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
Genre: Narrative 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.
Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest
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?
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!
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.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads ~ goodreads ~ bookbub ~ bookbub
No comments:
Post a Comment