Several years ago George decided he wanted a dog, and contrary to taking advantage of his star status and obtaining an exotic breed, he rescued Einstein. Author Laura Coffey shares the feel good story of how this older, and once sickly, black cocker spaniel meets the kindest of souls and made a serendipitous trip from unadoptable to Hollywood A-list. You can clearly see by Einstein’s expression, captured masterfully by photographer Lori Fusaro, that he is grateful. "Einstein has grown to love Italian food," George said referring to long lunches and dinners shared together at his beloved villa on Lake Como in Italy.
My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts just might be the happiest book you’ll ever read. In addition to Einstein’s Cinderella story you’ll enjoy reading about, Remy, a soulful nine-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from Ground Zero; Duval, a great listener who has inspired kids to read; Chaney, an ex-military dog reunited with his combat handler in the states, and many more.
Lori and Laura traveled all across the United States meeting endearing elders who, although rescued late in life, proved to have incredible second acts. These success stories show how blissful retirement can be for older dogs who get rescued, and how life-changing senior dog adoption can be for the humans who do the rescuing.
Lori’s photographs combined with Laura’s writing style makes the experience of reading as that of enjoying one feel good movie after the other. You can’t help but love these dogs and the people who rescued them. This book is a great gift to give to yourself.
In regards to adopting an older dog, actor George Clooney says it all when it comes to love, “Age doesn’t matter.”
Photography by Lori Fusaro 2015
–Darrell Fusaro
Cartoonist Darrell Fusaro is the co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?