Thursday, July 15, 2021

Catching Dawn - Book Review

Catching Dawn book cover
To what lengths would you go to keep a promise to a stranger?  To whom would you turn when fulfilling that promise proved to be beyond the scope of what you alone could do?

Catching Dawn starts as a rescue story that becomes a story, within a story, within a story.  There is the story of what it means to rewrite your own story as you do everything within your power to help the ones barely surviving.

And then there is the story of how the strays of the world find their belonging, their purpose, their peace.

Nested within those stories are the circular beginnings and endings where the lines blur between having rescued and having been the one most in need of saving.

When Melissa Armstrong is approached by a stranger about helping a litter of newborn puppies born to a dog living on the streets, she is quick to take on the mission.  After all, how hard could it be to gather up a nursing dog and her babies?

It turns out that a highly traumatized dog is one of the hardest things anyone could ever attempt to catch.  Six months of failures could have been the end of that story (and the end of those frail puppies).  Instead, this book reveals how both humans and animals in desperate need helped one another rise above those initial failures.

As a young girl, Armstrong grew up feeling there was something wrong with her that made her unlovable.  She felt out of place and knew great loneliness.  Her inner stray could relate to the fear and lack of trust displayed by dogs that felt a need to hide and avoid the kind of pain associated with people.

While going to great lengths to catch a dog that did not want to be caught, Armstrong simultaneously found herself catching the things that had proven so elusive during her earlier years: feeling loved, being needed, and discovering the embrace of a real family.

Having been immersed in challenging dog rescue scenarios, there was much that resonated for me in these embedded stories of transformation, friendship, and healing.  The writing revealed the beauty and wonder of the truest of relationships.  This book reminded me to never take for granted the many gifts offered up by my animals every single day.  It deepened my gratitude for how my rescue dogs have helped me rewrite my story.  

There are no small promises when lives are hanging in the balance.  There are no lengths too great when it comes to living out our promises.  Catching Dawn inspires us to be the promise needed in this world.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


16 comments:

  1. Oh this sounds like a wonderful book on so many levels!! Thank you for your recommendation.

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  2. Diana, I opened up my social media pages just a few minutes ago because I need a book for this weekend's camping trip. I ordered this based on your review. It seems like my cup of tea as well as perfectly timed.

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful! I hope this book speaks to your heart. Lovely to see you here. Happy camping!

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  3. This sounds like a really wonderful book with a special message. Thanks, Diana.

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    1. Yes. There is much to appreciate within this book. The author writes with an intimacy that reveals how she has an extraordinarily deep connection with the beauty within her pack. She truly sees, and feels, and knows the souls of her dogs.

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  4. This sounds like a beautiful story of love and selflessness. We all need someone who loves us and a place to call home! I,m sure this would be a very uplifting and encouraging story. Thanks for the recommendation

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    1. Yes... home is where the unconditional love embraces us. We can't thrive without it.

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  5. Oh Diana, another book that must be read and read soon! Thank you for sharing this with us. Rescue animals often aren't just being saved, but they are actively doing the saving most of the time. It's good to know someone has put this into a story that I'm sure will resonate with many!

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    1. I dare say that most rescue animals give us far more than we could ever offer them. Their gifts are so pure and freely given.

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  6. Diana dear, how eloquently you have captured the heart and soul of this book, its author and Dawn! Only someone who has your extensive personal experience with, and commitment to, attempting extremely challenging pet rescues could do such justice to this clearly compelling true story. Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation.

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    1. It is always my intent to try to do justice to the stories that matter (and to those who are the heart of the stories). Thank you for acknowledging my words and my work. Appreciated!

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  7. Your experience with animal rescue is all I need to know about your recommendation for this book. Sounds like a wonderful book to give to a few family members who I know would appreciate the message and story line.

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    1. Your family members are so blessed by your thoughtfulness and your desire to give meaningful gifts.

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  8. Oh this sounds a book I would enjoy reading. What a beautiful story of love, compassion and finding belonging on many levels. Your review shows a clear insight and understanding of rescue and reflects the heart and soul of this book. Thank you for this recommendation!

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  9. I am always drawn to stories that inspire one to loving action and to people who pour out compassion (and make the world a better place). My hope is that by sharing these stories we may all feel moved to be the very best versions of ourselves for those who need us.

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