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“A work that merits high praise and appreciation.”—The Bark
THE DOGS OF AVALON
The Race to Save Animals in Peril
by Laura Schenone
“An engrossing account of greyhounds, their owners, and their champions.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Truly moving. . . . Animal-welfare advocates and dog lovers are sure to appreciate Schenone's reportage.” —Publishers Weekly
“[Schenone] perfectly captures the ethos of veteran animal advocates and . . . Schenone's lovely prose captivates, and her mostly pragmatic perspective complements the subject matter.”—Library Journal
“Laura Schenone beautifully and inexorably pursues the story of the singular Marion Fitzgibbon and her crusade to rescue Ireland’s greyhounds from corporate cruelty.…The Dogs of Avalonis about dogs, yes, but it is also an exquisite exploration of empathy, love, and the meaning of life.” —Dale Russakoff, author ofThe Prize
“A gem.Dogs of Avalonis a life enriching game-changer that deserves a broad global audience. It isthatgood.” —Marc Bekoff, author ofThe Animals’ Agenda
“A self-confessed non-animal lover when her journey begins, Schenone writes with sensitivity and genuine curiosity about the world of greyhounds—inspired by her own beloved gray-eyed rescue dog, Lily. An extraordinary story, told with compassion and grace.” —Christina Baker Kline,New York Timesbestselling author of
Orphan TrainandA Piece of the World
In THE DOGS OF AVALON: The Race to Save Animals in Peril [W. W. Norton & Company, August 22, 2017, $26.95 hardcover], Laura Schenone, James Beard Award-winning author of A Thousand Years Over a Hot Stove, tells the incredible tale of greyhounds—the fastest dogs on earth—and an international network of women who fought to save them. Inspired by the story of her own dog, a greyhound mix from Ireland, Schenone presents a shining narrative of passionate people dedicated to helping in the plight of suffering animals
The story’s hero is the unforgettable Marion Fitzgibbon. After a decade of marriage and life in Dublin, the Fitzgibbon family returns to their native Limerick where, driving through the city center, Marion notices dozens of homeless, starving, and sick dogs curled into every other doorway and alley. Devastated, she decides to take action and joins forces with likeminded women to form Limerick Animal Welfare, beginning a lifelong career of rescuing and advocating for animals. Marion’s family phone becomes a hurt-animal hotline. Soon she is rescuing everything from swans to abused circus tigers.
But after becoming director of the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,she can no longer ignore the plight of greyhounds—mass produced and exported by a government-backed industry. Thousands seem to disappear after injury or peak racing years. Marion’s quest takes her across Europe and to the U.S. where she finds assistance from people determined to change the perception of the misunderstood breed (often thought dangerous and not suitable as pets) and save the majestic dogs.
THE DOGS OF AVALON is a captivating story, full of heartbreak and triumph, setbacks and heroics. A multi-faceted narrative, it illustrates the clash of rural and urban values, and the ripple effect of difficult economic times on humans and animals alike. Part memoir, part history lesson on greyhounds, Schenone sheds new light on a neglected breed and entertains with tales of prancing dogs, undercover infiltration of Spanish racetracks, and a band of women who are part of a growing worldwide movement to change the way we understand and care for animals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Schenone is the author The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken and the James Beard Award-winning book A Thousand Years Over a Hot Stove. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, sons, and greyhound Lily.
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TITLE: The Dogs of Avalon
SUBTITLE: The Race to Save Animals in Peril
AUTHOR: Laura Schenone
PUBLICATION DATE: August 22, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-393-07358-4
PRICE: $26.95
PAGES: 336