. I’m not a dog person. Those fluffy cats capture my attention. To quote the laughable “Meet the Fockers,” “…cats make you work for their affection.” Now, if Klam had written about saving a Siamese, I’d probably lap it up.
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Disclosure: This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own.








