Bark up the Right Tree

Bark up the Right Tree:
Lessons from a Rescued Dog
By Jessie & Ruth Tschudin
(BookSurge / 1-439-21424-7 / 978-1-439-21424-4 / January 2009 / 112 pages / $12.95)

Reviewed by Donna Nordmark Aviles for PODBRAM

Jessie the black lab, rescued from a shelter and now living with her new family, has written her very own book to share her lessons learned in a whimsical, easy to read style that serves to shed light on the important issue of abandoned animals.

Impeccably edited and formatted for visual appeal, Bark Up the Right Tree has the added bonus of recapping Jessie’s experiences on the “PAWS For Lessons Learned” page at the end of each chapter. These are, in fact, universal lessons (take care of those you love, look for and bring out the best in each other, let go of the past, make good use of today) that can be taken to heart by dogs and people alike.

Jessie’s book, and her new life after being rescued, is spiritually inspired by her new owner Ruth who envisioned Jessie’s role in the Kids N Kritters campaign to help homeless children and animals find the loving families that they need. Through prayer and perseverance, this appears to be becoming a reality. Unfortunately, since the book only covers the first year of Jessie’s new “rescued” life, the story ends when she receives her Therapy Dog Photo ID. I would have liked to have read more about her work as a therapy dog, and her “Waggin’ Wagon” adventures that were referred to throughout the book but never truly materialized for the reader.
Bark Up the Right Tree includes many color photos of Jessie and her new family and friends, and the cover has a professional look and feel. I could easily see it being marketed at veterinary offices and pet stores. Jessie’s book is a delightful tale that will be sure to please animal lovers of all ages.

See Also: Another Review of Bark Up the Right Tree