Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a book for anyone interested in learning more about what is happening in our southern shelters and how everyone can be part of solving this crisis. It’s a positive book, because I’m a positive person. While it doesn’t flinch at the reality, it is focused on successful stories, innovative ideas, and my absolute belief that we can all be a part of the solution.
In 2019, I co-founded a nonprofit organization, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, with the mission of raising awareness and resources for shelter dogs and the heroes who fight for them. Since then, we have visited over 150 shelters in 13 states. We’ve learned a lot. My hope is that this book will start a new conversation on how our shelters can be sustainable places that not only nurture the animals in their care but become a beloved community resource. We plan to distribute it free to shelters and rescues. If any profit is made, it will go to the shelters through our grant program.
Who Will Let the Dogs Out goes beyond just raising awareness—it presents practical, achievable ways that every community can transform its shelter system to save lives. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a compassionate animal lover, this book will inspire you to be part of the solution. -C.J. English, author of the Amazon #1 best-seller in Animal Rights, Rescue Matters, and president of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
Who Will Let the Dogs Out is the perfect balance of heartbreaking and hopeful, underscored by the knowledge that things can get better for dogs in need if we pitch in and work together. Achterberg's well-researched book doesn't flinch from the harsh realities of the shelter world, but counters the darkness with a road map that can bring about positive change for the animals (and people!) trapped in the shelter system. A must-read for anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a difference. -Victoria Schade, author of Who Rescued Who
This is a must-read for dog lovers! Though it tackles tough issues, the book is decidedly optimistic throughout. It presents our current sheltering challenges as opportunities, offering practical and visionary solutions that will change—and in many cases save—the lives of dogs.” – Lisa Rimmert, author of Stay: My Forever Friendship with an Aging Dog
This hopeful and optimistic book provides a blueprint for how to believe in and enact the kinds of changes our country’s animal shelters, particularly those in the South, so desperately need. Filled with heartwarming examples of how, by seeing obstacles as opportunities, a shelter with a creative and resourceful leader can change its narrative from being a place where dogs die to a place where dogs thrive, become adoptable, and move quickly from the shelter into forever homes, Who Will Let the Dogs Out provides solutions, ideas, and resources that any shelter committed to doing better by the dogs in its care can put into practice. -Gail Gilmore, author of Solomon: One Dog’s Improbable, Two-Year, Thousand-Mile Journey to Find Home
WHO WILL LET THE DOGS OUT: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues is a powerful guide that empowers readers to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their communities. With practical solutions, inspiring success stories, and expert advice, this book is essential for anyone passionate about animal welfare. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting out, this book offers relevant insight to help shelters thrive and save lives. - Carol Novello, Author of Mutual Rescue: How Adopting A Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too and former President of Humane Society Silicon Valley