Good Dogs

Since 2019, authors Helen and Gavin Cook have run Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary, a highly successful animal rescue charity that specialises in caring for and rehoming dogs. In Good Dogs, they share their considerable wealth of knowledge, educating readers in how to give their pets the very best care.

Good Dogs presents a mix of practical advice alongside stories about the authors’ animal sanctuary. This makes it a rich and rewarding read: you learn practical information alongside heartwarming and hopeful stories of dogs whose lives have been turned around through dedicated, knowledgeable care from the sanctuary staff. Without being too heavy-handed, the authors’ make it very clear that owning a dog is a huge commitment, and that understanding how to care for your pet properly is enormously important.

With its mixture of engaging stories, helpful advice, and gorgeous photographs, Good Dogs is a great option for animal-loving students. However, there are some longer passages of explanation that might be challenging for younger, weaker, or less interested readers. This book could also be a great catalyst for whānau discussions about pets, responsibility, and whether it really is time to add another member to the family.

Content advisory: There are references to mistreatment of dogs and animals which could distress some readers (especially younger readers).