Synopses & Reviews
Inspiring, True Tales of Interspecies Adoption One Big Happy Family tells the heartwarming stories of a different kind of animal rescue: amazing animals who have reached out to save the lives of newborns from other species and raise them as their own. Each story features wonderful photos of these cute animals, whether its of the border collie and his piglets, the cat and her ducklings, the orangutan and his lion cubs, or even the Labrador and her baby pygmy hippo, these are poignant, charming true stories of unlikely animal friends -- including a surprising range of dog breeds -- who have felt the parental instinct and cared for animal babies of every stripe.Lisa Rogak's One Big Happy Family celebrates the intimacy and emotional connections of parenthood and the miracle of interspecies animal adoption. Filled with adorable animal photos featuring these newborns and their foster moms and dads, this uplifting collection of true tales of animal behavior and cute animal pictures will astonish readers everywhere and is perfect for the animal lover on your list.
Review
Praise for One Big Happy Family:
“This collection of tender stories and photos describes surprising interspecies relationships, many involving an adult predator suppressing its instinct to kill and taking on a parental role when exposed to an orphaned or abandoned baby animal that would ordinarily be its prey. … Rogaks prose is buttressed by adorable pictures of the animals from different species snuggling or cuddling with each other. Impressively, the animals actively sought out the younger creatures in need. The stories exemplify the maxim that truth is stranger than fiction, and even if these incidents mark the exception rather than the rule, animal lovers of all ages will enjoy the book.” —Publishers Weekly
“This book ‘sells itself. It gathers 50 stories of animals of one species mothering (or, in several cases, fathering) babies from an entirely foreign species. The instinct to nurture young is almost universal, and, as these stories demonstrate, that instinct can sometimes trump the instinct to stay within ones own kind. … Illustrated with irresistible color photos, this one is a charmer.” —Booklist
“Lisa Rogak in One Big Happy Family treats us to short but sweet stories of animals caring for animals of other species.” —Animal People
"Every page is an ‘Awww! moment, with surprising stories of interspecies adoption and friendships (the Dalmatian and her spotted sheep, the Labrador and her bunnies, a kitty and baby chicks - you get the idea) and accompanying photos … Truly a book to make you happy, happy, happy." —TheDenverChannel.com
Praise for Dogs of Courage:
"This is the perfect stocking-stuffer for the dog lover on your list." —Hudson Valley News
“A celebration of the many ways service dogs help humans. . . . Will give dog enthusiasts plenty of reinforcement for the assertion that dogs are mans best friend.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Lisa Rogak delivers another excellent book! . . . If youre looking for a book full of feel-good stories - look no further. Rogak will warm your heart with her numerous ‘tails of canine heroism.” —The Examiner
"An engrossing series of portraits of survival captured in a rich context of hope and heart that will leave you smiling and feeling richly nourished." —Seattle Kennel Club
Praise for The Dogs of War:
"A book that will fascinate dog lovers and lovers of the military...It's inspiring and beautifully written." —The Examiner
"The Dogs of War documents the real-life valor of canine warriors. Rogak is to be commended for the book's encyclopedic scope and rich historical detail." —The Washington Post
"Canine heroism is eloquently celebrated in Lisa Rogak's The Dogs of War." —Hudson Valley News
“Lisa Rogaks The Dogs of War sheds light on why the dog, more than any other animal, holds a special place in our history, and our hearts. The most comprehensive book I have ever read on the subject of military dogs, it exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the dog itself, ever selfless, loyal to a fault.” —Steve Duno, author of Last Dog on the Hill
Synopsis
An irresistible collection of photos and stories of the animals who have felt the parental instinct and cared for little ones of every stripe.
One Big Happy Family celebrates the intimacy and emotional connections of parenthood and the amazing miracle of interspecies adoption. Whether it's the border collie and the piglets, the cat and the ducklings, or even the golden retriever and the baby hippo, these are poignant, charming tales of animal moms and dads whose nurturing instinct overrides their species instinct.
For all those touched by the stories in Jennifer S. Holland's bestselling Unlikely Friendships, Lisa Rogak's One Big Happy Family is the perfect companion. Filled with full-color photographs, this book includes in-depth stories about animals that have crossed reached out to save the lives of babies from other species and raise them as their own.
About the Author
Lisa Rogak is the author of The Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs; The Dogs of Courage: The Heroism and Heart of Working Dogs Around the World; and editor of the New York Times-bestselling Barack Obama in His Own Words, among many other books.