Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance
Published: July 5, 2011
A new children’s book by the Montana writer-photographer team of Dorothy Patent and William Muñoz traces the journey of a pit-bull puppy from Michael Vick’s notorious Bad Newz Kennels, to his new life as a companion and role model for other young dogs.
The book opens with a look at a trembling puppy’s harsh life, chained to an old car axle in the woods, hearing “the snarls, growls, and yelps of the dogs who were forced to fight.”
When the NFL quarterback and his partners were arrested in 2007, 66 dogs (51 of them pit bulls) were taken as evidence and housed in shelters for the next six months. Historically, dogs taken from dog-fighting rings were kept as evidence and then put to sleep. But two organizations – Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls (BAD RAP) – argued that the dogs deserved a second chance.
No. 86, who later became Audie, and 48 other pit bulls were tested to see how they would behave around children and other dogs. All but one of them were ruled safe.
Augmented by poignant and often amusing photos, the book tells the inspiring story of Audie’s new life, as the energetic youngster undergoes knee surgery, learns manners, trains for agility contests, and becomes a “canine coach” for other dogs who are trying to better their behavior.
The book – a treat for dog lovers of all ages – also offers resources for pet owners, a timeline of the Michael Vick case, and information on pit-bull breeds.
"This polished photo-essay by frequent collaborators Patent and Muñoz will tug at the heartstrings of readers,” writes Publishers Weekly.
Missoula author Patent has written more than 100 books, collaborating with Muñoz on many of them. Their newest venture was published in May by Walker Books for Young Readers and sells for $17.99.
– Kristi Niemeyer
