Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Blog Tour: DAWGS by Diane Trull

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Book Details:

Book Title:  DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  256 pages
GenreNarrative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Citadel Press - Kensington Publishing Corp.  
Release date:  March 2020
Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated PG. There is one scene in which the shelter was broken into and several puppies were killed. The author does not go into any gory details, but this information may trigger some sensitive readers. 



2021 Hearten Grand Prize Winner, Chanticleer International Book Awards - Uplifting & Inspiring Non-Fiction
 
Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest

Book Description:

We can all make a difference.

Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. In that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born.

How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Trull shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time.



Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes! Like many authors, my love for reading and writing began at an early age. When I wasn’t running around the neighborhood riding my bike or playing ball with the neighborhood kids, you could find me curled up somewhere with my nose buried in a book. Anne of Green Gables, A Wrinkle in Time and The Nancy Drew Mystery Series helped contribute to my love of reading early on in life. These books were also major influencers in igniting my dream of wanting to be a published author one day.

 

What inspired you to start writing?

When I was little, I used to take sheets of colored construction paper and staple the pages down the side to make books. I would then write my own stories and draw pictures to illustrate them. I guess writing was part of my DNA! But when I started college I chose music as my degree because I had taken piano lessons for ten years. After one semester of practicing in a tiny cubbyhole in the basement of the school’s musical hall for hours every day while my roommates were out living life as normal college freshmen, I changed my major to Journalism, realizing I’m happiest when writing. (And although one of my resolutions every year is to play the piano more, the only time I really play is at Christmas.)

 

What was the inspiration for your book? 

From the moment I first learned about Diane Trull and her fourth-grade students starting an animal sanctuary in the Texas Panhandle, I knew I wanted to write a book about their amazing journey. Too often, kids are criticized as being lazy or indifferent. I was so impressed with these students’ resilience and dedication that I wanted to shine a light on their efforts. But my day job and life in general often got in the way of my putting pen to paper. It took me 12 years to finish the manuscript and a few more years to find a publisher. It was a true lesson in perseverance and patience!

 

What is the key message in the book?

The message I hope readers take away is that we can all make a difference. The human spirit is capable of achieving great things and every small and not-so-random act can make a huge difference. One of my favorite quotes is from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Growing up I was a tomboy, which has spilled over into my adult life. I love being outdoors and experiencing all that Mother Nature has to offer. Hiking, cross-country skiing and playing tennis are some of my favorite activities. I am a native Texan but currently live in southern Utah, which is the perfect place for my love of nature. Since moving here, my husband and I have challenged ourselves to try new things. We’ve taken rappelling lessons, which is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time!

 




Meet the Authors:

Diane Trull’s lifelong passion for rescuing animals served as the catalyst for cofounding the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary (DAWGS) with her husband, Mark Trull, and a group of fourth-grade students. Diane continues to teach those involved in animal rescue about the importance that compassion and community service play in making a difference in the lives of homeless animals.








Meredith Wargo is an award-winning author and advocate for animals. The recipient of four Maxwell Medallions from the Dog Writers Association of America, she has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Although a native Texan, Meredith currently lives in southern Utah with her husband and a menagerie of rescued pets.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads ~ goodreads ~ bookbub ~ bookbub





DAWGS Book Tour Giveaway



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